The Ogun State Government is set to collaborate with Babcock University to enhance the state’s tourism potential. This announcement was made by Mr. Sesan Fagbayi, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, during the 15th-anniversary celebration of the Unity Chorale Initiative at Babcock University.
The event, themed “Our Journey Thus Far,” was a vibrant chorale festival featuring captivating performances by various choirs from across Nigeria. These included 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.
Mr. Fagbayi emphasized the importance of collaboration between the state government and the university to promote cultural activities and tourism through choral music. He expressed the state’s honor in participating in the celebration and conveyed good wishes from the government to all attendees.
He encouraged participants and visitors to explore Ogun State’s unique tourist attractions, such as Olumo Rock and the Shrine in Ijebu. He also suggested taking home local cultural products like Adire fabrics as a way to experience the state’s rich heritage.
The event was attended by notable figures, including former governor Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Babcock University’s President/Vice Chancellor Professor Ademola Tayo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) Professor Philemon Amanze, Former Vice-Chancellor Professor Adekunle Alalade, Vice President of Student Development Dr. Sunday Audu, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Unity Chorale Initiative Engineer Onyedikachi Alala, and Chairman of Ilishan Development Association Hon. Wemmy Osude. They highlighted the significance of choral music in satisfying aesthetic, religious, and entertainment needs.
Engineer Alala passionately appealed for support from both the university management and the Ogun State Government to prioritize the Department of Music and Creative Arts at Babcock University and the Unity Chorale Initiative.
Mr. Joshua Umahi, President of the Unity Chorale Initiative, expressed gratitude to the university’s administration, sponsors, and all participating chorale groups for their unwavering support. He emphasized the festival’s commitment to community service, special music training, and friendship-building through an outdoor friendship concert.
Dr. Jerry Uchenna Nzenwata, one of the participants, shared that 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, noted that the event demonstrated the power of choral music in bridging cultural and social divides, leaving participants feeling inspired, connected, and hopeful for future collaborations.
This partnership between Ogun State and Babcock University aims to leverage cultural events like the chorale festival to boost tourism and showcase the state’s rich cultural heritage. By working together, they hope to attract more visitors and enhance the local economy through tourism.
