2025 African Cultural festival: US govt honours Soyinka, Nike Okundaye in Pennsylvania

The United States Government, through the Pennsylvania Senate and House of Representatives, has honoured Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka and renowned African art icon Chief Nike Okundaye of Nike Art Gallery, Lagos, for their contributions to art in Nigeria and globally at the unveiling of the African Cultural Festival 2025 held at the Pennsylvania State Capitol.

Okundaye was recognised for pioneering the Adire resist-dyeing technique, which has seamlessly blended ancestral motifs with modern aesthetics, earning global acclaim and solidifying her legacy as a custodian of African heritage.

The festival is scheduled to take place from 19 to 20 September 2025 in Pennsylvania.

The Pennsylvanian Senate lauded Professor Soyinka for his pioneering role in modern African literature and his relentless advocacy for free speech, social justice, and democracy. Meanwhile, the Pennsylvanian House of Representatives, led by Speaker Joanna E. McClinton, commended him for his unparalleled literary achievements and his ability to inspire critical thought across generations.

For Okundaye, both the Upper and Lower Parliaments honoured her for offering hope to marginalised women, training and equipping over 5,000 women with Adire-making, weaving, and traditional craft skills.

“Her mission to foster economic independence and cultural continuity has empowered communities across Nigeria and beyond, ensuring that African artistry thrives for future generations,” the House and Senate stated.

Speaking about the upcoming festival, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ACI234, Wole Adeniyi, said the event was designed to celebrate African heritage, foster international collaboration, and stimulate trade and cultural exchange between Africa, the United States, and the rest of the world.

Adeniyi emphasised that the festival would solidify Africa’s cultural influence while creating pathways for sustainable growth and artistic innovation. He expressed gratitude to the Pennsylvanian Senate, the House of Representatives, and the State of Pennsylvania for honouring the two Nigerian icons.

The festival’s activities include the launch of Duduplugs, an innovative digital platform by ACI234 Entertainment LLC, designed to connect creative industries across continents and elevate Africa’s creative economy.

Also speaking, Festival Director Foluke Michael described the African Cultural Festival as a celebration of tradition and innovation, highlighting it as a vibrant fusion of Africa’s timeless heritage with contemporary expression.

She acknowledged the pivotal role of the Lagos State Government in laying the foundation for this global movement through the Lagos Black Heritage Festival, which was steered by Prof. Soyinka during his tenure as Festival Consultant.

“That era gave birth to a cultural renaissance. It was during that time that the iconic Rhumble in Lagos – featuring President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and boxing legend Evander Holyfield – became a symbolic moment that planted the seed for what we now know as the African Cultural Festival,” Michael said.

She disclosed that the official countdown to the 2025 edition would begin in Lagos at the end of April, setting the stage for a global celebration of African excellence.

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