Culture

Dapo Abiodun Urges Unity for Ilisan-Remo Development

Published

11 months ago

October 5, 2025

Dapo Abiodun Ilisan-Remo unity call highlights tourism and cultural heritage as vital for community empowerment and sustainable development

Dapo Abiodun Ilisan-Remo unity call resonated strongly on Saturday as the Ogun State Governor urged indigenes to embrace togetherness and self-help in transforming the town’s cultural and economic landscape.

Also read: Yoruba Culture Preservation Award Honours Olowu in Unforgettable Ceremony

Speaking at the 48th Isanbi Day and Homecoming Week in Ilisan-Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area, Governor Abiodun described unity and cultural preservation as vital tools for empowerment, investment, and sustainable development.

Represented by his deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, the governor said the annual celebration exemplifies the spirit of communal love and peaceful coexistence that defines Ilisan-Remo people.

He congratulated the Olofin of Ilisan-Remo, Oba Michael Sonuga, for sustaining the cherished heritage of the ancient town and hailed the festival as a “special homecoming” for his wife, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, a proud daughter of Ilisan.

“Every community that has thrived did so because its people worked together for the common good, and Ilisan-Remo is a shining example of that truth,” Abiodun said.

Highlighting ongoing state initiatives, he noted that projects such as the Ilishan–Ilara–Akaka–Ode Remo Road reconstruction and the Gateway Agro-Cargo International Airport are strategically opening up access to commerce, tourism, and opportunities for residents.

The governor praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said is restoring faith in the nation through reforms in the economy, infrastructure, and food security.

He also commended First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for championing women-focused empowerment programmes.

Represented at the event by Mrs. Temitope Adeola, wife of Senator Solomon Adeola, the First Lady lauded the people of Ilisan for preserving their cultural identity and applauded Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun’s consistent support for women’s development.

In her goodwill message, Mrs. Abiodun congratulated the monarch and indigenes on the 48th Isanbi Day anniversary, calling for deeper love, peace, and continued progress in the community.

Delivering his royal address, Oba Sonuga charged the people to sustain unity, stressing that “no community develops in an atmosphere of division.”

Also addressing the gathering, Aare Wemmy Olumide Osude, Chairman of the Ilisan Development Association, reminded residents that the future of Ilisan rests on their shared resolve to promote justice, tolerance, and equity.

The colourful event drew dignitaries from across the South-West, including the First Ladies of Lagos, Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, and Imo states, as well as prominent political figures and cultural advocates.

The Dapo Abiodun Ilisan-Remo unity call underscored the governor’s broader message — that cultural pride, cooperation, and local initiative remain the cornerstones of community progress in Ogun State.

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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.”