Paseda hails Fuji musicians as nation’s cultural value promoters
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By Olusola AJIBIKE (Abeokuta)
NIGERIA: THE Founder of Paseda Legacy Foundation, Otunba Rotimi Paseda, has described Fuji musicians in the country as the major promoters of the nation’s cultural values.
Paseda, who spoke at the inauguration of the newly elected officers of the Fuji Musicians Association of Nigeria (FUMAN) in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, said that without the efforts of Fuji musicians, the cultural norms of the country, particularly the Yorubaland, would have gone into extinction.
The business mogul, who was the Ogun State gubernatorial candidate of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) in the 2015 Governorship election, lamented the neglect of the association by the state government.
He stressed that Fuji artistes, as major stakeholders, should be entrusted with the cultural values of the state tourism sector.
Paseda, however, commended the leadership of the FUMAN under Adeyinka Adio Taofik for fraternising with all stakeholders for the progress of the association.
He said: “Permit me to congratulate the newly sworn-in executive of Fuji musicians in Ogun State on this giant steps to cater for the welfare of your members.
“Let me put it on record that, I have no doubt in the steadfastness of this current leadership, because since voted into office, the FUMAN Governor and other executives have been fraternising with every stakeholders for the progress of this noble association.”
Paseda said his foundation would continue to partner with the body in order to form a workable synergy that would benefit the people of Ogun State.
“Fuji music has come to stay in Nigeria, and I make bold to say that without the effort of the Fuji artistes in Nigeria, our norms and culture would have gone moribund,” he said, adding: “In Nigeria, Ogun State Fuji artistes have remained first at the fore front of promoting the nation’s cultural heritage.”
“But it is disheartening that the present administration in Ogun State did not recognize your role as a key stakeholder, who should be entrusted with the cultural values of the state tourism sector.”
Paseda said he appreciated the commitment and “relentless efforts of our sons in Ogun State which include King of Fuji music and originator of classical Fuji music, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, our own Sefiu Alao, the king of new generation, Alayeluwa Alao Malaika and king of Bonsue Fuji, Adewale Ayuba.” “We appreciate their commitment for sustaining the tempo,” he said, while also encouraging upcoming artistes not to relent in their efforts as “the limelight is awaiting you.”
He declared that if elected as the Governor in 2019, his administration would construct the first Fuji house for the association as its secretariat.
“Finally, as partner in progress, I want to assure FUMAN, Ogun Chapter that come 2019 by the divine grace of God, if elected as Governor of Ogun state, I shall build you a well-furnished Fuji House that will become your secretariat.”
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