Music scholars of the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON), sponsored by MTN Foundation, the corporate social investment vehicle of MTN, Nigeria’s leading information and communications technology company, have ended the year with the performance of the 9th edition of the MTNF/MUSON Scholars appreciation concert. The concert was by the young scholars in appreciation of sponsorship initiative by the MTN Foundation.
Speaking after the night’s renditions, Marion Akpata, director, MUSON School of Music, lauded MTNF’s efforts at supporting and nurturing young talents in Nigeria.
“When talents are ignored or unused, they become a distant memory, which is why we cannot imagine a world of music without the support of organizations like MTN Foundation. The Foundation has given meaning to the lives of these young talents and we are thankful. You have indeed proven your motto of ‘improving lives in our communities’ and we are eternally grateful,” said Akpata.
On his part, Dennis Okoro, director, MTN Foundation, said the Foundation seeks to always empower people in its host communities. Okoro said the MUSON scholars were a source of joy and pride to the Foundation and like their predecessors, would be assets not only to their immediate families, but to MUSON and to the country as a whole.
“We also thank the Musical Society of Nigeria for giving us the opportunity to touch lives and to pave way for a beautiful Christmas celebration with these beautiful and melodious renditions which we have come to look forward to,” Okoro said.
Akinwale Goodluck, corporate services executive, MTN, said: “The MTNF-MUSON Scholars Scheme is one of the projects under the Foundation’s Education portfolio that has continued to record success with past beneficiaries going on to excel in South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. This has justified the introduction of MTNF/MUSON Scholars programme which began in 2006 with the aim of giving opportunities and support to students with talent in music but lack the financial wherewithal to achieve their dreams. We pledge our continued support for these young talents as we continue to invest in initiatives aimed at enhancing living and empowering Nigerians,” Goodluck added.
Since the inception of the scheme in 2006 about 162 graduates have emerged from the programme and have either proceeded for further studies or gone into full time music.
It would be recalled that three of the first set of students who graduated in June 2008 secured admission to study Music at the University of Dayton, Ohio, United States of America and graduated in 2013. The three students, Olufemi Ogebule, Ezeuko Anuli and Paul Ogunboye, became the first Africans to graduate with honours from the Department of Music of the University.
In April 2014, another student, Agatha Ibeazor also graduated with honours from the Truman State University in the United States of America. She became the first African to have her name on the Honours Wall in the College’s music department.
