Entertainment
World Culture Day: Oyo residents to dorn traditional attires on Monday
The Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi on Wednesday approved that residents in the state especially students in private and public schools as well as workers in the state to turn out in their traditional attire on Monday, May 21 in commemoration of the 2018 World Culture Day.
The State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Toye Arulogun disclosed this in a statement Ibadan, saying that it is the collective responsibility of all and sundry to promote our cultural norms, heritage and values in order to change the paradigm of culture being seen as inferior, primitive, irrelevant and something to be transformed.
Arulogun said that May 21 is set aside by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to celebrate and promote our culture in diversity, stating that schools’ authorities, civil/public servants, private business owners, corporate organisations as well as other culture related organization are enjoined to done wear indigenous attires throughout the day and make the day an indigenous language day.
He said that World Culture day is a platform with an opportunity to understand diverse culture and values, saying that the theme of this year’s celebration is tagged: Enhancing our Understanding and Acceptance of Different Cultures.
The government spokesman said that the occasion will be used to launch a quarterly cultural magazine tagged “Dundun” produced by the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism to promote and document our cultural values, historical sites among others.
He said that “Dundun” will serve as reference document for this generation and generations yet unborn, stressing that there will be cultural activities by Yoruba, Efik, Igbo, Hausa, Ebira and all ethnic groups that reside in Ibadan from their local government areas on the day.
Arulogun said that there will be parade and performances of each ethnic group, arts and crafts exhibition and schools’ cultural performances noting that there will also be food court exhibition of our traditional cuisines such as ‘egbo ati ewa, mosa, moinmoin, ojoo, abari’, among others.
He said that all the activities lined up to celebrate the World Culture Day will hold at the Cultural Centre, Mokola Hill, Ibadan, stressing that stakeholders expected to participate in this programmes include the Hunters Association, Tie and Dye Fabric Sellers, Arts and Crafts groups, Traditional Foods cuisines sellers, Aso Ofi Weavers and Marketers Association and Association of Hair Dressers among others.
He urged schools leadership as well as workers in the state to ensure that various forms of cultural activities take place on that day.
Nigerian singer and humanitarian Sean Dampte has expressed deep concern over reports of mass abductions and growing insecurity across communities in South-West Nigeria, calling for urgent action to protect lives and restore public confidence.
In a heartfelt statement, Dampte lamented the fear and uncertainty facing families, students, and educators in affected communities. He stressed that no child should leave home for school only to become the subject of desperate prayers before returning safely, and that no teacher should have to work under the constant threat of abduction.
Describing the situation as a national concern that transcends politics, ethnicity, religion, and social media debates, the entertainer emphasised that real lives and families are being affected by the crisis.
“My heart is heavy over the reports of mass abductions and the fear spreading across communities in South-West Nigeria,” he said, adding that the pain experienced by victims and their loved ones should never be ignored or normalised.
Sean Dampte expressed solidarity with affected families and communities living in fear, while also joining other Nigerians in demanding immediate and decisive action from authorities. He urged relevant security agencies and government institutions to strengthen the protection of schools, secure vulnerable communities, and ensure the safe return of all abducted persons.
The singer concluded by reiterating his vision for a safer nation, stating that “Nigeria must be a place where children can dream without fear.”
Popular Nigerian singer, Adekunle Kosoko, better known as Adekunle Gold, and his wife, Simisola Kosoko, also known as Simi, have welcomed a set of twin babies.
The singer announced the good news via his Snapchat story on Wednesday.
“Asked God for another child and He blessed me double,” Simi wrote.
Although the gender of the babies has not been disclosed, the announcement has since attracted congratulatory messages from fans, colleagues and well-wishers across the entertainment industry.
The development comes months after Simi had hinted at her pregnancy. In December, she shared a video on Instagram, captioned, “From my baby, for my babies,” with the clip showing her baby bump.
The arrival of the twins also comes weeks after Simi featured in a snippet from Adekunle Gold’s recently released music video titled My Love Is the Same.
Adekunle Gold and Simi got married in 2019 after years of friendship and musical collaboration. Both artistes were formerly signed to X3M Music early in their careers and have since remained one of Nigeria’s most celebrated celebrity couples.
The couple welcomed their first child, Adejare Kosoko, fondly called Deja, in May 2020.
Renowned Tungba gospel musician, Dr Yinka Ayefele, has released a new studio album titled Reflections, adding another chapter to his long-standing influence in Nigeria’s gospel music scene.
The album, which was released on Monday, December 22, 2025, blends introspection with praise, as Ayefele reflects on life, faith and gratitude to God, drawing from personal experiences marked by trials, near-tragedies and triumphs.
Announcing the release in a statement, the Group Head of Corporate Affairs, Fresh Nigeria and Yinka Ayefele Limited, Samson Akindele, said the album captures the musician’s deep reflections on life and his renewed commitment to thanksgiving and praise through music.
Musically, Reflections is rooted in Ayefele’s signature Tungba style, featuring energetic drum percussions, rich string arrangements and call-and-response patterns, supported by harmonious backup vocals from the Merry Makers Band.
The album also incorporates diverse elements, including Tungba hymnals and an Arabic praise chant rendered by a budding female talent, Harike Jesu, who additionally delivers a danceable Fuji-inspired track.
According to details of the project, the opening track focuses on Ayefele’s life journey and lessons drawn from past experiences, while subsequent tracks express appreciation to fans and sustain a flow of upbeat, dance-friendly rhythms.
Reflections is available on major digital streaming and download platforms, including Spotify, Boomplay, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Audiomack, YouTube Music, Deezer and Tidal.
The compact disc version is expected to be released in the coming days under the Yinka Ayefele Music label.
-
Politics1 week ago2027: Oseni Mobilises Oyo Artisans, Traders, Targets One Million Votes for Tinubu
-
News4 days ago
Kola Oyewo’s family to Adeleke, Ooni, Atiku: Your condolences are our pillar of strength
-
Opinion1 week ago
The Silent Thief in Nigeria’s Petrol Stations | By Solomon Oroge
-
Politics6 days ago
Oyo APC rejects Makinde’s planned December LG poll, vows boycott
