Culture

President Tinubu’s commitment to culture and tourism highlighted at Ondo centenary celebration

Published

2 years ago

December 9, 2024

President Tinubu rebrands Nigeria’s Ministry of Creative Economy, driving cultural and tourism development for unity and economic growth.

President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to advancing culture and tourism in Nigeria took centre stage during the 100th-anniversary celebration of Okeagbe Community in Ondo State.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Interior Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo highlighted Tinubu’s efforts to rebrand and empower the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy.

Also read: President Tinubu directs FCT to elevate Arts and Culture for unity and economic growth

“Out of his passion for Nigeria’s value and unique image, the President has rebranded the Ministry of Creative Economy and Tourism,” Tunji-Ojo stated on Sunday.

“The Federal Executive Council has also approved the creative industry as a focal point for fostering peace and unity across the nation.”

Tunji-Ojo praised the Okeagbe community for its century-long legacy of harmony and coexistence, expressing optimism for a future filled with prosperity.

He also commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State for his transformative leadership, noting that his efforts have significantly improved the state’s fortunes over the past 11 months.

Governor Aiyedatiwa, represented by the state’s Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Rasheed Badmus, echoed the importance of culture in promoting peace and unity.

He called on traditional rulers to continue showcasing their diverse cultures to strengthen communal bonds and preserve the region’s heritage.

“We are happy that peace reigns across Ondo State,” Aiyedatiwa remarked. “Our traditional rulers play a key role in this harmony. Once there is peace among them, it becomes easier for us to promote and sustain our cultural values.”

The event highlighted the collaborative efforts of the federal and state governments to harness Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and position it as a driver of unity and economic development.

By prioritising the creative economy, President Tinubu seeks to unlock the potential of Nigeria’s cultural and tourism sectors to foster national progress.

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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.”