The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Mallam Isa Onilu, has challenged Nigerian musicians to focus on producing enduring songs that will outlive them and secure their place in the memories of future generations.
Onilu gave the charge during the unveiling of a monument erected in honour of the late Fuji music pioneer, Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, at the National Museum of Unity, Ibadan, according to a statement issued by the Secretary-General of BarryFest, Ademola Adesingbin.
The NOA boss said Barrister’s continued relevance nearly 16 years after his death underscored the value of creating music with lasting impact.
He praised the late musician for leaving behind what he described as a rich collection of timeless songs that have become his enduring legacy.
Onilu also urged supporters of the Fuji legend to remain focused on preserving and promoting his contributions to Nigerian music rather than engaging in unnecessary disputes.
“If almost 16 years after his departure, Barrister still lives in the mind and body of lovers of good, philosophical songs, it is a waste of energy joining issue with any group.
“They are already exhausted when they realised Barrister is even more influential in death than they had imagined,” he said.
Also speaking, the Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun, said the state government had previously honoured Barrister with a posthumous award of excellence during activities marking the 50th anniversary.
He called on the late musician’s admirers to sustain efforts aimed at preserving and institutionalising his legacy.
The Curator and Zonal Director of the National Museum of Unity, Mrs Otuka Pamela Oriyomi, described the monument as a historic development for the institution.
According to her, the music icon became the first musician to have a monument erected within the museum premises since its establishment five decades ago.
She commended members of BarryFest for what she described as their unwavering commitment to keeping the musician’s memory alive.
Chairman of BarryFest, Alhaji Olaide Olawumi, said the monument was a reflection of Barrister’s enduring impact on Nigeria’s music industry and cultural history.
Describing the late Fuji icon as a trailblazer, Olawumi said, “He was a pioneer, an innovator, and a visionary whose contributions transformed Nigerian music and elevated Fuji Music to international recognition.”
The monument was unveiled on Wednesday at the National Museum of Unity, Ibadan, as part of efforts by Barrister’s admirers to immortalise the musician and celebrate his contributions to the growth of Fuji music in Nigeria.
