OgunMinistryofculture&tourism

24/09/2026

OGUN VISUAL ARTS EXHIBITION TO BOOST CREATIVE ECONOMY, PRESERVE HERITAGE – HOS
The Ogun State Head of Service, Mr. Olanrewaju Saka, has described the newly introduced Quarterly Visual Arts Exhibition of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, as a veritable platform for promoting creativity, preserving cultural heritage and creating opportunities for artists to thrive.
Saka, stated this at the flag-off of the Quarterly Visual Arts Exhibition organised by the Ogun State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, commending the Ministry for the initiative, noting that the exhibition would enable artists to showcase their creativity, gain visibility and contribute to the preservation of Ogun’s rich cultural heritage.
The Head of Service, who recalled his experience as a trained and certified creative arts instructor, said the visual arts were more than expressions of beauty and creativity as they were reflections of people’s identity, history and values. He added that the creative industry offered opportunities for skills development, entrepreneurship, employment and economic empowerment.
Saka, said the exhibition aligned with the vision of Governor Dapo Abiodun, encapsulated in the ISEYA mantra and his commitment to “Building Our Future Together,” adding that providing platforms for artists to develop their skills and connect with opportunities would contribute to human capital development and the growth of the creative economy.
He urged participating artists to remain committed to excellence, continuous learning and innovation, while calling on institutions, the private sector and the public to support creative talents.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Culture and tourism, Hon. Sesan Fagbayi, noted that the initiative was designed to provide artists with sustained visibility, market access and economic opportunity, describing the exhibition as ‘a deliberate step’ to create continuous platforms where creativity could be showcased, celebrated and connected to opportunities beyond gallery walls, as well as to strengthen ties between culture, creativity, tourism and enterprise so that galleries and cultural spaces become places where talent could meet opportunity.
“I urge you to continue to support our artists. When you support an artist, you are not merely acquiring a work of arts, you are investing in talent, culture and the future of our creative economy” the Commissioner urged.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr. Quddus Yusuf, said the 5 days exhibition would feature works intended to tell stories about Ogun’s culture and legacies which included contributions not from across Ogun State and from neighbouring states as well as international participants.
Yusuff, emphasized the exhibition’s role in advancing a broader agenda to raise the profile of arts and culture through series of initiatives intended to nurture local creative talent and increase public engagement with cultural heritage.
He highlighted some of the initiatives from the Ministry that included the publication of a Cultural Magazine called OgunRewa which curated stories centered on the culture of the people of the State and the resuscitation of the Artists Night.
In her remarks, the Former Special Adviser in the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mrs Busola Ogunyemi, commended artists who had transformed discarded materials, known as waste materials into works of value as well as the display of genuine creativity at the exhibition.
She emphasized the exhibition’s potential to address youth unemployment by promoting entrepreneurship in the arts urging government to smooth pathways for artists and creative entrepreneurs to grow their businesses.
Also Speaking, a veteran actor, Yomi Fash Lanso, appreciated the Ministry of Tourism and Culture for its involvement and solicited for government continuous support to expand, saying “When they keep doing these things and there’s no support, that may naturally soak the passion.”

21/09/2026

Live at the flag off ceremony of the maiden edition of Arts and Crafts Exhibition organized by the Visual Arts Department , Ministry of Culture and Tourism

20/09/2026

We are ready

19/09/2026

19/09/2026

OGUN RENOVATES HALL OF FAME TO ENHANCE VISITORS’ EXPERIENCE

The Ogun State Ministry of Culture and Tourism has renovated and commissioned the Hall of Fame at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, as part of efforts to promote artistic tourism and enhance visitors’ experiences.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Sesan Fagbayi, said the initiative was designed to promote experiential tourism by creating visually appealing and interactive spaces that would attract tourists, school groups and cultural enthusiasts.

According to him, the renovation reflected the Ministry’s commitment to developing cultural attractions that combined entertainment, education and heritage preservation, while also creating opportunities for increased patronage and revenue generation.

Fagbayi, explained that the renovated Hall of Fame had a combination of immersive set designs with curated displays, celebrating local talent, creativity and cultural heritage.

The Commissioner commended the Visual Arts Department for demonstrating creativity and professionalism in the project, urging its personnel to sustain their efforts towards achieving greater feats in the promotion of Ogun’s artistic heritage.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Quudus Yusuff, said the renovation was part of the Ministry’s broader efforts to make cultural sites more interactive, attractive and visitor-friendly.

Yusuff, noted that the enhanced facility was designed to marry aesthetic presentation with educational value, thereby providing visitors with an engaging cultural experience.

He highlighted some of the new features to include a staged home setting, decorated with locally produced fabrics, a specialised sofa made from recycled tyres and other materials, as well as a modernised palace setting equipped with mannequins to enhance photography and visual displays.

