Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Wednesday announced the return of the Drum Festival, a flagship cultural event introduced by former administration of Senator Ibikubnle Amosun.

Now tagged ‘Gateway Afrobeat Drum Festival’, the festival was unveiled as part of activities lined up for the State’s 2026 cultural and economic calendar.

Nigeria Drum Festival was introduced in 2016 by Amosun and was an annual cultural even until 2019 when Amosun exited power in the State.

The festival which was introduced to preserve the African culture and rebrand Ogun State as a cultural capital, was later renamed ‘African Drums Festival’ with participants from major African countries.

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 to promote the State’s creative energy, strengthen youth engagement, and boost tourism-driven economic activities.

He 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 serve as a major rallying point for cultural expression, local enterprise support, and job creation.

“The Gateway Afrobeat Drum Festival will showcase our heritage, inspire creativity, and stimulate economic opportunities for our people,” he said.

Abiodun added that the festival 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, he noted, will include cultural showcases, educational programmes, and community initiatives aimed at strengthening social cohesion across the State and its diaspora communities.

Beyond cultural revival, the Governor 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.

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 (CCEC).

The State will also embark on building a State Pavilion, upgrading the stadia in Sagamu, Ijebu-Ode and Ilaro, and providing a take-off grant for the new Federal Court of Appeal Complex in Abeokuta.

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.