Culture

Adamawa Traditional Institution Rebrands to Reflect Native Identity

Published

12 months ago

October 11, 2025

Nungura Traditional Council replaces Lunguda Council in Adamawa, adopting a name rooted in local identity and cultural heritage

Nungura Traditional Council has officially replaced the Lunguda Traditional Council in Guyuk Local Government Area of Adamawa State following a formal name change approved through a sworn affidavit.

Also read: Tinubu Hails Traditional Institutions at Olubadan Coronation

The development, finalised at the Adamawa State High Court, confirms that the traditional institution will now be recognised as the Nungura Traditional Council in all official and cultural dealings.

According to the affidavit, the change from “Lunguda” to “Nungura” reflects the people’s preferred cultural identity, marking a deliberate step away from what is described as a colonial-era designation.

The name “Nungura” is derived from Nungiraba, a phrase meaning “people who are very close to one another,” capturing the community’s sense of unity and shared heritage.

Officials noted that the old name, “Lunguda,” did not align with the authentic linguistic and ethnic expression of the people, whose dialect clusters include Gwaanda, Cerii, and Deele.

Community leaders and cultural advocates have welcomed the transition, viewing it as a powerful reaffirmation of indigenous identity for a people numbering over a million.

Also read: Idoma Area Traditional Council Denies Nullifying President Tinubu’s Title

The Nungura Traditional Council now stands as a symbol of cultural pride and linguistic reclamation, reflecting a growing movement across Nigeria to restore indigenous names and identities that predate colonial influence.

Up Next

Ooni of Ife Praises Ola Awakan’s Tourism Appointment

Don't Miss

Adamawa World Tourism Day sparks Cultural Revival

Click to comment

Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

1 month ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”