SPAN Graduates 29 Artists, Showcase Talents and Creativity

After years of hard work and intensive training session, the Society for the Performing Arts in Nigeria (SPAN), recently graduated its second set of 29 artists at a colorful and elaborate ceremony. The event which was held at the prestigious Eko Hotels and Suites showcased the best of contemporary African dance and music styles among youngsters in Lagos.

The graduation was a true reflection of the world-class standard for arts education in Nigeria as SPAN used the opportunity to exhibit the richness, faith and diversity of Nigeria’s culture. A colorful gathering of art enthusiasts, iconic dancers, music lovers, members of the diplomatic community and high profile personalities like Mr. Aditya Chellaram, Mrs. Evita Moussalli, Mr Ingo Herbert, and Mrs. Olufunmi Olajuyegbe among others.

SPAN displayed a combination of dance and musical performances from graduating students who thrilled guests to a show-stopper with the likes of Abimbola Fakiya, Ambila Jaja, Bamidele Olonisola, Blessing Elikwu, Bobi Odafe, Bryan Ogini-Peters, Busayo Olawole, Daniella Ilechukwu, Promise Enweribe, Bidemi Shokunbi, Nneoma Onyekewelu, Gloria Idundun, and Obinna Jackson to mention a few.

L-R: Head of Dance, SPAN, Ukalina Opuwari; Dance Graduate, Nneoma Onyekwelu and Dance Instructor, Ikem Ohia, during the presentation of certificates at SPAN second graduation ceremony in Lagos

During a chat session with the Founder of SPAN, Mrs. Sarah Boulos, said “In ten years, we have served the Lagos community by educating Nigerian youths to achieve greatness in the performing arts and created opportunities for young people to develop and also overcome limitations using the arts as a transformational tool. The graduating students we have today are prepared for the future.”


Mrs. Boulos stressed that as the fresh graduates move into tomorrow, they need to hold fast to the words of Frederick Douglass, remembering that “if there is no struggle, there is no progress”, and that progress in their own communities , in their world, can only happen when brilliant minds like theirs decide to become engaged.

Some of the top patrons and sponsors of SPANFEST 2015 include 7Up Bottling Company, Indomie, Cool FM, Orlean Invest, Chellarams Plc, SCOA Nigeria Plc, I.T.B Nigeria Limited, Eko Hotel & Suites, GA Productions and Power Horse among others.

Furthermore, the second graduation ceremony was part of the lined-up activities infused into the 2015 edition of SPANFEST which paraded several local and international artists and celebrities across different cultures and background.

SPAN is a registered non-governmental organization founded in 2004 with the Helen O’Grady franchise in schools. It offers different classes of training which ranges from Music to Ballet, Tap, Hip Hop, Jazz, Creative Combo, Drama, Contemporary African, fitness, Naija Craze, Salsa and Latin Ballroom dance for beginners, intermediate and professionals.