Tracing Our History:
The Ongoing Journey
Nativity Cultural Foundation originated from a group of individuals driven by a passion to delve into their culture, traditions, and explore the historical sites across various regions of Nigeria.
Our journey started 2013 and is an ongoing project.
Empowerment Center in Ogbodu-ABA
In 2022 we started an empowerment center in Ogbodu-ABA. For children to have the opportunity to visit workshops. We also use the center for our yearly Kulcho event.
Historic Sights in Ogbodu-ABA
In June 2022,
our Ogbodu-ABA Team explored cultural areas and historic sights in Ogbodu-ABA for three days. Many sites were abandoned, some buildings gone, and others being renovated. The town has scattered springs, but roads to many are no longer there.
In 2021, Eleje Organization's support from Austria enabled us to buy instruments for teaching the Ode dance, a beloved local tradition. We also obtained indigenous costumes for children to perform at the first NaCuF event in Ogbodu-ABA.
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In December 2021, we hosted a three-day PACESETTERS Cultural Events in Ogbodu-ABA, Enugu state, thanks to generous local community sponsorships. The event included workshops, seminars, tours, and education on our vibrant cultural heritage.
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For more information click here and visit our NATIVITI Blog.
Sightseeing Calabar
5. - 8. August 2019
In 2019, the NATIVITI Team decided to visit several official Nigerian tourist attraction centers. This led them to Calabar. During their stay, they visited Tinapa, the National Museum, the Slave Museum, Twin Island, the Drill Ranch (a primate rehabilitation project), and explored the city with the guidance of a tour guide.
Exploring Farmlands and Nature
Ogbodu-ABA
8. - 9. August 2019
On August 8th, we arrived at Ogbodu-ABA with the aim of trying the traditional roasted Yam, a dish prepared over a campfire. The next day, we toured the village, exploring the farmlands to understand their distance from residential areas. Engaging with local farmers, we learned about their techniques for sustaining themselves while spending prolonged periods on the farm. Our exploration led us to OGELE OKWOR, another mineral-infused spring believed by locals to provide strength after their demanding seven-kilometer journey back home.
Nike Lake Resort Wonderland, Enugu State,
10. - 13. August 2019
Nike Lake Resort Wonderland is a special place for everyone, situated in a beautiful area in Enugu with a swampy lake and breathtaking natural views. In the lake, you can see alligators, which add an exciting wildlife element to the scenery. We spent our free time at the bush bar, a charming place built using local materials like wood and straw.
At the bush bar, you can try delicious local foods such as Abacha, Palmwine, Okpa, and other traditional dishes from the region.
Ngwo Forest and Waterfalls
10. August 2019
Continuing our travels, we went to Ngwo Forestry and also saw the breathtaking waterfall, which was not an official tourist spot.
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Lekki Conservation Centre and Freedom Park, Lagos
14. August 2019
In Lagos, we went to the Lekki Conservation Center, which protects the local plants and animals. It has the longest canopy walkway in Africa, giving amazing views from high up in the trees.
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Then, we visited Freedom Park, which used to be a prison made by the British in 1861. But now, it's a place for art, culture, and history. There's a museum, art gallery, places for performances, food, and a garden.
New Year in Abudja
1. January 2017
our NATIVITI Group explored Abuja, where we toured Millennium Park.
Millennium Park stands as one of Abuja's largest public parks. It has a river which divides the park in two areas.
Afterwards we went to Magic Park which an Amusement park. It is the first and the biggest most equipped amusement park in Nigeria .
Workshop in Gadabuke Village
On January 2, 2017
our NATIVITI Team visited a small village called Gadabuke in Nasarawa State.
It was a day-long workshop in this village. They learned various skills like wearing cultural clothes, packing and lifting luggage on their shoulders, walking and working in farms, using local pots to fetch water, and even learned some dancing choreography.
They also discovered how people in the village store food and make special things for their faces. Additionally, showed us their kitchen tools and answered questions.
Cultural Exchange in Ogun State
On the 5. January 2017
the NATIVITI CULTURAL FOUNDATION Team visited Ogun State to understand how people live there. The elderly men and women in the village were incredibly welcoming. They taught us how to cook amala, which is valued in Yoruba culture. It consists of yam root, cassava flour, or unripe plantain flour.
They patiently answered many questions and shared the significance of the ancient values held by their Yoruba ancestors, comparing them to the values important for the younger generation today.
