Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun has disclosed that his administration would work towards creating an entertainment village to discover more talents in the state.
The entertainment industry according to the governor, can both generate income for the nation and positively engage Nigerian youths.
Abiodun stated this on Tuesday while receiving Bukola Elemide, also known as Asa, during a courtesy call to his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Abiodun described the Paris-born artist and songwriter as a pride of the Gateway State who like other prominent sons and daughters of the state, have made the country and state proud both locally and internationally.
Asa was christened Omobowale by the governor.
The governor said: “Ogun State indigenes are versatile, cerebral, and a rare breed who have done the nation proud. The destiny of this nation and our state is intertwined. We have been involved from the beginning.
“We have a lot of artists from Ogun State. We are blessed with talents with a high level of creativity. No wonder our people are doing well in all human endeavours.”
He lauded Asa, who is an indigene of the state, for developing and taking her talent to the world stage, adding, “You do what you do effortlessly. Your music appeals to the entire world. The quality of your music and the crowd you pull say a lot.”
He said his administration has revived the Adire culture and repositioned its entire value chain to create job opportunities, hinting that the fabric would be made into school uniforms to preserve culture.
The governor acknowledged the global influence of Asa’s songs and their deep philosophical content that continues to promote African heritage, particularly Yoruba language and culture.
“There is no doubt that her surname, Elemide, is peculiar to Ogun State, and it depicts a significant identity of our state. You must therefore be very proud of that distinct identity and pedigree.
“We are indeed very happy that we invited you over and you obliged us by coming to visit; it is on that note that I christen you Omobowale,” the governor said.
Speaking earlier, Asa, who hails from Itoko area of Abeokuta said she was proud to identify with her heritage and promised to visit the state often.
We would create an entertainment village to discover more talents – Gov Abiodun