Culture

Edo Carnival: Youths Commend Okpebholo and Call for Future Expansion

Published

5 months ago

April 22, 2026

Edo Carnival prize disbursement earns praise for Governor Okpebholo as youths applaud support for cultural creativity and talent

Youths in Edo State have commended Governor Monday Okpebholo following the successful disbursement of prizes for the 2025 Edo Carnival, held in Benin City, describing the development as a positive shift in support for cultural and creative initiatives.

Also read: Lagos Fanti Carnival Draws Massive Crowd in Colourful Show

Release of Edo Carnival Prize Funds, overseen during a ceremony supported by the state government and organised by Peak Rendezvous, has been widely welcomed after earlier concerns and online criticism surrounding the event’s management.

Many participants said the payment of winnings restored confidence in the initiative and reinforced their belief in the carnival as a credible platform for youth empowerment and cultural expression.

Co-convener Hon. Daniel Eromosele clarified during the event that the Edo State Government was a supporting partner rather than the main organiser, explaining that Peak Rendezvous led the planning and execution of the carnival.

He noted that misunderstandings about the event’s structure had contributed to public confusion.

He also emphasised that the carnival was designed not only as a competition but as a vibrant platform to showcase Edo State’s cultural heritage, promote unity, and provide opportunities for young creatives.

Following the resolution of earlier concerns, beneficiaries expressed relief and satisfaction, with many describing the prize payment as a powerful reassurance of the programme’s integrity and long-term value.

Also read: Edo Carnival 2025 Celebration Sparks Unforgettable Cultural Festivities Across Edo

Organisers have now indicated plans to expand future editions, promising improved structure and broader participation, a move many youths say signals renewed commitment to sustaining cultural development in the 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.”