Culture

Edo NYSC camp explodes in colour at cultural carnival float

Published

1 year ago

May 12, 2025

The NYSC orientation camp in Okada, Edo State, was transformed into a vibrant spectacle as 2025 Batch ‘A’ Stream 1 corps members staged a dazzling cultural carnival float, celebrating Nigeria’s rich and diverse heritage

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) permanent orientation camp in Okada, Edo State, came alive on Saturday as the 2025 Batch ‘A’ Stream 1 corps members hosted a glamorous cultural carnival float.

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The event served as a vibrant testament to Nigeria’s rich tapestry of cultures and the spirit of unity in diversity among the young participants.

The carnival was a kaleidoscope of traditional costumes, captivating dances, and symbolic displays representing various ethnic groups from across the nation.

Corps members actively participated in inter-platoon exhibitions, proudly showcasing the unique cultural heritage of their respective backgrounds.

In her opening remarks, the NYSC State Coordinator, Dr Frances Ben-Ushie, lauded the corps members and camp officials for their enthusiastic participation and spirited engagement in the cultural showcase.

She also took the opportunity to encourage the young graduates to show respect for the customs and traditions of their host communities throughout their mandatory service year.

“The NYSC cultural carnival is not just about entertainment; it’s about learning, embracing one another, and promoting unity,” Dr Ben-Ushie emphasised. “This float is a reminder of the strength we derive from our diversity.”

The competitive element of the carnival saw Platoon 8 emerge victorious with a striking presentation of the iconic Benin Ikaba Festival. Platoon 10 secured second place with a respectful tribute to Hausa-Fulani traditions, while Platoon 4 captivated the audience with an energetic display of Effik culture, earning them third place.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, the celebration also featured lively inter-platoon games, with the “catching the train” contest proving to be a particular highlight, injecting further excitement and camaraderie into the event.

The Camp Director, Mr Akeem Adepeju, commended the corps members for their impressive creativity, discipline, and the seamless execution of the cultural carnival float, which beautifully showcased the unifying power of Nigeria’s diverse heritage.

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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.”

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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.”