The Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism,
Mr. Lai Mohammed said yesterday that his Ministry
would spare no effort in promoting and showcasing
Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and values to the
world.
The Minister who spoke in Abeokuta while
launching and unveiling the logo of the maiden
edition of the “National Drums Festival” to be
hosted by Ogun State, stated that the festival was in
line with the ministry’s efforts, of not only
preserving the cultural heritage of the country, but
also to foster unity among the people.
The National Drums Festival, first of its kind to be
staged by the State is scheduled to hold between
Tuesday, April 19 and Friday, April 22.
The 36 States, including the Federal Capital Territory
(FCT), according to the Commissioner for Culture
and Tourism, Muyiwa Oladipo would participate in
the four-day event saying the festival is meant to
showcase the country’s rich culture and values by
the various ethnic groups in the country.
It is also
aimed at uniting the people.
The Minister revealed that on assumption of office,
the Ministry embarked on extensive research aimed
at ensuring that traditional musical instrument does
not go into extinction, disclosing that Ogun State
was one of the States in the country blessed with
abundant traditional musical instruments.
Mohammed who was represented by the Director of
Entertainment and Creative Services, Miss Grace Isu
Gekpe challenged the State to make the festival a
force to reckon with among other festivals in the
country. He would like it to be at par with the
famous annual Calabar Festival in terms of glamour
and elegance “and if possible surpass it.”
Outlining some of the benefits of the festival,
Mohammed said that it would attract tourists from
all over the world to the State as well as boost the
Hospitality business in the State.
His words “It is gladden that Ogun State is doing
what the Ministry likes. It is a good platform to
showcase our cultural heritage and traditional
musical instrument to the world.”
He said during the festival, the tallest drum in the
world, measuring about 14-feet would be unveiled,
disclosing that all the 36 States, including the
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) would participate in
the festival.
The State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Yetunde
Onanuga expressed the view that the festival would
boost the economy of the State.
Onanuga said the festival would also afford local
artisans the opportunity to showcase their expertise
and products, describing the festival as an avenue
to promote the cultural heritage and the unity of
Nigerians.
The Culture Commissioner, Oladipo in his closing
remarks said the festival was aimed at enhancing
tourism opportunities and to create employment
opportunities for the people.
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