Culture

Yobe Cultural Revival Gains Momentum Under Governor Buni

Published

10 months ago

November 16, 2025

Yobe Cultural revival takes shape as Governor Buni launches committee to restore Kokuwa, boost tourism, youth empowerment, and cultural pride

Yobe Cultural revival received a major boost as Governor Mai Mala Buni, CON, inaugurated a high-powered Cultural Committee to restore the state’s heritage and traditional wrestling, Kokuwa.

Also read: Yobe To Make Dufuna Canoe Tourist Centre

The initiative aims to reposition cultural identity as a driver of unity, tourism, and youth empowerment.

Chaired by Deputy Governor Hon. Idi Barde Gubana, the committee was formally approved on 3 November 2025 and brings together government officials, lawmakers, cultural experts, and local government chairmen.

The move underscores a strong institutional commitment to sustainable cultural development.

Unlike previous ceremonial efforts, the initiative provides a comprehensive framework for revival. Plans include statewide Kokuwa tournaments, promotion of traditional sports, cultural tourism, documentation of indigenous history, and integration of cultural education into youth programmes.

Residents and cultural stakeholders have welcomed the initiative as a renaissance of Yobe’s identity. Once a unifying sport attracting spectators across Nigeria and the Sahel, Kokuwa is poised for a grand comeback, blending entertainment, economic empowerment, and heritage preservation.

Public analyst Ibrahim Bukar captured the essence of the initiative, saying, “Culture is a soft power; it strengthens unity and identity. By reviving Kokuwa, Yobe is not just preserving history—it is building a new social economy for its youth.”

Governor Buni’s focus on culture as a tool for development sets Yobe apart as a state balancing modernisation with tradition.

The revival of Kokuwa and associated festivals promises new opportunities for artisans, performers, and entrepreneurs, while strengthening community bonds across the 17 local government areas.

Cultural enthusiasts describe the project as a legacy initiative, ensuring future generations inherit the pride and dignity of their ancestors. As preparations begin for the first post-revival Kokuwa tournaments, excitement is building across the state.

Also read: Yobe Gov’t To Make 8,000-yr-old Dufuna Canoe Tourist Attraction

Under Governor Buni’s visionary leadership, Yobe is not merely remembering its past — it is restoring its soul.

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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.”