Photos: Ooni of Ife, his wife, others attend the Nigerian Drums Festival in Abeokuta

Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and his wife attended the maiden Nigerian Drums Festival which kicked off yesterday in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital.

The four-day event hosted at the June 12 Cultural Centre saw Governor Ibikunle Amosun unveiling the 17 feet tallest drum in Africa, christened Isokan (unity).

It was witnessed by the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo and other royal fathers, representaive of the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, D. Barclay Ayakoroma, Director-General of the National Council of Art and Culture, Director-General of Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation, Mrs Sally Mbanefo.







Speaking at the festival, Ooni of Ife said: "There is a wind of change blowing around the country. Nigeria came in 1914 and governance has been in existence through the kingship system of government for centuries. Our culture and heritage is a strong binding force for our unity. We should not forget our source and heritage and I strongly believ that what we are doing here today will doovetail to ther states and even other African countries."

Ten African countries and 19 states are expected to participate in the festival. Other dignitaries at the event which will be observed annually includes Ambassadors from Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Senegal, and Ghana.

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Source: Nigerian Drums Festival, The Nations