Gov Wike presents ‘Burna Boy’ with Rivers’ highest award
Gov Wike presents ‘Burna Boy’ with Rivers’ highest at a reception party organized in honor of the artiste for winning a Grammy award. The governor offers N10m each to artists who performed at the ceremony
Barr Nyeson Wike, the Rivers State Governor, has presented the Grammy Award winner, Damini Ogulu popularly known as ‘Burna Boy’ with one of the highest awards in the state.
The award is referred to as ‘‘Distinguished Service Star of Rivers State, DSSRS,” which happens to be the second-highest distinction in Rivers State Order and is given to individuals as a way of recognizing their exceptional service/performance in any field of human endeavour.
The Governor conferred the honour on the internationally acclaimed music icon who won the Best Global Music Album with his Twice As Tall album at the 63rd Grammy Awards at a grand reception organised by the State government for him in Port Harcourt.
The ceremony had guests from all walks of life in attendance, and the Governor said the honour seeks to show gratitude publicly to indigenes of Rivers State who have shown outstanding talent with their works and stand out head and shoulders above others in their endeavour.
The governor described the homecoming reception for Burna Boy, who comes from Ahoada West Local Government Area of the State as a moment full of joy for the State, also announced that the government will give him land in the Old Government Residential Area of Port Harcourt and give him money to build a house there.
“The Rivers State government will make available land at Old GRA for Burna Boy. Not only are we providing that, but in addition, we are also going to give him money to build for himself. We are going to do that for him as a means of encouragement to others, that if you get to this level, The government of Rivers state will promote you. We are pleased with you (Burna Boy), we are happy with your parents and for the support they gave you.”
Governor Wike expressed that the ceremony was one of the happiest days of his life and assured that his administration will ensure it promotes indigenes of the State like Burna Boy and others who make the State proud in any field of human endeavour.
“I will do what is necessary as a governor to encourage him (Burna Boy) and his parents and to encourage all our artists to know that the hour has come when we must look within; when we must come home. All of you may go to Abuja or go to Lagos, but home is home. Who would have thought in this life that an Ahoada man will win a Grammy? Who would have believed it? So, you have to be aware that this is God’s own state.”
The governor also commended Timaya, Duncan Mighty and other artists who attended the award ceremony in honour of Burna Boy and announced a gift of N10million each to all the artists that performed at the concert.
Burna Boy attended the ceremony with his parents, siblings, and crew, he expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Government and people of Rivers State for deeming him worthy of the award.
“I have gotten honors all over the world, but it feels different when you receive it from home. This is my most humble moment and I am grateful to each and every one of you. I am grateful to the best Governor I have ever experienced. I am not a fan of politics and politicians but this Governor has shown me that there is hope for the youths and there is hope for us.
“This award is not just for me but for all of you and the future Burna Boys. I love you Port Harcourt, everywhere I go, I take you with me.”
Mrs. Tonye Briggs Oniyide, the Rivers State Commissioner of Culture and Tourism, said that in the entertainment sector, being nominated for any honors platform is an indication that the artist has provided value through his hard work and dedication.
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