From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
The annual Asa Day cultural celebration has been scheduled to hold in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, from October 3 to 8.
The event which is being organised by Asa Day Worldwide, in conjunction with the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Information and Culture, will witness the presence of the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; the Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Lawal, among others.
Speaking with Daily Sun after a preparatory meeting with the Minister of Information and Culture in Abuja, the President, Asa Day Worldwide, Prince Olaniyi Oyatoye, said the event which is held annually, is a cultural programme that began in Canada in 2018.
Oyatoye also said the 2022 edition which is organised in conjunction with the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Information and Culture, will coincide with the nation’s independence anniversary.
Oyatoye who is known as Baba Asa further said the 2022 Asa Day is another opportunity to raise awareness of Nigeria’s cultural heritage and how to secure “our society and our community” and also “to call Nigerians abroad to also see the reason why they need to come back home to invest and also see the reason for them to project their cultural heritage wherever they may be abroad.”
Read also: Plateau: Vwang community visits scene of herdsmen attack, count loses
“Because we believe that home is where they belong. Definitely, we are all from Nigeria and we should remember home wherever we are, to be good ambassadors of our country,” Oyatoye said.
Oyatoye added that the event will offer an opportunity to showcase Nigerian culture in Canada as the group will be establishing a cultural museum in Canada aimed at projecting the nation’s cultural artefacts to the community in Canada to see and know much about Nigeria’s culture.
Baba Asa disclosed that the event is an avenue to empower the youths through the nation’s cultural heritage.
Mohammed, while speaking during the meeting, welcomed the Committee of Asa Day 2022 in his office.
The minister commended the efforts of the group and appreciated them for projecting Nigeria’s culture across the globe.
Mohammed further said culture is one of the very great tools that government can use to create easy jobs, harmony and economic growth.
He assured the organisers of his support for this year’s Asa Day in Canada, even though it is in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture.
Mohammed encouraged Baba Asa and his team not to relent in their focus.