Culture

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

Published

1 year ago

May 5, 2025

Ogun State partners with Nike Art Gallery to set up an art gallery at Olumo Rock, aiming to boost tourism numbers significantly

The Ogun State Government has finalized plans to establish a vibrant art gallery at the iconic Olumo Rock Tourist Centre in Abeokuta through a collaborative effort with the renowned Nike Art Gallery.

Also read: Olumo Rock temporarily shut down for major renovation

Governor Dapo Abiodun announced this initiative on Wednesday during a meeting with the founder of the Nike Art Gallery, Chief (Mrs) Nike Davies-Okundaye, at his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

The governor expressed optimism that this strategic partnership will revitalize the state’s tourism sector, projecting a significant increase in tourist visits to Olumo Rock from the current 20,000 annually to over 100,000.

To facilitate this, Governor Abiodun has directed the conversion of the Events Center within the tourist site into an exhibition gallery for the Nike Art Gallery.

The Nike Art Gallery, established in Osogbo, Osun State, in 1983, boasts an impressive collection of approximately 8,000 diverse artworks by various Nigerian artists and provides training for numerous aspiring young performance artists and craftsmen.

During the meeting, Governor Abiodun also highlighted other initiatives aimed at boosting the state’s economy, including the upcoming groundbreaking ceremony for the world’s largest cotton and polyester processing factory at the Special Agro Processing Zone located at the Gateway International Airport, Iperu/Ilisan.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to perform the groundbreaking for this massive 400-hectare factory, which is projected to employ around 250,000 people daily.

Furthermore, Governor Abiodun detailed his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development in Iperu, including the construction of housing units, road reconstructions, and the establishment of essential facilities. He also acknowledged the Nigerian Air Force’s interest in establishing a base in the town to enhance security.

Chief (Mrs) Nike Davies-Okundaye expressed her delight and the readiness of her foundation to collaborate with the Ogun State Government in promoting Olumo Rock and other tourist attractions. She confidently stated that the new gallery would attract international dignitaries, similar to her gallery in Abuja, which has hosted numerous heads of state.

Governor Abiodun also reiterated his administration’s strong support for the Adire textile industry, including making its wear compulsory in the state and launching the Adire Ogun Digital Marketplace. Chief (Mrs) Nike Davies-Okundaye lauded these efforts, predicting that Adire would soon surpass Ankara and Dutch Wax in popularity.

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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.”