Ogun to partner BU to enhance tourism potentials

....as BU celebrates 15th anniversary with Unity Chorale initiative

By Peter Adedoyin 

The Ogun State government has expressed its readiness to collaborate with Babcock University to enhance the state's tourism potentials. 

The State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr. Sesan Fagbayi, disclosed this at the 15th anniversary of the Unity Chorale Initiative held at Babcock University.

The event with the theme "Our Journey Thus Far," featured a vibrant chorale festival with captivating performances by various choirs from across Nigeria, including the BACMAC Choir, Premier Symphony Orchestra and Chorale Group, Love Ensemble Music Ministries, The Messiah Chorale, Abraham Tabernacle Choir, The Babcock Pioneer Youth Church Choir, and the host, Unity Chorale Initiative. 

Fagbayi emphasized the importance of collaboration between the state and the university to promote cultural activities and tourism through choral music. 

He said, “the state government feels honoured to be part of your celebration and to bring good tidings to all participants,” he added.

He encouraged participants and visitors to explore the state's unique tourist attractions, such as Olumo Rock and Bilikisu Sugbo Shrine in Ijebu, and to take home local cultural products like Adire fabrics as a way of experiencing Ogun State's rich heritage.

The former governor of the State, Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel, President/Vice Chancellor of Babcock University, Professor Ademola Tayo, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Professor Philemon Amanze, former Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adekunle Alalade, Vice President Student Development, Dr. Sunday Audu, Chairman of Board of Trustees of Unity Chorale Initiative, Engineer Onyedikachi Alala and the Chairman Ilishan Development Association, Hon. Wemmy Osude, were in attendance to highlight the importance of the celebration and the significance of choral music in satisfying aesthetic, religious, and entertainment.

Engineer Alala made a passionate appeal for support from both the university management and Ogun State government to prioritize the department of Music and Creative Arts of Babcock University and the Unity Chorale Initiative. 

Mr. Joshua Umahi, President of the Unity Chorale Initiative, thanked the university's administration, sponsors, and all participating chorale groups for their unwavering support, emphasizing the festival's commitment to community service, special music training, and friendship-building through an outdoor friendship concert. 

Sharing their experiences of the Chorale fest, one of the participants, Dr. Jerry Uchenna Nzenwata said the friendship concert and musical show created an atmosphere of joy, unity, and mutual appreciation among participants. 

“Emotions ran high as choir members and attendees from different regions bonded over their shared love for choral music, exchanging warm smiles, hugs, and applause,” he stated.

Dr. Hannah Ukangwa another participant, said the event was a testament to the power of choral music in bridging cultural and social divides, leaving participants feeling inspired, connected, and hopeful for future collaborations.