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WALIYAH, a banker and daughter of the late African Pillar of Sports, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, was the cynosure of all eyes at the opening of the Nigerian Hospitality House (Nigeria House), at the Theatre Royal in Stratford, East London yesterday when she led her music band to thrill a gathering of her compatriots.
The cultural fiesta to kickstart the country’s campaign at the London 2012 was declared open by Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr Dalhatu Tafida.
An initiative of the Bank of Industry (BOI) and the Nigerian Olympic Committee, NOC, the opening ceremony of the three-week cultural showpiece featured a live performance by Waliyah, who works with investment banking giant, JP Morgan. Four new talents also thrilled the audience at the event.
Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, is also lined up to showcase the country’s culture later in the month with the performance of his play, The Lion and the Jewel.
Others to bring Nigeria’s cultural heritage to the forefront at the sporting showpiece include award winning Nigerian artistes, TuFace; King Sunny Ade and Seun Kuti and his Egypt 80 Band. TuFace will perform tonight with Abiola’s daughter and other artistes.
Asa, Tony Allen and Dele Sosinmi and the Nigerian Diaspora All Star Band will also feature. Also billed to be showcased are the works of award winning author, Seffi Attah (Naming Ceremony ) and Fred Agbeyegbe’s play, The King Must Dance Naked.
Guests at yesterday’s ceremony included the chief executive officer of the Bank of Industry, Ms Evelyn Oputu; as well as Nollywood actors Olu Jacobs, Joke Silva and Segun Arinze.
