Culture

Oyo Solicits Partnership in Tapping Tourism Potential

Published

3 years ago

September 28, 2023

As the world marks Tourism Day, Oyo state government says it is poised to make the tourism sector its major revenue source to avoid relying on Federal allocation to cater for the people.

The state’s Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun stated this while answering questions from journalists at the World Tourism Day held at Captains Bower’s Tower, Oke-Are, Ibadan.

The commissioner, who noted that the state has 168 tourism sites, maintained that if they are fully harnessed, the revenue of the state would improve.

Dr Olatunbosun, therefore, called on investors and well meaning Oyo state indigenes to partner government on tourism for the progress of the state.

In a remark, CEO Farms and Sports Resort, Chief Dotun Sanusi stated that tourism is a catalyst for economic growth, cultural exchange and community development.

Chief Sanusi, therefore, called for synergy to tap potential in tourism sector in the state with a view to achieving 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs, adopted by the United Nations in 2015.

Others, who spoke on the occasion of the World Tourism Day including former first lady in the state, Chief Mutiat Ladoja, Babaloja General of Oyo state, Alhaji Yekini Abass and culture advocate, Nurudeen Akinade, urged the stakeholders in the tourism sector to increase awareness on the state’s tourism sites and resuscitate moribund sites to preserve the state’s cultural heritage.

The theme for this year’s World Tourism Day 2022 is:”Tourism and Green Investments”.

Dignitaries at the occasion included the representative of Olubadan, Oba Mahood Balogun, Otunba Seye Famojuro, and the President CCII, Niyi Ajewole.

Related Topics:Culture Featured Oyo Solicits Tapping Tourism

Up Next

Africa Magic unveils new brand identity on cultural diversity

Don't Miss

FG Celebrates World Rivers Day 2023

Click to comment

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.”