The first military administrator of Ogun State, Rtd. General Seidu Balogun, at the opening ceremony of the ongoing 4th edition of the African Drum Festival, holding in Abeokuta, the state capital, has said the records, history and legacies of Governor Ibikunle Amosun in the State cannot be erased.
Speaking on behalf of the past military administrators in the state, who were all present at the festival, Retired General Balogun said, the Governor has indeed made them proud with developmental projects, while praying for him to live long in perfect health.
Speaking on behalf of Royal Fathers in Yoruba land, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi and the Alake and Paramount ruler of Egba land, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, commended Governor Amosun for the landmark projects that have transformed the State to an enviable position among the comity of states in the country.
The custodians of tradition and culture in Yoruba land, appreciated him for setting the records straight and preserving the culture, adding that, ‘’drums and songs are indeed our unifying culture’’.
Senator Ibikunle Amosun in his speech assured that he would use his position as a Senator in the ninth assembly, to make sure the festival is supported by the Federal Government for its sustainability.
While rolling out initiatives that were added to make this year’s edition unique, the Governor said, our “Adire Ogun” fabric has been patented and unveiled to the world with the celebration of Ransome Kuti house and legacies.
He revealed that the 2019 edition of the African Drum Festival had 50 percent increase in attendance with troupes from different states in Nigeria, African countries, independent troupes and the world at large.
In his remarks, the Nobel laureate and the festival’s consultant, Prof. Wole Soyinka noted that, ‘’there is a strong connection between rhythm and productivity, which awakens deep things in us as humans, the drums helps our sense of rhythm and immerse us into our culture’’.
Dignitaries present at the opening ceremony include; representative of the Minister for Information and Culture, Mr. Augustus Ajibola, Director of Entertainment and Services in the Ministry, Royal Fathers and past military administrators in the State.
People from all walks of life, who gathered at the amphitheater in the Abeokuta city center, the venue of the festival, were treated to special performances by all participating African countries including; Burkina Faso, Kenya, Mali, Benin Republic, Togo, Ghana, Congo, Uganda, Haiti, Senegal and states in Nigeria among others.
