Culture

Adamawa’s new emirates: a pathway to cultural revival and development

Published

2 years ago

January 8, 2025

Adamawa State’s seven new emirates hold potential for cultural and economic growth. Success depends on strong execution and preservation efforts.

The recent creation of seven new emirates and chiefdoms by Adamawa State Governor, Rt Hon Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has sparked widespread excitement and debate.

This landmark decision has the potential to usher in a new era of cultural and local development. However, the ultimate success of this initiative will hinge on careful planning and a steadfast commitment to cultural preservation.

Rooting the Monarchies in Tradition

For these traditional institutions to thrive, their cultural foundations must be firmly established. Coronations and other ceremonies should reflect the distinct identity and values of the communities they represent.

By grounding these events in local traditions, the new emirates and chiefdoms can forge a stronger connection with their people while preserving Adamawa’s rich cultural heritage.

Ensuring Succession Clarity

A well-defined and transparent succession plan is critical to the stability of these institutions. Whether leadership transitions are hereditary or rotational among clans, the process must be clearly outlined to prevent disputes and ensure seamless power transitions. Such clarity will help maintain the integrity and functionality of the leadership structures.

Annual International Cultural Days

To further cultural appreciation and boost economic growth, each emirate and chiefdom should host an annual “International Cultural Day.”

These events would serve as a platform for showcasing the region’s diverse traditions, crafts, and history, attracting tourism and fostering global cultural exchanges.

Establishing Cultural Museums

Cultural museums within each emirate would act as vital repositories of history and heritage. They could house invaluable artefacts and documents, ensuring the preservation of Adamawa’s legacy for future generations while also serving as educational hubs for locals and tourists alike.

A Vision for Sustainable Development

The establishment of these new emirates and chiefdoms presents significant opportunities for local development and cultural revival.

To maximise this potential, careful planning and a commitment to cultural preservation are essential. If implemented effectively, these institutions can drive social and economic progress, promote unity, and shine as symbols of Adamawa’s rich heritage.

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

2 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.”