Culture

Anambra Boosts Tourism with New Infrastructure

Published

10 months ago

November 4, 2025

Anambra boosts tourism through Soludo’s infrastructure, better security, and renewed investment in cultural and recreational attractions

Anambra tourism development has gained strong momentum under Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration, driven by major investments in infrastructure, security, and cultural promotion.

Also read: Anambra Day Cultural Carnival Celebrates Unity

The Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, Mr. Don Onyenji, said the state government has prioritised new road networks, healthcare facilities, recreational centres, and improved security systems to support tourism growth.

Speaking in Awka while hosting members of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) Southeast zone, Onyenji noted that Soludo’s goal of transforming Anambra into a livable and prosperous smart mega city is becoming a reality.

He said the improved security situation has restored public confidence, citing the successful hosting of major cultural events such as the New Yam Festival and the Ofala Festival, which attracted large crowds of locals and visitors.

“People are now eager to visit again,” he said. “This shift shows how far the state has come in restoring peace and boosting tourism.”

Onyenji urged private-sector players to take an active role in guiding investors toward viable tourism projects. “We have several sites ready for development, including Agulu Lake, Ogbunike Cave, and Owelle-Ezukala Cave and Waterfall,” he added.

FTAN Southeast Vice President, Mr. Wilson Uche Ugwu, said their visit aimed to strengthen collaboration with the state government and identify new investment opportunities.

He explained that FTAN serves as the umbrella body for all private tourism associations in Nigeria and works closely with government agencies to promote sustainable tourism.

Ugwu dismissed claims that the Southeast lacks tourism traffic. “The Igbo people are among the most travelled in Africa and always return home for celebrations,” he said. “Our new zonal secretariat in Enugu will help build stronger partnerships across the region.”

He praised Governor Soludo for his “proactive leadership in cultural preservation and destination development” and called for full FTAN participation in state tourism programmes.

Also read: Anambra Man of the Year Awards celebrates 40 exceptional individuals in Awka

Other FTAN members present included Lady Uzo Ike, Mr. Obinna Okeke, and Ms. Ejiro Efenodu, all of whom expressed optimism about Anambra’s growing tourism prospects.

Related Topics:Anambra Featured FTAN infrastructure Soludo Tourism

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

1 week 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.

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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.”