Culture

Anambra Day Cultural Carnival Celebrates Unity

Published

11 months ago

October 22, 2025

Anambra Day Cultural Carnival in Abuja celebrates unity, heritage, and cultural pride with music, dance, and community spirit

Anambra Day Cultural Carnival brought the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, to life as the Anambra State Town’s People Association (ASTPA) hosted the 2025 biennial celebration with colour, rhythm, and pride.

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This year’s theme, “Onulu Ube Nwanne Agbanaoso”—translated as “Do Not Hesitate to Rescue Your Brother in Times of Difficulty”—emphasised unity, mutual support, and cultural pride, which remain central to the spirit of Ndi Anambra.

The carnival featured traditional dances, masquerades, music, and native cuisine, offering a vivid display of the state’s cultural richness and tourism potential.

Guests enjoyed a lively atmosphere of heritage and shared identity that transcended ethnic boundaries.

According to Okoye Benjamin, Chairman of the Media Committee, and Charles Ekwuagana, Secretary of the Local Organising Committee, Ivemelumma na Nteje (Oyi) emerged as the overall winner, followed by Enugwu Agidi in second place and Awkuzu in third.

Other strong performers included Nteje, Achina, Nnewi, and Ezinifite, with Onitsha, Obosi, Ihiala, Ekwulobia, and Umueri completing the top ten.

Judges from the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) assessed towns based on punctuality, attendance, costumes, cultural performance, and overall organisation.

In his keynote speech, Senator Ben Obi, Chairman of the occasion, hailed the festival as a powerful reminder of shared values. “Unity is the foundation of a strong community and the essence of this year’s celebration,” he said.

Chief Simon Okeke (Ochendo), Father of the Day and former Police Service Commission Chairman, urged Ndi Anambra to continue promoting peace and brotherhood.

Chief (Mrs) Christy Uba, Mother of the Day, commended women’s strong participation, describing it as “a true reflection of Anambra’s communal spirit.”

Welcoming guests, Sir Arinze Anadu, President General of ASTPA, thanked the Anambra State Government for its continuous support and commitment to peace and development.

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The 2025 Anambra Day Cultural Carnival in Abuja stood as a powerful celebration of identity and resilience, reaffirming the unity, pride, and cultural strength of Ndi Anambra at home and abroad.

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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.

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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.”