Events

Students Shine as Ooni Champions Yoruba language

Published

12 months ago

September 19, 2025

Egbeje Ede schools competition in Ile Ife thrilled the Ooni’s palace as students excelled while leaders urged promotion of Yoruba language

Gracefield College students shone brightest, with Akinremi Testimony clinching first place, while Iyanda Yakub came second. Kazeem Balqees of Shepherd Hill Model College secured the third position.

Also read: Alaafin–Ooni Chieftaincy Dispute Sparks Royal Clash

Seven schools participated in the cultural contest, including Ife Girls High School, Oduduwa College, Oranmiyan Memorial Grammar School, Moremi High School, Shepherd Hill Model College, Gracefield College, and Vicayor Comprehensive College.

In his opening remarks, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, emphasised the importance of promoting Yoruba language across all spheres of life.

Represented by Sooko Kemade Eligbaju, the Ooni described the language as a core part of Yoruba identity that must be preserved and celebrated.

Also addressing the gathering, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rafiu Oyekanmi Mosobalaje, the Olupo of Oluponna, urged Yoruba descendants worldwide to instil the language in their children by making it the primary language at home.

Professor Ajibade Olusola of Obafemi Awolowo University’s Department of Yoruba Language, Literature and Culture, encouraged education policymakers to strengthen Yoruba language studies through mandatory inclusion in schools.

He dismissed the belief that speaking Yoruba early hinders a child’s English proficiency, calling it a damaging misconception.

The organisers expressed gratitude to Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke for his strong support of education, and to the Ooni of Ife for endorsing the competition.

They also appreciated private sponsors and education officials for their commitment to the programme.

Also read: Ooni Palace Blasts Edited Video Of Alaafin Encounter At Abuja Summit

Mr Dayo Taiwo and Adetola Balogun, creators of the Egbeje Ede Board, thanked state officials for their contributions, reaffirming that the contest is designed to keep Yoruba culture vibrant for future generations.

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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.”

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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.”