Separate Ministry of Culture from Information – Gani Adams tells FG

The Federal Government has been called upon to separate the Ministry of Culture and that of Information to make it more independent, viable and able to attract the kind of attention that tourism deserves in a nation like Nigeria.

Making the call at a press conference to announce the commencement of this year’s Olokun Festival, the chief promoter of the Olokun Festival Foundation, Otunba Gani Adams said the present arrangement of fusing the ministry with that of information has caused serious retrogression to the sector, adding that the situation could get worse if nor quickly arrested.

“The government should make the ministry of culture independent. They should take it away from Information because the arrangement is not working.

If we are keen on promoting our culture, the government should as a matter of urgency make it independent and give it the necessary attention and funding that it deserves,” he said.

Gani Adams who also used the occasion to unveil some prominent Nollywood actors, including Doris Simeon, Fathia Balogun, Mr. Latin, Toyin Adegbola, Wise Rammy Shitta Bay, and Lambert Dikeh as new ambassadors of the annual Olokun Festival,

noted that the six of them will be joining their colleague, Yomi Fash Lanso who has been an ambassador of the festival for some time now.

Speaking on the festival, he said; “The Olokun Festival Foundation has become an important tourist and local attraction and this I make bold to say, may not be largely unconnected with the agility and efforts of the organisers of the festival to sustain in our people, their respect for deities.

“It is our collective obligation as a people to ensure that our culture is sustained and Olokun Foundation through its annual celebration of Olokun Festival among other activities geared towards the promotion of our culture has in a way,

been breaking down the walls of challenge posed by the fear of losing our culture to western education and imported faith that tend to undermine the growth and awareness of our people around our culture.

“It therefore gladdens my heart to inform you that the programme continues on Tuesday, 4th of October, with a quiz competition, while the Olokun Beauty Pageant holds on Sunday, 8th of October.

“Soccer enthusiasts would have the opportunity to savour an entertaining Beach Soccer match on Monday, 23rd of October.

This will be followed by a Boat regatta on the morning of 25th of October, as what has been tagged Olosa Gala Night will also hold on the night of the same day.”

He further disclosed that: “The grand finale of the ever entertaining and very competitive Ayo Olopon and Cultural Troupe display will round off activities marking the festival for this year on Thursday, the 26th of October.

That same date will see us officially mentioning our new sets of Cultural Ambassadors.

“I’m talking about well celebrated individuals carefully selected to be the face of Olokun Festival Foundation, they will be joining our first Ambassador Yomi Fash Lanso who has been a source of pride to the foundation.

It is with great pleasure to announce the addition of ageless Toyin Adegbola, beautiful Fathia Balogun, cut across Doris Simeon, Wise Rammy Shitta Bay, experienced Lambert Dikeh and ever funny Mr. Latin.

With the preparations made so far by the organisers of the Olokun Festival, I believe that with your usual cooperation, the 2017 edition shall be a grand success,” he said.