The acient Benin City, Capital of Edo State is promoting her rich heritage, exhibition of art, musical performances and other ancestral activities to attract tourists to the 2026 cultural celebration.

The cultural celebrations which coincide with the 10th coronation anniversary of the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, offer major attraction and destination for tourists away from Lagos.

The initiative is expected to celebrate the ancient city’s rich cultural heritage while promoting its growing influence in contemporary arts, literature, entertainment and technological innovation.

In a statement issued on Saturday by Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Tourism and Creative Economy, Anto Lecky, said the cultural calendar would provide visitors with an alternative destination to Lagos, which traditionally attracts significant tourism and entertainment activities during the end-of-year festive season.

According to Lecky, the convergence of cultural activities reflects Benin City’s unique identity as the historic capital of one of Africa’s most prominent kingdoms and an emerging centre for contemporary creativity.

She disclosed that activities marking the monarch’s 10th coronation anniversary have already featured a food festival, art and photography exhibitions, a trade fair, cultural performances, sporting events and a musical concert featuring popular entertainers, including Shallipopi, Hammerboi and Young Bolivia.

Lecky added that an exhibition of returned Benin artefacts and a grand reception are among the major events scheduled to conclude the anniversary celebrations.

Highlighting the November programme, the statement explained that the Exposed! Visual Storytelling Conference, organised by Tell That Story, would take place from November 2 to 4, featuring an exhibition of works by beneficiaries of the TTS × Fujifilm Visual Storytelling Grants.

“The popular DJ musical showcase, Obi’s House Benin, is scheduled for November 5, while the Benin Art Fair 2026, themed “Art in the Ancient City,” will hold from November 5 to 8. The art fair will honour Princess Elizabeth Akenzua Olowu, recognised as Nigeria’s first female bronze sculptor.

“Similarly, the Black Muse Art Festival, organised by Angels and Muse, founded by renowned Nigerian artist Victor Ehikhamenor, will take place from November 7 to 10”. She explained.

With the themed “For Those Who Astonish the Gods,” the Governor’s aide said the festival will also feature sculpture exhibitions, artistic installations, performances, film screenings and ecological activities.

“The Benin Arts and Books Festival, scheduled for November 12 to 14, will explore the influence of storytelling on cultural identity and community development.

“Also, Benin Tech Fest 2.0, scheduled for November 26, will bring together technology enthusiasts, innovators, entrepreneurs and startups to discuss talent development and emerging opportunities in the digital economy”. She emphasized.

The statement quoted a cultural organiser as saying that the various events were designed to complement one another rather than compete for public attention.

“The events do not compete with one another. They give different people different reasons to be in Benin City. Together they show the range of creative communities now active here,” the organiser said.

Beyond November, the Lecky disclosed that the city’s cultural activities would extend into December with the Omo N’Oba Annual Ugie, a two-week traditional celebration that includes the historic Igue Festival.

Other communities across Edo State are also expected to host cultural festivities, including the Ososo Carnival in Akoko-Edo, Au-Ukhua Carnival in Etsako East and Ubiaja Carnival in Esan South-East.

The state government noted that Benin City’s proximity to Lagos, approximately 45 minutes by air, offers tourists and cultural enthusiasts an opportunity to explore both destinations during the festive season.

“Lagos will continue to have its place. But Benin does not need to become Lagos to offer a memorable cultural experience. Its appeal lies in its royal heritage, artistic legacy and the contemporary communities building on both,” She added.

The government expressed optimism that the growing calendar of cultural activities would encourage greater participation among residents, attract domestic and international visitors and strengthen Edo State’s position as a destination for cultural tourism and creative enterprise.

Oba Ewuare II ascended the ancient Benin throne in October 2016. His 10th coronation anniversary celebrations include cultural exhibitions, public festivities and an exhibition of returned Benin artefacts organised in collaboration with the National Commission for Museums and Monuments.