Several Nigerian visual artists have called for increased investment in culture, emphasising its potential to drive economic development and strengthen national cohesion.
The artists made this appeal in an interview during an ongoing group exhibition held on Tuesday in Lagos.
The exhibition, titled “Deconstructing Unity”, is being hosted by Gallery Happ Circle and features the works of four artists: Klaranze Okhide, Moses Oghagbon, Kunle Ogunfuyi, and Abdulrazaq Ahmed. The showcase, which runs until 30 April, focuses on the Argungu Fishing Festival as a lens through which to explore national unity.
Kunle Ogunfuyi, a photojournalist who has documented the Argungu Festival for nearly two decades, said the exhibition aims to challenge common misconceptions about the event, presenting it as more than just a fishing competition. His photographic works highlight the rich cultural heritage and everyday life of the community.
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He emphasised the importance of traditional roles and practices such as those of the Mai Ruwas, providers of essential water resources, and the Lando Drummers, whose participation symbolises the evolving role of women in society.
“Women are no longer just waiting to be heard — they are now actively participating. They drum, they trade in the market — roles that were traditionally dominated by men,” Ogunfuyi explained.
He noted that festivals like Argungu not only attract tourism but also stimulate local economies and foster social harmony. “During the festival, business activity in the emirate increases — even food vendors benefit. People from across the country visit, and there is peace. When the festival is on, there is no Boko Haram,” he said.
He further lamented the general lack of knowledge Nigerians have about cultures outside their regions.
“The South knows little about the North, and vice versa. If we want to overcome division, we must use cultural mechanisms that naturally bring people together,” he advised.
Artist Klaranze Okhide also reflected on how her work celebrates often-overlooked achievements of indigenous societies. The only female artist in the exhibition, Okhide uses calabash gourds in her pieces, reinterpreting their traditional value through contemporary art.
Her piece titled “Heritage” serves as a symbolic reminder of the unseen but essential aspects of cultural identity.
“We focus so much on the negative, yet we overlook the cultural and artistic richness that has existed long before the digital age,” she said.
Originally from Benin and now based in Abuja, Okhide said that living in a multicultural environment has deepened her appreciation for Nigeria’s diverse heritage.
“I love our culture — whether it’s Nupe, Gbagi, Yoruba, or Hausa, it doesn’t matter. That’s why I’m here in Nigeria. I can dress like a Jukun tomorrow if I choose , it’s within my right,” she said.
One attendee, Ben Nwosa, an artist based in Dublin, praised the exhibition for its narrative strength.
“Each piece tells a story — be it traditional or contemporary. It’s compelling to see the journey of the Argungu Festival, from preparation to execution,” he said, adding that the showcased works are of international calibre.
