Culture

Lagos pledges support for Autism Art Exhibition

Published

2 years ago

April 8, 2025

Lagos State Commissioner Toke Benson-Awoyinka has promised infrastructural and financial backing for the annual Autism Art Exhibition, championing inclusivity

In a strong demonstration of its commitment to inclusivity and the support of creative expression, the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, has pledged the Lagos State Government’s full infrastructural and financial support to the annual Autism Art Exhibition.

Also read: Nigeria showcases rich royal legacy at Kings and Queens of Africa exhibition

The Commissioner made this significant commitment on Saturday at the seventh edition of the event, which was held at the TR Art Gallery, situated on Glover Road in Ikoyi, Lagos.

During the exhibition, Benson-Awoyinka lauded the remarkable artistic talents displayed by children on the autism spectrum. She underscored the critical importance of providing platforms that actively encourage self-expression for individuals with neurodiversity.

“These are the kinds of support we can give to them,” the Commissioner affirmed, adding, “It’s not just about funding—it’s about creating an environment where they can be seen, appreciated, and heard through their art.”

Benson-Awoyinka further encouraged parents of children on the autism spectrum to continue fostering and nurturing their children’s creative abilities.

“Please continue to let these children express themselves through art,” she urged, adding, “You never know—these artworks could someday appreciate in value. More importantly, they offer us a window into their inner world, expressed in ways that words sometimes cannot capture.”

While touring the impressive exhibition, which featured a vibrant array of artworks, the Commissioner described the display as profoundly moving.

“What I see here is the soul of each child speaking through colour and shape,” she noted, adding, “Art becomes their voice—it allows us to connect with their innermost thoughts and emotions.”

She also commended the founder of the initiative, Dotun Akande, for her unwavering dedication to showcasing the creative potential of children on the autism spectrum.

“Mrs. Akande has created a laudable platform. This is how we ensure these children are not only included but also celebrated,” Benson-Awoyinka stated.

The Commissioner revealed that the Ministry is actively taking steps to integrate autism-focused art programmes into the State’s official tourism and arts calendar.

“Art has become a significant component of our cultural and creative landscape. As we roll out our tourism calendar, this important community will certainly be represented,” she remarked.

On her part, Akande expressed her sincere gratitude for the growing support the exhibition has received and highlighted the profound significance of the initiative.

“Even when some of these children do not speak, their art speaks volumes,” she said. “We organise this exhibition to showcase their brilliance and encourage families not to hide these children away. There is so much potential and purpose in each of them.”

The event was well-attended by notable personalities, including the MD/CEO of Ibile Oil and Gas Corporation, Doyin Akinyanju, who joined the Commissioner in viewing the thought-provoking works on display.

The exhibition served as both a vibrant celebration of artistic talent and a powerful reminder of the fundamental importance of ensuring that every child is seen, heard, and valued—emphasising that, at times, their voices find their most vivid and compelling expression through the medium of art.

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Culture

OLOJO….Ile Ife’s September Gift To Culture

Published

2 weeks ago

October 5, 2026

Mariam Balogun

By Halima Adaba,

It was a featubal if the people. It was for the anciebt town of Ile Ife, which the Yoruba race refards as the Source.

Also read: Olojo Festival 2026: Ooni Urges Leaders to Prioritise Citizens

And ut was a festivsl for the King, Arole Oduduwa, Oonirisa, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.

And so between September 24 and 28th 2026, the annual featuval dazzjed in all its white glory.

Tge Monarch paid the traditional ancestral homage and offered propitiation as part of the sacred rites of the Olojo Festival.
It was a powerful expression of Yoruba heritage, spirituality, and enduring tradition.

Call it a collection of beautiful moments, faces, colours and cultural expressions.

Every frame tells a story.

Every face carries the energy.

Every moment keeps the heritage alive.

Undoubtedly one of the most sacred cultural celebrations in Ilé-Ifẹ̀. It marked a day associated with creation, thanksgiving, ancestral heritage, and the sacred appearance of the Ooni of Ife wearing the revered Aàrẹ crown.

There were also the devotees of the famed god of thunder – Sàngó who were hardly conspicuous at the festival.

Many other traditional groups came out with candor, showing a powerful expression of Yoruba cultural identity, spiritual devotion, and respect for the ancient traditions of Ilé-Ifẹ̀.

Devotees of Sàngó bekieved the ‘appearance’ of the god of thunder on Seotember 26th could be understood as a symbolic meeting of ancestral heritage, spiritual devotion, and the celebration of creation.

It was a moment when the sounds of drums, chants, and traditional praise poetry brought the history of the Yoruba people to life.

Although Olojo is closely associated with Ogun, the god of iron, and the sacred traditions of Ile-Ife, the presence of Sàngó devotees reflected the rich diversity of Yoruba spiritual heritage.

Also read: Olojo Festival 2026: Ooni Urges Leaders to Prioritise Citizens

As a participant enthused at the festival, “To witness Sàngó Olúkòso emerge on Olojo Festival day is to witness a living expression of history, identity, and ancestral pride.”

Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

2 months 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.”