Closing Party Lagos
On 7. January 2017
we had an official closing celebration for our 2016/2017 program. The event took place at Elegushi Beach, celebrating with our 2016 Theater group.
Dance Training in Bariga
In April 2017,
we rented a gymnastics center located in Lagos (Gym at 104, St. Fimbars Road, Ilaje, Bariga, Lagos). Over the year, Mr. Omoyele Oluwaseyi, Miss Inyang Comfort, and Mrs. Akpan Helen Victor organized theater and dance training sessions for the youth in the Bariga area. By December 2017, they showcased what they had learned during the year.
Exploring Kaduna
From 15. - 16. December 2017
our team was in Kaduna. We delved into the city's nightlife and explored the local market. Kaduna proved to be quite challenging as the locals were hesitant to answer our questions, making it one of the more difficult explorations.
Entertainment Scene in Enugu
From 20. - 23. December 2017
our NATIVITI tour group was in Enugu City to explore its entertainment scene. We visited several radio and television stations for initial discussions and had meetings with various individuals to discuss our vision. During our time there, we encountered some delightful young models and entertainers.
Christmas in Uyo
From 24. - 26. December
we were in Uyo observing how the city celebrated Christmas, which was a vibrant and colorful affair. We had hoped to visit the rural areas, but unfortunately, we couldn't make it happen as we didn't find any local who could show us that area.
Collaboration Okpoto Festival
From December 27th to 30th,
From December 27th to 30th, our Tour Team visited Okpoto to participate in their Annual Cultural Christmas Festival. They organize a one-week program featuring various activities such as seminars, youth talent shows, competitions, and community development meetings. Additionally, they arrange family meetings.
We were thankful for their hospitality and agreed to work together once the NATIVITI CULTURAL FOUNDATION was officially registered. Our goal was to collaborate and improve their different cultural activities during the annual Festival.
Theater Training in Bariga, Lagos
18. December 2016
NATIVITI provided instruments for Helen and Babayaro to start a theater group in Bariga, Lagos.
Our one-year theatrical training, "Stage Under the Tree," concluded with impressive showcases. Throughout the training, performers explored various marriage ceremonies, including those from Fulani, Yoruba, Igbo, and Akwa/Cross River culture which were shown at the perfomance as well.
Additionally, a storyteller engaged the young children at the theater event, sharing moonlight stories.
Sightseeing in Lagos
On 19. December 2016
we visited the National Theater in Lagos, experiencing Nigerian art at a government-approved tourism center. At the University of Lagos, we gathered information from the Department of Art about the origins of Nigerian dances.
Touring Ogbodu-ABA, Obollo-Afor, and Imilike
On the 20. - 22. December 2016
we visited Ogbodu-ABA, Obollo-Afor, and Imilike in Enugu state to explore their cultural lifestyles and interview the residents in these three localities. During our exploration, we discovered an indigenous blacksmith workshop specializing in crafting knives and hoes.
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During the festive season, we also had the chance to admire some stunning masquerades.
Okwo Ngbo Market
24. - 25. of December
We explored the Okwo Ngbo Market situated in the Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State—a market with ancient roots.
Festive Season in Ovoko
From 26. - 28. December 2016
two of our Nativiti group visited Ovoko in Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area. They were witnessing the lively Christmas celebrations of the youth and saw palm wine tapping, cared for domestic animals, observed vibrant masquerades and dances, and visited an old University of Nsukka. Additionally we tried out Uhri. A traditional body paint made out of a fruit.
Masquared Festival Festival in Okpoto.
29. December 2016
We attended the annual Masquared Festival Festival in Okpoto. It took place in their cultural Arena.
Christmas in Enugu
On 23. December 2016
we visited Enugu state Christmas Garden. To experience how Enugu city celebrate this Christian festive period.
Visiting Amanaza Village
24. - 25. December 2016
We traveled to Amanaza in Agba-Ekeoma, located in the Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. Amanaza is a quaint village in eastern Nigeria where the inhabitants speak Eza Igbo Dialect.
They maintain a traditional lifestyle, living close to nature. During our visit, we had the chance to spend a night in one of their grass-roof huts. It was a unique experience.
Read more about our Tour
Meeting in Ezzangbo
27. December 2016
During our time in Ezzangbo in Ohaukwu Local government area in Ebonyi state, we visited to a 90-year-old woman who skillfully spins locally sourced cotton wool into thread for crafting clothes. She shared with us the process behind her craft.
