Culture

Culture, tourism will boost economy – says Ogun commissioner

Published

2 years ago

August 14, 2024

Culture, tourism will boost economy - says Ogun commissioner

The potential in Culture and Tourism is capable of reviving the economic prosperity of the country.

Ogun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Oluwasesan Fagbayi made this known while fielding questions from journalists at the just concluded Ekiti State Festival for Arts and Culture tagged, “EKIFEST 2024”, with the theme, ‘’Arts and Culture: A Tool for Shared Prosperity’’, at the Ekiti Parapo Pavalion, Ado Ekiti.

Hon. Fagbayi stated that dependency on oil and gas sector could no longer sustain the nation’s economy development, noting that tapping into the arts, culture and tourism would generate additional revenue that government needs to cater for the people.

Speaking on the presentations by the Ogun State Cultural Troupe at the event, Hon. Fagbayi said the Ministry would not relent in sensitising people on the need to harness, promote and utilise various arts, culture, and tourism products, adding that several mechanisms had been put in place to encourage foreign and private partnership in the tourism sector.

“At this event, people wore different kind of fake and adulterated Adire. They are not aware but we are. Ogun is the custodian of Adire. These days, people go to the market and buy cheaper fabrics, which are the adulterated ones. We will continue to sensitise them to patronise the original Adire fabrics”, he explained.

The Commissioner, who appreciated the unwavering support of Governor Dapo Abiodun in promoting and preserving the culture and traditions of the state, revealed that the proposed Gateway Festival would encompass the cultural activities of all the 20 local government areas, urging government at all levels and other stakeholders, to resuscitate cultural heritage and develop tourist sites to world standard.

In a related development, Hon. Fagbayi has said the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration is leaving no stone unturned in leveraging the economic gains inherent in the cultural sector.

The Commissioner dropped the hint, while participating at the 2024 Osun-Osogbo Festival in Osogbo, Osun state, noting that it was essential to ensure networking and collaboration with other states and stakeholders in the industry.

Fagbayi added that various traditional and religious festivals such as the Osun-Osogbo festival bring both local and international tourists together with a view of creating awareness for tourism in the international world.

Contributing, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Quudus Yusuff, decribed the festival as a large gathering of different cultures, both locally and internationally, saying the state’s participation was a way of showcasing its rich culture to the larger society.

On his part, Osun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Abiodun Ojo said the Osun-Osogbo is a UNESCO world festival that had increased the economic status of the state, and created cultural network between Osun and other states in the country.

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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.”