FORMER Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Ladan Salihu, has described the late Adamu Wayya, popularly known as Danmaraya Jos, as a symbol of ‘peace and unity.’
Speaking at the maiden memorial lecture organised by the Danmaraya Jos Foundation on Thursday in Jos, Salihu said that the lifestyle of the late musician should be emulated by all.
Delivering the memorial lecture was tagged ‘The Holistic and Viable Development of the Culture, Tourism and Hospitality Industry in Plateau,’ Salihu described the deceased as a philosopher, poet, philanthropist and a patriotic personality who can do anything for the unity of Nigeria.
According to Salihu, if all Nigerians would emulate the accommodating virtues of the late Danmaraya, the country would be a peaceful and united entity.
“Danmaraya Jos was a man who embraced everybody devoid of religious or cultural inclinations. He was a symbol of unity and can do anything to promote the peace, growth and development of Nigeria. If people will carefully listen and digest the philosophical songs of the late icon, all the challenges we are facing as a country will not have arise,” he said.
He further stated that “the issue of restructuring and injustice that people are clamouring for, and even the hate speeches emanating from the various quarters will not be experienced.
“So, I call on all Nigerians to emulate the peaceful virtue of Danmaraya Jos so as to make our society a virile one.” Earlier, Plateau Commissioner for Tourism, Culture and Hospitality, Mr Peter Mwankon, said the late musical icon had promoted the culture and tourism through music.
“Danmaraya Jos stood for everything, an international icon of peace and unity that remained a driving force for the promotion of indigenous arts and culture,” he said.
The late music icon died on June 20, 2015 in Bukuru, near Jos in Plateau, at the age of 71.