Culture

Oyo pledges stronger collaboration with NANTA to regulate tourism sector

Published

1 year ago

June 3, 2025

The Oyo State Government is set to collaborate more closely with the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) to regulate and sanitise travel and tourism operations, driving professionalism and growth in the state’s vibrant sector

The Oyo State tourism regulation is set for a significant boost as the state government has pledged stronger collaboration with the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) to regulate and sanitise travel and tourism operations within the state.

Also read: Oyo state to host inaugural Adire Expo to boost economy, cultural tourism

Speaking at NANTA’s monthly meeting, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, explained that tourism remains a key pillar in Governor Seyi Makinde’s Roadmap for Accelerated Development 2023–2027. He noted that sensitisation efforts for travel agencies in the state have already made a significant impact.

Dr. Olatunbosun stressed the urgent need to remove unregistered and non-compliant operators in the industry, stating that the Ministry is fully committed to cleansing the hospitality and tourism sector to ensure standardisation and professionalism.

He further revealed plans to collaborate with the Ministry of Education to revive entertainment activities in schools. This initiative aims to discover and nurture young talent, and crucially, will also include educating students on the nuanced difference between culture and religion.

The Commissioner reiterated that the state’s tourism framework is being properly structured. Under this new structure, the Oyo State Tourism Board will manage hospitality businesses, while the Ministry of Culture and Tourism will oversee all tourist sites.

The legal responsibilities of both the Ministry and relevant industry associations are now clearly defined to ensure efficient operation.

In his remarks, Otunba Babatunde Adesokan, Vice President of NANTA, expressed appreciation to the state government for initiating regulatory measures aimed at eliminating fraudulent practices and supporting legitimate travel agencies.

He noted that standardising operations will be crucial in growing the sector and enhancing revenue generation through the issuance of tourism operation certificates.

Also speaking, Prince Olajide Sarayi, a member of NANTA’s Board of Trustees, commended the government’s commitment. He urged media houses to verify the credentials of individuals and businesses seeking advertisements, ensuring they are certified NANTA members to prevent misleading the public.

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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.”