Culture

Olayiwola Awakan Backs 2026 Argungu Fishing Festival

Published

10 months ago

November 2, 2025

NTDA Director General Olayiwola Awakan pledges full support for the 2026 Argungu International Fishing Festival, celebrating unity and heritage

Olayiwola Awakan, Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), has expressed the Authority’s full support for the upcoming 61st Argungu International Fishing Festival (AFF 2026), describing it as a celebration of Nigeria’s unity, peace, and heritage.

Also read: Argungu International Fishing Festival 2026 Prep Begins

Awakan joined dignitaries at a high-level courtesy visit led by His Royal Highness, Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammad Mera, CON, the Emir of Argungu, as preparations intensify for the globally acclaimed event.

The meeting, chaired by Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, MFR, mni, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, was held at the Atiku Abubakar Conference Hall of the Federal Secretariat in Abuja.

It was attended by Distinguished Senator (Dr.) Yahaya A. Abdullahi, CON, and other prominent dignitaries from Kebbi State.

During the session, the Emir of Argungu highlighted the rich cultural history and legacy of the festival, describing it as a unifying force that continues to showcase Nigeria’s deep-rooted traditions to the world.

The Permanent Secretary reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to partner with the Kebbi State Government and the Argungu Emirate to ensure the successful hosting of AFF 2026.

Speaking at the meeting, Olayiwola Awakan assured full NTDA collaboration and called on stakeholders to rally behind the event.

“All roads lead to Argungu come 2026,” Awakan declared, noting that the festival remains a powerful driver of tourism, cultural diplomacy, and local economic growth.

Also read: Tourists flock to Afon for annual fishing festival, boosting Kwara’s tourism scene

The Argungu International Fishing Festival, renowned for its spectacular fishing contests and vibrant cultural displays, continues to stand as one of Nigeria’s oldest and most prestigious heritage events, drawing participants and visitors from across the world.

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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.”