News Agency of Nigeria
Group seeks accurate representation of Yoruba culture
Culture & Tourism

Group seeks accurate representation of Yoruba culture

 

 

 

 

By Babajide Awoyinfa

The Think Yoruba First Ogo Adulawo Socio-Cultural Association (TYF Worldwide) has called for accurate representation of Yoruba culture to safeguard its heritage and identity.

 

Mr Oluwatobi Sanwo, Lead Legal Consultant of TYF, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos that falsified narratives threatened Yoruba civilisation and intellectual integrity globally.

 

He explained that the conference was convened to highlight cultural defamation and historical distortion against the Yoruba people, found in a recently published academic book.

 

According to him, the book falsely claims that the non-Yoruba group were original inhabitants of Ile-Ife, alleging Yoruba were immigrants who usurped authority in their ancestral home.

 

Other falsehoods, he noted, included a fabricated empire preceding Ile-Ife, assertions unsupported by Ifa Corpus, oral traditions, or credible historical and anthropological research.

 

Sanwo condemned the distortions as cultural defamation, intellectual dishonesty, and potential ethnic provocation.

 

He stressed that Ile-Ife remained the undisputed cradle of Yoruba civilisation, recognised worldwide by scholars and authorities.

 

He said TYF had submitted petitions to Nigerian and international institutions, while raising public awareness to defend Yoruba heritage and intellectual truth against distortion and falsified narratives.

 

The association urged Yoruba people worldwide to unite in defence of Ile-Ife, while calling on the media to responsibly promote authentic Yoruba history and scholarship.

 

Sanwo reaffirmed TYF’s commitment to peaceful dialogue and collaboration with traditional rulers, academics, and the press, insisting Yoruba history was sacred, Ile-Ife non-negotiable, and identity indivisible.

 

He emphasised that TYF does not promote hatred toward any ethnic group, but would resist attempts to undermine Yoruba civilisation or distort ancestral history.

 

The association also appealed to government agencies, universities, and international cultural organisations to support Yoruba scholarship, fund research, and strengthen frameworks preserving African histories and indigenous knowledge systems. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Isese Festival: Soyinka urges embrace of traditional medicine
Culture & Tourism

Isese Festival: Soyinka urges embrace of traditional medicine

By Abiodun Lawal
Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has urged Nigerians to embrace traditional medicine, describing it as the oldest, most effective health care system that has endured.

Soyinka spoke in Abeokuta at a programme organised by the Ogun State Government and traditionalists to mark the 2025 Isese Festival, celebrated annually on Aug. 20.

He threw his weight behind the Isese Day celebration, saying it offered the people a rare opportunity to reconnect with their cultural roots.

Soyinka enjoined Nigerians to rediscover their heritage and adopt alternative medicine for healing and primary health care.

He stressed that traditional culture and inheritance must be preserved and propagated across generations.

Soyinka noted that even advocates of orthodox medicine, trained in western institutions, were now adopting traditional and natural remedies as preferred forms of care.

He added, “One thing I must stress here is our herbs and roots, our traditional medicine, which the western world now calls pharmacology.”

He lamented that Nigerians often disregarded these remedies, believing only hospitals provided real care, whereas local herbs and roots remained highly potent.

“Many people are retracing their steps. Producers of traditional medicine should not be afraid. It is the way forward and must be supported,” he said.

Soyinka also urged the people to guard jealously their highly valued traditional heritage.

Gov. Dapo Abiodun congratulated traditionalists as they marked this year’s Isese Day.

Abiodun praised their unity and assured them of continued government support in preserving cultural heritage.

Represented by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Sesan Fagbayi, the governor said Isese Day had come to stay in Ogun, stressing the administration’s commitment to religious tolerance.

Chairman of the Alternate Medicine Board, Nurudeen Olaleye, commended the governor for fulfilling his campaign promise by declaring Aug. 20 a public holiday for Isese Day.

Olaleye appealed to the governor to also address other pressing needs in promoting alternate medicine in the state.

He described the sector as a promising global goldmine waiting to be fully tapped. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
Kosoko Museum seeks U.S. collaboration to promote Lagos heritage
Culture & Tourism

Kosoko Museum seeks U.S. collaboration to promote Lagos heritage

 

 

 

Museum

 

By Joan Odafe

The Kosoko Family are seeking collaboration with the United States Consulate in Lagos for the preservation and development of the King Kosoko Memorial Museum at Ereko, Lagos State.

