Culture

Imo Celebrates World Cultural Day 2024 With Fanfare

Published

2 years ago

May 29, 2024

The Imo State Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts on Tuesday celebrated this year’s 2024 Cultural Day with fanfare as the renowned Omenimo cultural troupe entertained guests.

Speaking at the event held at auditorium of state Council of Arts and culture ( Mbari), in Owerri, Imo state capital, with the theme “Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development , Hon Jerry Egemba , Commisioner for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts , said that plans are on the way to integrate Igbo language and cultural education into the state’s school curriculum.

He emphasized the importance of nurturing cultural heritage in the younger generation and outlined strategies to shield it from the encroachment of modernization and globalization.

He also revealed that the Imo state carnival will be held this year’s November.

” Culture is a reflection of the people ,it is not about fetishness . Culture is the identity of a people and it gives them a sense of belonging especially if they speak the same language. And, we must guard against the erosion of our cultural heritage especially our language. Parents must teach their children how to speak the Igbo language .

Earlier, Chairman of the occasion, His Royal Majesty Eze Oliver Ohanwe, Traditional Ruler of Isiama community in Isiala Mbano extolled the virtues of Igbo culture, emphasizing its global significance and the imperative of preserving it.

He urged the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to collaborate closely with traditional rulers, the custodians of Igbo culture, to safeguard its essence and prevent its dilution.

Dr. Lilian, the guest lecturer, emphasized the pivotal role of cultural diversity in societal development. She stressed that embracing cultural differences fosters respect and enhances human dignity, laying the foundation for sustainable growth and prosperity.

Recall World Culture Day, designated by the United Nations General Assembly on May 21st annually, is primarily to promote cultural understanding and upholding the UNESCO Convention’s mandate to safeguard and promote cultural diversity.

Notable personalities spotted at the event included a representative of His Royal Majesty Eze Dr. E.C Okeke, Eze Imo, and Acting Chairman of the South East Council of Traditional Rulers, along with other esteemed royal fathers, symbolizing unity and reverence for Igbo heritage.

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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.”