Culture

Ipada Initiative Wins Strong Backing to Reconnect Africa’s Diaspora

Published

1 year ago

August 5, 2025

Ipada Initiative gains strong support from public and private sectors to reconnect the African diaspora through tourism, culture, and heritage-based experiences

Ipada Initiative has garnered resounding support from key public and private sector leaders, as it launches an ambitious program to reconnect Africa with its diaspora through cultural tourism.

Also read: IPADA Celebrations 2025 Gains Unprecedented Global Support at Presidential Launch

The Yoruba word “Ipada,” meaning “return,” symbolizes a powerful call for people of African descent and Afro-enthusiasts worldwide to rediscover their heritage and engage with Africa’s diverse tourism offerings.

At the recent unveiling of the Ipada Initiative Five-Year Programme at the State House in Abuja, tourism visionary and founder, Chief Olawanle Akinboboye, described the initiative as a “cultural homecoming” that transforms historic pain into purpose.

“It’s time to move from slave ships to cruise ships,” Akinboboye declared, noting that the initiative will dedicate 10 days annually—from late November to early December—for diaspora returnees to immerse themselves in Africa’s cultural richness.

The programme is backed by a strategic alliance between government bodies and private sector leaders, with Lagos positioned as the central hub.

President Bola Tinubu, named Global Brand Ambassador and Grand Patron of the Ipada Initiative in 2024, is expected to champion its global outreach.

The cultural experience will culminate at the 65-acre La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort in Lagos—a flagship of African hospitality—serving as the launchpad for tourists to explore other parts of Nigeria and the continent.

Dr. Jani Ibrahim, President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), highlighted the Ipada Initiative as a potential game-changer for Nigeria’s tourism economy and broader economic growth.

The event drew widespread attention, with dignitaries from Katsina and Taraba States, diplomats, cultural icons, and diaspora professionals expressing strong support for the visionary programme.

Also read: Ipada festival in Lagos: celebrating African heritage and diaspora reconnection

If executed effectively, the Ipada Initiative could significantly raise Africa’s tourism profile, create jobs, and foster long-term connections between the continent and its global diaspora.

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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.”