Modupe Gbadeyanka
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
No fewer than 150 children from Mushin, a locality in Lagos, were hosted by a Nigerian chess master and coach, Mr Tunde Onakoya, through his Chess for Christmas Mushin initiative supported by a leading beverage company, Rite Foods Limited.
The event took place on December 23, 2023, between 11 am and 4 pm.
The programme went beyond just a chess competition as the children participated in literacy challenges like spelling bees, showcasing their academic abilities.
Additionally, talent showcases featuring dancing, singing, and drawing provided a platform for artistic expression. Fun games like Snakes and Ladders, Ludo, and bouncing castles kept the energy high throughout the event.
It was put together to bring festive cheer, empower children in the neighbourhood and create a platform for chess training, talent showcases, and fun games, all while promoting the Bigi brand and its commitment to social responsibility.
A highlight of the event was the chess competition between children from Mushin and Ikorodu, who displayed the power of chess as a tool for empowerment and opportunity.
Bigi saw this event as an opportunity to build a positive brand image and enhance its reputation through its association with a meaningful initiative.
Rite Foods’ communication efforts throughout the event focused on promoting the Bigi brand, including its popular Rite Sausage rolls and Sosa Fruit Drinks, while demonstrating its dedication to supporting underprivileged communities.
The winner of the spelling bee competition received a one-year scholarship courtesy of Octa, while the first and second runners-up were awarded laptops as part of their back-to-school kits sponsored by Rite Foods.
Rite Foods leveraged the Bigi and Sosa brands to create awareness and engagement with the children. Refreshing Bigi drinks, Sosa fruit drinks, and Rite sausages kept everyone energised throughout the day, while children also received draw-string bags filled with gift items, bringing added joy to the festive occasion.
Commenting on why Bigi threw its weight behind the initiative, the Assistant Brand Manager for Bigi at Rite Foods Limited, Biola Aransiola, said it was to bring excitement to the children through the company’s unique brands which the yuletide season connotes and also keep them fit for a better academic future.
