Acting Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme, has described music as a universal language that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers.
Onyeme stated this on Wednesday at the International Festival for Choral and Traditional Music held in Asaba.
According to him, music connect people of diverse backgrounds and mobilize people towards a common cause.
The Acting Governor said; “it is fitting that Asaba was chosen to host this edition of the event in Nigeria.
“Delta State is a hub of music and entertainment, indeed, the state has a rich history of producing talented musicians and entertainers; for the foreigners among us, it may interest you to know that the likes of Edna Ogholi, Harrysong, Omawumi, and the late Ras Kimono are all from this state.
“On the gospel side, we have Samsong and the late Sammie Okposo; let me also inform you that by law, the Delta State government organises a yearly Praise and Thanksgiving Day on May 29, in celebration of God’s blessings and faithfulness to us as a people.”
He lauded the objectives of the festival which aims to promote the culture of friendship, mutual respect, and mutual understanding, peaceful co-existence among the people of Africa and creating awareness of our identity and cultural wealth, education through arts and music especially among the youths of Africa and promoting the dignity of African youths in the face of vices like prostitution, hunger, disease, fraud and greed.
Onyeme also, observed that Asaba has become the preferred destination for conferences, sporting competitions, and major international events.
Earlier in his speech, Dr Daniel Okoh, General Superintendent, Christ Holy Church International and President of Christian Association of Nigeria who is the Patron of the festival, said that Africans must be united.
“We must use Choral music to say that we need each other, we must use it to say that we are peace builders, become champions of peace in the African continent,” he said.
Different choral and cultural groups from different parts of Africa performed at the occasion.
