F air Life Africa Foundation (FLA) partnered recently with Ultima Limited to host a Talent Search Week for disadvantaged but gifted children in Nigeria, this Christmas.
The group is a progressive, humanitarian organization committed to the mission of empowering people through practical social initiatives and programs,
According to the organizers of the search which was termed FLA Talent Search, the aim of the competition is to identify children between the ages of 9 and 17 years, who are gifted or talented in arts, crafts, sports and other vocations, but who are unable to develop their skills or compete with their peers, because of an inherent or structural disadvantage.
The show which was recorded from the 14th to 20th of December, 2015, at Ultima Studios,Lekki, Lagos is scheduled to air on television stations across Nigeria from April 2015.
A 12-year-old dancer Faith Umoren from Akwa-Ibom State was a sure winner from the first time the organisersn saw her during the auditions at SA Event Hall on the 31st of October. During the performance at the Ultima Studios, she took one of the five coveted slots to join our #FLAKids and received five years sponsorship from Fair Life Africa Foundation to develop her skill and pursue her passion.
Similarly, 14- year- old Actress, Ibukun Ogunyemi, from Osun State was also one of the #TopFive, while 15 year- old- Singer, Victor Egberekemu from Delta State, secured his position among the winners when he closed the show with his passionate version of ‘iyawo mi’ by Timi Dakolo and serenaded Mrs. Ashogbon.
Also, 16- year- old footballer, Daniel Ifeanyi from Abia State and 17- year- old fine artist, Ramon Bogunde from Oyo State took the last two slots in the #Top- Five.
However, a twist to the night happened when the judges decided to bring back 12 -year -old bead maker, Favour Emmanuel Idio from Akwa-Ibom State, after she was reluctantly eliminated from Friday’s show. Based on her performance in the finale, Ms Abe Soyemi and Mr. Biano Efubi decided to sponsor her as the sixth winner.
Also, The Society of Performing Arts Nigeria (SPAN) have decided to sponsor 9 -year- old dancer, Chidinma Okorie from Imo State, who is also very talented, but didn’t make the #TopFive.
In addition to this, Newsong Academy has pledged a musical contract with the FLA singer, Victor, and extended training and talent development to the other three contestants in the musical category.