The Nelson Mandela Gardens and Resort, Asaba, renowned as a foremost institution for the promotion and propagation of the essence of the African and Black family, will be commemorating the AFRICA DAY on May 25, 2026, with an elaborate programme of activities.
MAY 25 every year is AFRICA DAY, celebrated annually to commemorate the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) on May 25, 1963. Originally declared to push for total decolonisation, the day is now driven by the African Union (AU) to celebrate Pan-Africanism, cultural identity, and economic integration
With Africa’s most laurelled cultural icon and intellectual, Professor Wole Soyinka, designated as Guest Speaker, the event will be hosted by eminent pan-African patriot and adventurer, Dr. Newton Jibunoh, who is globally renowned as the “Desert Warrior” for his exemplary feat of conquering the vast violent Sahara Desert a record four times.
The celebration will feature a rich lineup of activities including drama performances, spoken word presentations, music, dance, and artistic showcases aimed at highlighting the beauty, diversity, and resilience of African culture.
The event is expected to attract cultural enthusiasts, creatives, scholars, youth groups, dignitaries, and members of the public who share a passion for African heritage and cultural advancement.
The event, scheduled to hold at the leading African nature-themed Nelson Mandela Gardens and Resort, Asaba, Delta State, by 4:00 PM, will also welcome delegation of the FESTAC AFRICA, a group that is actively pushing the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the second Festival of Black and African Art and Civilisation, FESTAC, held in February 1977. The delegation’s participation in the Asaba celebration is to showcase updates on the ongoing preparations toward the forthcoming pan-African cultural festival, slated to run for much of next year.
The presence of the FESTAC AFRICA delegation further reinforces the spirit of Africa Day. FESTAC, which stands for the Festival of Arts and Culture, represents one of Africa’s most significant cultural movements dedicated to celebrating African creativity, heritage, history, and artistic excellence. Its vision strongly aligns with the ideals of Africa Day by promoting unity through culture and strengthening connections among African people across borders and generations.
