Culture

Ogun cultural heritage promotion gains private sector backing

Published

1 year ago

June 17, 2025

Ogun State boosts cultural heritage with private sector support as Governor Abiodun hails Egbaliganza’s impact on Egba tradition and economy

Ogun cultural heritage promotion has received renewed momentum through strategic collaboration between government and the private sector, as Governor Dapo Abiodun reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to preserving tradition while unlocking economic value.

Also read: Ogun National Sports Festival showcases culture, tourism excellence

During a cultural ceremony at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, the governor celebrated the installation of Chief Lai Labode, chief promoter of Egbaliganza, as the new Balogun of Ijaye.

Represented by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr Sesan Fagbayi, the governor praised Labode’s role in revitalising Egba identity and fashion through creative initiatives like the recent Lisabi Day celebration.

Labode’s Egbaliganza project, which showcased the elegance and vibrancy of Egba fashion and customs, drew attention to the potential of cultural events in stimulating local economies.

Governor Abiodun noted that the project’s success clearly demonstrated what could be achieved when public and private sectors work hand in hand to advance shared goals.

He described Labode as a cultural visionary and stressed that the government would continue to embrace ideas from private individuals and groups that contribute to Yoruba heritage preservation.

“Ogun’s culture is not just heritage, it is an economic asset,” the governor said, adding that such efforts raise the state’s profile while strengthening its cultural and economic resilience.

The Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, lauded the new Balogun of Ijaye as an outstanding figure in Egba cultural advocacy.

Speaking through the Seriki of Egbaland, Chief Tosin Fadare, he encouraged Labode to continue his dedication to the social and economic advancement of Egba people.

In his address, Chief Labode expressed gratitude to the Ijaye community and the wider Egba people for bestowing him with the honour. He pledged to redouble his efforts to protect and project the identity of the Egba people.

Labode said that the influence of the Alake had always inspired him to think beyond boundaries, and now was the time for Ijaye to shine not just locally, but across Ogun, Nigeria and Africa.

Also read: Ogun to establish art gallery at Olumo Rock in partnership with Nike Art Gallery

With growing recognition of the importance of cultural heritage, the collaboration between Ogun State and stakeholders like Chief Labode offers a working model for how cultural legacy can fuel development while nurturing community pride.

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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.

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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.”