In a historic ceremony marking 50 years of cultural exchanges between the United States and Nigeria, the U.S. Mission to Nigeria has honored three iconic Nigerian artists with the prestigious United States Exchange Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award.

The award was presented to Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye, Chief Jimoh Buraimoh, and Professor Bruce Onobrakpeya for their remarkable contributions to the arts, mentorship, and the cultural ties between the two nations.

Honoring the Pioneers of Artistic Exchange

The three awardees—Davies-Okundaye, Buraimoh, and Onobrakpeya—first traveled to the United States more than five decades ago as participants in the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Programme (IVLP). Since then, they have played instrumental roles in shaping the landscape of Nigerian art, nurturing emerging artists, and fostering international artistic collaborations.

The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, presented each artist with a commemorative certificate in recognition of their lifetime dedication to the arts. In his remarks, Ambassador Mills emphasized the U.S. government’s ongoing commitment to supporting programs that nurture cultural exchange, promote artistic expression, and preserve cultural heritage.

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

Celebrating Mentorship and Legacy in the Arts

The ceremony, which gathered political leaders, diplomats, business figures, and cultural stakeholders, recognized the profound impact these three artists have had not only in the field of visual arts but also in mentoring and inspiring new generations of Nigerian creatives.

Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye, founder of Nike Art Gallery, is renowned for her mastery of the traditional Nigerian art of adire (tie-dye) and batik. Her works are displayed worldwide, including at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art in Washington, D.C. Reflecting on the impact of her participation in the IVLP, Davies-Okundaye expressed how the exchange opened new doors and broadened her perspectives, shaping both her career and personal development.

“I am deeply grateful for this recognition. The U.S. government exchange program had a transformative impact on my life, providing me with invaluable opportunities and shaping my path as an artist and mentor,” she said.

Similarly, Chief Jimoh Buraimoh, a renowned bead painter, spoke of the transformative experience he had during his visit to the U.S. in 1974. “The exchange program was truly life-changing,” he said. “It gave me a platform to share my work globally and has enabled me to mentor the next generation of artists, something I am immensely proud of.”

Buraimoh’s artwork has been displayed in global exhibitions, and he has taught at esteemed institutions like the Haystack Mountain School of Crafts and various universities in New York, Boston, and Los Angeles.

Continuing the Legacy: Professor Bruce Onobrakpeya’s Lifelong Dedication to Art

At 92, Professor Bruce Onobrakpeya remains one of Nigeria’s most respected visual artists. Known for his work in painting, printmaking, installation, and sculpture, Onobrakpeya has enjoyed an illustrious career that spans several decades. His inclusion in the Smithsonian’s “The Mask and the Sword” exhibition is a testament to his continued relevance on the global art scene.

Onobrakpeya, who also illustrated Chinua Achebe’s novel No Longer at Ease, described the award as both a recognition of his life’s work and a challenge to the younger generation of artists. “I am very excited and encouraged by this recognition. It is a reminder to keep pushing forward and to continue nurturing young talent in the industry,” he said.

Onobrakpeya’s art has been showcased in exhibitions around the world, cementing his legacy as one of the key figures in 20th-century West African art.

Strengthening U.S.-Nigeria Cultural Bonds

The award ceremony serves as a reminder of the lasting power of cultural exchange between the United States and Nigeria, with the IVLP playing a pivotal role in shaping the careers of many Nigerian artists. Ambassador Mills reiterated the significance of these exchanges, stating that the alumni of the U.S. government’s exchange programs have had a profound impact on their communities, particularly in fields like the creative economy.

“The contributions of artists like Chief Nike, Chief Jimoh, and Professor Onobrakpeya are a testament to the enduring value of cultural exchange programs,” Ambassador Mills concluded. “Through their work, they have not only enhanced the creative industry in Nigeria but have also strengthened the bonds between our two nations.”