The Lagos City Choral has called for support and investment in music education in schools across the country.
Speaking at the 35th Lagos City Choral Christmas party-held at the Muson, Director, Lagos City Choral, Sir Emeka Nwokedi, said the state of music education in Nigeria was appalling, as there was none in public schools.
“From the point of view of a musician, I will say the state of Music Education in Nigeria is appalling. I have gone to schools and I found out that there’s no serious music in our schools. There’s no music education in public schools. Private schools invest money in music. When the government entrenches music in the curriculum in schools, our country will be better for it,” he added,
He lamented that the choral had not received assistance from the government despite winning several laurels on behalf of the country.
“I feel elated about the turnout today. But the government has not helped us at all. This choir has traveled around the world. We only got support from private people, yet we have won laurels on behalf of Nigeria. We expect the government to support arts and music. Whenever we go outside, the foreigners have a special interest in our arts and music. The government should support and encourage arts.”
Guest of honour, wife of the Governor of Lagos State, Mrs Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, said, “It is indeed an exciting moment to be with you, Lagos City Choral. It is sincerely entertaining. We are humbled by how you keep reminding us about the spirit of Christmas. It’s nice to celebrate Christmas with everyone and not to be caught in the ups and downs going on around the world.”
Chairman of the 35th Anniversary Committee of the Lagos City Choral, Chukwuka Eluchie, said,
“If the Choral was given needed support, it would be easier to help improve the skills of Nigerians interested in music.
“If the support is there, we will become the flagship of professional choral music. The support is necessary to move us to a higher level. A lot of attention is not given to music education in the country.”