Culture

UN Tourism, ETF to Launch Academy in Lagos

Published

11 months ago

October 7, 2025

UN Tourism and Eko Tourism Foundation partner to establish a tourism academy in Lagos, boosting Nigeria’s status as Africa’s leading tourism hub

UN Tourism and the Eko Tourism Foundation (ETF) have announced plans to establish a tourism academy in Lagos, a move designed to promote the state as Africa’s leading tourism hub.

Also read: Eko Tourism Foundation targets job creation, GDP growth

The partnership was formalised during a roundtable meeting in Lagos, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Both organisations said the initiative aligns with ETF’s mission to showcase the rich tourism potential across Lagos State and strengthen the city’s global visibility.

Leading the ETF delegation, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, former Minister of Information and Culture and Chairman of the foundation’s Board of Trustees, expressed optimism that the collaboration would “transform Lagos into the continent’s tourism capital.”

Representing UN Tourism, Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili, the organisation’s Secretary-General, said Lagos possesses all the elements of a thriving tourism destination from its fashion and festivals to its gastronomy and nightlife.

Pololikashvili pledged support for the development of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) infrastructure in the city, describing it as key to attracting global visitors.

He also accepted an invitation to serve as Patron and honorary member of ETF in recognition of his contribution to sustainable tourism development worldwide.

Mohammed, meanwhile, dismissed widespread concerns about insecurity in Nigeria as “grossly exaggerated,” noting that visitors who recently toured the country often expressed surprise at its safety and vibrancy.

He highlighted “Detty December” as evidence of Lagos’ growing reputation as a global cultural hotspot, adding that the city hosts over 20,000 events monthly, underscoring the need for more purpose-built venues to sustain its booming entertainment industry.

“Such infrastructure,” he said, “will enable international stars like Burna Boy, Davido, and Wizkid to stage major concerts locally instead of abroad.”

Mohammed added that ETF was founded to foster collaboration between government and private sector players in tourism and to market Destination Lagos and by extension, Destination Nigeria as a driver of sustainable socio-economic growth.

The ETF delegation also included Erelu Abiola Dosumu, Dr. Tunde Lawrenson, Karl Hala, Abiola Adelana, and Sharon Ashinze. UN Tourism officials accompanying Pololikashvili were Elcia Grandcourt, Shirin El Tayan, and Kojo Bentum-Williams.

Also read: African Tourism Conference Sparks Growth at Akwaaba Travel Market

With this new academy, both organisations aim to strengthen local expertise, attract investment, and turn Lagos into a world-class tourism education and innovation centre.

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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.”