Culture

Edda Leaders Call for Peace at Vibrant New Yam Festival

Published

1 year ago

September 3, 2025

Edda leaders use the New Yam Festival to call for peace and unity, urging an end to attacks amid cultural celebration in Ebonyi State

Edda New Yam Festival served as more than a cultural celebration this year—it became a solemn call for peace, unity, and security in Ebonyi State.

Also read: Governor Soludo champions farming to address food security at Anambra’s new yam festival

The maiden edition of the Ike Ji (Edda New Yam Festival), held in Nguzu Edda, gathered prominent stakeholders who condemned recent acts of violence and renewed the community’s commitment to growth.

Amid the vibrant display of Eyighiya (maidens’ dance) and other traditional performances, leaders urged residents of Amasiri in Afikpo LGA to cease hostilities against the Edda people, noting that such unrest threatens the development strides being pursued under Governor Francis Nwifuru’s administration.

Former senator Chief Sonni Ogbuoji, who chaired the occasion, reminded attendees that the Edda people are known for peace and bravery, expressing concern over the recurring violence allegedly perpetrated by neighboring Amasiri indigenes.

“We are appealing to the state government to step in and ensure this kind of ugly incident does not happen again,” Ogbuoji stated.

Also addressing the gathering, Chairman of Edda Local Government Area, Hon. Chima Ekumankama, lamented the bloodshed in the region and called for the immediate deployment of more security forces, including police and soldiers, to halt further violence.

“It hurts me seriously when I see the blood of any Edda man in the community,” he said. “More security personnel is what I’m asking for to stop this senseless killing.”

Despite the concerns, Ekumankama emphasized the cultural significance of the *dda New Yam Festival, describing it as a platform to foster unity and usher in a new chapter of peace and prosperity for the people.

Community members and cultural enthusiasts who attended the festival praised its organization and reaffirmed their support for peace-building initiatives across Ebonyi South.

Also read: Obosi Monarch emphasises role of new yam festival in tourism, agriculture, security

As tensions simmer, the Edda clan’s call for reconciliation and security marks a hopeful step toward healing and development through culture, dialogue, and leadership.

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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.”