The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah, on Sunday underscored the need to collectively facilitate growth in the Entertainment sector to serve as a means to project the image of the state.

He noted that as a state, there is an obligation to nurture and package growing talents beyond the shores of Bayelsa.

The Deputy Governor stated this during the launching of Asu Ekiye’s new album titled “SEIYO” at the Dr. Gabriel Okara Cultural Center in Yenagoa, the state capital.

He also congratulated Asu Ekiye, who has crossed continents to project the Niger Delta region, stressing a collaboration that would take the state to a new level.

Also celebrating with the gospel music icon on his birthday, the Deputy Governor acknowledged the trying moments he underwent in his life, charging the people of the state to never relent in supporting and encouraging a brother striving to excel at any point.

His words: “We have a duty to package all these talents that we have and project them collectively beyond our chores to make people respect us and refer to us whenever the need arise.

“I want to congratulate him for his birthday and for the very touching testimony, it is something all of us need to learn from.

“Together we shall collectively take Bayelsa to the next level of life. As a state we have the duty to collectively encourage anyone that has made it to this point.

Earlier in a remark, Asu Ekiye, who is also the Special adviser to the Bayelsa State Governor on Entertainment and Culture expressed appreciation to the people of the state for coming out en masse to celebrate and launch his new album titled “SEIYO”.

The Bayelsa-born award-winning gospel musician, who had never released a song in the state before now, got his audience dancing and cheering for more as he performed his new hit.

He said SEIYO, which is loved by his mother is divided into two categories: worship and praise to satisfy his fans in all ramifications.

Having four musical albums to his credit, the gospel artiste disclosed that, most of his songs were inspired from his life experience.

Highlights of the programme were performances by gospel music artistes like Elder Dempster, Agulata Bezi and Irene, as well as stand-up comedy by MC A.J, and MC Okpeke.

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