With Connecting Lagos, Nike fetes artists, art patrons

Renowned textile designer, Nike Okundaye, has initiated an annual award for players in the arts sector.

LAST December, batik and textile designer, Nike Okundaye, held an awards night to appreciate committed artists and art patrons in Lagos.

The initiative, a joint effort between the art entrepreneur and her husband, Chief Reuben Okundaye, was tagged Connecting Lagos.

That evening of December 22 at their imposing Nike Art Centre, Lekki, the couple honoured a number of patrons and artists at the well-organised ceremony.

Founder of the Omooba Yemisi Adedoyin Shyllon Art Foundation, Prince Yemisi Shyllon; patrons of the Adunni Olorisha Trust, Hugh and Robin Campbell, Sandra Obiago and the artist, Peju Alatishe were all honoured.

Also appreciated were artists Tola Wewe, Rom Isichei, Diseye Tantua, Sam Ovraiti, Ndidi Dike, Nyemike Onwuka and Peju Layiwola. The list of honourees included Lucky Negete, Nelson Okoh, Ndidi Emefiele, Adeleke Akeem, Abiodun Badejo, Ayodele Owolabi, Bolaji Ogunwo, King Oscar Yao Doe and Paulette Van Trier.

Speaking before the commencement of the ceremony, the artist addressed by her first name, Nike, disclosed that the award is an annual one and that she and her husband are open to strategic partners.

She explained that they were seeking to create more festivals in Lagos in partnership with the government. “We want more cultural activities to take place in Lagos to attract people from different parts of the country. That is why we are working with the organisers of Sisi Oge and this is just the beginning. We can re-create site specific festivals such as Coconut Festival in Badagry,” Nike said.

Corroborating her, Chief Okundaye said: “We know who is dancing and who is not dancing. We have watched carefully and we know those who are competent in art, especially in Lagos. We want to honour those who have genuine interest in the arts and often provide assistance. So, we are working towards an annual event and also planning a series of art exhibitions. This is in addition to the workshops targeted at rural women; to teach them art.”

Chief Okundaye further disclosed that having organised similar trainings in batik, adire and embroidery in the past in Osogbo, the couple is planning others for Abuja and Kogi, Nike’s home state.

“This workshop will provide skills to women and help alleviate poverty. We have been able to acquire six-hectares of land that the federal government gave us Abuja. The land will accommodate a multi-purpose art village that has a six- floor gallery, amphitheatre, library and a textile museum to accommodate all Nike’s textile works over the years. We have over 25,000 pieces of art works here already and we hope that this initiative will help to create jobs.”