Envoy highlights 50 years of collaboration between U.S., Nigeria

In commemoration of 50 years of artistic collaborations between the United States and Nigeria, the U.S. Mission has honoured three legendary Nigerian artists; Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye, Chief Jimoh Buraimoh, and Prof. Bruce Onobrakpeya with the United States Exchange Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award. 

The award recognised the three iconic artists, who first traveled to the United States over 50 years ago, as participants of the United States Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Programme (IVLP).

United States Ambassador, Richard Mills, presented each of the artists with a commemorative certificate, honouring their exceptional commitment to their artistic craft, dedicated mentorship of emerging creatives, and invaluable contributions that have strengthened the bonds between the people of the United States and Nigeria.  

Mills reiterated that the U.S. government is committed to supporting programmes and initiatives that nurture cultural exchange, promote artistic expression, preserve cultural heritage, and strengthen the capacity of Nigerian artists and professionals across the creative industries.  He highlighted the role of U.S. government exchange programme alumni in having a positive impact on their communities in many fields, including the creative economy.

“Art has the power to connect people and communities across the world. This is why we supported these programs 50 years ago, we support them now, and we will continue supporting them far into the future,” he added.  

The ceremony gathered a distinguished audience, including political and business leaders, diplomats, academic figures, arts curators and collectors, as well as alumni of various American government exchange programs.

One of the awardees, founder, Nike Art Gallery, Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye, has mentored students worldwide in the traditional art of adire and batik.

Her works are displayed internationally, including at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art in Washington, DC. She said that participating in the U.S. government exchange programme significantly impacted her life, opening up new opportunities and perspectives that have shaped her career path and personal development. 

Bead painter, Chief Jimoh Buraimoh, said: “I am very happy to see this day. Going to America on an exchange programme 50 years ago in 1974, was truly transformative, giving me an opportunity to share my work widely and mentor the next generation of artists.”

His artwork has been exhibited globally, and he has taught at prestigious institutions, including the Haystack Mountain School of Crafts in Maine and universities in New York, Boston, and Los Angeles.

At 92, Professor Bruce Onobrakpeya continues to be a towering figure in the Nigerian visual art scene, working across painting, printmaking, installation, and sculpture. He noted that the award recognition is a challenge to up-and-coming artists to remain dedicated to their craft.

“I am very excited and encouraged. I will continue to pay it forward by nurturing future talent in the industry,” he added.
Notable as the illustrator for Chinua Achebe’s No Longer at Ease, Prof Onobrakpeya has exhibited globally, including the current exhibition “The Mask and the Sword” at the Smithsonian in Washington, DC, and remains one of West Africa’s most celebrated 20th century artists.