Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Wednesday announced the revival of the Drum Festival, a flagship cultural event first introduced by former Governor Senator Ibikunle Amosun. Now rebranded as the Gateway Afrobeat Drum Festival, the event is set to be a highlight of the State’s 2026 cultural and economic calendar.
Speaking during the presentation of the 2026 Appropriation Bill before the Ogun State House of Assembly, Governor Abiodun said the festival would be reinstated as a grand cultural celebration aimed at promoting creativity, engaging the youth, and boosting tourism-driven economic activities.
“The Gateway Afrobeat Drum Festival will showcase our heritage, inspire creativity, and stimulate economic opportunities for our people,” he said.
He added that the festival would also serve as a major rallying point for cultural expression, local enterprise support, and job creation.
Abiodun noted that the festival remains a critical cultural asset capable of driving investment, attracting visitors, and positioning Ogun State as a leading hub for African rhythm and artistic innovation.
According to the Governor, the 2026 edition will also form part of activities marking Ogun State’s 50th Anniversary, which he described as a defining milestone for reflection, unity, and long-term development visioning.
“The Golden Jubilee celebrations will include cultural showcases, educational programmes, and community initiatives aimed at strengthening social cohesion across the State and its diaspora communities,” he said.
Beyond cultural revival, Abiodun used the budget presentation to outline a sweeping list of key capital projects earmarked for 2026. “Top on the list is the construction of 450 kilometres of urban and rural roads, expansion of the Ogun Light-Up power project, and the upgrading of schools, technical workshops, and healthcare facilities across the State,” he stated.
Other major projects include the construction of agro-processing centres, renovation of State hospitals, procurement of medical equipment for the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, and the upgrade of primary healthcare centres.
On housing and infrastructure, Abiodun announced plans for 3,000 additional units of affordable housing, development of Ibara GRA Phase II, continuation of work on the Gateway International Airport, and the construction of a world-class Conference, Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Additional projects include a Revenue House for OGIRS, a 2,500-seater State Banquet Hall, and upgrades to the Governor’s Lodges in Abuja and Abeokuta.
“The 2026 agenda is designed to promote cultural pride, economic growth, and social cohesion across the State and its diaspora communities,” Abiodun concluded.
