Culture

Gov Bala pledges support for initiatives that promote cultural education

Published

3 years ago

January 31, 2024

Bauchi Governor, Sen Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed has said that his administration is committed to investing in initiatives that promote cultural education and awareness.

The Governor was speaking on Tuesday when he attended the the 2024 edition of the annual Bala Baraa ma Jalam Cultural Festival in Jalam community of Dambam LGA.

The Governor believed that imparting the knowledge of cultural heritage to the younger generation, can ensure its continuity and preservation for generations to come.

Bala Mohammed assured the people of the Bauchi state of the unwavering commitment of the state government towards supporting and promoting cultural festivities including the Bala Baraa ma Jalam Cultural Festival.

According to him, the government recognises the significance of such events in preserving cultural heritage and showcasing it to the world.

Bala Mohammed who was represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Auwal Jatau, recalled that, the Bala Baraa ma Jalam Cultural Festival has become a significant event that has put Bauchi State on the cultural and tourism map, attracting visitors from Nigeria and beyond.

According to him, “This annual celebration of Bala Baraa ma Jalam Cultural Festival reminds us of the rich tapestry of traditions that bind us together as a people.

“The Festival is a highly celebrated cultural event that takes place annually in this area and has been in existence for many years with continued to be a significant cultural activity that attracts tourists and locals alike”.

Bala Mohammed further said, “The festival is named after two famous hunters from the area – Bala Baraa and Jalam – who were known for their bravery and hunting skills.

“The festival aims to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the state, while also celebrating the unique talents, skills, and creativity of its people.”

The Governor therefore congratulated the people of Dambam Local Government for the 2024 edition of the Bala Baraa ma Jalam Cultural Festival and urged them to join hands in building a future that honors and values their cultural heritage, while embracing the advancements and opportunities that lie ahead.

In a vote of thanks, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Dambam Local Government Area, Ahmed Mohamed Danbam expressed gratitude to Governor Bala Mohammed for the number of people’s oriented projects executed by his administration in the local government.

Various cultural groups entertained guests and other people who witnessed the annual cultural Festival just as the cultural heritage of the people was displayed amidst dances and renditions.

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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.”