Culture

Adamawa World Tourism Day sparks Cultural Revival

Published

11 months ago

October 10, 2025

Adamawa World Tourism Day celebration in Yola inspires Nigerians to adopt native names and preserve cultural heritage

Adamawa World Tourism Day celebrations lit up the streets of Yola on Saturday as residents staged a colourful procession calling on Nigerians to embrace their native names and preserve the nation’s rich cultural heritage.

Also read: Lagos World Tourism Day 2025 Celebrates Coastal Beauty

The capital city came alive with drumming, dancing, and dazzling displays of traditional fashion as cultural groups from across the state paraded through Yola’s streets in a vibrant show of unity and identity.

Participants from all 21 local government areas showcased their unique traditions — from music and crafts to costumes — representing diverse ethnic groups including the Fulani, Bachama, Igbo, Tiv, Margi, and Laka.

The procession began at the Total Flyover near Yola International Airport and wound its way through the city to the Unity Flyover and underpass near the Government House, transforming the route into a moving carnival of colour and rhythm.

Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, represented by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Aloysius Babadoke, said the event underscored his administration’s commitment to promoting peace, unity, and sustainable cultural growth through tourism.

“This year’s World Tourism Day theme, ‘Sustainable Transformation,’ aligns perfectly with Governor Fintiri’s transformation agenda,” Babadoke stated.

He added that hosting the event in Yola was a deliberate choice to highlight the state’s remarkable progress, from the Sukur Cultural Landscape Nigeria’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site to Kiri Dam in Shelleng and the scenic plains of Numan.

The commissioner praised Fintiri for his continued support of the annual event, noting that previous editions were held in Sukur and Shelleng before being brought to the state capital.

He stressed that beyond entertainment, the celebration served as a platform for promoting peace, unity, and investment opportunities.

Speaking to reporters after the performances, Chief Emmanuel Nwabueze Aneke, President General of the Igbo Cultural Union in Adamawa, urged Nigerians to reconnect with their heritage by embracing traditional names.

“On this World Tourism Day, I advocate that we use our native names—that’s why I added Nwabueze to my name. Everyone needs to return to their roots. We must embrace our heritage,” he said.

Also read: Akwa Ibom to host world tourism summit in September

The event turned Yola into a stunning tapestry of cultural expression, where music, dance, and tradition met tourism. It was, as many described, a powerful celebration of identity and a reminder of the beauty and diversity that define Adamawa State and Nigeria as a whole.

Up Next

Adamawa Traditional Institution Rebrands to Reflect Native Identity

Don't Miss

Yoruba Language Preservation Project Launches Brain Trust

Click to comment

Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

3 weeks 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.”