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Author: Eze Chukwuemeka
Posted to the web: 9/20/2011 7:03:30 PM


The Melody Shelters Nigeria, a Prince Tonye Princewillbacked initiative with a mandate to raise awareness for the plight of the lessprivileged in the society especially orphans, is set to launch its first TVReality Talent competition for orphanages in the country. Dubbed the MelodyShelters Singing Talent Show, it has been conceptualized as a live-in realityprogramme, where participants will be ensconced in a house for a one monthperiod. The show will feature singing groups from eight orphanages in thecountry: Lifetime Caring Orphanage, Rivers State; Rachel Orphanage, Abuja;Susanna Homes, Abia State; Gidan Bede Orphanage, Benue State; GodswillOrphanage, Kogi State; Compassion Home, Abia State; Adonai Orphanage, Kadunaand Our Saviour's Orphanage, Delta State. Performances will be judged by professionalmusicians and viewers at home. All the events and performances will be recordedand broadcast on television.

According to the founder of the Melody Shelters,Mr. Adonijah Owirirwa, selecting the Homes that made it to the finals was atruly arduous task as all registered orphanage Homes in Nigeria wereinvolved in zonal auditions before the final selection of the eight. Accordingto Owiriwa, the aim of the competition is to create exposure to all theexisting orphanages and children homes in the country; discover hidden talentsand potential among the children and reward outstanding orphanages. Heexpressed admiration for Prince Tonye Princewill, whose commitment according tohim surpasses financial support, but also extends o an unwavering passion forthe children as was seen in his decision to embark on a tour of the eightorphanages across the country that made it to the finals where he made cash andkind donations, including computers and engaged the children in powerfulinsights that they will forever cherish.

On the vision behind the Melody Shelters, Owiriwasaid it is akin to the birthing of a dream that was conceived sometime in 2009when his outfit Adonis Production in partnership with the communications arm ofthe RiverDrill Group made an award winning movie Nnenda, spotlighting theplight of orphans. This was followed shortly by an orphanages awarenesscampaign that showcased the deplorable states of some of these orphanages tothe public via mass media. Some orphanages have been beneficiaries of thecampaign since its inception.

It is as part of the Melody Shelters commitmentto champion the cause of orphanages and its residents that the Cable NewsNetwork (CNN) in collaboration with Prince Tonye Princewill is set to debut theadvert for the competition. Speaking on the choice of CNN for premiering theadvert of the competition, Princewill said his decision to spotlight the eventon such a media platform like CNN will bring the plight of this disadvantagedgroup of otherwise smart and beautiful children, who find themselves in asituation that was not of their choosing, to the consciousness of a wideraudience, it will according to him, hopefully encourage more people to becomeengaged in philanthropic activities that would assist in capacity building fororphans on the continent, so they can have equitable access to decentliving/livelihood. This he says, would in itself be a fulfilment of the goal ofthe Melody Shelters which is to ensure no child is left behind on the road togreatness and stardom. Silverbird TV and CTL Africa have also collaborated asbroadcast sponsors and will be bringing the reality show to the public livewhen the children move into the melody house.

Rosemary Princewill, wife of the Prince was on18th June, 2011 at VCP Hotel, VictoriaIsland, Lagoshosted to a luncheon where her investiture as the Grand Matron of theOrganisation was conducted by the Board of Directors of Melody Shelters’.

Chief EzeChukwuemeka Eze,

Media Consultant, PPA