Culture

Culture Minister congratulates new Alaafin on coronation

Published

1 year ago

April 8, 2025

Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has sent her congratulations to the newly crowned Alaafin of Oyo

The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, has extended her congratulations to the newly coronated Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, on his ascension to the distinguished throne as the 46th Alaafin.

In her congratulatory message, the Minister acknowledged the profound significance of the coronation ceremony and the symbolic staff of office, which she described as representing the zenith of traditional leadership and the rich cultural heritage of Yorubaland.

Barrister Musawa offered prayers for wisdom and a long and prosperous reign for the new Alaafin.

“I send my warmest felicitations to His Majesty, the new Alaafin of Oyo, on his ascension to the revered throne,” the Minister stated.

“This significant milestone marks a new chapter in the rich cultural heritage of the Oyo Empire, and I am honoured to recognise the Alaafin’s esteemed position as a custodian of Yoruba traditions and values.”

The Minister further affirmed the Ministry’s commitment to collaboration. “We, at the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, pledge to support and collaborate with the Alaafin and the good people of Oyo State to promote Nigeria’s cultural diversity, preserve our historical legacy, and foster national unity.”

Barrister Musawa concluded her message by wishing the Alaafin good health, wisdom, and divine guidance as he commences his noble reign. She also expressed her anticipation for future collaboration aimed at advancing Nigeria’s cultural and creative industries.

“I wish the Alaafin good health, wisdom, and God’s guidance as he embarks on this noble journey, while looking forward to working together to advance our nation’s cultural and creative industries. Congratulations once again, Your Majesty,” Barrister Musawa conveyed.

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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.”