Culture

Oniru of Iru kingdom seeks Hilton investment for tourism

Published

1 year ago

June 8, 2025

The Oniru of Iru Kingdom, Oba Omogbolahan Lawal, has invited Hilton Group International to explore investment opportunities to boost the kingdom’s tourism and hospitality sectors

Iru Kingdom tourism is set for a potential boost as the Oniru of Iru Kingdom, Oba Omogbolahan Lawal, Absisogun II, has formally advised the management of Hilton Group International to discover the numerous opportunities within his domain.

Also read: Lagos celebrates world tourism day 2024 with focus on peace and inclusivity

This initiative aims to further develop the kingdom’s burgeoning tourism sector.

Oba Lawal extended the proposal in Lagos over the weekend during a welcome reception for the management of Hilton Group International and Africa Alliance Group.

The delegation was led by Mr Andrew McLachlan, Managing Director, Hilton Development, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Mr Gregory Ozegbe, Chairman, African Alliance Group.

The monarch articulated the kingdom’s keen interest in developing its tourism sector, with a strong focus on hospitality. He assured the visitors that Iru Kingdom is prepared to support investors with all necessary tools to foster a thriving business environment.

Oba Lawal highlighted his vision for the kingdom’s development across tourism, technology, and social intervention, which is meticulously encapsulated in a document titled:

‘Let’s Grow Iru Land Together’ – #LEGILT. He believes this document will significantly assist the Hilton Group in identifying precise areas for collaboration.

“The kingdom has demonstrated the wherewithal to ensure that Nigeria is a good economic centre for West Africa,” Oba Lawal asserted. He further explained,

“The kingdom hosts 40 per cent of the people in the formal economy in Lagos, be it financial institutions, hospitality, businesses, even oil companies and other companies in the communications industry.”

Emphasising Iru’s strategic importance, he added, “We believe that Lagos is the commercial hub of Nigeria and Iru Kingdom is the financial hub of Lagos, and that means without this kingdom, there is no Lagos.”

Oba Lawal also underscored the robust investment climate. “I am sure that you have done your research and realised that people who have invested here have continued to thrive.

You know of Eko Atlantic City which is also within the kingdom; by the time it comes on board, this entire area will have to catch up and tag along and in doing this, we want foreign and local investors to be on standby for when the city will fully begin operating with opportunities,” he stated.

Mr McLachlan concurred that Iru Kingdom is “tactically situated” to develop a “fantastic urban hotel.” He noted that its unique location on the Atlantic Ocean would create an ideal environment for business meetings and provide excellent opportunities for weekend relaxation activities.

Mr Ozegbe expressed his pleasure at the Oniru of Iru Land’s accommodating nature and his eagerness to support the group in exploring the vast business potential within Iru Kingdom.

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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.

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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.”