The United States Mission in Nigeria recently awarded the U.S. Exchange Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award to three renowned Nigerian artists: Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye, Chief Jimoh Buraimoh, and Professor Bruce Onobrakpeya.
This award recognizes their lasting contributions to the arts and the strong cultural ties between the U.S. and Nigeria.
In a statement from the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos, the mission shared that this honor marks 50 years of artistic collaboration between the two nations.
Each of the honorees first visited the United States over five decades ago as part of the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program.
Presenting the awards, U.S. Ambassador Richard Mills praised the artists for their commitment to their craft, mentoring young artists, and supporting the connection between U.S. and Nigerian culture. “Art has the power to connect people and communities worldwide,” Mills said. “This is why we supported these programs 50 years ago, continue to support them now, and will keep supporting them in the future.”
Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye, founder of the Nike Art Gallery, is known for teaching Nigerian art forms like adire and batik internationally. Reflecting on the impact of the U.S. program, she said, “Participating in the U.S. government exchange program has significantly impacted my life, opening up new opportunities and perspectives that have shaped my career path and personal development.”
Chief Jimoh Buraimoh, known for his bead paintings, recalled his experience in the U.S. in 1974, saying, “Going to the U.S. on an exchange program 50 years ago was truly transformative, giving me an opportunity to share my work widely and mentor the next generation of artists.” His art has been displayed worldwide, and he has taught at institutions like Haystack Mountain School of Crafts in Maine.
Professor Bruce Onobrakpeya, a leader in Nigerian art at 92, is celebrated for his work in painting, printmaking, and sculpture. Thanking the U.S. Mission, he shared, “I am very excited and encouraged. I will continue to pay it forward by nurturing future talent in the industry.”
The U.S. Mission hosted the event with the Rele Arts Foundation and Lauren Tate Baeza, African Art Curator at the High Museum of Art.
Delta Airlines supported the event, which highlighted 50 years of cultural exchange, including the Sister Cities partnership between Lagos and Atlanta.
