Students from more than 30 primary and secondary schools took part in the annual FCT Interschool Performing Arts Competition (FIPAC), which held in Abuja on Thursday, May 26, 2016. The competition was sponsored by pan-African banking group, United Bank for Africa Plc, as part of its commitment to youth development on the continent.

The schools competed in dance, music, theater and drama performances with three winners emerging in both the secondary school and primary school categories.

Grace Garden International School, Abuja emerged winner in the secondary school category with Glisten Academy, and Divine Mercy Secondary School coming second and third respectively.

In the primary school category, Royal Family Academy, Abuja emerged first while Titsall Global School, Abuja and Nigerian Turkish International School, came second and third respectively.

Winners will get up to N2 million in cash prizes, trophies and much more.

Speaking on the competition, Olamidun Majekodunmi, the CEO of The Studio, Abuja/The Performing Arts School Nigeria, initiators of FIPAC, said the competition is helping build cultured, multi-talented children in Nigerian schools “that will grow up to become well-rounded Nigerian leaders in the future.” She also commended UBA for sponsoring the competition urging corporate organisations to encourage students to excel in their academic and extra-curricular activities.

“Performing arts and other positive extra-curricular activities play pivotal roles in the growth and development of children. We are happy to identify with this platform that allows for our children to creatively express themselves through the wonders of music, and the artistic elements of dance and drama,” said Charles Aigbe, Divisional Head, Marketing and Corporate Relations, UBA, at the event.

UBA, through its corporate social responsibility arm, UBA Foundation, has been in the forefront of supporting different educational programmes targeted at enhancing the capacity of the African youth to compete globally. The Foundation organises an annual essay competition for secondary schools in Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal with winners going home with millions of Naira in educational grants. The UBA Foundation also organises the highly acclaimed Read Africa initiative aimed at encouraging a reading habit among secondary school students in Africa.

As the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of the UBA Group, UBA Foundation is committed to the socio-economic betterment of host communities, through 3 focus areas; Environment, Education, and Economic Empowerment.

•Photo shows participants and officials at the finals of the 2016 edition of the annual FCT Interschool Performing Arts Competition (FIPAC).

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