Culture

Gombe State heritage tourism plan hailed as landmark

Published

1 year ago

August 15, 2025

Gombe State heritage tourism drive begins with MoU to restore monuments, build museum, and boost economy through cultural preservation

Gombe State heritage tourism has received a major boost as the state government signed a landmark agreement to restore historic monuments and build a state-of-the-art museum.

Also read: We will capitalise on Taraba’s vast tourism potential – Gov Kefas

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), sealed with heritage restoration experts Exceeda Construction Ltd, marks the first such initiative in the state’s history.

It aligns with Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s vision to preserve Gombe’s identity while using cultural assets to drive sustainable development, create jobs, and position the state as a global cultural tourism destination.

Key heritage sites slated for restoration and adaptive reuse include the old Native Authority Works Department (Gareji), Gidan Magani, the Gombe Native Authority Secretariat (Beit el Mali), Tudun Hatsi Mosque, and the Old Staff Quarters of GSSS Gombe.

These colonial and pre-independence era landmarks will be transformed into educational and tourism attractions without losing their original character or architectural integrity.

Presiding over the signing, Secretary to the State Government Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi described the monuments as “living testimonies of our history, identity and cultural heritage,” adding that the project will inspire future generations while strengthening Gombe’s cultural hub status.

Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Hon. Mijinyawa Tilde, called the agreement a “watershed moment” for the state’s cultural renaissance.

Representatives of Exceeda Construction pledged to uphold historical authenticity and deliver to the highest professional standards.

This initiative follows recent United Nations recognition of the Mbormi Tomb in Funakaye LGA as an international monument.

Also read: Taraba To Hold World Tourism Day At Mambilla Plateau, Woos Foreign Investors Through Tourism

During a recent tour, UN Assistant Secretary-General Mohammed Fall lauded Gombe’s cultural treasures and promised partnership in preserving them.

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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.

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.”