Promasidor launches arts competition in primary schools

Promasidor Nigeria, makers of Amila drink, has launched an arts competition tagged ‘Amila Painting Challenge’ for primary school pupils in Lagos State.

Marketing Director, Promasidor, Mr. Kachi Onubogu made this known yesterday at the official launch press briefing affirming that the aim of the competition is to encourage the kids to paint and have fun while at it.

“Arts is a field that we want to go into because you all know that the environment is developing. Growing up, I can remember how we used to love to paint and then we were all encouraged to participate in arts from primary one to three. Art is important in a child’s development. A lot of people think that Mathematics and English are what kids need in primary and nursery schools but they fail to realize that the cognitive skills, social skills and arts skills will go a long way for the child.”

Onubogu explained further that the ‘Amila Painting Challenge’ is a competition amongst pupils of primary schools in Lagos and will run from October to November.
 “Amila Painting Challenge’ is for pupils at the primary school level in Lagos State as we intend to use Lagos as a pilot for the competition. Pupils will compete on the basis of painting different things. We want to encourage the kids to paint and most especially to have fun. If there’s one thing I want the school to do is to allow the kids to have fun while they paint.”

Speaking further, Manager, Brands Group (Food Enhancement and Beverages) of Promasidor Nigeria, Mrs. Abiola Inawo said the competition would encourage schools to put more attention on arts and also that the competition will be in three stages.

 “We are looking at 200 schools across 20 local government areas in Lagos. The competition will be in three stages, the first stage is at the school level where pupils will paint any art of their choice and the winner will represent the school at the local government area for the second stage. At the second stage, the overall winner from the local government level will get a branded Amila Bicycle and Promasidor goodie bags. Then the 20 finalist at the local government level will compete for the overall winner who will walk away with N250,000, 1st runner up will get N150,000, and the 3rd runner up will get N100,000 while there will be consolation prizes of N30,000 for the other 17 contestants,” Inawo said.

Representing the Executive Chairman, Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board, Mr. Alabi Adaramaja in his remark, commended the Promasidor team saying, “We will like to commend Promasidor Nigeria for this because they have been very supportive in education, through the Cowbell National Secondary School Mathematics Competition (NASSMAC). Though we had doubts initially when they came to us but coming here now and seeing this, I want to assure you that we will support you in every way we can. Once again Promasidor on behalf of my executive chairman, Thank you and we encourage you not to relent in your efforts in helping the educational sector.”

Amila powder soft drink was launched into the Nigerian marke in March 2009. Launched in four flavours, Orange, Apple Pear, Mango Appricot and Strawberry Banana, Amila is targeted at kids but ideal for sharing by all members of the family. Amila currently sponsors the ‘Amila Spelling Bee’ on Cool FM 95.9 anchored by Mannie.