0
Francis Onoiribholo
Edo State government has officially confirmed Chief Matthew Evbakor Oshodin, Chief Executive Officer of Surprise Pub and Cafe and Mr. Wilson Ehigiator also known as Akobe as Cultural Ambassadors of the state.
The recognition highlights their contributions to the promotion of arts, culture, and the creative economy in Edo State.
The confirmation was made through the State Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Christopher Okaeben, in his office in Benin.
Addressing Journalists after the their confirmations, Mr. Okaeben said that the state rewards those who through what they do, promote the rich and cultural heritage of the Edo people and that it has found such virtues in the persons of Oshodin and Ehigiator.
“Our little way of trying to appreciate great minds, who have the interest of Edo at heart, who is passionate about promoting our cultural opportunities in this state, is what we have just done, reminding them of coming to do more good, to fly the flag of Edo in a positive light.
“And these two great sons of Edo that we have just honoured today, more of these awards are going to be coming up.
“We have great hands also coming from Edo North, coming from Edo Central. So they can be efficiently and more empowered to begin to do more of those good jobs they are doing.
“For Matthew Oshodin, he has been so passionate about the cultural space, about performing artists, content creators.
“He has been in philanthropy in his own little way, trying to give back to society by encouraging young people. He is an employer of labour, and the staff strength he has today from all his expressions in the state, you don’t want to know.
“And so such a young man who is very passionate about promoting superstars and even promoting upcoming artists, this is the least we can do.
“Just to appreciate and honour him by ensuring we find him worthy to be one of our cultural ambassadors who can fly the flag, who can speak even louder than he is already speaking now, in making our cultural space more embracing, more enticing, and more enterprising for the younger ones who are into entrepreneurship.
“And for Akobe, I think he is going to use the mic positively in promoting and advancing the good works of the shining star governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo”, Okaeben said.
Speaking also, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Iryn Omorogiuwa said the confirmation of the award on Oshodin is to spur him to up his games and continue to do his best in promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Edo people.
“So he needs to continue to ensure that he ups his game. And when people come to Surprise Bar and all his other establishments, they have a wonderful experience.
“So the whole idea is for him to use that which God has blessed him with in business and in entrepreneurship to advance the cause of the Edo people, to promote our culture, to preserve our culture. And that is our mandate to him. So we wish him well in all his endeavours and the sky will be the limit”, Omorogiuwa said.
Speaking on the recognition, awardees Matthew Oshodin and Wilson Ehigiator described the occasion as a memorable milestone, noting that the honour would inspire them to continue contributing positively to the development and empowerment of Nigerian youths.
