By Dapo Akinrefon

LAGOS — CONVENER of the Pan-Afrikan Drum Festival in Canada, Prince Segun Akanni, has concluded plans with Canadian authorities to organise the 2025 edition of the Pan-African Drum Festival.

Akanni, Founder of Julicare Foundation, Prince Julius Ojo; and Mr David Oyedele paid a strategic visit to the Nigerian High Commission in Ottawa, Canada, to make the event achievable.

A statement said the team was warmly received and guided to the Head of the mission by the Minister Counsellor/Head Of Chancery, Ms Rose Yakowa.

The Ambassador, Abba Zanna-Kawu, Charge’ D’ Affaires ai, alongside another senior minister at the Commission, Mrs Joy Adeniran, Minister, Political, and Consular hosted the delegation for a meaningful and productive meeting that lasted for about an hour.

The statement said: “The purpose of the visit was to brief the mission on the upcoming 2025 Pan-Afrikan Drum Festival scheduled to hold on July 25 and 26, and to seek the Commission’s support in promoting the cultural event, particularly among Nigerians in the diaspora.

“During the meeting, Ambassador Abba, an experienced diplomat with several years of service in the Nigeria Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed strong support for the festival, applauding the vision and dedication of the organisers.

“He described the Pan-African Drum Festival as a significant cultural initiative that not only celebrates African heritage but also helps to uplift the image of Nigerians living abroad, especially those in Canada.

“The ambassador also assured the delegation of the High Commission’s full support for the event and emphasised the importance of staying in touch to ensure continued collaboration.

“The grand-finale of the event will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Emerald Banquet Hall, 55 Guided Ct, Etobicoke, Ontario, M9V5G2 Canada, while the Investment Forum and Youth Empowerment hold in the City of Brampton on Friday, July 25th.”

“He commended our efforts and shared several insightful ideas and suggestions on how to make the 2025 edition event more colorful and impactful. We are encouraged by the warmth, hospitality, and fatherly advice we received from the ambassador and other officials present.”