Culture

Iyara Cultural Day: Development of culture, tourism collective efforts — FTAN

Published

3 years ago

October 30, 2023

Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria (FTAN) says development of culture and tourism must not be left to government alone as communities have active roles to play and projecting their identity to the entire world.

The 1st Deputy National President of FTAN, Alhaji. Aliyu Badaki stated this at the 2023 Iyara Cultural Festival over the weekend at Iyara, Ijumu Local Government of Kogi.

Alhaji. Aliyu, who is the National President of Iyara Development Association (IDA), said development of the tourism sector is capable of creating thousands of jobs to the teaming unemployed youths.

He charged communities to sustain their culture, urging government to increase investment in the Culture and Tourism sector.

“Iyara Cultural Day is an annual event where people gather together to showcase and celebrate our rich cultures. The Day is all about our Community, our Culture and our unity. In recent times most cultures In the country if not careful will go into extinction, that is why Iyara people are always proud of our identity, race and culture, hence your invitation to be part of this epoch-making event in our own way of projecting our rich culture for the world to see.”

According to him, “Iyara Cultural Day is an avenue to raise funds towards Community Development. It is crystal clear that government alone cannot carry out all the developmental projects; hence the raising of funds to augment the government efforts.

“Please permit me, at this juncture, to restate the incontrovertible truth about the accommodating; peaceful and tolerant nature of the Iyara people. The nature and attitude have earned us the unique catchphrase “Home of peace and Hospitality”. Iyara people are generally and naturally friendly and hospitable.”

In his remarks, the Kogi Governorship candidate of Action Alliance (AA) for November 11th Governorship Election, Otunba Olayinka Braimoh said the Iyara Cultural Day is in line with his vision of using Tourism to drive cash inflow into the State economy if voted for.

According to Otunba Braimoh, he is ready to project the State Culture and Tourism to the world for wealth creation and distribution of votes into power.

The event was attended by Senator Dino Melaye, PDP Governorship Candidate, Arc. Salman Idris, member representing Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Olujumu of Ijumu Kingdom, HRM. Oba Williams Olusegun Ayeni amongst others.

Related Topics:Culture Featured FTAN Iyara Cultural Day

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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.”