‘SPAN on the Road’ project ends with talent showcase in Lagos
By Editor
THE Society for the Performing Arts in Nigeria (SPAN) on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, had a talent showcase of Nigerian youth who successfully underwent trainings in the pilot programme tagged SPAN on the Road (SOTR). The 6-month empowerment programme came to a climax with a showcase event at SPAN Creative Hub, 47 Bourdillon Road, Ikoyi, Lagos. Made up of youth from different backgrounds, the showcase was a remarkable evening of colourful, breathtaking and artistic performances by the trainees who saw the opportunity to show off their dance skills acquired in the course of the six months training. SPAN on the Road took place in three different venues – The flagship Lagos centre, Omojuwa-Ketu an Maiduguri, Borno State.
In her opening remarks, SPAN Chief Operating Officer Remi Jemitola expressed profound gratitude to Ford Foundation who funded the project. Jemitola said what Ford Foundation did was to support the vision of SPAN founder and CEO Sarah Boulos who holds investing in the underserved close to heart. She lauded the visionary support of Ford Foundation while noting that the initiative was able to transition successfully from a bold blueprint into a thriving reality.
“The youths of Nigeria are grateful.” Jemitola started. “What Ford Foundation did for us was to allow us spread our tentacles up to Maiduguri. We were in the north, right here and at Omojuwa-Ketu, at the back of Mile 12 market. We couldn’t have done this without Ford Foundation, our esteemed board members, instructors and director of dance.”
One of the graduating trainees Precious Abang recounted her exciting experience and how she was set for a bright and prosperous future courtesy of the skills she acquired. Abang listed some of the skills she learnt to include -ballet, jazz, traditional dance, Naija urban, hip-hop, breaking, latin, ballroom and the art of choreography.
Abang said she would reciprocate SPAN’s gesture by making sure that once she is “kicked out of the nest”, she would spread her wings and do amazing things, adding, “I will not put down the name of SPAN in any way. I shine bright and represent the brand as a worthy ambassador.”
Ford Foundation’s Regional Director, West Africa, Dr. Chichi Aniagolu, said it was heartwarming to have watched the performances of the trainees. “I mean, you know, it’s not all the time that things that you fund turn out the way you want. But, I think that this has turned out really beautifully. Of course, you know, these are young people, they still need training and the rest of it. But for what they put out today, they’ve done amazingly well and I’m very proud.”
Aniagolu also spoke about the importance of the partnership with SPAN in providing dance and music classes for young people, especially young and vulnerable people in underserved communities, saying it was because Ford Foundation considers music and dance as universal instruments for inspiring young people in attaining their dreams.
“If we look at Nigeria, the music industry and the film industry have done the very proudly. Yet, we still do not have a real organized opportunity in terms of funding to provide resources to be able to bring about the next generation of artists or filmmakers.”
Aniagolu further stated that when SPAN came calling for funds, they immediately reckoned it was a gap they would be happy to fill, especially when SPAN wanted to go to underserved communities, even in conflict zones.
“And when they came and talked about Maiduguri, I was a bit skeptical because most people are thinking, you know, about their basic needs,” she said. “Watching the videos of the young people and how much this has inspired them and helped them dream dreams beyond the conflict that they face, I think it’s been amazing. And I’m really glad that we’ve been able to provide the support to them.”
SPAN board member Mr. Michael Smith presenting appreciation plaque to Ford Foundation’s Regional Director, West Africa, Dr. Chichi Aniagolu at the event… in Lagos
