Ekiti State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Prof. Rasak Ojo Bakare, visited Nigeria’s Oracle of Highlife music and Africa’s’ largest Music Collector, Mr. Femi Esho.
Prof. Rasak Ojo is Nigeria’s first Professor of choreography and performing aesthetics. He was also a Former Dean of Postgraduate School, Federal University, Oye Ekiti.
During his courtesy visit, he said, “my love for music and dance is unquantifiable. I started my romance with the art at the age of 17 when I premiered in Hubert Ogunde’s play Aropin N Teniyan.
According to him, our country has a lot of tourism potentials and Music is an integral part of our cultural life therefore the onus lies on all of us to promote and preserve our heritage.
While appreciating Mr. Femi Esho for his selfless service to the country in the preservation and promotion of Nigerian music he promised that Ekiti State Government will continue to collaborate with Evergreen Musical Company.
In response, Mr. Esho thanked the Commissioner for his visit and also sent his greetings to His Excellency, Governor Kayode Fayemi for his support in the area of music particularly the supportive role Ekiti State Government played during the 60 years On-Stage-Celebration of one of the sons of Ekiti State and Nigerian Doyen of Highlife music, Dr. Victor Abimbola Olaiya, OON.
The event which was put together by Evergreen Musical Company in 2012 had Her Excellency Erelu Bisi Fayemi and other top Government officials from different States including Lagos State in attendance.
Prof. Rasak Ojo who has committed over 40 years of his life to the creative arts remains till date the first Nigerian to bag about three fellowship in the field of performing arts and one of Nigeria’s cultural ambassadors who have made it his life mission to tell the Nigerian stories with the art.