The Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA), Pan-Atlantic University, is proud to announce the public unveiling of the second edition of its landmark exhibition, Collecting Now. Opening on October 11, 2025, the exhibition presents 90 significant works on loan from six distinguished Nigerian collectors – Olufemi Akinsanya, Ifeyinwa Momah, Tayo Odunsi, Nonso Okpala, Bimpe Nkontchou and Yemi Ogunbiyi – offering audiences privileged access to a diverse range of traditional, modern and contemporary art rarely seen outside private collections.

Following the success of its maiden edition in 2024, Collecting Now has become an important platform for highlighting the practice of art collecting in Nigeria and its role in sustaining the country’s cultural and creative economy. Featuring works across painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media, the exhibition illuminates the interplay between individual taste and collective heritage.

This year’s showcase is particularly notable for spotlighting two women collectors whose perspectives illustrate the multifaceted power of collecting—as a way of living and as an act of advocacy.

“The Collecting Now series reinforces YSMA’s role as a pioneering institution that brings private visions into public spaces,” said Dr. Jess Castellote, director of the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art. “We are not only presenting exceptional works of art but also shaping a critical conversation about collecting as a cultural practice that ensures continuity, strengthens our art ecosystem, and connects Nigeria’s artistic legacy with future generations.”

Reflecting on her participation in the exhibition, one of the featured collectors, Ifeyinwa Momah, shared: “For me, art is everyday living—it fills my spaces, shapes my memories, and inspires how I see the world. This exhibition is deeply meaningful because it allows these personal experiences to be encountered publicly, sparking conversations that affirm the value of art in our daily lives. I am proud to stand alongside fellow collectors in sharing our journeys through this platform at YSMA.”

The exhibition enjoys the continued support of Ark Insurance Brokers, who, for the second time, are sponsoring the insurance of the entirety of works on display. Their renewed partnership underscores their position as a leading brokerage provider for the arts in Nigeria, with a longstanding commitment to supporting culture and creativity alongside their broader insurance expertise.

“Our partnership with YSMA for Collecting Now reflects our enduring belief that Nigerian art is a national treasure worthy of world-class protection,” remarked Kayode Awogboro, Managing Director of Ark Insurance Group. “As a trusted name in insurance, we take pride in safeguarding collections of immense cultural value, while affirming our commitment to the arts as part of the fabric of society.”

Through this initiative, YSMA affirms its position as a pioneering institution dedicated to advancing cultural scholarship, deepening public access to art, and celebrating the vision of Nigerian collectors as curators and preservers of history and heritage. The general public is invited to see Collecting Now II between October 11, 2025 to February 9, 2026 at the Olori Funmilayo Shyllon Exhibition Gallery of the YSMA at Pan-Atlantic University.

The Oko Community in Orumba North Local Government Area (LGA) of Anambra State has finalised arrangements for the official burial and final rites of passage for its traditional ruler, Onowu Oko, Ichie Martin Ezeosim, on Thursday, next week.

The demise of late Onowu was jointly announced by His Royal Highness, Igwe Prof. Laz Ekwueme, Eze Ijikala II and his cabinet; the Oko People’s Union, (OPU); and the family who have fixed his burial for October 9, 2025.

The late Onowu  Oko – the traditional Prime Minister, who is the second in Command to Igwe of Oko, died at the age of 78, with a string of remarkable contributions to the development of the community. 

A statement signed by Chief (Sir) Reuben Muoka, chairman, Publicity Sub-Committee, Onowu Oko Burial Committee indicates that the funeral rites for a befitting burial of Onowu Oko have been set for the Alex Ekwueme Civic Centre, Oko, after a Christian burial ceremony in his country home in Eziabo Village in Oko.

A committee for the official burial of the late Onowu, led by a member of the Oko Council of Chiefs, Chief Larry Iloh, and other prominent members from all segments of the Oko community, have been set up to oversee a very befitting ceremony that will involve the participation of government officials, the entire Oko community and their friends.

Prof. Ekwueme, who condoled with the entire community, expressed deep sorrow at the loss of an illustrious, reliable and hardworking community leader who contributed immensely in many facets of the community’s development and leadership, urged the committee to ensure that the community hosts befitting rites for the late traditional prime minister.

The President of OPU, Nze Sunday Nwafor, also paid glowing tributes to the late Onowu, whose life, he said, replicated a very simple life of a Christian, with a personae, bravery and carriage that are worthy of emulation in the community.

In his message, Chairman of Onowu Oko Burial Committee, Chief Iloh, said the community, on behalf of Oko community, owes a lot of gratitude to the late Onowu, whose contributions are invaluable.

He promised that the committee will leave no stone unturned to ensure that Oko sons, daughters, and friends of the community, turn up to pay their last respects to the late leader.

Margarita Festival Africa (MFAF), West Africa’s first and biggest margarita and tequila-inspired funfair, is set to return on November 30, 2025.

The 2025 edition marks a historic milestone — the 10th edition across three nations and the 6th in Lagos, positioning MFAF as one of the most anticipated cultural festivals.

Since its inception, MFAF has grown beyond cocktails to become a cultural hub for food, music, arts, and lifestyle, spotlighting Latin-inspired experiences while celebrating African creativity. Over the years, it has expanded from Lagos to Abuja, Accra, and Abidjan, while also hosting special editions like Margarita Day (2022 & 2025) and Cinco de Mayo (2022).

This year’s edition promises an even more immersive experience, featuring:

• Over 15 Margarita flavours and a tequila exhibition with global and local brands.
• A marketplace with food, arts, crafts, and keepsakes.
• Live music, circus acts, cultural performances, and the highly anticipated Margalympics cocktail competition.
• An expanded Lime Folk community, creating year-round engagement with cocktail and culture enthusiasts.

The Margalympics, now a signature pre-festival competition, will spotlight the best margarita makers across Lagos. Judges will tour nominated bars and restaurants in the weeks leading up to the festival, with the grand finale taking place live on the festival stage.

Attendees will have the chance to taste and vote for their favorites, making it an exciting celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and community.

Speaking on the festival’s evolution, Wendz Connoisseur, Founder & Convener of Margarita Festival Africa, said:

“What began as a dream to celebrate the margarita cocktail has become a thriving cultural movement that unites people across nations. Margarita Festival Africa is more than an event — it is a community, a celebration of culture, and a testament to how cocktails can bring people together. As we celebrate our 10th edition, we are excited to showcase the magic of Lagos while reinforcing Nigeria’s place as a cultural and tourism hub in Africa.”

The 2025 edition is expected to draw over 1,500 attendees, including cocktail enthusiasts, foodies, cultural adventurers, and tourists. Beyond entertainment, the festival also carries a strong CSR mandate, including initiatives such as providing back-to-school kits for children of hospitality workers and supporting bartender grants through the LimeFolk Initiative.

Tickets will are available and can be purchased via the official website: www.margaritafestaf.com