Women's community Development meeting in Okpoto
From August 13th to 19th, 2015
we participated in the women's community development meeting in Okpoto. Throughout this gathering, women engaged in discussions covering various societal topics, such as pooling funds for social initiatives like constructing markets, renovating schools, supporting underprivileged children with school fees, and assisting the less fortunate with hospital bills.
This meeting is usually one week with programs which they conclude with church service and cultural displays
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In Okpoto we also meet with the elders to talk about their culture and their cultural festival. They informed us that they have annual cultural festival every 29th December in Okpoto cultural Arena.
Stage under the tree in Lagos
7. - 10. August 2015
In Lagos state we took time for elaborate discussions with Helen Akpan and Artists and we started this group in Bariga we named STAGE UNDER THE TREE. NATIVITI provided the Instruments for the group and the trainers were Trainers were MRS AKPAN HELEN VICTOR & MR AYODEJI ADEWALE.
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The children were trained in open space and performance under a mango tree for one year.
Dance Training at New London School Lagos
Throughout a three-month period in 2014,
we held weekly cultural dance sessions at the New London School in Lagos. These classes showcased dances from various cultures, including the Yoruba, Cross River/Akwa Ibom, Igbo traditions and universal dance with gospel song. Additionally we organised we had an intensive training with games and handcrafts.
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Cultural Day New London School Lagos
On the 9. July 2014
the schools cultural day, we organised various programs. This included painting and game workshops.
The parents prepared traditional meals for their children. Additionally a performance was shown where the kids had the opportunity to present the skills they learned at the cultural dance classes.
Okpoto in Ebony State
From July 21st to 24th, 2014,
our journey led us to Okpoto in Ebonyi State, where we learned about their rich cultural lifestyle. In Okpoto, we learned about their traditional handcrafts, observing the creation of baskets, mats, and pottery.
We saw children joyfully swam in the flowing streams daily while helping their parents to fetch water.
Despite predominantly living in huts, the people expressed a desire to replace their homes with cement and iron sheet structures. This community thrives in a naturally healthy environment, fostering friendly human connections among its inhabitants.
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Touring Ogbodu-Aba
From July 25th to 27th,
we made a trip to Ogbodu-ABA, a small village in Enugu state. Located in a rocky, elevated terrain, the area boasts numerous mineral-rich springs that provide healthy drinking water. The people living there continue to uphold their traditional lifestyle.
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During our visit, we engaged in discussions with the community elders and the Chief, seeking their permission to learn more about their locality.
Beginning of Nativiti Cultural Foundation
In 2013, we began our exploration of the NATIVITI CULTURAL FOUNDATION CONCEPT across various regions: Port Harcourt, Nike Lake, and Ogbodu-ABA in Enugu State, Abuja City, Zuma Rock in Niger State, and in Lagos City, where we visited several museums and the National Theater and Beach. Our main interest was to experience the living culture of nigerians.
In 2020, we initiated the registration process for the NATIVITI CULTURAL FOUNDATION with the Corporate Affairs Commission to establish it as an official NGO.
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After the approval we organized the first Pacetters of Culture 2020 event in Ogbodu-ABA.
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For more information click here and visit our NATIVITI Blog.
Visit of Slave museum, Badagry
On the 4. August 2023
we visited the slave museum in Badagry, which aims to spotlight the injustice of the transatlantic slave trade. The museum comprises eight galleries, each dedicated to specific themes concerning local heritage and the transatlantic slave trade. During our visit, we participated in guided tours
Enumabia Fountain, Orokam
8. August 2023
Our visit to Enumabia Fountain was an incredibly exploration. Nestled within a dense forest, this natural environment remains hidden. Engaging in the ritual dance to honor this spring water immensely enjoyable. It's truly a stunning masterpiece of natural beauty and art.
Read more about this sight
Workshop Days, Ogbodu-ABA
7. - 10. August 2013
This year, we arranged workshops for children from Ogbodu-ABA. Everyone was delighted to take part in this event. The event took place at our empowerment center.
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Read more about this event
Olumo Rock, Ogun State
14. August 2023
We went on a guided tour to Olumo Rock. In the olden days, the rock was used strategically during battles, offering an advantage to the Egba warriors. The rocky area had many hidden spots that the warriors cleverly used to protect themselves from enemy attacks. The name 'Abe okuta' means 'under the rock'.