THE Ekiti State Standing Cultural Troupe has been described as a pan-Nigeria cultural team which employs traditional music and dance to add value to Nigeria’s image home and abroad.
The Nigeria Ambassador to Hungary, Dr Eniola Ajayi disclosed this while bidding the Ekiti State Standing Cultural Troupe goodbye at the Nigerian House, Budapest.
She revealed “I must confess that you are fantastic. You made Nigeria proud. You have shored up the image of Nigeria in Europe and also showcased to the world that Nigeria is not only the land of good people but of wonderful culture and songs.”
She said that the Nigeria Embassy in Hungary invited the Ekiti State Standing Cultural Troupe for the celebration of the 59th Independence Day of Nigeria based on its performance pedigree and “I am happy that you did not only lived up to expectation but performed awesomely well beyond our expectation”.
Ambassador Ajayi pointed out that the cultural troupe dazzled the foreign diplomats and guests with the Unity Dance, which showcased the import of collective responsibility, harmonious cohabitation, ethnic reinforcement and leveraging on diversity perception at building a strong Nigeria.
She lauded the group for not coming to Hungary only to spread the cultural heritage of Ekiti but showcased a pan- Nigeria musical concert which cultivated love, passion, interest and respect to the nation.
Ambassador Ajayi said that Ekiti State Standing Cultural Troupe put up spectacular and fascinating performances both on the 4th of October when the Embassy of Nigeria celebrated 59th Independence Day and on the 6th October when the Troupe held its exciting and grand Command performance.
Ambassador Ajayi lauded Ekiti State Governor, Dr John Kayode Fayemi and Erelu Bisi Fayemi for nurturing and empowering an Ekiti Cultural Troupe which is not only making waves on the global front but which is employing creative dancing and singing to shore up the image of Nigeria and cultivating respect and honour to Ekiti.
She commended the Director-General, Ekiti State Council for Arts and Culture, Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre and the Permanent Secretary of the Council, Alhaji Ganiyu Titilope Ibrahim for leading a disciplined Cultural Troupe which bears the hallmark of excellence.
Ambassador Ajayi said “Honesty, I am very proud of you. You are a cultural asset to Ekiti State and Nigeria. My colleagues have been calling me in appreciation of your performance. God bless you all. Bear my regards to Nigerians and good people of Ekiti State. Safe trip back home.”
