The Chief Executive Officer, Lekki Port, Wang Qiang, has applauded the students of the University of Lagos for investing their energy and creativity to producing fantastic works of art that represented the full potential of the port.

Qiang stated this during the grand finale of the art exhibition, titled, The Lekki Port Story Through Art, organised by Lekki Port and held in Lagos recently.

He described the paintings as a full expression of the beautiful sight of marine infrastructure and facilities at the port. He noted that the art exhibition offered the opportunity for the students to tell the story of Lekki Port through various paintings while also unleashing their talents. He said the occasion has further helped to cement the relationship between the academia and corporate organisations such as Lekki Port, especially with the quality of infrastructure in place.

In her remarks, the special guest of honour, the Consul General, the People’s Republic of China, Yan Yuqing, described the paintings as quite wonderful noting that the creativity showcased by the students is a symbol of China-Nigeria best co-operation.

While appreciating the 13 outstanding artists, she noted that their works have placed them as true ambassadors of China-Nigeria friendship.

As you know, China-Nigeria has a long history and tradition. I think the students have not only shown their painting talents, they have also showed their love for China, the Chinese people as well as China-Nigeria friendship. This is indeed a big contribution to the bilateral relations between both countries,” she said.

Delivering his closing remarks, the Chairman, Lekki Port, Biodun Dabiri, commended the management of Lekki Port for playing its role to promote creativity which was evident in the quality of paintings on display.

Recall that a delegation from the Department of the Creative Arts, Faculty of Arts, University of Lagos, led by Dr. Victor Ogunyemijo visited the Lekki Port in June 2025 where each of the students was asked to do a live painting of infrastructural facilities and the port itself.

At the grand finale, each of the thirteen students was provided the opportunity to make presentation of their artworks.

Upon evaluation by judges, Shalom Oluwa emerged the winner while Oluwafemi Morakinyo and Ajeseni Godin came first runner-up and second runner-up, respectively.

Speaking shortly after being announced as the winner of the art exhibition, Oluwa Shalom, a graduating student of the University of Lagos, expressed deep excitement about the outcome of the exhibition adding that it is a soothing reward for her devotion to choose creative art in defiance of her parental preference.

“I feel very blessed to have emerged as winner. This painting is one of the interesting parts of my work. This is first time I am painting freely. I am one who enjoys bright colours. I love beautiful contrasting colours. The title of the work I did was “Breaking of a New Dawn” and it is basically Lekki Port pioneering a new era for Nigeria,” Oluwa said.

She explained that the reward would certainly serve as a great motivation to invest and improve on her craft. Some of the paintings that were represented during the grand finale include tugboat, cargo ship, caricature image of the Managing Director, Lekki port, Wang Qiang, among others.