Creative Industry

National Breakdance Championship: FAME Foundation hold Kano, Kaduna Qualifiers

Published

3 years ago

July 21, 2023

FAME Foundation, a non-governmental organization based in Abuja, recently organized a national breakdance championship qualifier in Kaduna and Kano, respectively.

This event aims to empower the youth through sports under the Play it Dream it Initiative, strengthening the inclusion of young people and vulnerable people through sport, will inspire and teach valuable life skills to young people – particularly those that are consistently underserved, excluded, or economically disadvantaged.

The championship which started on July 17, 2023 at the Alliance Francaise office of Kaduna state, had a total of 41 break dancers in attendance, while Kano qualifier that took place on July 17, 2023 at the Alliance Francaise office of Kano, had 30 participants. Kaduna and Kano recorded six and five finalists, respectively.

An excited participant from Kano, Benjamin Samuel, aka Bboy Xsycho commended the organizers for organizing a breakdance championship in Kano for the very first time, “I have been a dancer for a very long time, like 15 years, and throughout my journey as a dancer, I have never had an opportunity like this in Kano where a qualifier of a National Breakdance will come to the Kano state, I want to say a big shoot-out to French Embassy and FAME Foundation for remembering Kano state, “he said.

Similarly, Obed Bawa, aka Bboy Bawa, one of the finalists from Kaduna, expressed his excitement, “I’m thrilled about this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the youth in Kaduna. As dancers, we usually have to travel outside the state for auditions. I want to extend my gratitude, and we are determined to train hard for the finals in Lagos to make Kaduna proud, “he assured.

After the event, Executive Director of FAME Foundation, Ms Aderonke Ogunleye-Bello, expressed her gratitude, saying, “I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the French Embassy for their invaluable support in making this event possible. Furthermore, I appreciate the technical support provided by the Nigeria Dance Sport Federation. Through the ongoing play, it Dream it initiative, young, and vulnerable individuals will be included and empowered through sports.”

The competition will continue in three more states, Port Harcourt, on August 2, 2023; Abuja on September 9, 2023, and Lagos on September 22, 2023, with the grand finale scheduled for October. Two winners from the grand finale will represent Nigeria at an international breakdance championship in France with other consolation prizes for the runner-up.

The project is financed by the Solidarity Fund for Innovative Projects (FSPI – R) of the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs. It aims to support initiatives in the areas of democratic governance, culture, French, higher education, and research.

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Business

Turkey–Nigeria Cultural Relations Strengthen as 76 Artifacts Are Identified for Return

Published

6 days ago

January 23, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Republic of Türkiye has identified 76 wooden and metal artifacts believed to belong to Nigeria, paving the way for their repatriation and potentially strengthening cultural ties between the two nations. The Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, HE Mehmet Poroy, made this known on Thursday when he paid a courtesy visit to the Hon Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa Esq., in Abuja.

Ambassador Poroy stated that discussions for their return will commence immediately the Nigerian government officially identifies and claims ownership of the objects. He also expressed hope that a cultural cooperation agreement between Turkey and Nigeria could be signed during the upcoming visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Turkey.

“Our minister of Culture and tourism has identified 76 wooden and metal objects that they think might belong to Nigeria. We received information about these artifacts last May and we are eager to see them returned to Nigeria. “We hope to sign a cultural cooperation agreement during the upcoming visit of Nigeria’s President to Turkey. We are committed to promoting cultural understanding and cooperation between our nations,” he said.

Ambassador Poroy discussed plans to establish a cultural center in Nigeria to promote traditional arts and educate young Nigerian women. He invited Nigerian officials to upcoming cultural events, including a photo exhibition and Turkish coffee chat.

In her response, Minister Musawa emphasized the importance of finalizing the cultural cooperation agreement, urging officials to expedite the process. The Minister highlighted Nigeria’s interest in collaborating with Turkey on film industry projects, cultural exchanges, and empowering women in fashion. She emphasized Nigeria’s role in global cultural dialogue, particularly within the Global South, and the potential for Turkey-Nigeria partnership to promote cultural understanding and economic growth.

“This is a golden opportunity for both countries to strengthen cultural diplomacy. Nigeria is the gateway to talking to the black global community, purely because of our numbers and strength of expression. We urge officials to expedite the process of finalizing the cultural cooperation agreement.”

The identification of the artifacts and the ongoing discussions underscore the commitment of both countries to strengthen cultural diplomacy and explore new areas of collaboration. Nigeria sees this as an opportunity to reclaim its cultural heritage and promote economic growth through cultural tourism.

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