The Smiling Coast of Africa, Gambia and the Giant of Africa, Nigeria, literally aligned recently as Lagos SWAN (Sports Writers Association of Nigeria) and AIPS (International Sports Press Association) unveiled this year’s International Diplomacy and Diversity on Food, Drinks, Music, Culture, Arts, Fashion and Dance fiesta.
The event, held at the Goldview Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, was in partnership with the Office of the President of Gambia, UNESCO, Pan African American Chamber of Commerce (PAACC), Sabre, UNDP, NBC, CarolKing Media Ltd (CML), Indomie Noodles, MOL, Gala, National Council for Arts and Culture, SWAN water.
Chief Host and first female chairman of Lagos SWAN (Sports Writer Association of Nigeria) and head, Foreign Relations of Pan African American Chamber of Commerce, Amb. Olatutu Oladunni, said one of the primary objectives of the now annual event was ‘to preserve cultural heritage.’
“Partnership and collaboration on this beautiful cultural initiative will enhance the artistic innovations behind the initiative; it will add hope, values to culture sustainability and livelihood of culture heritage and of course boost creative economy in a better manner,” she stated.
Notably, Global Diplomatic Cultural Awards were conferred on the Gambian High Commissioner to Nigeria and Permanent Representative to ECOWAS, HE Amb. Mohamadou Musa Njie, who is also Special Guest of Honour; His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Eitan Ogunnwusi; Chairman American Aviation Technology Company (SABRE) West /Central Africa, Dr Gabriel Olowo, and late Afro-beat legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s first daughter and Yeni Kuti.
DCP Nwogu Martins who represented AIG Adegoke Fayoade was also decorated on his behalf.
Delivering his keynote speech, Amb. Njie stole the show when he told the audience that part of the assimilation strategy he adopted on arriving Nigeria with its diverse and vibrant cultures was to wear Yoruba Attires on Monday, Igbo on Tuesday and Hausa on Wednesday before Gambian on Thursdays and Fridays.
Paying huge tribute to the Nigeria’s Afro-beat industry, Njie stated: “I am passionate about projecting our African culture. It is no secret that our continent is rich in cultural diversity and this can consistently boost trade and tourism.”