 

Prince Abiola Kosoko, the Oloja of Lagos disclosed this in  a statement on Monday.

 

Kosoko said the family made the call for collaboration during a visit by the U.S. Consul General, Rick Swart, to the museum on Aug. 17.

 

Kosoko, who is also the Curator, said the museum, a cultural landmark at Ereko, housed relics of the 19th Century Lagos Traditional Ruler, Morounfolu, popularly known as Oba Kosoko.

 

According to him, the site includes the 163-year-old palace, with a mini and the main museum located within it, with the late traditional ruler’s royal paraphernalia and correspondences with Europeans.

 

Kosoko appealed for the collaboration of the U.S. Mission to safeguard the artefacts and promote the museum as a hub for cultural tourism.

 

Swart, who assumed office in July, commended the family for welcoming him to the museum.

 

“It is such a wonderful place which has so much history,” he said.

 

The diplomat also extended wishes to the family matriarch, Alhaja Mutiat Alli-Balogun, who marked her 96th birthday anniversary. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

 

Edited by Christiana Fadare

Isese Day: Ogun Govt. declares Aug. 20 public holiday
Culture & Tourism

Isese Day: Ogun Govt. declares Aug. 20 public holiday

By Bukola Adetoye

The Ogun Government has declared Aug. 20 a public holiday to commemorate the annual Isese Day celebration.

The date was conveyed by Mr Kayode Akinmade, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to Ogun Governor, Dapo Abiodun, on Monday in Abeokuta.

“It will be recalled that the date was formally declared a public holiday in 2023, following a motion passed by the Ogun State House of Assembly and the concurrent approval of Gov. Abiodun.

“The day is set aside to celebrate Yoruba religion and traditions,” he said.

Akinmade stated that the introduction of Isese Day as public holiday by Ogun government reflected Gov. Abiodun’s recognition of the vital role that Yoruba heritage and practices play in the state’s identity and cultural landscape.

“Isese Day serves as an opportunity for adherents of the Yoruba religion to honour their ancestors, engage in traditional practices and promote the values and teachings inherent in their spiritual beliefs.

“The celebration not only fosters a sense of community among practitioners but also invites the broader society to appreciate and respect the rich cultural tapestry that the Yoruba tradition contributes to Nigeria,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Christiana Fadare

Olubadan-designate, Oba Ladoja arrives Ibadan to rousing welcome
Culture & Tourism

Olubadan-designate, Oba Ladoja arrives Ibadan to rousing welcome

By David Adeoye
The Olubadan designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, on Monday arrived in Ibadan after weeks of absence from the city.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Oba Ladoja was warmly received at the Ibadan-Lagos tollgate by family members and well-wishers.
He immediately proceeded to his Isale-Osi family house, in Ibadan South East Local Government Area, where a mini reception was held for the 44th Olubadan designate.
NAN reports that the Olubadan Advisory Council had on Aug 4, unanimously nominated Oba Ladoja as the next Olubadan of Ibadanland.
This followed the demise of the 43rd Olubadan, late Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, which occurred on July 7.
It is expected that traditional rites for the coronation of Oba Ladoja will commence once Gov Seyi Makinde approves his nomination.
Ladoja, a shipping magnate and industrialist, was a former senator in the aborted third republic and governor of Oyo State under the platform of the PDP from 2003 to 2007.
He was impeached under controversial circumstances for 11 months during his tenure but was reinstated by the court. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Bayo Sekoni
Oyebanji, Keyamo win top honours at Travellers Award
Culture & Tourism

Oyebanji, Keyamo win top honours at Travellers Award

 

 

 

By Joan Odafe

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and Governor of Ekiti, Abiodun Oyebanji, have been recognised among top industry personalities to be honoured at the Travellers Award 2024/2025.

 

In a statement on Friday, the organiser of Akwaaba African Travel Market, Ikechi Uko, said the award was aimed at celebrating exceptional achievements in Nigeria’s travel, tourism, aviation and hospitality industries.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Travellers Award 2024/2025, organised by ATQNEWS.COM, will hold on Sept. 14.

 

The organisers recognised Oyebanji as ‘Tourism Governor of the Year’ for his investments in tourism infrastructure, sustainable development initiatives and cultural promotion, that have boosted Ekiti’s profile as a leading West African destination.

 

According to the organisers, Keyamo will be honoured as ‘Aviation Man of the Year’ for his transformative reforms in the aviation sector.

