Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Lekan and Tomi Akinyanmi Foundation, LATAF, has donated a range of musical instruments to the Ikuru Town Host Community Development Trust, HCDT, in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.
LATAF spearheaded by the CEO of Lekoil Oil & Gas Investment Limited, Olalekan Akinyanmi, donated instruments such as upright piano, trumpets, trombones, clarinets, flutes, saxophones, and a drum set, with the aim to foster youth development and education beyond academics by promoting music as a skill and career path.
Ikuru town plays host to Otakikpo, a marginal field within OML11 with over 56.75 million barrels of oil and 70billionscf of gas reserves, operated by Green Energy International Limited and Lekoil Oil & Gas Investment Ltd JV in Andoni, Rivers State.
Speaking, Mrs. Tomi Akinyanmi, Co-founder of LATAF, expressed optimism that the musical instruments will serve as a springboard for Ikuru Town’s young people to unlock their potential and thrive creatively
Akinyanmi reaffirmed the foundation’s belief in music as a vital component of holistic education, noting that the donation aligns with LATAF’s mission to foster sustainable development and create opportunities for youths.
“At LATAF, we believe that music plays a significant role in building a well-rounded educational foundation. The concept of a music library embodies that thinking, highlighting the fact that the development of music skills enhances and complements other forms of education.
“We are pleased and honored at the opportunity to provide these gifts of musical instruments to Ikuru Town and look forward to hearing beautiful melodies and harmonies that will emerge from this initiative,” she said.
Mr. Godwin Okeke, General Manager of Lekoil Oil & Gas Investment Limited, who presented the the musical instruments to Ikuru Town’s HCDT on behalf of LATAF, said the goal is to empower youths and give them alternatives to thrive.
“This donation is beyond just education; it’s about creating opportunities for the community to learn, grow, and even earn through music. Music is not just for entertainment; it’s a skill that can lead to global recognition and opportunities. Imagine one of the young people here becoming a global star in the music industry – this is the vision we have for Ikuru Town. We hope the next global stars like Burna Boy will emerge from Ikuru Town.”
He continued: “These instruments are expensive, but the investment is worth it because it is an investment in people. We will also explore the possibility of providing trainers to help the youths learn and perfect their craft. This initiative is part of our broader goal to contribute meaningfully to the development of communities where we operate.”
Receiving the musical instruments, Professor Lysias Gilbert, Chairman of Ikuru Town HCDT, praised the gesture, describing it as a reflection of the foundation’s commitment to the well-being of the community’s youths.
“This is a welcome development and a thoughtful initiative that highlights their genuine concern for our community. It provides an avenue for our young people to learn and develop new skills, which can ultimately transform their lives. We are truly grateful to them for this generous act.”
He added: “Beyond the instruments, we need to have a structured approach to training. Trainers will be crucial to ensure that these instruments are used effectively and serve the intended purpose. I also hope Lekoil and the foundation continue to expand their support in other areas, such as scholarships, internal roads, and aquaculture development for Ikuru Town.”
