Felabration 2016… AFRIMA empowers students, donates computers, educational materials

In line with its social responsibility initiative, the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) in partnership with the Africa Union, recently donated computers, exercise books and other writing materials to participating schools at the Felabration Senior Secondary School debate.

Held at the Freedom Park, Broad Street, Lagos, under the topic Reparation, Yes or No, the event forms part of the programme of activities this year’s Felabration, the yearly festival organised to celebrate the legacy of late music maestro and Afrobeat creator, Fela Anikulapo Kuti.

Highlighting AFRIMA’s objectives in partnering Felabration 2016 edition in the schools debate, Country Director, Nigeria/Co Producer,
AFRIMA, Mr Kingsley James, said, “AFRIMA is committed to reducing illiteracy in Africa via the Educate-A-Child Campaign (our voice) initiative by driving support for investment in education, formal and informal, by African leaders.”

Speaking at the opening of the debate, founder of Felabration and daughter of the late music legend, Ms. Yeni Kuti, stressed the need for students to be adequately equipped with the knowledge of history for the promotion and development of African’s rich culture and heritage.

“The topic was chosen to test the knowledge of the students on history. We needed to challenge their knowledge of Africa’s history and for students to learn new things about their heritage. We want to keep Fela’s love of culture and learning alive among young people. This debate isn’t about relating history but by relating it to their understanding. It is not a competition but a test of knowledge and to encourage all and no school would be exempted from receiving gifts,” she said.

Ten Senior Secondary Schools in Lagos State namely: Aunty Ayo Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary; Community Senior Grammar School, Gberigbe; Epe Senior Grammar School; Cayley College; Lagos City Senior College; Vivian Fowler Memorial College; St Gregory’s College; Atunrase Senior High School; Army Children Senior High School, Ikeja; and Dowen College, were represented at the event.

After the session judged by Mr. Kunle Bakare; Ms. Princess Abumere; Mr. Kingsley James; Mrs. Morayo Afolabi-Brown and Mrs. Jumoke Alawode-James, Emake Omo-Lamai of Dowen College clinched the first position, coming second was Eze Okoli of Vivian Fowler Memorial College and in third position, Tijani Moriam Olayinka of Aunty Ayo Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary.

AFRIMA’s Country Director also urged the Felabration Festival Organising committee to get involved in the AFRIMA 2016 programme of events from November 4-6, 2016, which includes the Africa Music Business Summit on Friday, November 4 and the AFRIMA Music Village, an open concert-style festival.

In partnership with the AUC and the Official Host City, Lagos State, AFRIMA 2016 grand awards ceremony holds on Sunday, November 6 with thousands of guests expected in Lagos for the various events.