Culture

Southwest Eco-Tourism Holds Massive Potential, Says Gani Adams

Published

1 year ago

August 13, 2025

Southwest eco-tourism can generate major revenue, says Gani Adams, urging governors to develop cultural and natural sites to global standards

Southwest eco-tourism can become a major revenue source if state governments take bold steps to develop and promote cultural and natural attractions, according to Iba Gani Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland.

Also read: Gani Adams warns against disunity among Yoruba monarchs, promotes Oke ‘Badan Festival

Speaking at the grand finale of the 2025 Osun Osogbo Festival, Adams urged the Ministries of Tourism and Culture across the Southwest to craft a unified strategy for raising tourist destinations to global standards.

He warned that Nigeria’s reliance on oil and gas is unsustainable and stressed that eco-tourism could serve as a lasting alternative.

Drawing comparisons to Middle Eastern nations diversifying into sports and entertainment tourism, Adams said the Southwest should leverage its rich heritage.

Citing examples, he highlighted the Oodua and Oranmiyan Groves in Ile-Ife, the historical Alaafin of Oyo’s palace, and natural landmarks such as Oke Ibadan, Oke Olumo, Oke Idanre, Oke Erinmo, and Okota in Arigidi-Akoko.

He stressed that each could be developed into an internationally recognized site.

“Osun Osogbo festival is not only a celebration. It is also a call to action to preserve and promote our cultural values and natural blessings,” he said, noting that tourism could also counter negative global perceptions of Nigeria and Africa.

Also read: Gani Adams hails Olokun festival for boosting Badagry’s spiritual and economic growth

Adams described his appeal as a “clarion call” for Southwest states to work together, linking festivals and heritage sites in a coordinated push to attract global visitors.

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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.”