Asagba Backs FESTAC Africa 2027, Calls For Continental Unity
Asagba of Asaba Advocates African Unity Ahead of FESTAC Africa 2027
Monarch Pledges Support for Continental Cultural Renaissance
THE Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, has called on African countries to embrace unity, stronger cultural cooperation, and deeper continental integration if Africa must attain lasting greatness and global relevance.
The revered monarch made the remarks while receiving a delegation from the FESTAC Africa Festival Team during a courtesy visit to his palace in Asaba.
Speaking during the meeting, the Asagba pledged his support for initiatives aimed at repositioning Africa culturally, economically, and socially, stressing that the continent must begin to take deliberate steps toward reclaiming its identity and strengthening solidarity among its people.
He lamented that Africa was still struggling to fully realise its vast potential despite its human and natural resources, adding that cultural diplomacy and people-to-people connections remained critical tools for continental advancement.
Monarch Highlights Importance of Cultural Identity
The monarch described culture as the defining essence of any people, insisting that African societies must preserve their traditions, histories, and collective memories.
According to him, cultural expressions remain powerful instruments for storytelling, identity preservation, and historical documentation.
He noted that communities must continue to tell their stories through culture, whether linked to marriages, burials, historical tragedies, or communal experiences.
The Asagba specifically referenced the 1967 Asaba massacre as part of historical narratives that should never be forgotten, stressing that culture provides a voice for communities and safeguards their heritage for future generations.
“Culture is also an instrument, a veritable one that can speak for the people and tell their story,” the monarch stated during the engagement.
Call for Better African Connectivity
The traditional ruler also identified poor connectivity among African countries as one of the major barriers limiting continental unity and integration.
He argued that movement, trade, communication, and collaboration across African borders must become easier if the continent hopes to achieve genuine unity.
According to him, Africa’s future prosperity would depend significantly on how effectively nations across the continent build bridges of cooperation beyond political boundaries.
The monarch commended organisers of FESTAC Africa for sustaining efforts aimed at reviving the spirit of African solidarity through art and culture.
He pledged to actively participate in FESTAC Africa 2027 activities expected to take place in Lagos and Asaba.
FESTAC Organisers Outline Vision for Africa
Earlier, Chairman of FESTAC Africa Festival, Yinka Abioye, said the initiative was designed to promote African unity and cultural rebirth through creative engagement.
He traced the historical roots of FESTAC to the 1966 World Festival of Negro Art in Senegal and the landmark FESTAC ’77 hosted by Nigeria.
According to him, the festival was created to strengthen the spirit of togetherness among African nations following the effects of colonialism and imperialism.
Abioye disclosed that after recent editions in Zanzibar, Eritrea, Tanzania, Kenya, and Ghana, the festival would return to Nigeria in 2027 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of FESTAC ’77.
He explained that Asaba and Lagos had been designated as host cities for the celebration.
Jibunoh Reflects on Africa’s Cultural Journey
Environmentalist and cultural advocate Newton Jibunoh also addressed the gathering, describing FESTAC Africa 2027 as an opportunity for Africans to reconnect with their history and cultural identity.
Jibunoh, popularly known as the “Desert Warrior,” recalled his involvement in FESTAC ’77 and warned against allowing the historic cultural movement to fade into obscurity.
He lamented the historical removal of African artefacts by colonial powers and called for renewed efforts to strengthen African consciousness and self-definition.
According to him, hosting Africa Day celebrations in Asaba marked a significant milestone in extending continental cultural conversations beyond Lagos and Abuja.