 

“Some of his achievements include resolving 98 per cent of $850 million trapped airline funds, expanding Bilateral Air Services Agreements and improving Nigeria’s aviation safety rating from 40 per cent to 80 per cent.”

 

Other honourees include the Managing Director of ValueJet Airline, Capt. Omololu Majekodunmi, as ‘Travel Personality of the Year’ for the airline’s rapid expansion to Freetown, Gambia and Cotonou.

 

Also, Amb. Wanle Akinboboye, as ‘Tourism Personality of the Year’ for growing La Campagne Tropicana resorts and hosting the Ipada Carnival.

 

The General Manager of Lagos Continental Hotel, Karl Hala, was named ‘Hotel Manager of the Year’ for his excellent management of hotels, both in Lagos and Abuja, while Ibom Air secured ‘Best Nigerian Airline of the Year’ for its quality service and on-time performance.

 

Qatar Airways emerged the ‘International Airline of the Year’, while Ethiopian Airlines won two awards – ‘African Airline of the Year’ and ‘African Cargo Airline of the Year’.

 

Turkish Airlines was recognised as ‘International Cargo Airline of the Year’.

 

Other winners include Lagos Aviation Academy as ‘Aviation School of the Year’, and Diamonds and Pearls Travels as ‘Tour Operator of the Year’ in the outbound category.

 

Global Anago Adventures clinched the ‘Tour Operator of the Year’ for inbounds, while Naija Explorers won the ‘Best Domestic Tour Operator of the Year’. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Anambra Industrialist promotes Igbo culture, empowers youths through apprenticeship system
Culture & Tourism

Anambra Industrialist promotes Igbo culture, empowers youths through apprenticeship system

By Joy Mbachi

An Anambra Industrialist, Chief Onyeka Ifekandu, says he is committed to promoting Igbo core values such as the apprenticeship system to create economic independence for young people.

Ifekandu, who is the CEO of Mac-Akudiufu Nig. Ltd., a tailoring accessories business on Lagos Island since 1994, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that no fewer than 100 youths had achieved financial freedom through his company.

He explained that he inherited the legacy of apprenticeship from his forefathers and was now extending the same opportunity to today’s youth, helping both formal and informal learners succeed.

His humanitarian efforts also include the Ezendigbo Welfare Foundation, which he founded in 2021 to support the less privileged.

According to him, the recognition he has received has motivated him to continue serving the Igbo people and that he feels he has to preserve, project, and dignify Igbo culture with unity and integrity.

“Our forefathers left the legacy of apprenticeship for economic growth of the people of the zone, of which I benefited from.

“I decided to also extend same gesture to the youth of today, where both informal and formal literate persons can find their bearing in the social and economic world.

“I have through such gestures enjoyed various recognitions which have spurred me to do more service to Igbo people who come across my path.

“I feel I have preserved, projected, and dignified Igbo culture both at home and in the diaspora with unity, integrity, and reverence as my watch word.

“The formidable brotherhood and sisterhood drawn from every corner of the six Igbo-speaking states that are anchored in ancestral heritage, steadfastness in unity, helping one another, have bound us together with an unbreakable pride full of success”.

He said that apprenticeship skill activities he offered to people kept them together especially in Lagos where he resided, making him feel strongly to promote Igbo cultural values.

According to him, this is to ensure that modernity does not erode the ancestral beauty of Igbo culture.

Ifekandu disclosed that his efforts to promote Igbo values in Lagos gained him a title and that encouraged him the more to uphold the culture to help the less privileged.

He said that people in his homeland and the diaspora have benefited from his genuine acts of service and benevolence ranging from educational scholarships, empowerment of trained apprentices, widows economic support and community development. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

FG pledges support for AFRIMA, creative industry to boost tourism
Culture & Tourism

FG pledges support for AFRIMA, creative industry to boost tourism

 

 

 

 

 

By Dele Eniola

 

The Federal Government says it remains committed to supporting the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) and the creative industry as part of its efforts in positioning Nigeria as the leading tourism destination in Africa.

 

The Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Industry, Hannatu Musawa, made this known at an event tagged: “Patron’s Dinner with the Jury”, organised by AFRIMA on Thursday in Lagos.

 

Musawa said the future of Nigeria lies in the creative sector and pledged the Federal Government’s full backing for initiatives that promote arts, culture and entertainment.

 

“The future of Nigeria lies in the creative industry. We are here to give all our support to AFRIMA.

 

“Nigeria’s creative industry holds the key to our nation’s future and AFRIMA is a vital part of that journey.

