Culture

Ogun Governor Dapo Abiodun pledges transformation of Olumo Rock into top tourism destination

Published

1 year ago

March 20, 2025

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun vows to transform Olumo Rock into Nigeria’s top tourism destination, focusing on cultural preservation

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has announced plans to transform Olumo Rock into the premier tourism destination in Nigeria.

Also read: Olumo Rock, Idanre Hills, 10 other affordable tourist destinations in Southwest Nigeria

Speaking during a recent inspection of the Olumo Rock Tourist Center, Abiodun emphasized that it was time for the state to shift its focus to tourism as a key policy, harnessing the vast potential of this sector to boost the local economy.

The Governor noted that the Olumo Rock Tourist Center represents the deep culture, history, and tradition of Egbaland, attracting over 20,000 visitors in 2024 alone.

He expressed his commitment to developing a comprehensive plan that would ensure the site receives the attention and upgrades it truly deserves, positioning it as a world-class destination.

Abiodun stated, “Now, the tables have finally turned to tourism, and we are going to be very deliberate about pushing the frontier in our tourist development.

Tourism with the potential it offers is not only a source of income or revenue for any state or nation. We’ve seen nations whose only source of income is tourism. We’ve seen nations that have transitioned from being dependent on oil, and now 70 percent of their revenue comes from tourism.”

The Governor stressed that Olumo Rock is the foremost tourist attraction in Ogun State and pledged to invest in its development to make it the leading destination for both local and international visitors.

He acknowledged that without intentional and sustained efforts to restore, maintain, and protect the state’s tourist sites, they would eventually deteriorate.

“These tourist sites represent our very deep culture, history, and tradition, and we must do everything to protect them and ensure that they are sustained because they remain our connection between the present and the past,” Abiodun remarked. “Long after many of us are gone, they will continue to remind our generation of where we all came from and our history.”

The Governor also expressed his appreciation for those who have continuously cared for the Olumo Rock site, acknowledging that it has the potential to receive even better attention. “I believe that this site can receive better attention, and it will get the best attention from now on,” he assured.

Abiodun outlined his administration’s commitment to improving infrastructure, education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, social development, and agriculture.

He concluded by reaffirming that a detailed plan would soon be developed to ensure Olumo Rock receives the best presentation, with efforts focused on enhancing the site’s appeal to both domestic and international tourists.

With this pledge, Governor Dapo Abiodun is positioning Ogun State to capitalise on tourism’s vast potential, ensuring that Olumo Rock becomes a major contributor to the state’s economy and a cultural treasure for future generations.

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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.”