African Drum Festival: Participation excites Amosun

The Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun says he is delighted to have 15 African countries, 70 private troupes and over 25 states of the federation, saying the state would not take their participation and support for granted.

Governor Amosun who made this known at the opening ceremony of the African Drum Festival held in Abeokuta, said the festival was the state’s way of appreciating the richness embedded in culture and tourism.

“For us in Ogun State, this annual drum festival is our own contribution to cultural quest, as we move into the fourth year, the event will be majorly private sector driven. As government, we will continue to create the enabling environment,” he said.

He expressed delight at the emergence of female drummers, saying they have now equalled the drumming prowess of their male counterparts.

“Apart from the electrifying performance from a large number of troupes from different places, states and countries, the festival has been a rallying point for people with artistic gifts, we will continue to see the emergence of female drummers who have equalled their male counterparts in drumming,” he said.

He thanked the intellectual community led by Professor Wole Soyinka, for introducing intellectual depth into the festival, adding that the general acceptability of the festival was evident by the presence of royal fathers from different parts of the country.

Earlier in his address, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai  Muhammed commended the organisers for including intellectual dimension to the festival, adding that the Federal Government would continue to support the  state to promote culture, as well as  make available all its media platforms to create awareness for the festival.

Earlier in their remarks, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu  and the Alake of Egbaland, Oba (Dr) Aremu Gbadebo applauded the ingenuity behind the African Drum Festival, calling on other state governors to come up with ideas that could help to promote culture and tradition.

Earlier in his welcome address, the state Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Basorun Muyiwa Oladipo, said the festival was not a jamboree as being insinuated in some quarters, saying the addition of intellectual programmes like conference, workshop/ exhibition was to make the event richer in content.

Nobel Laureate and Consultant to the 2018 Festival, Professor Wole Soyinka on his part, appreciated the royal fathers for honouring the festival with their presence, calling on them to continue supporting and giving necessary advice to government when needed.