COSON celebrates with Ebenezer Obey on his appointment as University Don

Ebenezer Obey

Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) has commended music icon and Chairman of the COSON Advisory Council, Evangelist (Dr.) Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi on his recent appointment as Visiting Artiste/ Emeritus Professor in the Department of English and Performing Arts of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago Iwoye.

Chairman of COSON, Chief Tony Okoroji and General Manager, Mr. Chinedu Chukwuji were among the many who attended the grand investiture. Chief Okoroji at the event described the Chief Commander as a gift to the music community in Africa and beyond.

A statement sent to SHOWBIZPLUSng by COSON's head of new media, Maryee Uket, quoted Chief Okoroji saying, “I rejoice with my big brother and benefactor, Evangelist (Dr.) Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi on this great achievement. 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. 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.”

Also speaking, COSON GM, Mr. Chinedu Chukwuji said, “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 (Dr.) Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi. I congratulate Chief Commander on this great recognition and I wish him the very best in his endeavours.”

At the event well attended by a delegation from COSON, government officials, royal fathers and bigwigs of the entertainment industry and educational sector, Evangelist (Dr.) Obey-Fabiyi thanked the University for the opportunity to serve and pledged his commitment to the development of Performing Arts in the institution. He 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.”

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 ongoing research in the Humanities and field of music.

The new Emeritus Professor 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.

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 electric music 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.

Dignitaries present at the event include; Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, the Alake of Egbaland; Oba Adedapo Tejuosho, the Osile of Oke Ona, Egba; Oba Abdulrazaq Adenuga, the Ebumawe of Ago Iwoye, The Ogun State Commissioner of Education, Segun Odubela; Chief Tosin Oshinubi, the Seriki of Egba land; Orlando Julius; Ayanjesu; Prof. Y. K. Ajao; Prince Demola Dada; Prince Gabby Yar’adua; Barrister Dabiri; Senator Lekan Mustapha; Chief (Mrs.) Bola Obasanjo; Iyalode Alaba Lawanson; Otunba Jide Oshinubi; Dr. Banji Oyegbami amongst others.

The delegation from COSON included a member of the COSON Advisory Council, Mr. Laolu Akins and Ms. Mayree Uket, Head of New Media.