Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: cultural heritage

  • Niger State Seeks Global Recognition for Historic Nupe Cultural Festival

    Niger State Seeks Global Recognition for Historic Nupe Cultural Festival

    Niger State Seeks Global Recognition for Historic Nupe Cultural Festival

    Reporting by TVC News indicates that the Niger State Government is engaging the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy on plans to transform the Bida Bariki Festival into an international tourist attraction. The proposal aims to modernize the colonial-era festival—known for showcasing Nupe heritage—and integrate it more firmly into Nigeria’s national cultural calendar.

    Officials and lawmakers argue that a modernized festival could attract global tourists, create local jobs, and provide market access for Nupe craftspeople known for glass and brass work. The plan also includes developing infrastructure around Gurara Falls to complement the cultural experience and expand visitor stay-time.

    Leadership newspaper validated the story, quoting Minister Hannatu Musawa on a strategy to turn local festivals into global assets that drive the creative economy. Daily Trust also reported community-level support, with local leaders describing the move as long-overdue recognition.

    Echotitbits take: This is a credible pathway to diversifying Nigeria’s soft power and non-oil revenues. Cultural tourism is a major global market, and Nupe heritage has distinctiveness. Infrastructure delivery—roads, safety, hospitality capacity—will determine whether this becomes a true international draw.

    Source: TVC News — https://www.tvcnews.tv/niger-seeks-fgs-partnership-to-transform-bida-bariki-festival-into-global-cultural-attraction/ (2026-01-23)

    Photo Credit: TVC News 2026-01-23

  • Adekunle Gold Makes History as First Artist to Sell Out Wole Soyinka Centre

    Adekunle Gold Makes History as First Artist to Sell Out Wole Soyinka Centre

    According to Nigerian Entertainment Today (NET), Afrobeats star Adekunle Gold has been honored with a commemorative plaque after becoming the first musical artist to sell out the prestigious Wole Soyinka Centre for Arts and Culture. This is a major milestone for ‘AG Baby.’

    The sell-out show featured a curated blend of music and theatrical performance, paying homage to the Nobel Laureate. The management of the venue praised Gold for his ‘artistic excellence’ and his ability to bridge the gap between contemporary music and classical arts.

    Fans have hailed the achievement as a testament to Gold’s consistent growth. The artist, known for his impeccable fashion, described the honor as one of the most significant moments of his decade-long journey.

    Validation from Daily Post Nigeria confirmed: ‘Adekunle Gold receives plaque for making history as the first artist to sell out the Wole Soyinka Centre.’ BellaNaija also highlighted the event, quoting a representative: ‘Adekunle Gold has set a new standard for live performances in this hall.’

    Echotitbits take: Adekunle Gold is playing the long game. Selling out a venue named after Wole Soyinka isn’t just a concert win; it’s a cultural co-sign that elevates him into a ‘prestige’ category of artists.

    Source:TheNation  – https://thenationonlineng.net/adekunle-gold-becomes-first-artiste-to-sell-out-wole-soyinka-centre/ January 2, 2026
    Photo Credit: TheNation

  • Demas Nwoko at 90: Nigerian creative icon marks milestone with tributes and thanksgiving

    Demas Nwoko at 90: Nigerian creative icon marks milestone with tributes and thanksgiving

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-24 07:48:00

    Writing in Punch, the report says renowned Nigerian artist, architect, and writer Demas Nwoko has marked his 90th birthday with thanksgiving activities and tributes focused on faith, mentorship, and cultural legacy.

    The celebration was framed not just as a personal milestone but as recognition of influence—how his work and guidance shaped younger professionals in art, architecture, and cultural thought.

    Part of the programme reportedly included a dedication tied to his late mother, highlighting family memory and community symbolism rather than a purely social party atmosphere.

    The event also drew attention to the broader cultural value of “living legends”—figures whose work bridges post-independence creativity and contemporary design identity.

    ThisDay reported the anniversary featured “a thanksgiving and the inauguration of church Belfry in honour of his late mother,” while The Guardian described him as “a patriarch of African modern design.”

    Echotitbits take: Nigeria’s culture economy needs better documentation and monetisation of legacy—archives, museums, design foundations, and structured mentorship. Watch for whether institutions turn these milestones into lasting cultural infrastructure, not just ceremonies.

    Source: The Punch — December 24, 2025 (https://punchng.com/renowned-artist-demas-nwoko-marks-90th-birthday/)
    The Punch 2025-12-24

  • Agulu Celebrates Return of ‘Haba Agulu’ Deity Artefact After 120 Years

    The Agulu community in Anambra welcomed the return of the ‘Haba Agulu’ artefact taken in 1905 during colonial rule. Community leaders described the return as a milestone for cultural justice and identity.

    Plans are underway for a permanent museum to preserve the artefact and expand heritage tourism in the area.

    2025-12-10

    Punch Newspapers

    2025-12-10