The 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 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 award was given to them in recognition of their significant roles in promoting 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.
Speaking at the event, the publisher of the Drum Online Media Incorporation, and convener of the Drum Festival, Mr Segun Akanni said it 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.
Akanni maintained that celebrating culture through drums reinforces collective desire and zeal to reposition our declinig cultural heritages.
Dignitaries that attended the cultural fiesta include 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.
The Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, lauded 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.”
Also, Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Canada, Adeyinka Asekun, said, “I am very pleased with the 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.”
