•By OYENIYI AWOJOODU
IBADAN — STAKEHOLDERS at the maiden edition of Itansan ArtFest 2026 have called for increased cultural education and awareness as a means of preserving Nigeria’s heritage, values, and identity.
The festival, held on Saturday at the Adeline Hall of Lead City University, Ibadan, brought together prominent figures in the arts and culture industry, alongside emerging young creatives and curators, in a vibrant celebration of tradition, creativity, and indigenous heritage.
The event, themed “Beacon of the Ancestors,” featured cultural displays, theatre performances, fashion showcases, book launch, stage plays, trade exhibitions, and workshops aimed at reconnecting young people with their roots.
According to her, culture should not merely be inherited in silence but preserved, interpreted, and intentionally passed on to future generations.
“The word Itansan translates to ‘Rays of Light,’ and for us, it represents clarity, illumination, and the responsibility we all share to ensure that our stories, traditions, languages, art forms, and indigenous knowledge systems do not fade into obscurity,” she said.
Adewunmi lamented the growing disconnect between young people and their cultural roots in an era dominated by globalization and digital culture.
“We are seeing a generation that knows global trends but struggles to understand local identity. Culture is gradually being reduced to aesthetics without understanding the depth, history, and values behind it,” she stated.
She explained that the festival was conceived to bridge the widening gap between modernity and cultural consciousness by creating an engaging platform where heritage remains relevant and dynamic.
“Itansan ArtFest was born from the desire to bridge that gap. We wanted to create a platform where culture is not presented as outdated, but as alive, expressive, relevant, and evolving,” she added.
Highlighting some of the festival’s initiatives, she noted that the Itansan Young Creators Challenge was established to encourage youths to explore cultural identity through writing, visual arts, and performances.
She also spoke on the launch of the book, “Emissaries of the Gods (Iko Orisa),” describing it as a literary effort targeted at children and teenagers.
“This is a book created for children and teenagers. It highlights our deities as powerful figures capable of transferring wisdom and strength to younger generations in fascinating ways,” she explained.
Adewunmi further stressed that culture must not only be celebrated but also serve as a tool for education, empowerment, economic growth, and unity across generations.
She commended the Oyo State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, partners, sponsors, volunteers, and other collaborators for supporting the initiative.
Among dignitaries and stakeholders who delivered goodwill messages at the event were the Osun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Ojo Abiodun; Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Wasiu Olatunbosun; Olori Rashidat Olayinka Ladoja; Mogaji Abiodun Adeyemi; renowned artist and art curator, Chief Tunde Odunlade; and ESV (Dr.) Prince Adekunle Alonge (Awokose Omoluabi Oodua).
The stakeholders unanimously emphasized the need for sustained cultural education and awareness to preserve indigenous values, heritage, and self-identity among younger generations.
The festival concluded with colourful cultural performances, theatrical displays, fashion parades, and artistic exhibitions that celebrated the richness of African traditions and storytelling.