By Zika Bobby
With a strong desire to get those she refers to as ‘street kings and queens’ out of the streets and adequately empower them, Nigeria’s foremost female talking drummer, Aralola Olamuyiwa, popularly known as Ara, said with the “Eko Inspire Me” initiative, her lifelong dream has finally been fulfilled.
The “Eko Inspire Me” with Ara, in conjunction with the Lagos State government, recently went to town to search for talented youths.
She said the initiative was geared towards picking the best from the grassroots, empowering them, then teaching them how best to push their potential to the world.
The empowerment programme, which held at Ajao Estate, in Oshodi, Lagos, witnessed the distribution of vulcanizing equipment, sewing machines, make-up kits, grinding machines among others.
Winner were Binnyo Mariam, Wahab Muiz, Junior Rasheed, Tobi Adebanki, Adekoya Samuel, Umaru Ruth, Aliya Alao, Taiwo Kareem, Motunrayo Amosu and Wariz Yekini.
Seven contestants entered for the music, comedy audition. They are, five- year-old Aduke Shekere, Turaka Fuji, Olumide Jamiu, Ibrahim/Tobi, Tobi Apala, Young Tiger, MC Okoro, with Aduke Shekere emerging overall winner.
The initiator of the project, Ara, lauded Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his kindness, and for providing opportunities for kids to shine, stressing that the governor has helped to bring out the best in her.
She urged youths be be ready as the next batch of the talent hunt may happen in their area.