12-yr-old Nigerian wins bronze at World Performing Arts Championships

A 12-year-old Nigerian boy named Chibuchi David Francis has claimed a bronze medal in the Acting Category (Ages 11–12) at the 2026 World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA), which took place in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. The event ran from July 13 to 21 at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino and drew participants from over 80 countries. Contestants competed in categories including acting, singing, dancing, modelling, and music. Francis represented Team Nigeria under the guidance of Ambassador Lovethpatra White Ekufu, who serves as the National Director of WCOPA Team Nigeria and founder of Street2Fame Nigeria Performing Arts Entertainment (SNPAE). His participation was made possible through sponsorship by SNPAE, which aims to provide Nigerian youth with access to international platforms and opportunities. The organization highlighted that the sponsorship was part of a broader effort to identify and nurture emerging talents in the performing arts sector. Ekufu expressed pride in Francis's accomplishment, stating that his bronze medal demonstrates the untapped potential of Nigerian youth. She emphasized that with proper support and exposure, young Nigerians can achieve success on the global stage. “The bronze medal won by Chibuchi David Francis proves that Nigerian youths possess world-class talent,” she said. “When young people are given the opportunity to dream, prepare and compete, they can excel on the global stage.” The organization has committed itself to developing a comprehensive talent development system within Nigeria. This includes organizing state and zonal championships, hosting national competitions, offering professional training programs, and ensuring Nigeria's continued participation in the World Championships of Performing Arts. Additionally, SNPAE plans to expand its reach by creating international career pathways and establishing continental-level competitions across Africa. The World Championships of Performing Arts is an annual international event designed to bring together performers from diverse backgrounds to showcase their abilities across multiple artistic disciplines. It provides a platform for individuals to gain recognition and experience in a competitive yet supportive environment. For Francis, the event marked a significant milestone in his journey as a performer and a testament to the growing presence of Nigerian talent on the global stage. Street2Fame Nigeria Performing Arts Entertainment continues to focus on building sustainable systems that empower young artists. Its initiatives include mentorship programs, performance training, and strategic partnerships with international organizations. These efforts aim to create long-term opportunities for Nigerian performers to thrive both nationally and internationally. The success of Chibuchi David Francis reflects the increasing investment in youth development within Nigeria’s cultural and artistic sectors. As the organization expands its operations, it is anticipated that more young Nigerians will have the chance to participate in such high-profile events, further enhancing the country’s reputation in the performing arts community.