Edo State Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, has thrown his weight behind plans by the Edo Music Elders Forum to institute an annual programme celebrating the lives and contributions of late music legends from the state, describing the initiative as a vital step towards preserving Edo’s rich cultural heritage for future generations.
Idahosa gave the assurance on Tuesday when he received members of the Edo Music Elders Forum during a courtesy visit to the Government House in Benin City.
The deputy governor commended the forum for taking proactive steps to preserve the legacies of veteran musicians whose works helped shape Edo’s vibrant music industry and projected the state’s cultural identity beyond Nigeria’s borders.
Idahosa noted that music remains a powerful tool for cultural preservation, social cohesion and economic development, stressing that recognizing the achievements of past icons would inspire younger generations of artists to uphold excellence and creativity.
Idahosa also assured the delegation that the state government would liaise with the management of the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub regarding the forum’s request to use the facility for its planned remembrance event scheduled for August 28, subject to the venue’s availability.
He further pledged his personal support for the programme, expressing his willingness to attend the event. The deputy governor added that should official engagements prevent his attendance, he would ensure the state government was represented.
According to him, the Edo State Government remains committed to promoting arts, culture and the creative industry as part of broader efforts to preserve the state’s history and create opportunities for cultural tourism and youth development.
Earlier, Chairman of the Edo Music Elders Forum, Roland Igbinigie, popularly known as “Akaba Man,” said the visit was aimed at seeking government support for the forum’s initiative to establish an annual remembrance programme in honour of deceased Edo music legends.
He explained that the maiden edition of the event would pay tribute to the late Sir Victor Uwaifo, alongside other renowned musicians from Edo State whose contributions helped shape Nigeria’s music landscape.
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Igbinigie appealed to the state government to approve the use of the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub as the venue for the inaugural event, describing the facility as a fitting location to celebrate one of Nigeria’s greatest cultural icons.
He said the remembrance programme would not only honor the achievements of departed musicians but also educate young people about the history of Edo music, encourage cultural continuity and inspire emerging artists to build on the foundations laid by earlier generations.
The forum also expressed optimism that the initiative would become an annual cultural event capable of attracting music enthusiasts, researchers, tourists and creative professionals to Edo State.
Sir Victor Uwaifo, one of the personalities to be honored, remains one of Nigeria’s most celebrated musicians and cultural ambassadors. Best known for his timeless hit “Joromi,” Uwaifo enjoyed a career spanning more than five decades as a musician, songwriter, sculptor, academic and inventor. He was widely recognized for blending traditional Benin sounds with modern musical styles, earning international acclaim for his innovative contributions to African music.
Beyond his musical achievements, Uwaifo served as a university lecturer and held several cultural and public service positions, playing a significant role in promoting Nigeria’s creative industry. The Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, named in his honor, was established to nurture young talents, preserve Edo’s artistic heritage and support the growth of the state’s creative economy.
Cultural stakeholders have increasingly advocated greater recognition for veteran entertainers whose works helped lay the foundation for Nigeria’s globally acclaimed music industry. Observers believe initiatives such as the proposed remembrance programme will help document the contributions of pioneering artists while ensuring their legacies remain relevant for future generations.
The planned event is expected to feature tributes, live musical performances, exhibitions and storytelling sessions celebrating the lives and achievements of Edo’s late music icons, reinforcing the state’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s foremost centres of arts, culture and entertainment.
NAN
