As part of activities to mark 50 years of artistic collaborations between Nigeria and the United States of America (USA), three legendary Nigerian artists- Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye, Chief Jimoh Buraimoh, and Prof. Bruce Onobrakpeya- have received the U.S. Exchange Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award.

The award was given to the recipients by the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, in recognition of the trio whose first trip to the US was over 50 years ago as participants for the Department of State?s International Visitor Leadership Programme (IVLP).

A statement from the US Mission yesterday said each of the legends received a commemorative certificate, honoring their exceptional commitment to their artistic craft, dedicated mentorship of emerging creatives, and invaluable contributions that have strengthened the bonds between the people of both countries.

In his remarks, Ambassador Mills noted that the U.S. government was committed to supporting programmes and initiatives that nurture cultural exchange, promote artistic expression, preserve cultural heritage, and strengthen the capacity of Nigerian artists and professionals across the creative industries.?

He highlighted the role of?U.S. government exchange programme alumni in having a positive impact on their communities in many fields, including the creative economy.

?Art has the power to connect people and communities across the world.

?This is why we supported these programmes 50 years ago, we support them now, and we will continue supporting them far into the future,? said Mills.

Chief Davies-Okundaye who has mentored students worldwide in the traditional art of adire and batik, said participating in the exchange programme significantly impacted her life, opened up new opportunities and perspectives that shaped her career path and personal growth.

?I am very happy to see this day,? awardee and celebrated bead painter, Chief Jimoh Buraimoh, said of the recognition.

?Going to the U.S. on an exchange program 50 years ago in 1974, was truly transformative, giving me an opportunity to share my work widely and mentor the next generation of artists.?

Chief Buraimoh?s artwork has been exhibited globally, and he has taught at prestigious institutions, including the Haystack Mountain School of Crafts in Maine and universities in New York, Boston, and Los Angeles.

At 92, Professor Bruce Onobrakpeya continues to be a towering figure in the Nigerian visual art scene, working across painting, printmaking, installation, and sculpture. He noted that the award recognition is a challenge to up-and-coming artists to remain dedicated to their craft.

?I am very excited and encouraged. I will continue to pay it forward by nurturing future talent in the industry,? he added.

Notable as the illustrator for Chinua Achebe?s?No Longer at Ease, Professor Onobrakpeya has exhibited globally, including the current exhibition ?The Mask and the Sword? at the Smithsonian in Washington, DC, and remains one of West Africa?s most celebrated 20th century artists.

The ceremony brought together a distinguished audience, including political and business leaders, diplomats, academic figures, arts curators and collectors as well as?alumni of various U.S. government exchange programmes.

It highlighted?the historic people-to-people connections in the visual arts between both countries, as well as the 50-year Sister Cities partnership between Lagos and Atlanta. (The Nation)

? Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye, Chief Jimoh Buraimoh and Prof. Bruce Onobrakpeya receiving the U.S. Exchange Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award.?

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