 

“We believe in the power of creativity to shape Nigeria’s destiny, which is why AFRIMA has our full support as it represents the promise of Nigeria’s creative future,” she said.

 

She restated government’s commitment in collaborating with stakeholders to expand opportunities across the sector.

 

“We are available to work with everyone across all boards and we will keep expanding our tentacles to ensure that we boost tourism in Nigeria.

 

“Our commitment is to keep widening our reach and partnerships to strengthen Nigeria’s tourism sector.

 

“Collaboration across all fronts is key and we will continue to expand our efforts to boost tourism nationwide,” she said.

 

Mr Mike Dada, President of AFRIMA, said the platform is leveraging music as a strategic tool to boost Africa’s presence in the global creative economy.

 

He noted that AFRIMA’s mission goes beyond recognising musical talent to telling Africa’s authentic story on the world stage.

 

“Music remains a powerful unifying force capable of bridging cultural divides across the continent while also positioning Africa competitively in the international market.

 

“Our goal is not just to celebrate African music but to use it as a medium to shape perceptions, foster unity and unlock economic opportunities across borders,” he said.

 

“AFRIMA will continue to create platforms where African voices are amplified globally, thereby ensuring the continent is recognised as a key player in the creative and cultural industries,” he said.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by many celebrities across all sectors in the country.

 

Since its inception, AFRIMA, has consistently worked to promote African music, culture and identity in the global stage while fostering unity across countries.

 

AFRIMA 2025 will take place in Lagos from Nov. 25 to Nov. 30.

 

The programme will include the Africa Music Business Summit, the Music Village Concert, the Nominees Party, and the awards ceremony, which will be broadcast to more than 84 countries. (NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)

 

 

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Art, Women ministries partner with Tekira Africa to drive creative economy
Culture & Tourism

Art, Women ministries partner with Tekira Africa to drive creative economy

By Muhyideen Jimoh

‎The Ministries of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Women Affairs have pledged to collaborate with Tekira Africa to empower women and boost the creative economy.
‎
‎Tekira Africa, founded by renowned photojournalist Bayo Omoboriowo is a creative industry solution provider that empowers creative talents scale into global enterprises.
‎
‎Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, made the commitment Tuesday in Abuja during the official launch of the Tekira Africa initiative.
‎
‎She described the platform as a game-changer capable of reshaping the continent’s creative landscape, if properly supported and scaled.
‎
‎”I am honoured to join you today for the official launch of Tikera Africa, a critically important initiative poised to transform Africa’s creative economy.”
‎
‎Musawa noted that the initiative builds on proven models like MADhouse by Tekira, which incubates emerging creatives with mentorship, funding, and global exposure.
‎
‎”Tikera Africa emerges at a pivotal moment. It builds on impactful initiatives such as MADhouse by Tikera, which has already incubated trailblazing creative incubator programmes.”
‎
‎The minister called for deeper collaboration across sectors to ensure such initiatives thrive and scale effectively.
‎
‎”As a ministry, we commit to scaling access to creative residencies, training hubs, and enterprise support.”
‎
‎”We are committed to championing artisans and ensuring their work is both culturally celebrated and economically sustainable.”
‎
‎”So Tikera Africa is more than a launch, it is a starting point. Together, we can reimagine an African ecosystem where education, craftsmanship, and creative enterprise are inseparable pillars of development.”

Dignitaries at the Tikera Africa launch in Abuja.

‎
‎Also speaking, Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, launched a women-led artisanship initiative under Tikera, highlighting Nigerian women’s entrepreneurial strength.
‎
‎”Today, as we launch Tikera Africa and unveil a Woman-Led Artisanship Initiative, we are not starting a conversation; we are advancing a revolution. I want to commend the vision behind this innovation.”
‎
‎”It is indeed Women O’Clock, in Nigeria and the world must keep up. It is a pointer that women are the innovators in our markets, the leaders in our boardrooms, and the guardians of our homes.”
‎
‎She emphasized that placing women at the heart of a $1 trillion creative economy goal is both strategic and essential.
‎
‎”Tikera Africa’s Woman-Led Artisanship Initiative embodies what we stand for; dignity in skilled work, preservation of heritage crafts, and the unlocking of new markets for women.”
‎
‎”But this cannot be the work of one organisation. I call on all stakeholders; government, private sector, and development partners, to invest in women not as charity, but as a smart economic strategy.”
‎
‎Founder Bayo Omoboriowo said Tekira Africa is built as a hub for Culture, Creative, and Media Industry (CCMI) to accelerate Africa’s creative future.
‎
‎Omoboriowo, a former official photographer to President Muhammadu Buhari, stressed the need to merge creativity with enterprise.
‎
‎”The goal for us is there is a huge gap between the craft in itself and enterprise. And for us at Tekira Africa, we need to link the bridge, connect the bridge. So we say we are the bridge between the passion and enterprise.”
‎
‎He reiterated the organisation’s readiness to partner with public and private actors to foster sustainable growth in the sector.
‎
‎Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr John Momoh (Chairman/CEO, Channels Television), expressed the board’s commitment to the Tekira vision.
‎
‎”We have a unique opportunity to shape the future of Africa’s creative industries. Tikera Africa will remain a beacon of innovation and a powerful enabler for talent across the continent.”
‎
‎The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was graced by top government officials, industry leaders, academics, cultural ambassadors, and creatives.(NAN)
‎
Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Historian urges FG to prioritise preservation of Nigeria’s cultural heritage
Culture & Tourism

