These Four Child Stars Are Doing Nigeria Proud

In the 90s and 2000s, there were quite a number of Nigerian child stars who blew our minds in the entertainment industry. Over time, that number dwindled, but this did not stop some of our leaders of tomorrow from excelling in various industries despite their ages.

These Nigerian kids are currently showcasing their talents and making the nation proud, serving as an inspiration for other children across the country.

Emmanuella

Emmanuella Samuel. Photo: TVC

Seven-year-old Emmanuella Samuel became an international sensation when she starred in a Mark Angel comedy skit, This Is Not My real Face Oh. She went on to break a few records, becoming the first African to have a million YouTube subscribers.

She has received both national and international recognition and won multiple awards, including the G Influence Niger Delta Special Talent Award, City People Award, NEA Award, and Australian awards Princess of Comedy and Most Prominent Kid Comedienne. She recently landed a contract to feature in a Hollywood movie shot by Disney Studios.

Demilade Sax

Demilade Adepegba. Photo: TheDavidsPraise

It is said that when Oluwademilade Adepegba was a baby, the sound of music was enough to pacify his cries. At age four, he was already playing the flute and keyboard perfectly. But a year into learning the keyboard, he requested for a saxophone. Since then, he has never stopped playing the instrument.

At age 10, Adepegba has played at different occasions including the Child-Friendly Award, school competitions, concerts, church programmes, birthdays and weddings. He also played at the Beejay Sax Live concert in Lagos where he was the star of the night after sharing the stage with other gospel musicians.

Marylove Edwards

Marylove Edwards. Photo: PremiumTimes

This 13-year old started playing tennis at age 4 under the supervision of her father, Eddy Edwards. According to the Nigeria Tennis Federation, Edwards is currently the fourth best tennis player in the country.

Edwards won her first tournament in the US, USTA Celsius Level 6 girls’ 14 and Under tournament, late last year. The champion has participated and won several competitions including the Mid-Western Oil and Gas Junior Open and Gauteng North Belgrave Sportsman’s Warehouse Tournament in South Africa. With role models Serena and Venus Williams, she dreams of being the first Nigerian female tennis player to win a Grand Slam.

William Afolabi, Mordi Menashi, Famobiwo Olubusuyi and Ugbo Osagumwenro

Whitesands students with their teacher. Photo: Pulse Ng

These four JSS2 students are members of the Whitesands School’s Team Neon, the only African team to make it to the final stage of the 2018 Conrad Spirit of Innovation Challenge in Florida.

The international competition required them to develop an innovative and marketable idea that can help reduce smoking. The idea was also to provide an economic solution to challenges facing tobacco farmers in developing countries.

The four students, under the supervision of their coach, Mr Matthew Omotosho, developed an app called Virtual Farm. They also received a Good Citizen award and the Power Pitch award for the Smoke-Free World category of the competition.