Culture

Fay Campbell’s Nigeria Visit Sparks Joyful Ancestral Discovery

Published

1 year ago

August 7, 2025

Fay Campbell Nigeria visit turns emotional as the Jamaican-Canadian Rotarian reconnects with her roots, explores culture, and celebrates Rotary fellowship

Fay Campbell Nigeria visit became a heartfelt journey of self-discovery as the Jamaican-Canadian retired teacher and Past District Governor of Rotary District 7400, Zone 28, finally set foot in Africa to trace her ancestral roots.

Also read: All Nigerian Rotary Convention 2025 To Ignite Passion for Service, Leadership

At 80 years old, Fay called the trip a “spiritual homecoming,” expressing overwhelming joy in being on Nigerian soil for the first time.

“I know I’m a Nigerian,” she beamed, “and that’s what matters most. The tribe is secondary.”

Currently serving as her Rotary District’s Interact Chair, Fay champions youth development through global connections.

Her goal now is to foster penpal relationships between Nigerian and Canadian Interactors to build bridges and develop global citizenship among young minds.

Accompanied by her longtime friend, Dr. Shirley Braithwaite, an 82-year-old Barbadian-Canadian forensic psychiatrist, the duo immersed themselves in Nigerian culture—dressed in traditional attire, sampling dishes like jollof rice and amala, and visiting museums and Rotary project sites.

During her stay in Abuja and Lagos, Fay was warmly welcomed by Rotarians, receiving Nigerian names like Omotunde, Ngozi, Amina, and Ebehireme to affirm her cultural connection.

Her journey began after meeting Past Assistant Governor Oye Oyewo during the Rotary International Convention in Singapore, who later helped facilitate her visit.

The highlight of the trip included attending the investitures of District Governors Joy Okoro (9127) and Kunmi Adio-Moses (9111), Rotary club receptions, and visits to heritage centres such as the J.K. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and the Rotary Club of Omole-Golden’s neonatal project.

Fay also made time to explore local markets, meet host families, and reflect on her destiny. “I’ve always felt the pull to Africa,” she said, determined to visit the National Museum before returning to Canada.

Back in Canada, Fay is known for her humanitarian work in Jamaica, the U.S., and Colombia, and she shares her February 6 birthday with reggae legend Bob Marley.

Also read: Rotary Club of Victoria Island East Installs President, Honours Olota

Her visit left an indelible mark, not only on her but also on the many Nigerians she met—proving once again that Rotary connects the world, and ancestral journeys can heal history with purpose and pride.

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

3 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.”