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Lagos endorses ‘go Culture Festival 2021’, says initiative will promote arts, cultural sustainability
The Director of Creative Arts Department, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Idowu Johnson with the Convener of Go Culture Festival 2021, Idris Coker, at the ‘Go Culture Festival’ event held recently in Lagos.
Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has endorsed ‘Go Culture Festival 2021’, describing the initiative as a step in the right direction towards cultural renaissance and preservation of Nigeria cultural heritage.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Solomon Bonu, while speaking at the event held recently in Lagos, extolled the resilience of the organiser of the event and his passion for cultural preservation.
He said that the theme for the 2021 edition of the annual event ‘Unleashing African Potential – Own Your Culture’, will no doubt reflect the current cultural diversity of the Nigerian culture and also establish a revival of the country’s cultural heritage.
Bonu, who was represented at the event by the Director of Creative Arts Department in the Ministry, Mr. Idowu Johnson, expressed the hope that the culmination of the country’s cultural practices under the Go Culture Festival will have ripple effects on the State’s economy and also across the country.
In his message at the event, the convener of Go Culture Festival 2021, Idris Coker, stated that ‘Go Culture Festival’ is Africa’s most prestigious Mega African multicultural display, exhibition, award and performances organised annually by Carnival and Cultural Pride Limited.
According to him, “Culture has been elevated in scope and operations as government at Local, State and Federal levels have over the years deliberately got themselves involved by setting up Ministries and Departments of Culture”.
He maintained that the Nigerian Government, apart from investing in cultural infrastructure across the country, has set up the national troupe comprising of dancers, drummers, singers, acrobats, choreographers, writers, poets and artistes.
Coker, however, called for more contribution from all relevant stakeholders and Nigerians as a whole in ensuring that the nation’s culture did not go into extinction but instead, make deliberate efforts to preserve the nation’s rich cultural heritage.
His words: “My message at this gathering is that we must all join hands in upholding and uplifting our culture, language and tradition. That is something that we have that no one can take from us. It is our natural wealth that we can’t compromise or overlook”.
The event, which witnessed exciting cultural display, indigenous parade, Arts and Crafts, Dance drama and Arts Exhibition, among others, was organised in collaboration with different cultural agencies like National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), National Art Gallery (NGA), National Institute for Cultural Orientations (NICO), Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) and Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC).
A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.
One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.
Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.
In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”
He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.
“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.
He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.
The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
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