The Founder, Paseda Legacy Foundation and Ogun State gubernatorial candidate of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) in the 2015 governorship election, Otunba Rotimi Paseda has described fuji musicians in Nigeria as the major promoters of the cultural values in the country.
Otunba Paseda who spoke on Wednesday at the inauguration of the newly elected officers of the Fuji Musicians Association of Nigeria (FUMAN) in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital said without the efforts of fuji musicians, the cultural norms of the country, particularly the Yorubaland would have gone moribund.
The business mogul lamented the neglect of the association by the state government, stressing 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 the leadership of Adeyinka Adio Taofik for fraternising with every stakeholder 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 stakeholder for the progress of this noble association”.
Paseda said his foundation, Paseda Legacy Foundation would continue to partner with the body in order to form a workable synergy that would benefit the good 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. 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”.
“The 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 formerly JJC Omo oko, now Baba Oko, the King of New generation, Alayeluwa Alao Malaika and king of Bonsue Fuji, Adewale Ayuba. We appreciate their commitment for sustaining the tempo”.
Paseda also encouraged all the upcoming artistes not to relent in their efforts, stressing “the limelight is awaiting you”.
He declared that if he emerged as the Governor of the State in 2019, his administration would construct the first Fuji house for the body as their 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.”
