Culture

Gani Adams Urges Tax Waiver for Cultural Investment

Published

11 months ago

October 25, 2025

Gani Adams tax waiver proposal urges government to grant 5% relief to companies investing in culture, sports, and education to strengthen social growth

The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has called on the Federal Government to introduce a five per cent tax waiver for corporate organisations investing in cultural promotion, sports, education, and charitable causes.

Also read: Gani Adams warns against disunity among Yoruba monarchs, promotes Oke ‘Badan Festival

Speaking ahead of the 2025 Olokun World Festival in Lagos, Adams said the initiative would encourage private-sector participation in nation-building while easing the financial load on government institutions.

Represented by the National Publicity Secretary of the Oodua Peoples Congress, Mr Peter Oguntimehin, Adams described the tax waiver as a “progressive and practical step” toward empowering communities and fostering shared responsibility between public and private stakeholders.

“When companies are encouraged to support projects in culture, education, and sports through tax relief, it becomes a shared responsibility for national growth,” he said.

“It also reinforces the belief that cultural development and social advancement are collective duties.”

Adams stressed that culture and tourism remain powerful but underutilised economic tools, capable of driving diversification and sustainable development in Nigeria.

He urged governments at all levels to invest in creative sectors and introduce youth-focused programmes that would promote productivity and reduce social vices.

According to the Olokun Festival Foundation, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and over 30 traditional rulers are expected at the grand finale of the 2025 Olokun World Festival on Saturday in Badagry.

“The grand finale, holding at Kakanfo-Falola Beach, Badagry, will host more than 100,000 participants from around the world,” Adams said.

The four-day celebration will feature interfaith prayers, cultural parades, fashion exhibitions, and a boat regatta showcasing Yoruba artistry and heritage.

Adams noted that beyond its spiritual essence, the Olokun Festival contributes immensely to the local economy, with millions of naira circulating through tourism, trade, and entertainment.

He added that the festival, which began 23 years ago at Alpha Beach, Lagos, has transformed Badagry into an emerging global cultural hub comparable to Thailand’s Papaya Resort.

Also read: Gani Adams hails Olokun festival for boosting Badagry’s spiritual and economic growth

“Culture is our identity and our wealth,” he said. “When we honour it, we attract growth, unity, and pride as a people.”

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

4 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.”