Culture

Oloro of Oro Kingdom Promotes Nigerian Culture Abroad

Published

11 months ago

October 24, 2025

Oloro of Oro Kingdom, Oba Joel Oyatoye Olufayo II, visits Nigeria’s High Commission in London, advocating for stronger global promotion of Nigerian culture

Oloro of Oro Kingdom, Oba Joel Oyatoye Olufayo II, has called for greater efforts to project Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage on the global stage.

Also read: Federal Ministry of Art Culture Tourism Signs Transformative Deal

The Kwara State monarch made the appeal during a courtesy visit to Nigeria’s High Commission in London, where he was warmly received by the Acting High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Mohammad Maidugu.

Speaking during the visit, Oloro of Oro Kingdom stressed the importance of cultural diplomacy in strengthening Nigeria’s international image. He said that promoting arts, values, and traditions abroad remains key to showcasing the country’s diversity and unity.

The monarch recalled his long-standing collaboration with the Federal Government through Asa Day Worldwide Inc., Canada, a platform dedicated to preserving and promoting Nigerian culture through entertainment and creative innovation.

“The desire to give our culture a global space has driven my work over the years,” the royal father said. “I give glory to God for guiding that passion, never knowing it would one day lead to my becoming a king.”

Oba Olufayo II reaffirmed his commitment to using his position to amplify Nigeria’s cultural visibility and to celebrate citizens achieving success overseas. He noted that such accomplishments reflect positively on the nation’s global image.

In his response, Acting High Commissioner Mohammad Maidugu commended the monarch’s exemplary leadership and unwavering dedication to cultural promotion.

Maidugu described the United Kingdom as a strategic hub for cultural diplomacy, adding that partnerships with visionary leaders like the Oloro of Oro Kingdom would help elevate Nigeria’s creative and cultural presence internationally.

Also read: Ofala Festival Onitsha Celebrates Culture, Innovation

The meeting, held at the Nigerian High Commission in London, underscored the shared resolve of both parties to continue advancing Nigeria’s cultural identity across borders.

Up Next

Ooni, Alaafin Launch Joint Council to Promote Unity, Cultural Preservation

Don't Miss

Alado of Ado Awaye Strengthens Ancestral Bond with Otta

Click to comment

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.”