Ogun maiden edition of Nigerian drums festival’s logo unveiled

The Ogun State Government has unveiled logo and launched the raffle draw of the maiden edition of the Nigerian Drums Festival holding between April 19 to 21, 2016 in Abeokuta, the Ogun State Capital.

While unveiling the logo and launching of the raffle draw at the June 12, Cultural Centre, Abeokuta, the State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Yetunde Onanuga stated that the event would foster development growth and unity of the country, being the first of its kind in Nigeria and Africa.

Governor Amosun said the Nigerian Drums Festival would also promote cultural heritage and tradition of the people as it would draw participants from the 36 states of the Federation and Abuja, apart from showcasing their talents and skills on drum beating, dancing and performances.

He stated further that it would enhanced tourism opportunities and avenues for the state which in turn create employment opportunities for the teeming unemployed youths in the State.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Otunba Muyiwa Oladipo express optimism about the event, saying that the Nigerian Drums Festival would turn around the face of culture and tourism not only in Ogun State but in Nigeria and Africa, as it would promote cultural heritage of the country which other African countries would take a cue from.

“Drum is a common factor that binds tribe and ethic groups with different cultures and traditions in Nigeria and the Nigerian Drums Festival will be an avenue to bring the different type of drums together”, Oladipo stated.

He said the logo was unveiled and it has now set the ball rolling and had placed an official stamp on the planning and organisation of the event which had began all these while in the Ministry of Culture and Tourism towards the successful staging of the event.

He said ” the event is purely an initiative of the Ogun State Ministry of Culture and Tourism supported by the the Ogun State Government and some stakeholders, but more stakeholders and sponsors are welcome on board, the more the merrier”.

The Commissioner however said the the raffle draw was launched to creating awareness and promoting the Festival amongst the people of the grassroots, adding that it would be an opportunity for buyers to win fascinating prizes to commemorate the Nigerian Drums Festival, 2016.

“This is part of the side attractions of the Festival, there are other side attractions and they will be unveiled as time goes on” the Commissioner said.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaja Salmotu Ottun enjoined the intending participants to be steadfast and focus as the event would bring about the cultural and traditional promotion of their respective states, saying that the event was first of its kind in the entire Africa.

She said that the event would be a soft landing one which other Africa Countries would be emulated, as the Ogun State was known to be the number one in cultural and traditional values across the Country even in Africa.

The event which had in attendance, Minister of Information and Culture, represented by Ms. Grace Isu Gekpe, Senator Olorunnimbe Memora, Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Taiwo Adeoluwa, Commissioner for Agriculture, Mrs. Ronke Shokefun her counterpart in Commerce and Industry Ministry, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, House of Assembly Members, Head of Service, Elder Sola Adeyemi among other dignitaries.