Culture

Creative economy: Ogun, FG sign MoU to boost tourism and cultural projects

Published

1 year ago

June 11, 2025

The Federal Government and Ogun State have signed an MoU to boost Nigeria’s creative economy, establish a cultural village, and promote youth empowerment through tourism and heritage

Creative economy advancement has taken a decisive step forward as the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ogun State Government.

Also read: Ogun Governor Dapo Abiodun pledges transformation of Olumo Rock into top tourism destination

The agreement, sealed on Monday by Governor Dapo Abiodun and Minister Hannatu Musawa, is designed to implement strategic cultural and creative projects across the state.

The MoU will see the establishment of a Renewed Hope Cultural Village, the preservation of historical landmarks, capacity-building programmes for young creatives, and the promotion of economic empowerment through culture and tourism.

Governor Abiodun hailed the agreement as a bold stride towards repositioning Ogun State as a leading hub for cultural tourism and creative enterprise.

“Tourism provides employment opportunities by keeping people engaged. Culture, on the other hand, unites our people,” he said.

He emphasised the state’s investment in infrastructure to support tourism and highlighted major events such as Orona Day, Lisabi Day, Remo Day, and the globally acclaimed Ojude Oba Festival as vital assets in the tourism ecosystem.

“Our people are naturally creative but often lack the platform to express their talents,” Abiodun added. “We are witnessing a reawakening of identity and pride in our roots. With increased interest from young people, we want to use tourism as a platform to project our state even further.”

The governor also referenced ongoing work to rehabilitate key heritage sites, including Olumo Rock, Centenary Hall, and Nigeria’s first church and Bible, which he described as national treasures with international appeal.

Minister Musawa, representing the Federal Government, reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s directive to collaborate directly with states to revitalise Nigeria’s diverse cultural landscape.

“Mr President earlier this year announced a plan for the federal government to do a handshake with the states. This MoU is that handshake — one aimed at building a sustainable cultural economy and boosting job creation,” she said.

Under the Renewed Hope Initiative, states will identify their cultural priorities while the Federal Government offers strategic backing. Musawa noted that Ogun’s rich legacy and historical landmarks uniquely position it to lead this new era of cultural revival.

Also read: Ogun to establish art gallery at Olumo Rock in partnership with Nike Art Gallery

The Renewed Hope Cultural and Creative Project is one of the key pillars of Tinubu’s vision to harness Nigeria’s soft power—through arts, music, heritage, and tourism—as a cornerstone of national development.

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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.”