IT was a children’s stellar show headlined by Nigerian finest musicians, Innocent Idibia, aka 2Baba and Jagaban crooner, Oludemilade Martin Alejo, aka Ycee.
Both artistes performed at the Stella Maris Schools Abuja Gala, the climax of the school’s 20th anniversary celebrations, and parents, students, alumni and associates of the educational institution asking for more, during the night of colour and verve.
But the show was not about these celebrated artistes alone, as the students, after weeks of rehearsals, displayed their creative prowess through a medley of songs, choreography, acrobatics, dance drama, poetry, and other applauding performances, showing the other strength of the school outside its 20 years of academic excellence.
Changing from one attire to another, the students impressed the crowd who kept clapping and holding their breath to some of the gymnastic displays. Their energetic performances gave prominence to some of Nigeria’s great songs and musicians across different generations.
From Wizkid ‘s Azonto to Olamide’s Shakiti Bobo and Davido’s Aye, the beats blended well with the afro dance step, the dance drama and well choreographed showmanship. No doubt, theirs was a keenly rehearsed show that pieced several complex plots together beautifully.
It was a children’s night out with parents and peers. The beauty of the performances was that it had something for every generation. From their mannerism of Omawumi’s songs to Onyeka Onwenu and Lagbaja’s hits, the students also honoured their parents with Salsa, all pointing to the work of a good show producer.
It all started with the National Anthem taken with sonority by an all-student choir, and opening prayers rendered in Islam and Christianity. This struck the desired balance despite the Christian ownership of the school.
In between the students show, Ycee stormed the stage amidst loud applause, as everyone sang along as the Tinny Entertainment rapper/songwriter reeled out some of his hit songs.
But when 2Baba entered at 10:21, shouting his signature element; ‘nothing dey happen’ the excitement took a new dimension. He started with See Me So, a song off his Grass to Grace album, stunning both young and old with his performance, and as many attested much later, he was the right man for the show.
There were other side attractions, including some magical moment with two South African illusionists.
Other activities that preceded the Gala night included Club Day, Cultural Day, Alumni Cocktail, Alumni Friendly Match, Inter-house sport among others.
Speaking on the cultural event, Chairman of the school, Mrs Afoma Onyeanusi noted that the celebration is being given the needed attention due to its importance to the institution for learning.
“We are from different backgrounds, which affect our dressing, greeting, feeding, marriage, dancing and other aspects of life,” she said, adding that “culture has formed part of our class activities, as it is reflected positively in our teaching and learning processes.”
Continuing, she said “culture is important, because it can bring people together and you can learn how other people in different cultures live their lives. Teach them your dialect for easy communication at home and identification, anywhere and anytime. Allow them to mingle with people from different cultures to make them complete Nigerians. Endeavour to inculcate values into these children to make them useful ambassadors of our fatherland.”
Also speaking on the 20th anniversary of the school, Managing Director, Mr. Chukwuemeka Anyaene disclosed plans of the school’s management to likely establish a standard institution of higher learning.
Anyaene said having contributed immensely over the years to the education sector, it became important to consider extending the good work to a university.
He stated that though the school is not there as rival to any other but is committed to knowledge, excellence and discipline.
“We have actually grown from grass to grace. It’s been 20 years of different challenges, opinions and structure but we thank God today that the school has been upgraded from the way it was when our late mother left to the way it is now.
“So 20 years from now, the school might grow into a higher institution. We are very prudent people and we are a bit conservative. At the moment, we have five schools and one more coming up which will bring us close to about 4, 000 students.”
In his remark, the Principal, Stella Maris College, Mr. Jacob Dawodu said the college started 24th September, 2001 with only 17 children.
He added that the children population comprised 13 in JSS1 and four in JSS2, with about 13 teachers including him.
However, Dawodu who is also the colleges academic adviser described the school’s growth as product of hardwork and commitment with about 543 students currently in the college.
The Academic Adviser, Stella Maris Nursery and Primary school, Mr. James Arllo described the entire celebration to mark 20th anniversary of the school.
He emphasised that the cultural day celebration among other lined up event was to promote indigenous culture such as food, clothe arts among others.
Arllo noted the school had come a long way with about 2000 students.
