Chief Nike Okundaye, founder of the Nike Art Gallery, has highlighted the immense potential of turning waste into wealth as a means to create job opportunities and tackle environmental challenges, particularly in Lagos State. Speaking during an interactive session at her gallery in Lekki, Lagos, the renowned artist emphasised the need for government and private sector support to make this vision a reality.
Okundaye, who has been in the art business for more than five decades, revealed that her creative journey has always been driven by a passion for empowering others through art. She explained that her initiative, tagged “Irapada” (which means redemption), focuses on transforming discarded materials such as cow bones, teeth, and plastic bottles into valuable art pieces. “These materials, which cannot decompose, are now being used to create unique designs. This not only provides jobs but also curtails erosion caused by improper waste disposal,” she said.
Recycling, she explained, is a way to promote sustainability while addressing societal issues like unemployment and environmental degradation. “We are training people to turn trash into treasure. By creating value from waste, we reduce pollution and ensure a cleaner environment,” Okundaye said. She expressed pride in her workshops across Nigeria, where thousands of women and youths are trained in various crafts, including Adire (traditional textile dyeing) and recycling.
Despite these achievements, Okundaye noted that her efforts require more substantial support to scale up. She called on the government to provide funding and soft loans for trainees to establish their businesses after completing their training. “I am not asking for funds for myself but for the people I have trained. With financial backing, they can train others and expand the impact,” she added.
The veteran artist also noted the challenges of poor infrastructure, such as skeletal electricity, which hampers productivity in her training centres. She urged financial institutions to support creative industries by providing renewable energy solutions like solar panels to ensure uninterrupted work. “Artists cannot create in the dark. If we have reliable power, we can work through the night and increase output,” she said. She acknowledged the contributions of some banks, such as those that provided solar panels for her workshop, though she emphasized the need for broader support.
Okundaye expressed concerns over the undervaluation of local creativity and resources, particularly when foreign materials and designs overshadow indigenous works. “Our fabrics, like Adire and Aso Oke, are deeply rooted in our culture and tell our stories. Yet, many people prefer imported designs. We must promote our creativity and showcase it on global platforms,” she said. She added that her training centres have empowered women across Nigeria, from Osogbo to Abuja, enabling them to use their skills to earn a living.
Recalling her earlier work in training Nigerian women in Italy, Okundaye shared how she taught over 3,000 women, many of whom were involved in prostitution, to make Adire textiles. “Today, some of them are printing what you are wearing. The work we started long ago has now become a fashion statement,” she said. She reiterated the importance of creating more opportunities for women and youths to engage in creative industries, which can uplift communities and preserve cultural heritage.
The artist also pointed out the growing global recognition of African art and creativity, citing her experience exhibiting works in Abu Dhabi and collaborations with international museums. “People pay to see African art abroad, yet we, the owners, are not promoting it enough here. Media houses must do more to project our creativity to the world,” she urged.
While stressing the importance of training the next generation, including children as young as six, to understand the symbols and stories behind indigenous art forms, she plans to write a book on Adire to preserve its history and cultural significance. “Our art is not just about beauty; it’s a form of communication, a connection to our roots,” she said.
As the world celebrates International Women’s Day with its campaign theme ‘Accelerate Action’, she is organising an exhibition of women artists, showcasing their contributions to the creative industry. She plans to bring rural women to demonstrate traditional methods of weaving and dyeing, ensuring that the younger generation learns and carries on these traditions. “Creativity is the way forward. With the right support, we can turn waste into wealth, preserve our heritage, and create a thriving environment for all,” she concluded.
