Culture

Oyo Prepares for 2026 World Egungun Festival with Global Masquerades

Published

7 months ago

February 20, 2026

Oyo State prepares for 2026 World Egungun Festival, hosting 200 masquerades from 10 countries and over 100 groups, with Olubadan as festival chairman

Oyo State Government has announced that no fewer than 200 masquerades from about 10 countries, alongside over 100 groups and associations, have confirmed interest in the 2026 World Egungun Festival.

Also read: Nigeria, Spain Strengthen Strategic Partnership

The disclosure was made by Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, during a courtesy visit to the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rasidi Ladoja, at his Bodija residence on Thursday, February 20, 2026.

Dr. Olatubosun formally invited Oba Ladoja to serve as the royal father and chairman of the festival, a role the monarch accepted, pledging his full support.

The commissioner described the Olubadan as a strong cultural ambassador whose influence will further elevate the festival’s global prestige.

Significant improvements have been made ahead of the 2026 edition to address concerns raised during the 2025 festival, particularly regarding VIP visibility and convenience.

The Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hajia Hannatu Musawa, has also pledged to attend the festival, underscoring the event’s national significance.

As part of broader preparations, the ministry held strategic meetings with leaders of the Ijo Oje Parapo Welfare Association across local government areas.

The meetings aimed to consolidate plans for the festival, address past concerns, and encourage proper presentation of masquerades.

Dr. Olatubosun highlighted the international attention the festival now attracts, including interest from Brazil, and expressed optimism that with sustained efforts, the World Egungun Festival could secure UNESCO recognition within six years.

“We want to promote the entertainment and tourism potential of the festival to the world, but it is important that we take ownership of it and preserve its authenticity,” he said.

Members of the Ijo Oje Parapo Welfare Association emphasised cleanliness, discipline, and organisation, requesting representation on the festival planning committee, which was approved.

Also read: Nigeria, Spain Strengthen Strategic Partnership

The commissioner also advised the association to create a youth body under the National Council for Isese Youth Organisation to ensure sustainability and structured participation for younger generations.

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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.

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.”