It was backslapping all through at the Ikeja’s office of Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), when news filtered in about Evangelist Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi’s appointment as Visiting Artiste/Emeritus Professor in the Department of English and Performing Arts of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago Iwoye. That called for commendation and celebration as the music icon is also Chairman of the COSON Advisory Council. Obey-Fabiyi pledged his commitment to the development of Performing Arts in the institution. Expectedly, COSON boss, Chief Tony Okoroji and General Manager, Mr. Chinedu Chukwuji were among the distinguished guests at the grand investiture.
At the event well-attended by government officials, royal fathers and bigwigs in the entertainment industry and education sector, Obey-Fabiyi expressed his gratitude to the university for the opportunity to serve and pledged his commitment to the development of performing arts in the institution.
Obey-Fabiyi said: “I regard this as a great honour that I will hold dear to my heart as a development which I believe, by God’s grace, will enrich the performing arts endeavour of this noble institution of excellence in higher learning. I hereby humbly accept the offer. May I assure the university authorities that as one of the legendary custodians of music in Africa and beyond, “I promise to bring to bear my age-long experience in this industry for the maximum benefits of the students in particular and the university in general. I am making a commitment to be available to offer any help as may be deemed necessary and as may be possible. I will give this appointment the same commitment and dedication I have always given to my musical career and evangelism to make it a success story.”
He also called on the university to establish a department of music, which will offer degree programmes for Nigerian and African youths as well as champion music research.
In his response, the university’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Saburi Adesanya said the university was honoured to have the music icon as a visiting artiste/emeritus professor at the institution. He also announced that a music archive in honour of the juju music icon would be established for academic purpose and on-going research in the humanities and field of music.
Chief Okoroji at the event paid glowing tribute to Evangelist Obey and expressed his gratitude to the institution for the honour given to the music icon: “I rejoice with my big brother and benefactor, Evangelist (Dr.) Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi on this great achievement,” he declared. “His works and contributions to the music industry in Nigeria and beyond have continued to distinguish him and I am certain that there is more to come for this great man.”
“I am in no doubt that the students and authorities of OOU will stand to gain richly from his wealth of knowledge and experience,” Okoroji stressed. “Evang. Obey-Fabiyi is a man who gives his all to any venture he is involved in. His fatherly advice and words of wisdom are just a few of the things the students can expect to tap from this distinguished music practitioner and visionary leader. I wish him God’s guidance and blessings in his service to humanity.”
COSON General Manager, Mr. Chinedu Chukwuji added his voice thus: “I commend the authorities of OOU for the opportunity given to the students to get hands-on experience from a distinguished music professional like Evangelist Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi. I congratulate the Chief Commander on this great recognition and I wish him the very best in his endeavours.”
High point of the event was the presentation of multi-million naira musical instruments to the department of English and Performing Arts by the Chief Commander. The audience was also treated to an electrifying performance by the music veteran and a special rendition of the celebrant’s hit songs by students of the department of English and Performing Arts.