Pomps and Celebrations as Jamaican High Commission Resonates Bob Marley, Reggae Music in Abuja

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By Tony Erha

Over the weekend, Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city and presidential seat of power, paid glowing tributes to Bob Marley, the late Jamaican philosopher, guitarist and megastar, in a heavily attended event that also reenacted in Nigeria, the official ‘Month of Reggae’ music.

Organised by the Jamaican High Commission, Abuja, under the guidance of His Excellency, Lincoln G. Downer, the Jamaican High Commissioner to Nigeria, the occasion was attended by the creme de la creme of the Nigerian society, including Ambassador Janet Olisa, who representated the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar.

*Jamaican High Commissioner, His Excellency, Lincoln Downer*

Also in attendance were the Ambassadors of Australia, Brazil, Burundi, Cuba (with her husband), Bangladesh, Kenya, Sierra Leone and Pakistan; Charge d’ Affaires of Ghana, and Trinidad and Tobago. The spouse and daughter of the British High Commissioner, also attended.

Prince Clem Agba, the immediate-past minister for Budget and National Planning, and Grand Patron of the Forum for African Renaissance and Reggae Revival (FA-R3), with his wife, Princess Catherine Agba, also graced the occasion. Prince Agba, a Reggae music enthusiast, had severally sponsored the FA-R3 to hold the annual Bob Marley’s memorial concerts in his home state of Edo.

*Prince Agba, with Mrs Downer, Wife of the Jamaican Ambassador*

Speaking at the occasion, held in the Capital Bar of Transcorps Hotel, a highbrow Abuja hotel, Mr. Downer, who was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Lucrecia Downer, recounted that Jamaica had gifted the world talented persons, warmth and attractions, particularly the Reggae genre of music, “which continues to inspire millions of persons around the world”

Regarding the late Bob Marley as “Jamaica’s musical icon and King of Reggae music”, H. E. Downer further hinted that the Government of Jamaica in 2008, declared the month of February as Reggae Month, to “highlight and celebrate the impact of Reggae music on the social, cultural and economic development” of the island.

Other guests at the occasion included: Ms. Uzo Oshogwe, CEO, Transcorp Hilton; Dr. Owen Omogiafo, Transcorp’s Group CEO; Mr. Dele Oye, Chairman, NACCIMA, Organised Private Sector; David and Ose Ibhawoh; Mr. Emeka Onyeokoro and Spouse; Rt. Hon. Yusuf Yakub, DG Nigeria Technical Aid Corps; Ambassador Zakari Usman; Dr. Maureen Tamuno, CEO, Abuja Investment Company; Dr. Gregoire Williams; Lindsay Barrett (the renowned essayist) and Wife; Mrs. Cheris Ige; Mrs. Aima Lijadu; Mr Osagie Ediale; Hon. Ganiyu Johnson; Makeda Solomon and Dennis Obeto, with his spouse.