Amidst pomp and pageantry, the Ariya Eko Independence Music Festival held on Sunday, 5th October, 2025 at the Shell Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, Nigeria.
The event convened by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture in conjunction with Evergreen Musical Company and themed: ‘Musical Journey Of A Nation @ 65′, had in attendance government/private sector major players, art/entertainment as well as religious institutions’ personalities.
A major highlight of the epoch was the presentation of deserved awards of recognition to the creme de la creme of yesteryears music and entertainment including Evangelist (Prof.) Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi, Alhaji Kolawole Razak Ayinla Ilori, Olaolu Akintobi (Laolu Akins), Ken-Calebs Olumhese, Lemi Ghariokwu, Tunde Kelani, Alhaji Alimi Olatoye Ajagunjeun, Prince Cyril Abiodun Alele, Evangelist Dr. Funmi Aragbaiye.
Others were Dr. Ola Balogun, Stella Ada Monye, Dr Mrs Fasoyin, Chief Tunde Elegbede, Dr. Tee Mac Omatsola Iseli, Oueen Salawa Abeni Ibiwunmi, Evangelist J.A Adelakun (Ayewa), Alex O (Okoroigwe), Sulaiman Ayilara Aremu and Premier Music (Premier Records Limited).
While presenting the **TIMELESS EVERGREEN AWARD “* to Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi (MFR, KCW) at the festival , the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwoolu described Fabiyi as one of the finest musicians in Nigeria, a father to all and a leader even among equals.
Please open the link below to watch the presentation of the award to Chief Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi
👇👇👇👇👇👇👇
https://photos.app.goo.gl/115tTuiGQbGbbXWAA
Also at the occasion and while donating N500,000 to each of the awardees, The General Overseer, Mountain of Fire and Miracles’ Ministries and Patron, Evergreen Heritage Foundation, Dr. Daniel Olukoya recognised the invaluable contributions of Nigeria’s entertainment/culture icons whose creativity, artistry and dedication have shaped the nation’s identity and inspired generations.
Please open the link below to watch the video on the presentation of N500,000 to each of the awardees
👇👇👇👇👇👇👇
https://photos.app.goo.gl/snVhamUFUyShuGS6A
And the Managing Director/Executive Secretary, Evergreen Music Heritage Foundation, Ms Abimbola Esho had the following to say about the genesis of the whole episode:
👇👇👇👇👇👇👇
I am set out to fulfill my Dad’s heart desire, “ARIYA EKO 2025” was an Epoch Making Event
By Bimbo Esho
Music to my father is what food and water is for human survival.
Preservation and propagation of our musical heritage since inception of Evergreen Musical Company has been his primary aim and focus .
Baba Musician as fondly called by many was a lover of humanity ,deeply passionate about indigenous music and musicians been recognized and given their due credit in a country that cares less about the aged especially those who have brought joy to every home through their musical compositions over the years.
My dad was a fount of musical knowledge for many people whether musicians, journalists, students, lecturers, politicians, etc where information on music was always accessible.
His establishment of Evergreen Music Heritage Foundation was for the primary purpose of curating the works of these musical icons for the sake of posterity.
The just concluded Ariya Eko Music Festival which was sponsored by Lagos State Government showed the utmost respect Mr Governor Babajide Sanwo- Olu has for our dad in helping in carrying on the torch. It was not surprising to watch Mr Governor who himself has had his stint with music as a DJ during his youthful years give awards to some of these veterans whose music he knew like the back of his hand .
Dr DK Olukoya patron of Evergreen Music Heritage Foundation also surprised all during Ariya Eko Festival when he gave each of the 20 awardees N500,000 each to show his appreciation and support for these Icons who have given our country respect beyond borders through their various craft.
The feedback from this years Ariya Eko has been very positive and inspiring and today recognized as one of Nigeria’s Epoch Making Events.
