Day musicians, dancers, comedians, thrilled guests at ‘Drumbeat’ launch

Left to Right- Prof Ayo Aruya of Grup Dicco, Spain, Commissioner for Higher Education, Delta State, Prof. Hope Eghagha, daughter of Drumbeat Publisher, Miss Gabrielle Ijorogu, Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Social Development, Mrs. Sarah Pane, Publisher of Drumbeat, Ms. Elsie Ijorogu-Reed, son of Brig. Gen. Dominic Oneya, Emmanuel Oneya, Chief James Egbedi, Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) factional Chairman Lagos, Don Pedro Agambi, Chief Mrs. Onokpasa, Former Member of the House of Representatives and Executive Secretary of Anti-Corruption Network Otunba Dino Melaye and actress Thelma Okhaz.

Niteshift Coliseum came alive last Saturday evening, May 3, 2014, when Deltawomen, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) unveiled Drumbeat to guests from all walks of life.

In fact, it will be difficult for guests at the event to forget the exciting experience they had that day as they were treated to scintillating performances from popular artistes such as: Essence, Exotic Dancers, Chawa Khalic, Bishop 101 and many others. There was no dull moment as comedians including Gordon the compere of the event, Don Leo, Samzy Fresh and Virgin Boy, among others, also entertained audience with rib cracking jokes.

Speaking at the launch, the founder of  Deltawomen (NGO) and the publisher of the magazine, Elsie Ijorogu-Reed, said, Drumbeat, a quarterly magazine which hit newsstand last Monday, May 5, 2014, contains informative, educative and entertaining sections including interviews, politics, tourism,  career guide and articles on relationships, health and living, fashion and beauty, entertainment and lifestyle and so on.

According to her, “One would think that today is an opportunity for me to stand up here before all of you and brag about myself, or about Deltawomen, and the achievements I have secured personally or at Deltawomen. One might think that this is a day to showcase myself. But, I will not do that. I choose to use today to give honour to God, my Lord without whose grace, I will not be here today!” she said.

In continuing, she stresses, “There is a saying that you cannot teach a person how to get out of Sokoto if you have never been to Sokoto. There have been lots of questions and rumours on why I do what I do. Some say that I am being sponsored by a gubernatorial aspirant. Some say that I want to go into politics or I am looking for a political appointment. I choose to use today talk about my passion: the reason why helping the poor is so passionate to my heart.”

Ijorogu-Reed told a story of what she went through when she got to the United States of America before she found her feet there and decided to use her resources to empower the less privileged in Nigeria.

“I want to stand up for women and girls like me. I want to be there for the many people that nurture hopes and dreams, but cannot immediately go through with them simply because of all the demands that poverty makes. I have one person to thank in my journey so far: and that is God. God made plenty possible for me, and will unhesitatingly make plenty possible for each of his children. All it takes is to believe in him, and to look in the right places.

“In my own little way, I have empowered hundreds of the less privileged and provided free medical eye tests, glasses and drugs to many people in Delta and Edo States. As we release Drumbeat magazine onto the newsstands and waiting hands of readers today, I hope many people will be informed, educated and entertained after reading it because it is inspiring, innovative, special and full of life changing stories. The magazine features both national and international articles.

“In the words of Benjamin Franklin, “Either do something worth writing or write something worth reading,” let us endeavour to impart our generation, especially at this period in our nation we are facing with the challenge of terrorism. We shall overcome!”

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Social Development, Mrs. Sarah Pane, said, “There are a lot to learn, millionaires can be made from the magazine because it will be an inspirational  magazine to the people. I really want to see a wide circulation of Drumbeat because it informational and an eye opener.”

The governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan eulogized Delta State’s illustrious daughter, Elsie, for publishing such informative magazine.

Represented by the Delta State Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Hope Eghagha, Uduaghan adds, “In  time like this, Nigerians needs to be informed, so there is no doubt that Drumbeat will play a significant role in informing and reporting factual news about issues in the country.”

Four people namely Anthonia Oguah, Olutosin Adebowale, Gabrielle Ijorogu and Rita Okoye received awards for their selfless service to people.

The colourful unveiling of Drumbeat, attracted many personalities such as: Orodje of Okpe kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Major General Mujakperuo (RTD), Chief Mrs. Onokpasa, Chief Dominic Oneya, Otunba Dino Melaye, Lanre Ogunkoya, Pastor S. A. Olatunji, Barr. Emuobenuvie Majemite representing Olorogun (Barr.) Fred Majemite and Prof. Ayo Aruya. Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) factional Chairman Lagos, Don Pedro Aganbi graced the occasion with three of his executives namely: Thelma Okhaz, Mike Okon, Chi White.