How 3,000 Nigerian S*x Workers In Italy Became Artists – Nike Art Gallery

Published

3 years ago

April 28, 2023

The Founder, Nike Art Gallery, Mrs Nike Okundaye, popularly known as “Mama Nike”, said she changed the narratives of 5,000 Nigerian professional s*x workers through artwork training in Italy.

Okundaye disclosed this on Thursday at the “Destination Marketing Strategy in Cultural Tourism“ organised by the National Council for Arts and Culture in Abuja.

She said that she had a passion for training the trainers’ programme because she aimed at using artwork to reduce poverty, unemployment and crimes in society.

“My love is to train and people I trained should train other people. I was in Italy training Nigerian prostitutes, 5, 000 of them. We used artwork to change 3,000 to become artists.

“These paintings you are seeing here are the ones that started in 1995.

“A lot of those prostitutes are now engaged and they are no more prostitutes.

“I was born into art, I am a fifth generation artists from my family and the way they passed education to the kids in those days, you teach your child what you do.

“When I completed Primary Six and I did not have money to attend secondary school, the weaving of “adire“ and the painting that I learnt from my father and mother are what I am doing today.

“I started this because of poverty but from poverty, I was able to become an icon in the society,” she said.

Okundaye urged the youth to practise what they learnt from their parents and upgrade it in a creative manner.

“The message I have for the youth is that if your parents used akara money to train you, you have to upgrade that akara to burger.

“Upgrade and follow your heart and do things you have learnt from your parents. Do them and create them in a good way and always think positive,” she said.

Okundaye said since she opened the Nike Art Gallery in Abuja, youths have been coming over for training.

“I have had a training centre here since 1996. I have over 2,000 artworks in this edifice.

“I have a lot of artists that I trained. When I trained them, they trained others and they bring their works and if we sell them, they give us 10 per cent of the total cost,” she said.

In his remarks, the Director-General of NCAC, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, said he supported Nike Art Gallery to make it a destination market for Nigeria.

Runsewe described the arts and culture sector as public-private driven.

He said if Nike Art Gallery was given necessary support it would go a long way in reducing unemployment and crimes in the country.

“In most cases, we make mistakes in Africa for not recognising our own, not believing in our own and not developing our own.

“If the private sector or an individual can put up this type of gallery, what we need as the government is to support.

“This can generate a lot of resources for the country. If you travel to other parts of the world, they have galleries like this that you will pay to visit.

“One of the fundamental aspects of tourism is experience. Some people have never seen this number of paintings and fabric designs,” he said.

He recalled that three weeks ago when an ambassador saw Fela’s painting, he felt like removing his dress.

“This is because he is one of the big fans of Fela. He continued taking pictures with Fela’s artwork.

“These paintings you see are therapy on their own. Some people when they are sick or down, this is what they use to come up with.

“We need to use what we have now to develop and promote our country. There are so many artworks here that can speak for Nigeria.

“For me, we will support Nike Arts Gallery and make it a destination in order to market the country,” he said.

(NAN)

IPF Hosts Media Conference, Seeks Protection For N’Delta Environment

Published

13 minutes ago

December 18, 2025

Editor

The Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) on Wednesday , December 17, 2025 held its annual media conference in Warri, Delta State, where the media practitioners sought protection of the Niger Delta’s natural resources and environment for future generations.

In his welcome address at the conference themed: ‘Safeguarding the Niger Delta Natural Resources for Future Generations,’ IPF President, Comrade Austin Ozobo, while emphasising the importance of protecting the Niger Delta’ environment and resources, highlighted the devastating impact of oil theft, environmental pollution, exploitation by oil companies, federal government and deforestation on the region.

He called on oil exploration companies to prioritize the well-being of the people and the environment.

Comrade Austin also provided a brief history of the IPF, which was formed in October 2023 to promote the Ijaw struggle and its identity.

He noted that the IPF has made significant strides in telling the Ijaw story and advocating for the rights of the Ijaw nation.

Ozobo, who noted that the conference was aimed at addressing the challenges facing the Niger Delta region and find solutions to safeguard its natural resources for future generations, said: “We must stop oil theft, environmental pollution which has destroyed fishing and farming activities or occupation in our region. We must equally stop deforestation and waste of other forest and aquatic resources. Our resources are our future. Our environment is our wealth. Pollution does not just affect our environment but it shortens our life span. Stealing our crude or sabotaging it, is as well as stealing our common wealth, invariably creating poverty, unemployment and lack of opportunities in our region. This message largely affects our oil exploration companies. The IOC and indigenous oil companies management should stop exploitation and deliberate environmental pollution if our well-being should be prioritized”.

“We have proactively told the Ijaw story in all dimensions, we have propagated and seamlessly advocated for the struggle of the Ijaw nation. We have actively defended the Ijaw nation from willful blackmails, people who are hellbent to hand twist, incite government, its military against Ijaw nation to jeopardise Ijaw identity. This is not to entertain you but well-meaning leaders, stakeholders and youths could attest to it”.

