Rites, rituals take centre stage at Wiki Loves Africa launch
By Zainab Olufemi Youths across Rivers State have been encouraged to leverage digital platforms to project the rich cultural heritage of the Niger Delta to global audience. The call was
By Zainab Olufemi
Youths across Rivers State have been encouraged to leverage digital platforms to project the rich cultural heritage of the Niger Delta to global audience.
The call was made at the launch of Wiki Loves Africa 2026 by the Wiki Niger Delta Heritage Collective, with the theme, Rites and Rituals.
Wiki Loves Africa, regarded as the continent’s largest photography competition, is organised annually by Wiki in Africa. It invites photographers, storytellers, and culture enthusiasts to upload properly licensed images, videos, and audio files to Wikimedia Commons, an open-source platform.
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The 2026 theme focuses on documenting both traditional and contemporary practices that define key moments in African communities. Organisers explained that rites refer to ceremonial acts marking important life events, while rituals are symbolic practices repeated within cultural, religious, or social contexts.
Project Coordinator and Founder Wiki Niger Delta Heritage Collective, Mr. Dappa Solomon, urged young people in the region to take advantage of the initiative to tell their stories and preserve their heritage.
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Solomon, an award-winning documentary photographer, said the programme was designed to sensitise participants on how to make the culture and values of Niger Delta visible on Wikimedia platforms.
“On Wikimedia, we believe it is not something one person can do alone. We need to engage the community to contribute and share knowledge on these platforms,” he said.
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He added that the initiative aims to increase the volume of African content available online, particularly from underrepresented communities such as those in the Niger Delta region.
According to him, open-source platforms like Wikimedia Commons and Wikipedia play crucial role in documenting and promoting Africa’s heritage through freely accessible media.
Participants at the event commended the organisers, noting that the training had equipped them with practical skills to contribute meaningfully to cultural preservation.
One of the trainees, Biodeinminabo Kombonimi, said the programme aligns with his goal of promoting the cultural identity of his Bille community.
He expressed optimism that the knowledge gained would help him showcase the traditions and activities of Rivers State to a wider audience.
Another participant, Sarah Cookey, described the initiative as an opportunity to share untold stories from the Niger Delta with the world.
Similarly, Belema Vincent Dei said the training had enhanced her capacity in research and knowledge sharing, pledging to project more positive narratives about her community.
