The Minister, who spoke in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital during the maiden edition of Nigerian Drum festival slated to hold between April 19 and 21, 2016 in Abeokuta.
The Minister, who spoke in the presence of the state governor, Ibikunle Amosun’s representative and the state Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Olumuyiwa Oladipo lauded the government on the initiative.
According to Mohammed who was represented by Ms Grace Isu Gekpe, “We carried out a research and discovered many unique instruments that should be promoted, showcased to complement our modern musical instruments.
“By doing that, you create jobs for people who are producing those instruments. So, it is gladdening to see that Ogun State is doing something that the ministry likes. Because this is something that we have actually been telling the states; initiate festivals, apart from these indigenous festivals that you have, initiate new festivals. So, I’m so glad that this festival is going take place in April.
The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Chief Yetunde Onanuga said the event would foster the growth and unity of the country being the first of its kind in Nigeria and Africa at large.
He said the event would also promote cultural heritage and unity of the people as it would draw participants from the 36 States of the federation, apart from show-casing talents and skills on drum beating, drum dancing and performances.
He stated that it would also enhance tourism opportunities in the state, which in turn would create employment for the teeming youths.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Basorun Olumuyiwa Oladipo expressed optimism, that the Nigerian Drum Festival would turn around the face of culture and tourism not only in the state but in Nigeria and Africa, as it would promote cultural heritage of the country which other African countries would take a cue from.
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