Culture

Osuntokun calls for national reorientation through tourism, cultural heritage

Published

1 year ago

June 3, 2025

Former presidential adviser Chief Akin Osuntokun advocates for national reorientation in Nigeria through robust investment in tourism and cultural heritage, believing it fosters peace, unity, and economic development, highlighted at the Okemesi Cultural Heritage celebration

Nigeria cultural tourism holds the key to national reorientation, according to former presidential adviser on Political Affairs, Chief Akin Osuntokun.

Also read: FCT moves to transform area councils into tourism, investment hubs

He has passionately called for a renewed focus on leveraging the country’s rich cultural heritage and tourism potential to foster peace and unity.

Osuntokun explained that by teaching young people the rich Nigerian culture, traditional etiquette, and the importance of community service, the nation can significantly foster peace, unity, and enhanced tourism development.

The former managing director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) spoke in Okemesi-Ekiti, headquarters of Okemesi-Ido-Ile LCDA, at the weekend during the community’s triennial Cultural Heritage celebration, which prominently showcases the popular Oladunwo Masquerade.

Osuntokun, who holds the community title of Balogun and chaired this year’s edition of the festival with the theme “Let’s Celebrate Our Rich Cultural Heritage and Values,” stated that the gathering serves as a valuable platform to showcase the community’s rich culture and galvanise support for its socio-economic development.

“The Okemesi Cultural Heritage celebration embodies our commitment to preserving and promoting our rich cultural values, prioritising unity, security, and shared responsibility,” Osuntokun declared.

He added, “The festival also offers a platform for fostering initiatives that uplift the community, while also uniting all sons, daughters, and friends, in a collective celebration of identity.”

The former director-general of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council in the last general elections commended Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s infrastructural development, stating that he deserves to be re-elected for a second term, given his overall performance across many areas.

While highlighting the festival’s crucial role in promoting unity, peace, harmony, and cultural pride, he urged the state government to invest more significantly in the artistic and tourism sectors, which he believes would yield substantial economic benefits for the town and the wider state.

Also speaking at the event, the Owa Ooye of Okemesi, Oba Gbadebo Adedeji, explained that contributions from community leaders, businesses, and residents affirmed their dedication to maintaining Okemesi as a safe, inclusive, and prosperous ancient town where traditions are honoured and progress is celebrated.

“As we embrace the spirit of this year’s festivities, let us take pride in our Okemesi-Ekiti identity, and instil in future generations the values of integrity, respect, and community development,” Oba Adedeji urged.

Related Topics:Culture Featured heritage Nigeria peace Tourism Unity

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

1 week 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.”