Events

Encomiums as Ilaji boss, Dotun Sanusi, Oyo govt reopens Bower’s Tower tourist centre

Published

3 years ago

December 27, 2023

Eminent personalities showered encomiums on Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ilaji Hotel and Sports Resort and Jagun Olubadan of Ibadan land, Chief Dotun Sanusi, at the reopening of the newly renovated Captain Bower’s Tower, a historic tourist centre in Ibadan.

The event, which was powered by Oyo State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, with the support of Sanusi, had in attendance the Ekeerin Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Hamidu Ajibade; President-General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigiens (CCII), Barr. Niyi Ajewole; all CCII exco, Iyaloja-General of Oyo State, Alhaja Saratu Konibaje; President, Ibadan Mogajis Association, Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori; President of Baales Association, Baale Olunde Ige; Coordinator, Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative, Mogaji Nurudeen Akinade, among others.

Speaking, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in the state, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, commended Sanusi for being a worthy son of Ibadan land and sustaining one of the heritage of the ancient city.

He stated that this is the first time in almost 50 years any renovation has been done on the tower, adding that Sanusi’s contribution towards bringing the site to life can not be overemphasised.

Dignitaries at the event also lauded Sanusi for his philanthropic gesture, noting that Ibadan and Oyo State are happy to associate with him being one of the illustrious son of the land.

According to them, Sanusi has touched the lives of many residents and indigenes of Ibadan and Oyo State positively, adding that his efforts towards upholding the customs and tradition of Ibadan land is well appreciated.

In his remark, Sanusi lauded Olatubosun and officials of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism for their accountability on the project, saying the money donated for the renovation was judiciously spent.

Bower’s tower is a historical landmark in Ibadan. It is the tallest peak in the state and the view from the top covers the entire city.

This tower is fondly referred to as ‘Oke Layipo’ by the locals because of its spiral stairs.

The historical tower is 60 feet high and 11 feet square, with two entrances and about 47 spiral staircase that leads to the top of the tower.

The Bower’s tower is the highest hilltop in Ibadan giving a panoramic view of the city and important points in the city like University College Hospital (UCH). It is located at Oke Are, Ibadan.

Up Next

Bigi Brings Festive Cheer to 150 Mushin Kids with Chess & Fun

Don't Miss

Aboderin-Talabi, others win African literary awards

Click to comment

Events

Rechael Okonkwo’s Carnival Brings Free Healthcare to 5,000 Residents

Published

1 week ago

September 2, 2026

Mariam Balogun

Rechael Okonkwo’s carnival provided free healthcare to over 5,000 Nsukka residents, alongside support for widows and children (more…)

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.”