Culture

Senator Ireti Kingibe champions Kilishi kulture food tourism festival for economic empowerment

Published

2 years ago

October 10, 2024

Senator Ireti Kingibe supports the Kilishi Kulture Food Tourism Festival, aiming to empower 100,000 Nigerians and boost the halal economy.

Senator Ireti Kingibe, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, has endorsed the Kilishi Kulture Food Tourism Festival, an initiative aimed at empowering over 100,000 Nigerians.

The festival seeks to drive $10 billion in halal economic growth, promoting sustainable development across Africa.

Senator Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), highlighted the festival’s potential to foster intra-African trade.

She stated, “The Kilishi Kulture Africa Initiative serves as a unique tool to accelerate the halal economy, promoting cultural diplomacy and unlocking economic opportunities through our culinary heritage.”

The senator emphasised the importance of connecting African nations through food tourism, stating that it celebrates cultural richness while enhancing regional collaboration for food security and economic growth.

She believes that the initiative will mobilise market-driven investments for sustainable development.

Victor Wilkinson Agih, Lead Managing Partner and Green Marketplace Development expert for the festival, explained that the Kilishi Kulture Africa Initiative centres on celebrating the “biggest and greenest” Kilishi heritage. This halal commodity is celebrated across Africa, symbolising cultural heritage and culinary excellence.

Mr. Badamasi S. Burji, Managing Director/CEO of First-Class Refreshments Ltd., echoed this sentiment, noting that promoting Africa’s rich culinary heritage will boost local economies and create collaborative opportunities for entrepreneurs.

The Kilishi Kulture Festival aims for significant impact, including the distribution of 10 million food security packs to enhance accessibility for those in need.

The initiative also includes a commitment to sustainability with a pledge to plant 10 million trees, helping offset greenhouse gas emissions linked to food production.

Furthermore, the festival highlights the potential to generate up to $100 billion in revenue from the Pan African Kilishi Marketplace opportunities within the halal economy.

In addition, the initiative will provide over 10 million free healthcare wallets, ensuring access to essential healthcare services for underserved populations.

The festival is anchored in the belief that celebrating food heritage can create meaningful economic opportunities and strengthen ties among African nations.

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

3 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.”