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By Gideon Samuel
Months after its glittering conclusion, the Miss Face of Humanity Nigeria (MFOH Nigeria) National Showcase continues to resonate—largely due to the spotlight it cast on entertainment icon Emmanuel Solate.
On November 22, 2024, at the Sandralia Hotel, Abuja, Solate was honoured with the prestigious Advocate for Entertainment and Cultural Preservation Award, a recognition of his extraordinary contributions to Nigeria’s cultural landscape.
The award, which celebrates individuals championing the preservation of Nigeria’s cultural heritage through entertainment, recognized Solate’s far-reaching efforts in curating and promoting indigenous narratives. As the CEO of Showlate Entertainment Limited, Solate has distinguished himself not just as an entertainment mogul, but as a cultural curator dedicated to safeguarding Nigeria’s diverse heritage.
Through innovative storytelling—most notably spotlighting cultural events like the Okazi Emii Festival, and other cultural expressions, Solate has bridged generational gaps and rekindled pride in traditional values. His work continues to shape Nigeria’s cultural identity amidst the rapidly evolving global creative space.
Speaking at the event, National Director of MFOH Nigeria, Blessing Inyang, represented by Kennedy Onyegbado, lauded Solate’s efforts in using entertainment as a powerful bridge between modern creative industries and Nigeria’s cultural roots. Onyegbado emphasized that the award reflects Solate’s significant impact in spotlighting African arts, fostering cultural pride, and empowering the next generation of creatives to embrace their heritage.
In his acceptance remarks, delivered by his legal attorney William Umoh, Esq., Solate underscored the urgent need for the entertainment industry to function as a vessel for cultural education—especially in an era where cultural erosion threatens Nigeria’s identity. He called on policymakers, stakeholders, and creatives to prioritize indigenous stories and ensure that Nigeria’s cultural assets are celebrated globally rather than lost to history.
Expressing gratitude to MFOH Nigeria for the recognition, Solate dedicated the award to Nigerian creatives who continue to uphold the nation’s cultural identity through their craft. He reiterated his commitment to advancing cultural preservation initiatives, urging stakeholders to invest more in safeguarding Nigeria’s heritage.
“This award is not just a personal honour; it is a recognition of the collective efforts of Nigerian creatives dedicated to showcasing our heritage,” Solate remarked. “Together, we are ensuring that our cultural narratives remain vibrant and influential.”
Months later, the relevance of Solate’s award remains undiminished. His recent initiatives, including vocal advocacy for enhanced support for Nigerian arts journalism and efforts to elevate community storytelling, reaffirm his dedication to the cultural space.
Further cementing his cultural advocacy, Emmanuel Solate recently hosted the landmark Cultural Canvas, Arts & Festival Exhibition on March 8, 2025, at the FCT Pavilion and Events Centre in Abuja. Organized under the banner of Showlate Entertainment Limited, the grand festival celebrated Nigerian artistry, fashion, music, and traditional crafts, attracting artists, cultural enthusiasts, diplomats, and dignitaries from across the country. The exhibition provided a vital platform for emerging talents while reinforcing the importance of cultural preservation amidst globalization.
Themed “Preserving Nigeria’s Cultural Heritage: Leveraging Art and Creativity for Global Impact,” the festival served as a vibrant convergence of artistic disciplines, including painting, sculpture, photography, digital art, and film. Artists used these mediums to explore the complexities of the Nigerian experience, fostering dialogue among cultural custodians, scholars, and creatives on art’s role in societal development and economic transformation.
Reflecting on the significance of cultural preservation, Solate noted, “Culture is more than tradition; it is a living, evolving force that defines our identity and shapes our future. With Cultural Canvas, we are not just preserving the past—we are reinventing our cultural narrative for a global audience while ensuring our artists and creatives receive the recognition and economic empowerment they deserve.”
Attendees praised the festival’s impact, with one art enthusiast commenting, “The Cultural Canvas has reignited a passion for our roots. It’s inspiring to see our traditions celebrated so vibrantly.”
Through such initiatives, Emmanuel Solate continues to champion the cause of cultural preservation, ensuring Nigeria’s rich heritage is celebrated and cherished for generations to come.
For MFOH Nigeria, honouring Solate is a continuous reminder of its mission: to promote humanitarianism, cultural pride, and national identity. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to celebrating individuals who, like Solate, wield their platforms not merely for fame but to preserve and promote the soul of Nigeria.
