By Lekan Adejuwon
The Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji yesterday, added another feather to his cap as he received the award of Grand Patron of Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Association of Nigeria, TAMPAN in recognition of his developmental strides in Ekiti State.
The carnival-like event which was a gathering of ‘who is who’ in the entertainment industry in the country was held to officially inaugurate the Ekiti State TAMPAN’s new executive.
Earlier, the Cathy Event Center Basiri, Ado Ekiti venue of the occasion was besieged by high powered government representatives led by the SSG Alhaja (Dr) Abibat Adubiaro and SSA to the Governor on Community Communications Mrs Mary Osho Omotosho as well as top aides.
Guest of honour and TAMPAN global President, Otunba Bolaji Amusan in his brief address extolled the governor of Ekiti State whom he described as the “Alubarika” Governor for his style of administration since he assumed office.
“I’m ardent follower of Governor Oyebanji as his good works can be seen and felt on ground. He started well by paying personal visits to all manners of people irrespective of their political affiliations to drive home the point that Ekiti is one and all hands must be on deck to develop the state.
“The fact that we have this retinue of government officials who jettisoned the high demands of the office to be here shows the high respect our Omoluabi Governor have for our association and we did not take this for granted”. He said.
He urged the newly inaugurated members of TAMPAN executive to use their talents in complimenting government giant strides through drama sketches and playlets as their social responsibility noting that these would help to boost government image before the public.
Amusan who made a passionate appeal to the governor on the need to give moral and financial support to the association lamented that though Ekiti State is blessed with an array of talented and award winning artistes, but the state is yet to host the annual TAMPAN’s festival.
Receiving the award on behalf of the Governor, the SSG, Alhaja Adubiaro thanked the association for the great honour bestowed on the Governor reiterated the governor’s commitment to the promotion of arts and culture as contained in his manifestos adding that the role of entertainment industry cannot be overemphasized in the society in the areas of entertainment and making people happy in the midst of frustration and stress.
She added that the office of the SSA to the Governor on Community Communications is capable to channel the demands of the association to the governor.
In a related development, the TAMPAN President while presenting the award of Best Community Communicator of the year appreciated Mrs Mary Osho for what he described as her “extreme humility” said; ” I observed that when you came to this auditorium, you appeared as a commoner and you did not exhibit any aura of pride or influence around you our governor has said so much about you and it is my belief that you are a round peg in a round hole for the good work you are doing for the governor as the link between the government and various communities on which this prestigious award is dedicated to.
“Because you identified with what we are doing today, I pray that God will honour you. We are proud to be associated with the government of Ekiti State. Thank you”
Hon Mary Osho in her response expressed her appreciation to TAMPAN for the award of recognition given to her in recognition of his modest service to the government of Ekiti State saying that her door is always open to members of the association at any time while pledging continuous givernment support to the association.
One of the highpoints of the epoch making event was the award of Best Local Government Chairman in Ekiti State given to Ajoni LCDA chairman Prince Michael Oluwadare Ogungbemi PMO for his outstanding performance in his council area
