The Management of Oodua News Newspaper, Ibadan, has honoured the Sikiru Ayinde Barrister Musical Festival Forum (BarryFest) with the prestigious BarryFest Global Excellence Award in recognition of the forum’s unwavering commitment to promoting Yoruba cultural heritage and preserving the enduring legacy of the late Fuji music icon, Chief Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister (MFR).
The award was presented to the Chairman of the Forum, Alhaji Laide Kamorudeen Olawumi, FCA, during a colourful ceremony held at the office of Aryfad Travels and Tours Limited in the Adamasingba area of Ibadan.
Receiving the award, Alhaji Olawumi expressed profound appreciation to the management and editorial board of Oodua News for recognizing the contributions of the forum towards sustaining the ideals and rich musical heritage of the legendary Fuji pioneer.
He described the honour as a source of encouragement and a renewed motivation to continue promoting the cultural values and philosophy championed by the late music icon.
Speaking on behalf of the executive management, members and stakeholders of BarryFest, Olawumi said the recognition reflected the growing appreciation for efforts aimed at preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
“We are deeply honoured by this recognition. It is gratifying to know that the modest contributions and sacrifices of our Forum in sustaining the ideals, philosophy and rich musical heritage of the legendary Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister have been noticed and appreciated by a respected media organisation such as Oodua News,” he said.
He noted that since its establishment, the forum has remained committed to preserving, promoting and projecting the legacy of Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister for present and future generations through several landmark initiatives.
According to him, the forum has successfully organised BarryFest events, established the Fuji Hall of Fame, unveiled the monument of Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister at the National Museum of Unity, Ibadan, and embarked on other programmes designed to celebrate excellence and preserve the history of Fuji music.
Olawumi dedicated the award to Almighty Allah, the memory of the late Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, and all BarryFest stakeholders, supporters, partners and fans across Nigeria and the diaspora whose support, he said, had made the forum’s achievements possible.
He also assured that the organisation would continue to partner with Oodua News and other stakeholders to promote positive societal development through cultural preservation.
The BarryFest Chairman also used the occasion to urge journalists and media practitioners to remain objective and professional in the discharge of their responsibilities, stressing that the media occupies a strategic position as the Fourth Estate of the Realm.
He described Oodua News as a media organisation with an impeccable standard of journalism, noting that the award would further inspire the forum to do more in preserving Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.
Presenting the award, the Chairman of Aryfad Travels and Tours Limited, Chief (Dr.) Raymond Adeyinka Adewale, commended the BarryFest Forum for its remarkable dedication to preserving the legacy of Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister.
He described the recognition as well deserved and praised the forum for sustaining initiatives that continue to promote Fuji music and Yoruba cultural identity.
In his remarks, the Editor of Oodua News Newspaper, Comrade Richard Thomas, said the award presentation formed part of the organisation’s longstanding tradition of recognising individuals and organisations that have distinguished themselves through humanitarian service, cultural promotion and community development.
Comrade Thomas disclosed that the management of Oodua News had closely monitored the activities of BarryFest Forum over the years before deciding to honour the forum.
He explained that the award was in recognition of the forum’s outstanding commitment to promoting Yoruba cultural heritage and preserving the imperishable legacy of the late Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, widely regarded as the creator of Fuji music.
He urged the forum not to relent in its efforts, assuring members that greater recognition and rewards await individuals and organisations that remain committed to serving humanity and preserving cultural values.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Deputy Editor of Oodua News Newspaper, Mr. Bode Akinbode, reaffirmed the newspaper’s commitment to identifying and celebrating excellence across different sectors.
He stated that Oodua News was established about 25 years ago to promote the unity, culture and collective interests of the Yoruba people through responsible journalism and advocacy.
Akinbode noted that the newspaper, which publishes in both print and online formats, has continued to contribute significantly to the Nigerian media landscape.
He encouraged the BarryFest Forum to sustain its laudable efforts in preserving Yoruba cultural heritage and ensuring that the legacy of Chief Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister remains alive for generations to come.
The event attracted several dignitaries, including the Director of Production of Oodua News Newspaper, Mr. Banjo Adetoye, Mr. Wale Adewunmi, and other members and stakeholders of the organisation, who joined in celebrating the forum’s contributions to the preservation of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
