12-Year-Old Nigerian Stuns the World, Wins Bronze at Global Performing Arts Championship
Twelve-year-old Chibuchi Francis has earned international recognition after winning a bronze medal in the Acting category (Ages 11–12) at the 2026 World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) held in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States.
The event, which took place from July 13 to July 21, featured young artists from over 80 countries, who competed in various categories such as acting, singing, dancing, modelling, instrumental performance and other creative fields. The event is also known as the “Entertainment Olympics”, and it is a celebration of artistic excellence, as well as a celebration of cultural exchange between children and young people.
Chibuchi was a part of the competition as a member of Team Nigeria led by Ambassador Lovethpatra White Ekufu, National Director of WCOPA Team Nigeria and Founder of Street2Fame Nigeria Performing Arts Entertainment. The organisation sponsored his participation as part of its initiatives to provide opportunities for talented Nigerian children to access opportunities in the world.
In response to the success, Ekufu said that the feat by Chibuchi proves that Nigerian children can compete with the best in the world if they are given the right guidance, training and opportunities.
Chibuchi’s success is not just about the medal, but also the need to safeguard children’s right to engage in cultural and artistic pursuits in a safe, secure and nurturing environment that supports their wellbeing and development. Child rights groups have always stressed that children thrive when they are nurtured through a structured mentoring relationship, quality training and responsible adult supervision.
While Nigeria celebrates Chibuchi’s success, stakeholders believe that investing in safe talent development programmes can help more children fulfil their potential and keep them safe from exploitation and other risks they face in the entertainment industry.
