Culture

Ooni of Ife Launches AI Centre to Empower Youths

Published

11 months ago

October 19, 2025

Ooni of Ife unveils the Ojaja AI Centre in Lagos to drive youth innovation, tech creativity, and promote made-in-Nigeria enterprise

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, CFR, has unveiled the Ojaja Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centre at Ogombo, Lagos, as part of his commitment to driving technology innovation and youth engagement in Nigeria.

Also read: Ooni of Ife Praises Ola Awakan’s Tourism Appointment

The newly inaugurated facility, which forms part of the Ojaja Mall complex, integrates a shopping mall and cinema — all powered by technology — and serves as a hub for young Nigerians to showcase their creativity and tech innovations.

Speaking at the event, the Ooni explained that the centre was designed as a convergence point for youths to collaborate, innovate, and contribute to national development.

He said the project also reflects his passion for boosting local production, noting that all materials used in constructing and equipping the mall were sourced locally.

“The Artificial Intelligence Centre comprises Ojaja Mall, Ojaja Cinemas, and a shopping mall that will be driven by AI. This area is the most concentrated hub for the middle class in Nigeria, from ages 25 to 40,” the monarch said.

Ooni disclosed that Lagos is the seventh state to benefit from the initiative, adding that his vision is to replicate similar centres across all 36 states within the next five years.

He emphasised that traditional rulers have a vital role to play in economic growth and youth development, saying,

“We are strategically showcasing that traditional rulers can make an impact. We don’t just sit in our palaces. This project is a typical example of how we can drive the economy to another level.”

The Ooni urged Nigerian youths to be courageous, innovative, and self-reliant, while calling on other traditional leaders to support young people through empowerment programmes and technology-driven initiatives.

Also read: Ooni of Ife Predicts New Dawn at Olojo Festival

By establishing the Ojaja AI Centre, the Ooni of Ife reinforces his vision of a digitally empowered generation and a Nigeria that thrives on creativity, innovation, and made-in-Nigeria excellence.

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

4 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.”