Culture

World Culture Day: Ahiajoku, Ozuruimo festivals’ll be revived, says Egemba

Published

2 years ago

May 31, 2024

Imo state Commissioner for Tourism, Culture and Hospitality, Jerry Egemba, has assured Imolites that the annual Ahiajoku cultural festival which showcases Igboman’s prowess in different aspects of life, will be revived.

He said the Ozuruimo cultural festival where different aspects of culture of the 27 local government areas of the state are displayed, will also be revived and organised before the end of the year.

Also read: Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi announces new date for 2024 AyanAgalu traditional drum festival

The commissioner gave the assurance Tuesday during celebration of the World Culture Day, which was shifted from 21st to 28th of May for convenience.

He also said other aspects of culture such as dress code, cuisines, speaking of Igbo language, music, art etc would be given a pride of place by the government as he reassured that the government would collaborate with traditional institutions to achieve the goal.

While enjoining Imolites to stick to culture and not allow it to die or allow globalisation to wipe it off, he maintained that “it promotes human rights and fundamental freedom, mutual respect and understanding, cultural diversity etc.”

In his opening remarks, chairman of the occasion, HRM Oliver Ohanwe, who doubles as Obi Gburugburu 1 of Isiama autonomous community in Isiala Mbano local government area of the state and the Okigwe zonal chairman of traditional rulers said “every country, tribe gather together to domesticate their culture,” adding that ” we have different aspects of culture like culture of development, uplifting, capacity building, etc.”

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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.

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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.”