Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has said that the entertainment industry is capable of engaging the youth positively and also a source of revenue generation for the country.
Abiodun stated this when he received Bukola Elemide, also known as Asa, who paid a courtesy call on him in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
The Paris-born artist and songwriter was christened Omobowale by the Governor, who described her as a pride of the Gateway State.
Governor Abiodun noted that Asa, like other artistes as well as other prominent sons and daughters of the state, is a force to be reckoned with as they have made the country and state proud both locally and internationally.
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 artistes from Ogun State. We are blessed with talents with a high level of creativity. No wonder our people are doing well in all human endeavors.”
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.”
Governor Abiodun, while disclosing that his administration would work towards creating an entertainment village to discover more talents in the state, commended the artist for remaining true to herself despite her celebrity status, noting that this has endeared many people to her and her music.
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.
“Remember, I first met you in Paris where you performed at the instance of President Macron alongside President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and I was so proud to be your governor when President Macron stood up to give you a standing ovation.
“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 hailed from Itoko area of Abeokuta, said she was proud to identify with her roots, assuring that her visits to the state would be on a regular basis.
