Culture

Promising Ogun Cultural Economy Vision Unveiled by Abiodun

Published

9 months ago

November 30, 2025

Governor Abiodun says the Ogun Cultural Economy can boost foreign exchange if festivals are fully developed and promoted

In remarks described by attendees as a promising call to action, Governor Dapo Abiodun has said the Ogun Cultural Economy holds vast potential to become a major source of foreign exchange for Nigeria if properly harnessed and promoted.

Also read: Senator Yayi Commends Ogun Governor’s Backing for Oronna Ilaro Festival

Speaking on Saturday at the 39th Akesan Day Celebration at Christ Apostolic Church Grammar School, Iperu-Remo, the governor noted that many nations across the world have successfully diversified their economies by investing strategically in culture and tourism.

He said Nigeria could achieve similar gains by elevating its numerous cultural festivals into globally attractive events.

Abiodun explained that celebrations such as Akesan Day already attract thousands of visitors who support local artisans, hotels, entertainers, food vendors and transport operators.

He cited festivals like Lisabi Day, Oronna Day and Ojude Oba as cultural assets capable of generating jobs and stimulating investment if given sustained development.

He pointed to global examples from Brazil to Kenya, as well as the monumental transformation of Dubai, as proof that culture-driven tourism can significantly contribute to national GDP.

According to him, vibrant cultural identities strengthen visibility, encourage positive engagement and promote both communal pride and economic expansion.

Beyond financial gains, the governor stressed that culture fosters unity, honesty and collective responsibility, values he described as essential for societal growth.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to preserving heritage, supporting communities and promoting social harmony across Ogun State.

Abiodun also commended President Bola Tinubu for reforms aimed at reviving Nigeria’s economy, adding that Ogun State would continue to align with the Federal Government for the benefit of its residents.

Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Sesan Fagbemi, praised Akesan Day as a vital platform for cultural promotion and for shaping the future of the community.

He assured that the state government remains committed to protecting its heritage.

The Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, hailed the people of Iperu for their dedication to tradition, while the Asiwaju of Remoland, Chief Solomon Onafowokan, commended the government for its infrastructural achievements, particularly the Gateway International Airport in Iperu.

Chairman of the Iperu Akesan Community Development Association, Taiwo Oyebanji, outlined recent community milestones, including road works, erosion control and physical development.

Also read: Dapo Abiodun takes on Tinubu over standard of road constructed in Ogun

He called for continued unity, stronger security, improved power supply and the completion of ongoing projects.

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

7 days 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.”