Culture

Ogun partners private sector to preserve cultural traditions

Published

1 year ago

June 18, 2025

Ogun partners private sector culture efforts to preserve Yoruba traditions, with Governor Abiodun endorsing Egbaliganza’s cultural and economic impact

Ogun partners private sector culture initiatives as part of a renewed drive to preserve and promote Yoruba traditions. Governor Dapo Abiodun reaffirmed this commitment during the installation of Chief Lai Labode as the Balogun of Ijaye, highlighting the importance of public-private partnerships in sustaining the state’s rich heritage.

Also read: Ogun National Sports Festival showcases culture, tourism excellence

Speaking through the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr Sesan Fagbayi, the governor praised Labode, the founder of the cultural fashion concept known as Egbaliganza, for his unwavering dedication to showcasing the identity and elegance of the Egba people.

The initiative, which featured prominently during the Lisabi Day celebration, has become a point of pride and a boost to the state’s cultural economy.

Abiodun stated that the success of Egbaliganza demonstrates how collaboration with private entities can elevate both heritage and commerce.

He noted that the project not only brought vibrancy to the event but also generated economic value for the local creative sector. The governor reiterated his administration’s readiness to support similar efforts that promote Yoruba heritage and pride.

Labode’s installation was described as a deserved recognition of his leadership and cultural vision. Abiodun recalled his first encounter with Labode in October of the previous year, when discussions began on incorporating Egbaliganza into the state’s cultural calendar.

Since then, both parties have worked closely to ensure the success of Lisabi Day, which drew widespread acclaim.

In his acceptance speech, Labode expressed deep gratitude to the people of Ijaye and Egbaland, pledging to continue working tirelessly to advance their cultural values.

He acknowledged the influence of the Alake of Egbaland, who has consistently encouraged unity and innovation among Egba sons and daughters.

Labode declared that Ijaye is positioned for a new era, one that will not only uplift the Egba people but also contribute meaningfully to Ogun State and the wider African cultural narrative.

The Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, represented by the Seriki of Egbaland, Chief Tosin Fadare, hailed the new Balogun as a cultural ambassador.

He called on Labode to remain steadfast in his commitment to enhancing the social and economic fortunes of the region.

Also read: Ogun to establish art gallery at Olumo Rock in partnership with Nike Art Gallery

As the state builds momentum around cultural tourism and heritage preservation, the partnership between government and private promoters like Labode signals a promising model for development rooted in tradition.

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Culture

OLOJO….Ile Ife’s September Gift To Culture

Published

2 weeks ago

October 5, 2026

Mariam Balogun

By Halima Adaba,

It was a featubal if the people. It was for the anciebt town of Ile Ife, which the Yoruba race refards as the Source.

Also read: Olojo Festival 2026: Ooni Urges Leaders to Prioritise Citizens

And ut was a festivsl for the King, Arole Oduduwa, Oonirisa, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.

And so between September 24 and 28th 2026, the annual featuval dazzjed in all its white glory.

Tge Monarch paid the traditional ancestral homage and offered propitiation as part of the sacred rites of the Olojo Festival.
It was a powerful expression of Yoruba heritage, spirituality, and enduring tradition.

Call it a collection of beautiful moments, faces, colours and cultural expressions.

Every frame tells a story.

Every face carries the energy.

Every moment keeps the heritage alive.

Undoubtedly one of the most sacred cultural celebrations in Ilé-Ifẹ̀. It marked a day associated with creation, thanksgiving, ancestral heritage, and the sacred appearance of the Ooni of Ife wearing the revered Aàrẹ crown.

There were also the devotees of the famed god of thunder – Sàngó who were hardly conspicuous at the festival.

Many other traditional groups came out with candor, showing a powerful expression of Yoruba cultural identity, spiritual devotion, and respect for the ancient traditions of Ilé-Ifẹ̀.

Devotees of Sàngó bekieved the ‘appearance’ of the god of thunder on Seotember 26th could be understood as a symbolic meeting of ancestral heritage, spiritual devotion, and the celebration of creation.

It was a moment when the sounds of drums, chants, and traditional praise poetry brought the history of the Yoruba people to life.

Although Olojo is closely associated with Ogun, the god of iron, and the sacred traditions of Ile-Ife, the presence of Sàngó devotees reflected the rich diversity of Yoruba spiritual heritage.

Also read: Olojo Festival 2026: Ooni Urges Leaders to Prioritise Citizens

As a participant enthused at the festival, “To witness Sàngó Olúkòso emerge on Olojo Festival day is to witness a living expression of history, identity, and ancestral pride.”

Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

2 months 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.”