Culture

Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, Creative Economy pays homage to new Alaafin of Oyo, affirms FG’s support for traditional institutions

Published

1 year ago

April 16, 2025

Minister Hannatu Musawa visited the newly crowned Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, reaffirming the federal government’s commitment to supporting traditional rulers as key custodians of Nigeria’s cultural heritage and national pride

The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musawa, has paid a courtesy visit to the newly crowned Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, at his palace in Oyo Town.

Also read: Ifa Council backs new Alaafin, warns against ‘Emir’ imposter

During the visit, Minister Musawa, accompanied by her Special Assistant on Sub-national Development and Engagement, Hon. Abiola Abdulkareem Jagunlabi, reiterated the federal government’s unwavering support for traditional institutions across Nigeria, recognizing their crucial role in preserving the nation’s cultural identity and fostering national pride.

The Minister extended her heartfelt congratulations to Oba Owoade on his ascension to the esteemed throne of Alaafin, emphasizing the historical significance of the stool as a prominent symbol of Yoruba civilization and leadership.

Minister Musawa highlighted that the federal government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, acknowledges the vital role played by traditional rulers in promoting peace, safeguarding heritage, and facilitating community development.

“The Alaafin Palace is more than a royal seat—it is a beacon of cultural continuity and resilience,” stated Minister Hannatu Musawa.

“The Alaafin Palace is more than a royal seat—it is a beacon of cultural continuity and resilience. Oyo, as a cultural capital, and the legacy of Sango as both deity and king, holds immense potential for strengthening our tourism sector both domestic and international,” the Minister affirmed.

She further emphasized her ministry’s dedication to leveraging Nigeria’s rich traditional institutions and cultural assets to stimulate economic diversification through tourism, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration.

Minister Musawa concluded by stressing that partnerships with revered traditional thrones like that of the Alaafin are essential in building a dynamic creative economy that truly reflects the essence of the nation and generates sustainable opportunities for all Nigerians.

The Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy is responsible for the development and promotion of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, tourism potential, and vibrant creative industries.

The Ministry aims to harness these sectors for economic growth, job creation, and the preservation of national identity.

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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.”