By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr
Asaba, the Delta State capital, will come alive on August 1, 2026, as stakeholders in the entertainment, culture and youth development sectors converge for the maiden edition of the Afrobeat Cultural Festival, a unique event aimed at harnessing the power of music and culture to combat social vices, particularly drug abuse and addiction among young people.
The festival, organised by Gateway to Better Life Foundation Inc. in collaboration with DASH Foundation Inc., USA, and the Davido International Supporters Group (DIS-G), is themed, “Celebrating the Impact of Davido on African Music, Youth Culture and National Unity.”
According to a statement jointly signed by the Convener, Ambassador (Rev.) Chukwudi Eke, and the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Comrade Sam Ijeh, the event will take place at St. Patrick’s College, Nnebisi Road, Asaba, beginning at 12 noon.
The organisers said the festival is designed to leverage the popularity and influence of Afrobeat music as a platform for promoting positive values, discouraging drug abuse and supporting interventions for victims of substance addiction.
They explained that beyond celebrating African music and culture, the event seeks to raise public awareness on the dangers of drug abuse while advocating a safer, healthier and more productive society through youth-focused advocacy and community engagement.
The statement noted that the fan-driven cultural celebration, inspired by the legacy and global influence of Nigerian music superstar Davido, will feature a rich blend of cultural, educational and humanitarian activities.
Highlights of the festival include a Davido Legacy Recognition Session, colourful cultural parade, talent discovery showcase, youth empowerment programmes, anti-drug awareness campaign, live musical performances, community impact recognition awards and a free medical outreach for members of the public.
A major highlight of the event will be the unveiling of the Davido Legacy Book, a publication documenting the award-winning artiste’s contributions to African music, youth empowerment, humanitarian initiatives and the global entertainment industry.
The organisers disclosed that participants from the 25 Local Government Areas of Delta State, as well as music enthusiasts, youth groups, cultural organisations and guests from across Nigeria and beyond, are expected to attend the historic event.
They expressed optimism that the festival would become an annual platform for promoting African cultural heritage, inspiring young people and using entertainment as a catalyst for social transformation, national unity and community development.