“There is no gainsaying that IPF has balanced the equilibrium, the Ijaw nation is now more significant in the media industry than ever, there is now a checks and balances between those who bastardise our collective image or identity in the name of telling our story. We have corrected many such narratives and we will continue to put a stop to it. I can assure you that the rate at which the foreign papers battered our identity have reduced to the barest minimum since we took charge and made Ijaw significant in the media industry”

“The Yoruba has their media houses, Hausa has its own, Igbo has, Itsekiri has, Urhobo has, so the commitments and efforts made by brilliant Ijaw sons and daughters to strengthen Ijaw presence in the media industry should be encouraged by all well-meaning Ijaw leaders and critical stakeholders. Our mission and visions are to defend, advocate, propagate Ijaw/Niger Delta self-determination struggle and build dependable media houses for the Ijaw nation in no distance time. So that when all papers and broadcasting stations will show patriotism to their origins, political Godfathers and hand twisted governments in the unforeseen dark days, Ijaw nation will not be left in the rain and sun to be battered”.

The conference was attended by prominent guests, including High Chief Dennis Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, and RT. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Chief Lawuru Promise, Amb. Godknows Igali, Pandef National leader, Chief Oyakemeagbegha Izinebi, INC publicity Secretary, Chief Wellington Bobo, Chief Emmanuel Amgbaduba former commissioner of oil and gas, Delta State, Chief Udens Eradiri, IYC spokesman Princewill Binebai, Ijaw women Rights’ Protection Forum IWRPF, Ijaw women in politics, for peace and Culture, Ayakoromo ladies, President Amnesty students leadership and others.

News

Okpebholo Sympathises With Otaru, People of Auchi Over Tragic Tanker Fire Incident

Published

21 minutes ago

December 18, 2025

Editor

The Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has expressed sadness over the tragic fire incident that occurred in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area, following the fall of a petroleum tanker which resulted in a fire outbreak involving several vehicles.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Patrick Ebojele, Okpebholo described the incident as painful and unfortunate, noting that it has brought grief and distress to families, motorists, and residents of the area.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Edo State, the Governor commiserate with the Otaru of Auchi, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Aliru H. Momoh Ikelebe III, and the entire people of Auchi Sacred Kingdom over the tragic occurrence.

“This unfortunate incident is a painful reminder of the dangers associated with the transportation of petroleum products on our highways. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Auchi Sacred Kingdom at this difficult time.”

Okpebholo extended heartfelt sympathies to all those who suffered losses, including individuals whose vehicles and properties were destroyed in the inferno, and prayed for the repose of the souls of those who may have lost their lives, as well as quick recovery for the injured.

The Governor assured the people of Auchi that the Edo State Government is working closely with relevant emergency and safety agencies to assess the situation, support affected victims, and put measures in place to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.

He also urged motorists and tanker drivers to strictly adhere to safety regulations and traffic laws to safeguard lives and property across the state.

Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the safety and wellbeing of Edo people and called on residents to remain calm and cooperate with authorities as investigations continue.

News

Bauchi Govt Sensitises 14,000 LG Staff On Promotion Examination

Published

11 hours ago

December 18, 2025

Editor

The Bauchi State Local Government Service Commission has conducted a 2-day Sensitisation workshop for 14,000 local government staff on how to excel in the forthcoming promotion examination.

Speaking before the commencement of the workshop, Alh. Abubakar Wabi, the Chairman, Local Government Service Commission, said that the importance of the workshop for the LG workers could not be over-emphasised.

He said according to the tenets of examination policy, the main thrust of the exam, apart from paving the way for promotion, was to acquaint the staff with regulatory professional and general knowledge.

This, he added, contributed immensely in boosting their capacity and reading culture as well as increase effective performance of their duties for efficient service delivery.

According to him, the administration of Gov. Bala Mohammed of the state has resolved to sustain the examination policy and do everything within its reach to strengthen it for the benefit of civil servants and the Civil Service.

“The conduct of this sensitisation workshop is therefore a continued demonstration of the governor’s commitment and concern towards the upliftment of Local Governments as well as human capital development,” he said.

Also speaking, Mr Nasir Dewu, the Overseeing Permanent Secretary, Local Government Service Commission, said promotion examination has the main merit of keeping staff up-to-date with the staff regulations, procedures and General Knowledge.

These, he said, were vital for ensuring effective, efficient and productive Local Government Service.

“I am happy to inform you that the success witnessed in the 2023 edition of the examination held in 2024 is a further signal that the policy is a worthwhile one.”

He commended governor Mohammed for his commitment to ensure the examination policy’ success in the state.

Dewu urged the participants to reciprocate the kind gestures of the governor by being more dedicated to duties as well as contributing immensely in the revamping efforts of the Local Government Service.

In his address, Alh. Gambo Magaji, Dugge Management Services Limited (DMSL) the Consultant of the promotion examination, called on the participants to listen attentively to the papers that would be presented during the workshop.

Magaji, who said that the resource persons were experienced retired and serving technocrats billed to prepare them for the examination and beyond, added that the examination questions won’t be outside of what they would be taught.

The sensitisation workshop was carried out to help the staff writing the 2024 promotion examination on December 27 to excel.