Culture

NCMM partners with IGA Nigeria to develop cultural heritage trail framework

Published

1 year ago

April 9, 2025

Cultural Heritage Trail Framework Nigeria

NCMM partners with IGA Nigeria Limited to develop a Cultural Heritage Trail Framework, promoting heritage preservation and sustainable tourism in Nigeria

In a historic move to protect and promote Nigeria’s cultural heritage, the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) has entered into a partnership with IGA Nigeria Limited.

Also read: New Alaafin plans palace renovation to preserve Oyo heritage

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by both parties marks a significant step towards the creation of a structured Cultural Heritage Trail Framework.

The agreement, which was signed by Olugbile Holloway, Director-General of the NCMM, and Mogbolahan Ajala, CEO of IGA Nigeria Limited, aims to enhance the preservation of Nigeria’s diverse cultural assets while promoting sustainable tourism.

The collaboration is also designed to integrate IGA’s Stakeholder Call to Action framework into the review and update of Nigeria’s National Tentative List, which is crucial for the protection of heritage sites across the country.

The initial phase of the project will focus on the Southwestern states – Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo – with Lagos and Osun serving as the pilot locations.

The aim is to leverage IGA’s ongoing consultancy efforts in these regions, setting the stage for a broader national implementation.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Holloway emphasised the importance of the partnership: “This MoU marks a significant step in our efforts to preserve Nigeria’s cultural heritage for future generations while promoting responsible and sustainable tourism.”

Ajala, for his part, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating: “By working with NCMM, we aim to create a well-structured framework that not only preserves cultural heritage but also revitalises local communities and fosters economic growth.”

The collaboration promises to bring together the strengths of both organisations in an effort to safeguard Nigeria’s historical sites and cultural landmarks.

By combining expertise in heritage management and sustainable development, the NCMM and IGA Nigeria aim to establish a model for preserving Nigeria’s rich culture while contributing to the economic and social development of local communities.

The framework’s development is expected to attract both local and international tourists, bolstering Nigeria’s tourism industry while ensuring the long-term protection of its cultural treasures.

Up Next

Renewed hope culture project launched in Katsina

Don't Miss

Epe Local Government set to open modern museum, e-library

Click to comment

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.”