Culture

Ogun State Governor vows to boost tourism, foster cultural heritage

Published

2 years ago

October 28, 2024

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun pledges to enhance tourism, support cultural events, and drive economic growth, focusing on grassroots development.

In a commitment to advancing Ogun State’s tourism sector, Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to harnessing the state’s cultural heritage for economic growth.

Speaking at the 25th Omo Olowu Day celebration, held at Oba Odeleye Park in Oke-Sokori, Abeokuta, the governor highlighted the importance of culture and tradition as catalysts for community development.

Also read: Ogun State targets grassroots tourism development

Governor Abiodun emphasised that Ogun State’s tourism strategy is integral to its broader social, cultural, and infrastructural development agenda.

He described the festival not only as a reminder of the region’s rich cultural heritage but also as a celebration of values such as communal harmony, unity, and love. These values, he said, remain essential for fostering a cohesive society.

“Our administration’s approach places people at the heart of our ‘Building Our Future Together’ agenda, promoting grassroots development while emphasising the relevance of cultural values to progress,” he explained.

Furthering his commitment, Governor Abiodun expressed openness to collaborative efforts that could stimulate economic progress.

He endorsed the agricultural cooperative initiative proposed by former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, highlighting its potential to support agricultural growth and food security across the state. “This initiative is a welcome development, and our administration fully supports it,” he remarked.

Addressing the audience, former President Obasanjo urged prominent Nigerians to support the economically disadvantaged, noting the need for community solidarity during challenging economic times.

Obasanjo also advised the state government to strengthen ties with the Owu Kingdom to advance agriculture, trade, and business for sustainable development.

As local government elections approach, Governor Abiodun called for community cooperation to ensure peaceful elections and encouraged Ogun State youths to avoid disruptive behaviour.

By aligning tourism and culture with social and economic objectives, Ogun State aims to transform its heritage into a vibrant sector that enriches the community and attracts local and international interest.

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

7 days 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.”