Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has been hailed for his vision and executing projects that are enduring in the state.
The commendation was made by frontline Yoruba monarchs, past Military Administrators of the state, prominent Nigerians, diplomats, culture enthusiasts and thousands others, to witness the kick off of the 2019 African Drum Festival, the fourth in the series of annual event, initiated by the state government.
Speaking on behalf of the former administrators, Rtd. General Seidu Ayodele Balogun said, “hate him or like him, Governor Ibikunle Amosun’s records, history and legacies in Ogun State cannot be erased.”
He said the governor made him and his colleagues proud with developmental projects that dot the nook and crannies of the state.
Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi and the Alake and Paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, also commended the governor for his landmark projects that have transformed the state to an enviable state in the country.
They appreciated the governor for preserving the culture of Yoruba land, noting that drums and songs, are indeed tools that unify culture.
Amosun, in his speech, assured that he would use his position as a senator in the ninth assembly, to make sure the festival is calendared by the Federal Government, to ensure its sustainability.
Highlighting innovations which makes 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.
Amosun revealed that the festival recorded a 50 percent increases in attendance, with troupes from different states in Nigeria, African countries, independent troupes and performers from around the globe.
Nobel Laureate and the festival’s Consultant, Prof. Wole Soyinka, in his address, noted that there is a strong connection between rhythm and productivity, which awakens deep things in humans, adding that “drums help our sense of rhythm and immerse us into our culture.”
