By TAIYE OLAYEMI

Winners of the Goge Africa cultural dance competition were on Friday awarded a cash prize of N600,000, in recognition of their exceptional talent and captivating performance.

The cultural dance competition was held during Goge Africa Festival in October 2024, an event that commemorated the 25th anniversary of the brand.

Angus Memorial Senior High School in Somolu, Lagos, bagged the first position, with a cash prize of N200,000

Arch Deacon Adelaja Senior High School in Bariga; Bright Hope Schools in Agege; and Fountain Heights Secondary School in Surulere, all clinched the second position with N100,000 each.

Ashafa Tijani Memorial High School in Iponri, with the third position, also received 100,000.

Speaking during the cash presentation at Providus Bank in Lagos, Mr Idris Aregbe, Special Adviser to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Arts and Culture, commended Goge Africa?s initiatives in promoting cultural awareness among young Nigerians.

Aregbe also acknowledged Goge Africa?s efforts in instilling cultural values in children from a young age.

He highlighted the importance of cultural promotion and education in shaping the next generation of leaders.

He also appreciated Gov. Sanwo-Olu for giving utmost support to the creative industry.

?This is the Lagos that we want, and that is what we are getting. Thank you, Goge Africa, for trying to turn these children?s passion to profit.

?Lagos state will continue to support this and everything that supports creativity. Congratulations to the winners,? he said.

Mr Isaac Moses, Chief Executive Officer of Goge Africa, congratulated the winners, urging them not to relent in promoting their culture.

He said that the competition was designed to provide a platform for young and talented dancers to showcase their skills and creativity.

He appreciated the schools that participated and sponsors of the programme.

?We were impressed by the level of talent and dedication displayed by the participating students.

?The competition was fierce, but in the end, these schools stood out for their exceptional performance,? he said.

Also commending the effort of the students, Mrs Chinwe Abana, Coordinator of schools under Goge Africa Foundation, said that no fewer than 21 schools participated in the contest, and only five schools emerged outstanding.

Abana said that the school that clinched the first position presented the South African Zulu dance, as another school gave an energetic performance of the Igbo Atilogwu dance.

She appreciated the schools for their participation.

Emmanuel Soga, one of the winners from Angus Memorial Senior High School, appreciated the Goge Africa brand for the honour to have participated in the dance contest.

According to Soga, he never believed they will be rewarded at the end of it all.

Soga said himself and his colleagues worked tirelessly for six months, rehearsing the Zulu dance before the final presentation.

Present at the event were officials of Providus Bank, Ayoyinka Falade, Event Officer, Brands and Corporate Communications, and Omotayo Idowu, Head of Commerce and SME. (NAN)

?PHOTO: Representatives from Angus Memorial Senior High School, Somolu, Lagos, first position winners of the Goge Africa cultural dance competition, receiving their N200,000 prize from the organisers in Lagos, on Friday.

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