THE Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, and Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, the grand host, have announced plans for a landmark fundraising art exhibition aimed at establishing the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Centre for Arts and Vocations (BATCAV).

In a statement, the announcement was made when stakeholders of the project unveiled details of the exhibition scheduled to hold on Thursday, February 5, at the Muson Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. The exhibition is being curated by Artifact Galleries.

BATCAV is envisioned as a transformative national institution designed to empower over 100,000 Nigerians through arts, crafts, and vocational training, while strengthening Nigeria’s creative economy and preserving its rich cultural heritage.

Speaking, Obasa, who is the official host of the event, described the initiative as “a strategic investment in Nigeria’s creative economy and youth empowerment architecture.”

He said the centre would bridge talent development with enterprise, promote cultural preservation, and further position Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s growing creative sector.

In her remarks, Tinubu-Ojo emphasised the broader national importance of the exhibition, noting that it goes beyond art display.

“This is not merely an art event, but a collective commitment to legacy, opportunity, and the preservation of our cultural memory,” she said.

She called on leaders, institutions, and philanthropists to rally behind the project to build a Centre that will serve future generations.

The Event Chairman and Foundation Patron, Dr. Abbey Onas, reaffirmed his full support for the initiative, highlighting BATCAV’s practical and sustainable framework.

According to him, the centre will not only train participants but also link graduates with financial institutions to access startup capital immediately after training, creating a direct pathway from skill acquisition to sustainable livelihoods.

Also acknowledged was Otunba Muraina Olatunji Banjoko, the major supporter of the exhibition. Organisers noted that his backing has been instrumental in advancing preparations and mobilising key strategic partnerships for the event.

The fundraising exhibition will feature the unveiling of hyper-realistic portrait paintings of prominent Nigerians, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; all state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory; selected senators and members of the House of Representatives; the Ooni of Ife and his wives; as well as notable business and public figures such as Rasaq Okoya, Folashade Okoya, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Seyi Tinubu, Layal Tinubu, Olu Okeowo, Lady Adejoke Okeowo, Esther Ajayi, Dr. Tunji Olowolafe, among others.

According to the organisers, BATCAV’s objectives include training over 100,000 Nigerians in arts and vocational skills; housing 1,000 portrait paintings of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to document his journey from senator to president; preserving 5,000 artworks by Nigerian artists across all states; and showcasing 4,000 artworks by artists from across Africa, thereby positioning Nigeria as a continental cultural hub.