Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke; the Elegushi of Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi; the founder, DAAR Communication, late Chief Raymond Dokpesi were among the personalities honoured at the maiden edition of the Drum Festival, (Ayan-Agalu).
Others honoured at the event held at the weekend in Ontario Canada, include Speaker, Oyo State House Of Assembly, Honourable Adebo Ogundoyin; Publisher, Ovation International Magazine, Dele Momodu; Chairman, Lagos State Parks and Garages, Musiliu Akinsanya Oluomo.
The honorees received the award in recognition of their support for Nigeria’s culture and heritage.
The festival with the theme “Rejigging Yoruba Cultural Heritage: As Catalyst for National and International Unity, Progress and Development,” featured dance performances and drumming from Brazil, Iran, Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria communities in Canada.
Also on display were different kinds of local and continental foods.
In his welcome address, publisher of the Drum Online Media Incorporation, and convener of the Drum Festival, Mr Segun Akanni said the event was to be organised in view of cultural erosion and neglect of core societal values pervading several African countries, especially among the Yorubas of South West, Nigeria.
He argued that celebrating culture through drums reinforces collective desire and zeal to rejuvenate our moribund cultural heritages.
The cultural fiesta was attended by a wide range of personalities including the representative of Nigeria High Commissioner/Ambassador, His Excellency Adeyinka Asekun, Mr David Toyin Apinran; The Olota of Otta Awori, Ogun State, Oba Adeyemi Abdulkabir; Oloba Of Oba Ile, Osun State, Oba Adekunle Oyeyemi; Alagbara of Agbara, Ogun State, Oba Lukman Agunbiade.
Speaking at the event, the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau commended Segun Akanni for his hard work in organizing the festival and commitment to cultural exchange.
Trudeau said: “The festival offers a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the richness, beauty and diversity of African and Nigerian culture, and highlighted many contributions that Canadians of African descent have made, and continue to make, to our country in all fields of endeavour.”
On his part, Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Canada, Adeyinka Asekun said, I am very pleased with your initiative to convene the inaugural Drum Festival aimed at promoting the prestigious culture of the Yorubas from the Southern part of Nigeria.
Cultural diplomacy is a cardinal aspect of Nigeria’s foreign policy and a very key area of focus of the Nigeria High Commission In Ottawa. To this end, we are therefore glad to confirm our support for this event.”
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