He added that the facility also had in its kitty a private meeting room suitable for two to three people.

Also speaking, the Director of Visual Arts, Mr. Emmanuel Ikwe, said the new installation was designed to offer visitors more than conventional snapshots, providing them with opportunities to pose in carefully crafted settings that evoke the atmosphere and grandeur of royalty.

Ikwe, added that the facelift was developed in-house, with contributions from local artists and stakeholders across various visual arts disciplines, further demonstrating the creative talent available in the State.

19/09/2026

OGUN CULTURE MINISTRY TO BEGIN ARTISTIC EXHIBITION SEPTEMBER 21

Ogun State Ministry of Culture and Tourism is set to commence a state-wide artistic exhibition on September 21, 2026, at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta.

The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Sesan Fagbayi, disclosed this while speaking with Journalists in Abeokuta, explaining that the exhibition was designed to showcase the talents and creative potential of artists in the State while providing opportunities for networking, collaboration and greater recognition.

Fagbayi, said the initiative was part of the Ministry’s efforts to promote the creative industry and provide a platform for artists/ stakeholders to display their works to a wider audience.

Responding to questions on the development of cultural heritage sites in the State, the Commissioner reiterated the present administration’s commitment to upgrading cultural facilities and heritage sites across Ogun.

Speaking on new tourism discoveries, he highlighted the recently identified Oleyo waterfall at Ebute Igboro in the Yewa North Local Government which potentials, if harnessed would stand out to be recognised as the first waterfall in the State, which would add to the revenue base of the State, when properly developed and promoted.

He said such discoveries would contribute to the development, promotion and diversification of the state’s tourism sector, urging Local Governments across the State to identify and document viable tourism sites and cultural heritage within their domains.

The commissioner therefore called on individuals, corporate organisations and non-governmental organisations to partner with the State Government in the development and promotion of underdeveloped tourism sites and cultural heritage in the State.

“Tourism is a collective responsibility, Government alone cannot do it all. We need individuals, organisations and other stakeholders to come together to develop and promote our tourism assets,” he said.

Fagbayi, further noted that cultural festivals had contributed significantly to putting Ogun State on the global tourism map, adding that such events also provided opportunities for Government to interact closely with the people, in line with the administration’s commitment to grassroots engagement.

He thereafter announced that the State would join other parts of the world to celebrate the 2026 World Tourism Day on September 27, adding that the celebration would be held with the theme “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism”.

21/08/2026

OGSG CHARGES TRADITIONALIST ON UNITY, SECURITY

The Ogun State Government has charged traditional worshippers across the State to embrace unity, peaceful coexistence and collective responsibility in strengthening security and ensuring stability.

The call was made during this year’s ISESE Day celebrations at the June 12 Cultural Center, Kuto, Abeokuta, organised by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in collaboration with ISESE PARAPO, Ogun State, with the theme: “The Role of Traditional Practitioners in Securing the Society”.

Speaking at the event, the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, stressed the importance of unity among traditionalists, saying the government was committed to ensuring that our culture and heritage were preserved and maintained in accordance with the traditions

Gov. Abiodun, represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Oluwasesan, stated that traditionalists needed to contribute meaningfully to the ongoing efforts aimed at sustaining adequate security in the State
Abiodun urged them to utilize the occasion to further promote Ogun State rich cultural heritage, as they remained custodian of culture, while respecting the beliefs and rights of other religions as they remained the custodians of culture, advising them to promote peace and continue to appear as role model to younger generations

He noted that ISESE Day remained a significant annual celebration of Yoruba indigenous culture, spirituality and traditions, added that the observance of the day had provided an opportunity for traditional worshippers to honour their heritage and reflect on enduring values such as peace, communal responsibilities and reverence for ancestors.

He therefore admonished traditionalists to support initiatives targeted at addressing insecurity, noting that the responsibility of maintaining peace and order is a collective duty of all residents

Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Qudus Yusuff, congratulated leaders of ISESE PARAPO, Ogun State and their members for the successful hosting of its second edition since the State government declared Isese Day an annual event.

He acknowledged the importance of culture as a powerful instrument in promoting unity, peace, responsible citizenship and sustainable development, while he also appealed to stakeholders to support the government and security agencies by providing useful information and remaining vigilant in their communities.

In his keynote address, High Chief Solagbade Popoola, PhD, spoke extensively on the ‘Roles of Traditional Practitioners in Securing the Society’, saying the theme was timely as security is not the responsibility of the government and conventional security agencies alone.

