US: Pennsylvania Congress Honours Soyinka, Okundaiye Ahead Of African Cultural Festival 2025

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R-L Wole Adeniyi, President, African Cultural Festival  and Members of the House of Representatives, Rep Justin C. Fleming, Rep La’Tasha D. Mayes, Rep Gina H. Curry, Rep Jordan A. Harris, Rep Napoleon J. Nelson, Rep Anthony A. Bellmon, Rep Dave Madsen, Rep Lindsay Powell, Rep Carol Kazeem

AFRICA’s first Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has been conferred with “Distinguished Honors” by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and the Pennsylvania Senate.

Also honoured alongside Soyinka is the renowned textile artist, gallerist and culture advocate, Chief (Mrs) Oyenike Okundaye (aka Mama Nike).

The conferment of honour on the two distinguished Nigerians, who are leading advocates for African arts, culture and heritage, is prelude to the proposed staging of the African Cultural Festival September 19-20, 2025, which is described as “the most inclusive ” celebration of the continent in the  United States, also to be hosted by the State of Pennsylvania.

The festival, designed to celebrate African heritage, foster international collaboration, and stimulate trade and cultural exchange between Africa, the United States, and the world, will also witness the launch of Duduplugs, an innovative digital platform by ACI234 Entertainment LLC, aimed at connecting creative industries across continents, and elevate Africa’s creative economy.

Held March 26 at the Pennsylvania State Capitol before the unveiling event at the Capitol Rotunda, the event was to celebrate both Soyinka’ and Chief Okundaiye’s extraordinary contributions to upliftment of African culture and heritage at home and in the diaspora.

While Soyinka was honoured for his unparalleled literary achievements and  his contributions to global discourses around literature, culture, and human rights,  and “inspiring critical thoughts across generations,” Mama Nike was recognised for her outstanding contributions to art, culture, and women’s empowerment.

On the occasion, the Senate of Pennsylvania issued a formal proclamation lauding Professor Soyinka for his pioneering role in modern African literature and his relentless advocacy for free speech, social justice, and democracy.

This historic proclamation, made at the Pennsylvania State Capitol, precedes the African Cultural Festival Pennsylvania 2025, set to take place in Harrisburg on September 19-20, 2025. Led by Speaker Joanna E. McClinton, the prestigious recognition applauds Mama Nike’s extraordinary achievements in preserving and redefining Nigerian textile artistry on the global stage and her dedication to uplifting women through traditional arts and economic empowerment.

Soyinka’s visit to the Capitol on March 26, 2025, marks a historic moment of recognition for his remarkable journey that has indelibly shaped global narratives and fortified the power of literature as a force for change.

Recognised internationally for his groundbreaking works and activism, Soyinka’s legacy has challenged oppression and enriched global conversations on colonialism, governance, and social equity. His numerous accolades from prestigious institutions such as Harvard, Yale, as well as the French Order of the Legion of Honour underscore the impact of his lifelong commitment to truth and justice.

Chief Mrs Okundaiye was lauded for her “revolutionary impact on contemporary African art.” As a pioneer of the Adire resist-dyeing technique, Mama Nike has seamlessly blended ancestral motifs with modern aesthetics, earning global acclaim. Through over 116 solo exhibitions in prestigious institutions, museums, and private collections across the world, she has solidified her legacy as a custodian of African heritage.

Beyond her artistic contributions, Mama Nike has been a hope for 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 in future generations.

The day’s celebrations began with formal proclamations from both the House and Senate, recognising the profound contributions of Professor Soyinka and Chief Okundaye to literature, art, culture, and human rights.

Creative Director Adeola Adeniyi captivated the audience with an impassioned address:

“We are Generation Z—the creators, innovators, storytellers, and changemakers. We are redefining culture, rewriting narratives, and reshaping the world through art, music, film, fashion, technology, and social impact. No longer will our voices be underestimated; we are not just the future—we are the present. We are bold, fearless, and unstoppable.”

In an equally inspiring moment, the festival celebrated the Duduplugs Voyage — a groundbreaking digital movement transcending time and space. Designed to connect over 100 million young creatives, the platform is set to revolutionise the cultural and economic landscape by uniting art, music, fashion, film, food, dance, literature, language, and sustainable building practices. The voyage is an event and a clarion call for peace, justice, and a reinvigorated creative economy that bridges Africa, America, and the Diaspora.

 

…Penn State gears up for African cultural Festival

The African Cultural Festival, to be hosted September 19-20, 2025, by Pennsylvania, is designed to celebrate African heritage, foster international collaboration, and stimulate trade and cultural exchange between Africa, the United States, and the world, will also witness the launch of Duduplugs, an innovative digital platform by ACI234 Entertainment LLC, aimed at connecting creative industries across continents, and elevate Africa’s creative economy.

Speaking on this grand initiative, Wole Adeniyi, CEO of ACI234 and the visionary behind the festival, expressed deep appreciation to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, the Senate, and the State of Pennsylvania for  recognising the two African cultural icons, emphasised that the festival will solidify Africa’s cultural influence while creating pathways for sustainable growth and artistic innovation.

The festival will bridge collaboration, trade, and investment opportunities between Africa, the United States, and the international community, noted Adeniyi, reminding that the September festival will witness the launch of Duduplugs, an innovative digital platform promoted by ACI234 Entertainment LLC. Designed to connect creative industries, dignitaries, and business leaders, Duduplugs aims to foster new opportunities and amplify Africa’s creative economy on a global scale.

Further inquiries on the September event can be sourced from Foluke Michael, the Festival Project Director | via [email protected].

In a statement, Ms  Michael stated: Join us on this historic journey! Be part of a movement where tradition meets innovation, cultural heritage fuels creative breakthroughs, and every event is a step towards building a legacy of empowerment and global collaboration. Partner with us, invest in innovation, and help shape the future at the African Cultural Festival Pennsylvania 2025—bridging continents, igniting innovation, and empowering communities for a brighter tomorrow.

She gave the festival highlights to include: the grand launch of Duduplugs; strategic networking sessions with investors and policymakers; vibrant showcases of African music, fashion, film, and dance; and high-level trade and tourism promotion that positions Pennsylvania as a strategic gateway for African trade and cultural diplomacy.