Culture

Tinubu committed to safeguarding, promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage – Minister

Published

2 years ago

August 19, 2024

Tinubu committed to safeguarding, promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage – Minister

The Minister for Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, weekend said the President Bola Tinubu administration is committed to safeguarding and promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

Musawa stated this while speaking at the closing ceremony of the 2024 World Sango Festival held at the Festival Arena, Aafin Oyo, Oyo state on Saturday.

The minister stated that the federal government is “determined to support initiatives that protect traditions, encourage cultural expressions, and harness the power of our heritage for the benefit of all Nigerians.

“This recognition by UNESCO is not just a milestone for Oyo state, the Yoruba people, and the Kingdom of Oyo but a victory for Nigeria. It affirms my ministry’s commitment to the global significance of our rich traditions, our stories, our values, and our way of life,” she said.

The minister added: “This tells the world that the Sango festival is not just an event, but a living testament to the vibrancy and resilience of our culture. As we bask in the glory of this global acknowledgment, I wish to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the entire Oyo community, the custodians of this remarkable heritage.

“Your dedication, passion, and relentless efforts have ensured that the legacy of Sango lives on, passed from generation to generation, unbroken and unblemished.”

He appreciated the Yoruba race for promoting cultural heritage then assured Oyo state government of her ministry’s support for the laudable initiatives.

Speaking, Acting governor of Oyo state, Bayo Lawal, said the state government will continue to promote tradition and cultural heritage that bind the people together, adding that the Governor Seyi Makinde led administration is ensuring that the state is prepared to strengthen the promotion of culture and tourism to achieve his vision for an expanded and diversified economy in the state.

The acting governor added that Oyo state government will continue to support religious harmony and peace.

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

1 month 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.”