Culture

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

Published

1 year ago

April 28, 2025

The Oyo State Government announces its first-ever Adire Expo in Ibadan on June 20, 2025, aiming to promote the indigenous textile industry and drive economic growth

The Oyo State Government is set to host its inaugural Adire Expo in Ibadan on June 20, 2025, at the Cultural Centre, marking a significant step towards bolstering the state’s economy through the promotion of its vibrant Adire industry.

Also read: Alaafin of Oyo denounces false supremacy battle claims in online publication

This announcement was made by the state’s Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Wasiu Olatunbosun, during a stakeholders’ meeting in Ibadan.

The highly anticipated cultural event is being organized in collaboration with Olori Aderonke Ademiluyi, the Founder of Adire Odua and Bizrait Exhibitions.

Commissioner Olatunbosun emphasized that this initiative aligns with Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration’s commitment to promoting cultural tourism and supporting heritage industries within the state.

“The Adire Carnival is not just a celebration; it is a strategic initiative to showcase our cultural richness and craftsmanship to a global audience,” stated Olatunbosun.

The Adire Carnival is not just a celebration; it is a strategic initiative to showcase our cultural richness and craftsmanship to a global audience.” – Wasiu Olatunbosun, Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism.

He also highlighted the ongoing efforts to create a conducive environment for the creative economy, including support for traditional industries like iron pot manufacturing in Saki and black soap production statewide.

Olori Aderonke Ademiluyi underscored the profound cultural and economic significance of Adire, describing it as an emblem of Yoruba heritage and a burgeoning enterprise.

She noted the establishment of an Adire Skills Centre in Ibadan, supported by the state government, which has already provided free training to over 1,000 individuals since 2021.

Stakeholder Ola Ore pledged to ensure the event is a world-class carnival, providing a vital platform for local artisans, designers, and entrepreneurs to showcase their craft and expand their businesses.

The Oyo State Government’s investment in the Adire Expo reflects its dedication to preserving cultural heritage while simultaneously fostering economic growth and opportunity within the state.

Up Next

Artists “Deconstruct Unity” in thought-provoking exhibition at national museum Lagos

Don't Miss

Enugu govt recognizes new traditional ruler for Ogugu Community after 25years vacancy

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.”