Culture

Oyo postpones Adire Carnival, Exhibition for quality enhancement

Published

1 year ago

June 11, 2025

Oyo State Government postpones Adire Carnival and Exhibition to meet global best practices and deliver a seamless, culturally immersive experience. New date to be announced soon

Adire Carnival and Exhibition in Oyo State has been officially postponed, the State Government announced on Wednesday, citing the need to enhance the quality and impact of the event.

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

The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun, confirmed the postponement in a statement issued in Ibadan.

He explained that the decision was taken to ensure the carnival adheres to global best practices and delivers a “rich, immersive experience” worthy of the State’s cultural prestige.

Originally scheduled for Friday, 20th June 2025, the carnival was being organised by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in partnership with BIZRAIT and Adire Odua. A new date will be announced soon.

“The Seyi Makinde-led administration remains committed to promoting, preserving and developing culture and tourism across the State,” Olatunbosun said. “Tourism is a vital driver of economic growth, job creation and internally generated revenue.”

He noted that under the Omituntun 2.0 Roadmap for Sustainable Development, Oyo State has successfully hosted major cultural showcases such as the World Twins Festival, Egungun Festival, Iyake International Festival and the Aso-Ofi Festival. These events have drawn national and international attention and significantly boosted the local economy.

The commissioner highlighted the Aso-Ofi Festival’s success, noting its influence in shaping policy: “Civil and public servants are now encouraged to incorporate Aso-Ofi into their dress code, revitalising indigenous textile production and reinforcing Oyo State’s identity as the ‘Manchester’ of Indigenous Textile Production.”

The Adire Carnival and Exhibition is part of ongoing efforts to spotlight and strengthen indigenous craftsmanship. According to the government, postponing the event is a strategic move to uphold the standards that reflect the cultural stature of Oyo State.

Also read: Olota of Otta Awori Kingdom Leads Celebration of Nigerian Culture at Vienna’s Adire Festival (Photos)

“We appreciate the immense support and understanding of all partners, participants and the general public as we work toward hosting an even more impactful event,” Olatunbosun added.

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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.”