Culture

Kogi Plans International Culture, Tourism Carnival

Published

2 years ago

July 31, 2024

Kogi Plans International Culture, Tourism Carnival

Key government appointees in the culture and tourism sector of the economy have kicked off plans to host an international tourism carnival in the state.

The State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mrs Acharu Okpanachi, made this known when she played host to key stakeholders in Lokoja on Monday.

The meeting had in attendance, Chairman Hogi Hotels and Tourism Board, Prince Philip Orebiyi; Special Adviser on Arts and Culture, Hon Juwon Olorunnipa; Special Adviser on Hospitality and Tourism, Hon Shuaibu Audu and the Senior Special Assistant on Hotels and Tourism, Hon Yakubu Yusuf.

The meeting was an initiative of the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Zainab Obadaki.

The Commissioner said the meeting became necessary for the parties involved to fashion a formidable front of hosting a world class international carnival and to understand individual responsibilities in making the planned carnival a huge success.

She called for cooperation and support in the bid for them to achieve the set goals and objectives.

She urged the team to jointly make Governor Usman Ododo proud of their proposed achievements in a short time possible.

In her opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary of Culture and Tourism Ministry, Dr Zainab Obadaki harped on the need for an international carnival as it is long over due, stressing the need to showcase the hidden treasures, cultural heritage and customs prevalent in a historic state like Kogi, not undermining the multiplier effect of the economic returns and values accruable to the state at large.

“We are likeminds and the goal is to see Kogi State soar on the global space,” she said.

The permanent secretary who reiterated the need for harmonious working relationship for the attainment of the overall objectives of moving the sector to a greater height used the opportunity to highlight each roles and responsibilities of all the member of the office management team and that of the political appointees for the collective efforts of achieving a common goal.

She stressed the need to collaboratively attract investors to the sector for upward generation of revenue for the state.

The political appointees, in their separate remarks, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve in the ministry and state at large, and most profoundly expressed gratitude to the Governor for giving them the privilege to serve in their individual capacity.

They promised to leave no stone unturned in their individual and collective efforts to rewrite the story of Kogi State.

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

11 hours 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.”