SPAN on the Road project was engineered to break geographical barriers. The initiative ensured that talented youth in underserved and remote communities gained premium access to structured performing arts training, mentorship, and life-skills development.
https://www.digital.zenithbank.com/ZEQ/ZEQ-jan-2026/index.html#p=1The Society for the Performing Arts in Nigeria (SPAN), on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, held a showcase of talented Nigerian youth who successfully completed training in the pilot programme, SPAN on the Road (SOTR). The six-month empowerment programme came to a climax with a showcase event held at the SPAN Creative Hub, 47 Bourdillon Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.
Consisting of youth from different backgrounds, the showcase was a remarkable evening of colourful, breathtaking, and artistic performances by the trainees, who saw an opportunity to showcase the dance skills they had acquired over the six months of training. SPAN on the Road took place at three venues – the flagship Lagos centre, Omojuwa-Ketu, and Maiduguri, Borno State.
In the opening remarks, SPAN Chief Operating Officer Remi Jemitola expressed deep gratitude to the Ford Foundation, which funded the project. Jemitola said what the Ford Foundation did was to support the vision of SPAN founder and CEO Sarah Boulos, who holds investing in the underserved close to heart. She lauded the visionary support of the Ford Foundation while noting that the initiative successfully transitioned from a bold blueprint to a thriving reality.
“The Youths of Nigeria are grateful.” Jemitola started. “What the Ford Foundation did for us was to allow us to spread our tentacles up to Maiduguri. We were in the North, right here and at Omojuwa-Ketu, at the back of Mile 12 market. We couldn’t have done this without the Ford Foundation, our esteemed Board Members, instructors and the director of dance. She concluded.
Dr Chichi Aniagolu, Ford Foundation Regional Director, West Africa, said it was a thing of joy to have watched the performances of the trainees. “I mean, you know, it’s not all the time that things that you fund turn out the way you want. But, I think that this has turned out really beautifully. Of course, you know, these are young people, they still need training and the rest of it. But for what they put out today, they’ve done amazingly well, and I’m very proud.”
Furthermore, Aniagolu spoke about the importance of the partnership with SPAN in providing dance and music classes for young people especially young people in underserved communities. Vulnerable young people. She said it was because the Ford Foundation considers music and dance as universal instruments for inspiring young people in attaining their dreams.
“If we look at Nigeria, the music industry and the film industry have done very well. Yet, we still do not have a real organized opportunity in terms of funding to provide resources to be able to bring about the next generation of artists or filmmakers.”
Aniagolu revealed that when SPAN came to them to ask for funds, they immediately reckoned it was a gap they would be happy to fill especially when SPAN wanted to go to underserved communities, even in conflict zones.
“And when they came and talked about Maiduguri, I was a bit sceptical, because most people are thinking, you know, about their basic needs. Watching the videos of the young people and how much they’ve been inspired and helped to dream beyond the conflict they face, I think it’s been amazing. And I’m really glad that we’ve been able to provide the support to them.” Aniagolu concluded.
One of the graduating trainees Precious Abang spoke excitedly about her experience and how she has envisioned a bright and prosperous future courtesy of the skills she acquired. Abang listed some of the skills she learnt to include -ballet, jazz, traditional dance, Naija urban, hip-hop, breaking, latin, ballroom and the art of choreography.
Abang said she would reciprocate SPAN’s gesture by making sure that once she is “kicked out of the nest”, she would spread her wings and do amazing things. “I will not put down the name of SPAN in any way. I shine bright and represent the brand as a worthy ambassador”.
