By Ogochukwu Isioma
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Wednesday, said the state government will immortalise the late music maestro, Amb. Osayomore Joseph.
Obaseki disclosed this when he received the family and members of the burial committee of late Osayomore Joseph who were on a courtesy visit at the Government House, Benin City.
The governor said, “We will immortalize him as we are going to work on how to do so.”
Hailing the contributions of the late music legend to the development of the state, Obaseki said the government is working assiduously to redefine the arts and culture space.
He said, “Osayomore is someone who has influenced our musical and cultural space. He died at a time when we are rethinking about how to use our cultural heritage as a springboard to confront the challenges facing us economically.
“About the same time last year, we also lost Sir Victor Uwaifo, and this year Osayomore Joseph. This is the time we need them the most to help us define our arts and culture sector.”
“Despite their departure, we still have talented people in the industry and it gives us hope that we can still face our challenges,” Obaseki noted.
According to him, “We have the culture, innovation and creativity required to enable us produce the best. As a government, we want to use our heritage as an advantage and springboard to develop the state and create a new economy.
“We have gone far in designing the cultural district which will host museums, spaces for artists including the Sir Victor Uwaifo Soundstage which will be one of the best audio visual facilities in the country. The facility is being built as l speak. We are building a pavilion which will be used to host our artifacts, many of which will be coming from across the world.”
He added, “We have designs to build museums and support the museums as we are working with world-class architects that will help us restore sections of our moat to serve as tourist attraction sites for visitors to Edo State.
“Our goal is to take advantage of our location to make the state an entertainment hub as several people pass through the state to other destinations across the country.”
Earlier, the Secretary and Vice Chairman of Osayomore Burial Committee, Prince Biodun Eguakhide, commended Governor Obaseki for the support of his administration for the success of the burial.
“Your Excellency, we appreciate your support, contributions and efforts in ensuring a successful and peaceful burial ceremony of the late Osayomore Joseph. We pray to God to strengthen you in the task of governance and nation building.”
