Kaduna tourism cultural hub plan will promote heritage, global unity

Published

1 year ago

June 18, 2025

Kaduna tourism expert Tobi Thomas unveils plans for a cultural and historical hub to boost heritage, attract tourists, and foster global appreciation

Kaduna tourism cultural hub plan has been unveiled by renowned tourism expert Tobi Thomas, who is advocating for the creation of a sustainable cultural and historical centre in Kaduna State.

Also read: Kaduna’s IGR and Infrastructure Will Be Transformed Through Tourism, Says Expert

The move, he said, would not only preserve local heritage but also place Kaduna on the global tourism map.

Speaking to newsmen in Kaduna, Thomas emphasised the urgent need to establish a centralised hub that integrates culture, history, and innovation.

He stated that the blueprint for the proposed centre is designed with a global vision, aiming to serve not just Nigeria, but the entire African continent and the wider world.

He called on stakeholders across government, private sector, and cultural institutions to collaborate in turning the vision into a reality.

According to him, the centre, if properly developed, would preserve Kaduna’s traditions, create employment, and generate tourism revenue.

Thomas explained that the cultural hub would feature interactive exhibitions and virtual reality experiences, alongside life-sized replicas of traditional Kaduna homes and markets.

These exhibits would offer visitors a hands-on experience of local craftsmanship, music, art, and cuisine.

“The centre will promote cross-cultural understanding and create a platform for showcasing Kaduna’s rich and diverse heritage,” he stated.

In addition to the hub, Thomas also proposed a yearly international cultural festival to be known as Rayuwan Kaduna, which he described as a global celebration of Kaduna’s cultural identity.

The festival would attract tourists, scholars, and cultural enthusiasts from around the world, offering performances, culinary showcases, and educational tours.

Also read: Governor Sani, Abbas, CDS For Southern Kaduna Festival 2023

He concluded by reiterating his commitment to making Kaduna a leading destination for cultural tourism, rooted in sustainability, education, and economic empowerment.

Up Next

Ogun partners private sector to preserve cultural traditions

Don't Miss

Ooni of Ife Welcomes Tunde Onakoya for The King’s Move Chess Initiative, Rewards Students

Click to comment

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.”