Culture

Lagos celebrates world tourism day 2024 with focus on peace and inclusivity

Published

2 years ago

October 3, 2024

Lagos World Tourism Day 2024 celebration

Lagos State marked World Tourism Day 2024 with the theme “Tourism and Peace,” highlighting tourism as a catalyst for peace and cultural exchange.

Commissioner Toke Benson-Awoyinka emphasised Lagos’ commitment to promoting tourism for economic growth and societal unity.

The event, held at Muri Okunola Park, featured cultural exhibitions and panel discussions with notable figures.

Also read: South-East South-South tourism summit 2024 to boost culture and economy

The 2024 World Tourism Day celebration in Lagos, themed “Tourism and Peace,” showcased the city’s dedication to using tourism as a tool for unity and economic development.

Organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture under Commissioner Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, in collaboration with Sterling Bank, the event took place at Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island, transforming the venue into a vibrant cultural exhibition space.

In her opening remarks, Commissioner Benson-Awoyinka stressed the importance of tourism in fostering peace, breaking cultural barriers, and promoting mutual respect.

She highlighted Lagos’ ongoing efforts to position itself as a global tourism hub while ensuring inclusivity for all its citizens. “Through tourism, we connect with the world, break down cultural barriers, and celebrate our differences,” she said.

The event featured a keynote address by HRM Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, Oniru of Iruland, who spoke extensively on the relationship between tourism and peace.

He drew attention to Paul Collier’s Theory on Conflict and Peace, the role of tourism in conflict resolution, and how Lagos can leverage tourism for social cohesion and youth employment.

A panel discussion followed, featuring experts like Ms. Abiola Adelana of Sterling Bank, Mr. Chike Ogeah of Mac Folly, and SSA to the Governor, Ms. Damilola Ayinde Marshal, who explored the relevance of tourism to nation-building.

Veteran actress Joke Silva and other notable figures delivered goodwill messages, further reinforcing the significance of tourism in promoting peace and sustainable development.

The event concluded with an exhibition tour, allowing attendees to experience the rich cultural heritage on display, reinforcing the message that Lagos is not only a state of aquatic splendour but also a beacon of peace and cultural diversity.

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

1 week 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.”