Ondo Commissioner Unveils Ondo Cultural Tourism Potential Boost

Published

1 year ago

July 24, 2025

Ondo cultural tourism potential gets a facelift as the Commissioner pledges upgrades to museums and cultural centres to boost local and global engagement

The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Ondo State, Afolabi Adesoji, has reaffirmed his commitment to revitalising the Ministry following a detailed tour of its facilities.

Also read: Ondo State Courts Investors to Boost Tourism, Economic Growth

Accompanied by Permanent Secretary Mr Adeyemi O. Sule, Adesoji reviewed the condition of departments and infrastructures within the Ministry.

While visibly concerned about the disrepair, he remained hopeful. His optimism was anchored in the Ondo cultural tourism potential to increase internally generated revenue.

At the Art Gallery, Adesoji admired the state’s collection of historical and artistic treasures, calling for urgent upgrades. “The Museum holds immense cultural and educational value.

With strategic upgrades and promotion, it can become a must-visit location for both local and international audiences,” he said.

Suggestions included digital exhibitions, themed tours, and stronger ties with private collectors. Student-focused programmes were also proposed to strengthen youth engagement.

The Commissioner also visited the Adegbemile Cultural Centre, where he lamented its poor state. However, he emphasised its vast possibilities for creative development.

Also read: Ondo Tourism Economic Revival Gains Emotional Boost from Governor Aiyedatiwa’s Vision

During the tour, traditional costumes and performance materials used by the state’s cultural troupe were reviewed for preservation and modern use.

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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.

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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.”