BENIN-CITY/Nigeria: Edo state government will name its newly-constructed creative hub after the late music icon, Prof. Victor Uwaifo.
This indication was given on Friday by Gov. Godwin Obaseki at the lying in state in honour of Uwaifo at the tennis court of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium facilities, Benin.
According to the governor, “The creative hub which is going to be commissioned in the second week of November this year has a multi million dollar sound system for use by artists.”
The governor, his wife, Besty, were among the dignitaries who attended the ceremony. Also in attendance were the Edo Deputy Governor, Mr Philip Shaibu, former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, the Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Mr Marcus Onobun, and Chief of Staff to the Edo Governor, Mr Osaigbovo Iyoha, and among others.
Earlier in his tribute, Obaseki said that the government and the people of Edo “mourn the death of our living legend, Prof. Victor Uwaifo”, saying “For us, the passing of Sir Victor Uwaifo marks the end of an era that produced some of the prolific artists from Edo.
“As a mark of honour to the late guitar boy, the government of Edo has decided that “our newly constructed creative hub will be named after Uwaifo.
The hub will promote creative hub in Edo. It has editing suites, it will incubate state-based group and artists, it will be used for life shows, it has studio for nollywood to come and rent for their productions.
“There will be spaces for artists in the developing acts. That is the least we can do for a man who changed the face of music in Nigeria. That is the least we can do for the man who composed the song, Joromi, that was the first song from Africa and from Nigeria to win a golden label as at the time it did.
“We will always remember Sir Victor Uwaifo for what he meant and what he represented. He represented Edo values which include hard work, creativity, and innovation.
“It is going to be very difficult for us to imagine our entertainment scene our music space without Sir Victor Uwaifo, May his soul rest in perfect peace,” he said.
Earlier in his homily, the Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Benin, Rev. Augustine Akubeze, described late Victor Uwaifo as a man who has worked hard in his chosen career and now he needs to rest from pains and sorrow.