Chief Solagbade, stated that traditional practitioners had been custodians of indigenous knowledge, customs and values for generations and had played significant roles in maintaining order, resolving disputes and promoting peaceful coexistence between communities long before the existence of other religions

He added that traditional practitioners could promote security by encouraging values such as honesty, respect for elders, responsibility and respect for human life.

He charged practitioners to reject the use of traditional beliefs and practices that could facilitate criminal activities, just as he urged them to report any individual who might likely use the name of tradition or spirituality to promote kidnapping, violence, fraud, intimidation or other criminal acts

In their separate reactions, the Oba of ISESE, Ogun State, Oba Ifarotimi Adifagbola and the former Chairman of ISESE PARAPO, Ogun State, Chief Falola Durokifa, both appreciated the Ogun State Government for recognizing the roles and importance of ISESE Day and providing an avenue for traditional practitioners to celebrate and promote their cultural heritage

According to them, the celebration should go beyond ceremonies and festivals and should become an opportunity for reflection on the responsibilities of traditional practitioners in the society.

They further advocated for mutual respect among adherents of African Traditional Religion, Christianity and Islam, stressing that religious and cultural diversity should be a source of strength rather than division

The celebration featured traditional prayers, cultural displays, music, drama and other activities aimed at showcasing the richness of Yoruba indigenous heritage.

19/06/2026

OGUN STEPS UP CULTURAL PRESERVATION WITH QUIZ, ESSAY COMPETITION FOR STUDENTS
The disposition to promote, preserve and sustain culture and traditions by Ogun State Government, has once again been demonstrated with the introduction of its maiden edition of the Culture Quiz and Essay Competition for Secondary Schools across all 4 Divisions of the State by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
Speaking at the closing ceremony at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Sesan Fagbayi, stated that the initiative was designed to ensure that the rich and fascinating cultural traditions of the State do not go into extinction.
He noted that the competition-served as a platform for younger generations to spread cultural awareness, become cultural ambassadors and practice them beyond the event.
Fagbayi, explained that the competition would instill a sense of pride and encourage continuous learning about cultural practices, ensuring the tradition is not forgotten and was passed on to future generations.
Also, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Qudus Yusuff, said that the competition would help to discover, nurture and showcase the artistic potential of young students in Ogun State.
He commended the students for their unrelenting efforts demonstrated during the competition, while assuring them that winners would be representing the State in national cultural competitions.
In her welcome address, Director of Planning Research and Statistics in the Ministry, Mrs. Olubukola Samuels, said that the cultural competition was designed to reinforce identity, promote traditional values and inspire pride in the State’s rich heritage, adding that the initiative would encourage students to engage deeply with the customs, beliefs and practices that define their community.
Two participants from Kobape Community High school, Oluseye Anuoluwapo and Adesina Oluwafunmilayo, won the 1st and 2nd position respectively, goes to the 1st position of the Essay Writing competition was clinched by a student from Ijebu-Ode Grammar School, named Oyekoya Temitayo.
The event concluded with the presentation of awards to the winning students, thus, marking a significant milestone in the State's ongoing cultural renaissance.

17/06/2026

CULTURE MINISTRY TRAINS OFFICERS ON REVENUE IMPROVEMENT
In a move to continually improve the revenue drive in Ogun State, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism has trained Tourism officers in the Department of Hotels and Allied Businesses of the Agency.
Speaking at the training in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Qudus Yusuff, who also served as the resource person, said the training was apt due to the call for the Tourism sector to improve productivity, enhance better performance and ultimately generate more revenue.
Delivering a paper titled ‘Strategies to improve IGR in the Department of Hotels and Allied Businesses’, Dr. Yusuff, spoke on possible strategies that could improve IGR which included; passive and active surveillance, regular monitoring and supervision visits, good interpersonal communication, establishing relationships with professionals/ trade associations/groups, collaboration with law enforcement agencies as well as monitoring of personal achievements periodically.
He charged the staffers of the department to come up with viable strategies that would improve IGR, as well as reviewing such strategies regularly to ensure its sustainability.
In her presentation, titled; ‘Managing Conflicts and Disagreements in the Discharge of Professional Duties’, Director of Administration and Supplies in the Agency, Mrs. Oluwafunmilola Osibodu, said effective management of conflict was essential for maintaining a productive workplace, fostering teamwork and ensuring that professional duties were carried out efficiently and ethically.
She explained the importance of proactive problem-solving in leadership, emphasising that leaders must be ready to handle issues when they arose, stressing the importance of a human-centric approach to problem-solving, just as she advocated for empathy and understanding.
Reacting on behalf of other officers, Mrs. Omolayo Solaja and Ibrahim Adetunji, commended the Ministry for the training, saying that it was an eye opener, highlightening the importance of official documentation, clients’ relationships management and proper conflicts management approach.

30/05/2026

Pictures from 2026 Ojude Oba festival