Historian urges FG to prioritise preservation of Nigeria’s cultural heritage

By Folasade Adeniran

A cultural historian, Dr Oludamola Adebowale, has called on the Federal Government to prioritise the preservation of Nigeria’s cultural heritage through structured archival documentation, museum support, and public access to historical materials.

Adebowale said this at the special exhibition of The Life and Times of Oba Okunadé Adèlé Síjúwadé Olúbuse II Memorial Exhibition (50th Ooni of Ife), in Lagos.

The researcher urged the Federal Government to institutionalise heritage education in schools and create a national framework for archiving political, cultural, and family histories.

“We need to bring history back to the forefront and invest in partnerships that will keep our heritage alive. This is how we protect our identity and strengthen our place in the global cultural space,” he said.

The two-week exhibition, which began on Aug. 4 and runs until Aug. 17, is supported by Ecobank’s Impact Studios.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the special exhibition is the culmination of extensive work, with archival materials and treasured objects sourced from an array of repositories from state archives and museums to private collectors and government institutions.

Adebowale thanked the Sijuwade Royal Family Archives, which has safeguarded a collection of images, personal effects, and heirlooms, preserving them for posterity with care and devotion.

“These galleries display historical objects that reawaken and reset our collective memory as Yoruba people, as Nigerians, and as Africans.

“This exhibition is not just about showcasing clothes, shoes, and personal effects of Kabiyesi; it is about telling our stories as Nigerians and Africans.

“We must understand the importance of keeping historical records. Too often, people destroy valuable items from their elders, not realising their importance to our collective memory.

“If we want future generations to study our history, we must preserve these materials in museums and archives, not rely on Wikipedia as a primary source,” he said.

He also expressed appreciation to the curatorial team and partners who made the event possible, describing the exhibition as “a celebration of the legacy of Oba Okunadé Adèlé Síjúwadé Olúbuse II”.

According to him, each photograph and ceremonial garment grounded in heritage yet responsive to modernity, is a vision to inspire generations.

“This is an opportunity not merely to observe, but to educate. These displays are powerful reminders that history does not belong only within the walls of a palace or the pages of a local chronicle. It belongs to the world,” he added.

Also speaking, Yeye Olori Oladuni Sijuwade described the exhibition as “The beauty of his majesty,” which offered art enthusiasts a rare and intimate glimpse into the king’s regal attire, cultural elegance, and enduring legacy, ten years after his demise.

Representative of the National Museum, Mr Atinse Roberts, said the decision to loan the Ori-Olokun and other Ife artefacts underscored the magnitude of the individual being honoured.

“These objects are masterpieces that reflect the ingenuity of our forefathers. The Ori-Olokun, for instance, is entirely bronze, naturalistic in form, and historically linked to the origins of Yoruba monarchy,” Roberts explained.

Also, Mr Austen Osokpor, Head, Corporate Communications, Ecobank Nigeria, said that the exhibition aligns with the bank’s mission to preserve and promote African heritage.

“On behalf of Ecobank, EPAC Studios is partnering with you as a family for this exhibition,” Osokpor explained.

He emphasised the importance of these collaborations, noting that they help tell “a good story about us as a people, as Nigerians”.

“The goal is to promote narratives that highlight the positive stories of Nigeria and Africa,” he added.

The exhibition team included Adebowale as curator and consultant to the Sijuwade Royal Family; Kehinde Kolade and Olusegun Kolade for KadStudio: Set & Design; and Esther Odom Chirmezue as storyteller. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

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