Culture

Wole Soyinka Backs Isese Day, Urges Embrace of Tradition

Published

1 year ago

August 21, 2025

Wole Soyinka backs Isese Day, urging Nigerians to embrace traditional culture and medicine while protecting heritage for future generations

Wole Soyinka backs Isese Day as a vital platform for reconnecting with cultural roots and reviving traditional practices, including herbal medicine, which he described as one of the oldest and most effective forms of healthcare.

Also read: Lagos Isese Day 2025: Sanwo-Olu Declares Work-Free Day

The 91-year-old Nobel Laureate spoke on Wednesday at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, during a programme organised by the Ogun State government and traditionalists to commemorate this year’s Isese Day.

Soyinka, who returned to Nigeria to join the celebrations, urged citizens to protect and propagate traditional culture and inheritance. He emphasized that while orthodox medicine remains vital, even the Western world has increasingly turned to natural remedies.

“Our herbs and roots, which the people in the western world call pharmacology, are very potent,” he said.

“If we don’t go to the hospital, we think we cannot get the care we need, but these herbs and roots are powerful. Those who produce them should not be afraid — it is the way to go.”

Describing Isese Day as a cultural reawakening, Soyinka encouraged Nigerians to jealously guard their heritage and traditions.

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Sesan Fagbayi, congratulated traditionalists and assured them of continued government support.

He reaffirmed that Isese Day has come to stay in the state, stressing the importance of unity and religious tolerance.

Chairman of the Alternate Medicine Board in Ogun, Balogun Nurudeen Olaleye, praised Governor Abiodun for declaring August 20 as Isese Day, fulfilling his campaign promise.

He also urged the state to further invest in alternative medicine, describing it as a “gold mine sector in today’s global world.”

Also read: Isese Day: Traditionalists offer special prayer for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability

For Soyinka, the message is clear: the Wole Soyinka backs Isese Day campaign is not just about celebration but about ensuring cultural preservation and embracing time-tested remedies for the future.

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

2 hours 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.”