In a landmark move for cultural education and heritage preservation, the Federal University Lokoja (FUL) has established the Nike Art and Culture Gallery and the Institute of African Heritage and Museum Studies. The institute is not only a research centre, it will issue diplomas and post graduate certificates in African Heritage and Museum Studies.

At the inauguration recently, the foremost batik artist, Monica Oyenike Okundaye, popularly known as ‘Mama Nike’, called on individuals to assist government in providing facilities for youths to hone their skills.

She said youths are future of the country and not all will get white collar job, adding, “we cannot wait for government to do everything for us.”

The iconic artist, who is the proprietor of the famous Nike Art Gallery in Lagos, Abuja and Osogbo , hails from Ogidi, Ijumu Council of Kogi State, and over the years, has popularised the batik art platform all over the world.

She said: “I am not doing it for money. Whatever we can do as individuals, we should do it to grow our nation. Government cannot meet everybody’s needs. The workshop is open to all students, not only fine artists.”

Okundaye disclosed that she would maintain the facility for 10 years before transferring it to the centre, even though she shared her earnings into three parts in order to undertake the project till completion. “We would provide teachers for the workshop and artists in residence,” she assured.

She said workshop is to prepare young artists to have the hope of getting market for their artworks.

The workshop curriculum is designed after Ulli Beier’s Mbari, which threw up some of Nigeria’s best traditional artists such as Muraina Oyelami, Ademola Onibonokuta, Jimoh Buraimoh and others.

A two-year project, which was conceived in 2023, led to the dream said the elated Okundaye, who thanked God it was completed on schedule. “The Governor was happy that I did something for the state, which was my first time. I donated a bus to the workshop/ gallery,” she said.

On the difference between the Ogidi workshop and that of Lokoja, she said: “My village workshop is for older women learning cloth weaving. But, the Lokoja centre will focus on creating contemporary artworks. Right now, there are two artists in residence for three months. But, 50 artists will register for every three months. ”

Okundaye who recalled starting her career in 1967, in Ojumu, Kogi State, was brought up amid the Yoruba traditional weaving and dyeing as practised in her home town. Her parents and great grandmother were musicians and craftspeople, who specialized in the areas of cloth weaving, adire making, indigo dyeing and leather. She learned how to use the loom to produce cloth during the time she lived with her great grandmother.

The Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, commending the project, lauded Okundaye for her contributions to the empowerment of thousands of Nigerian youths and women through her arts. He stated that through hard work, creativity and generosity, she has trained and empowered countless young Nigerians, noting that today many families are earning a living because of the opportunities she created.

The Governor,represented by his deputy, Mr. Joel Salifu Oyibo, said the institute would help reconnect with African stories.

“And today, we celebrate one of our very best, an icon, a pride of Kogi State, and a true ambassador of African culture Chief Mrs. Nike Okundaye. Mama Nike is not just an artist, but also an institution on her own.

“From Lokoja in Kogi State, to Lagos, Abuja, Osogbo, and beyond Nigeria, she has carried African culture on her shoulders and shown the world the beauty of her artistic and traditional art. Through her hard work, creativity and generosity, she has trained and empowered countless young Nigerians. Today, many families are earning a living because of the opportunities she created.

“Mama Nike, we are proud of you. Kogi State is proud of you. Nigeria is proud of you. Naming this institute after you is not just an honour, it is a sincere thank you. It is therefore my honour to commission and inaugurate this lovely project,” he added.

Incoming Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof Gbenga Ibileye commended Okundaye saying that this year, he will turn the facility to a massive tourist attraction, announcing that the university will bestow a professor of practice on Okundaye in recognition of her contributions to arts. Project Coordinator, Rev Father Paul-Kolade Tubi, said Okundaye was being accorded the honour because of her commitment and the pivotal role she has played towards the realisation of the project.