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PHOTOS: Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye and the Legacy of Nike Art Centre

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Introduction

Chief (Mrs.) Oyenike Monica Okundaye, popularly known as Nike Davies-Okundaye or simply “Mama Nike,” is a Nigerian artist, textile designer, and cultural ambassador whose life’s work has become a beacon of empowerment through art. Born in 1951 in Ogidi-Ijumu, Kogi State, Nigeria, she transformed her humble beginnings into a global legacy by creating art centres, training thousands of youths, and establishing the largest art gallery in West Africa.

Early Life and Artistic Roots

Nike Davies-Okundaye grew up surrounded by traditional weaving, indigo dyeing, and Adire textile production in her hometown of Ogidi. Her parents and great-grandmother, who were musicians and craftspeople, nurtured her creativity from childhood. Later, she spent her early adult years in Osogbo, one of Nigeria’s cultural capitals, where she immersed herself in the thriving art scene dominated by indigo dyeing and traditional crafts. This environment shaped her artistic identity and philosophy of using art as a tool for empowerment.

Establishment of the Nike Art Centre

In September 2009, Chief Nike founded the Nike Art and Culture Centre in Osogbo. The centre was created solely from her earnings as an artist, without any government support. She began the initiative with 20 young girls she found aimlessly roaming the streets of Osogbo, giving them a lifeline through free training in weaving, painting, and textile design.

Since then, the centre has expanded its reach and impact. To date, over 3,000 young Nigerians have been trained at her art centres, many of whom are now independent artists earning decent livelihoods.

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Furthermore, students from other African countries travel to Nigeria to study at her centres, a testament to their international recognition.

Women Empowerment and Cultural Preservation

Chief Nike’s philosophy has always been to empower women and youth through art. She established cottage weaving workshops in Abuja, Osogbo, and Ogidi-Ijumu, helping rural women gain financial independence. By teaching them traditional crafts, she not only preserved cultural heritage but also provided sustainable livelihoods in their communities.

Her work has made her an icon of economic and social empowerment through creativity, inspiring countless young Nigerians to pursue art professionally.

Nike Art Gallery: The Largest in West Africa

Beyond the training centres, Chief Nike owns and curates the Nike Art Galleries in Lagos, Osogbo, Ogidi-Ijumu, and Abuja. The Nike Art Gallery in Lagos, located in Lekki, is the largest in West Africa.

This four-story building houses over 7,000 artworks, including paintings, textiles, sculptures, and crafts from Nigerian and African artists. More than just a gallery, it serves as a textile museum, cultural hub, and tourist destination. The gallery is open seven days a week and frequently hosts exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events. Plans are underway to add a coffee shop to enhance the visitor experience.

Global Recognition

Chief Nike’s unique style in textile design and painting has earned her international recognition. She has showcased her work and conducted workshops across the world, including in the United States, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Italy, and the United Kingdom. Through these exhibitions, she has become a global ambassador for Nigerian art and culture, breaking boundaries and introducing traditional crafts to new audiences.

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Legacy and Impact

Nike Davies-Okundaye is not just an artist but also a mentor, cultural custodian, and philanthropist. By founding four art centres across Nigeria, she has provided free training in visual, musical, and performing arts, creating a ripple effect of cultural preservation and economic empowerment.

Her work has preserved Nigeria’s rich traditions of Adire and indigo dyeing while ensuring they remain relevant in the modern art world. Today, the Nike Art Centres and Galleries stand as monuments to her vision: that art can transform lives, empower communities, and preserve cultural identity.

From a small village in Kogi State to international stages, Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye has dedicated her life to art, culture, and empowerment. Her legacy lives not only in the walls of the Nike Art Gallery but in the thousands of artists she has trained and the women she has empowered. In preserving the past and inspiring the future, Mama Nike continues to stand as one of Nigeria’s greatest cultural icons.

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Declare Your Lineage – Royal Family Tells Musician KWAM 1 Over His Interest In Becoming Next Awujale Of Ijebuland

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December 7, 2025

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KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

The Fusengbuwa ruling house of Ijebu-Ode, next in line to produce the new Awujale of Ijebuland, Ogun State, has instructed Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, to confirm his family’s royal lineage to validate his membership in the ruling house.

KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

KWAM 1 also stated that his candidacy aligns with Ijebu customary law and the Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws.

In an interview with Punch, the Chairman of the ruling house and former National President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Abdulateef Owoyemi, said only bonafide members of the family would be allowed to participate in the selection process.

Owoyemi explained that KWAM 1, Olori Omooba of Ijebu land and others interested in the stool have been directed to complete the Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form.

According to him, the form, which requires contenders to trace their genealogy back seven generations, ensures that only genuine princes from the family can participate, thereby blocking “strangers” from claiming the throne.

He said, “The first step for anyone interested in contesting for the Awujale throne is to declare their lineage by filling the standard Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form. Once confirmed as a legitimate member of the ruling house, they can then apply for the expression of interest form.

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“We have told him, just like everyone else interested in the Awujale throne, that the first step is to declare his lineage. He will do this by completing the royal lineage data form, showing his full name, which parent and grandparent he descends from, and continuing up to seven generations.

“The completed form will be signed and submitted to the head of the ruling house unit of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, who will affirm that he is a genuine member. Only then will the process move forward.”

Owoyemi emphasised that although the application window for the throne officially closed on December 5, KWAM 1 had been given a five-day extension, which would lapse on December 10.

He noted, “We won’t shut anybody out of picking the next Awujale, but we must ensure that you are a legitimate member of Fusengbuwa. Every right comes with responsibilities. For a royal family, everyone must prove their legitimacy by completing the royal lineage data form.

“When we receive the form, we will review it meticulously. If clarification is needed, we will contact the applicant. We welcome men of influence who will use their influence to enhance the throne, not to claim it, ensuring that what truly belongs to our family is preserved.”

Owoyemi explained that the local government has given them 14 days to select candidates, and the ruling house hopes to have a new Awujale by the second or third week of January 2026.

He added, “The local government has given us 14 days to select candidates, which expires on December 18. After that, the kingmakers have seven days to deliberate and choose one candidate, whose name will be forwarded to the governor.

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“Legally, the government then has 21 days to conduct background checks and security clearance, allowing for objections or protests. After this period, the State Executive Council will ratify the nominee, and the governor will announce the next Awujale, after which coronation rites will commence.

“So, combining the candidate selection, kingmakers’ deliberation, and legal objection period, we are looking at around 42 days. Therefore, we expect the next Awujale to emerge between the second and third week of January.”

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VIDEO: I’m Married But Not In My Husband’s House; I Didn’t Have The Experience Of Living Happily Ever After – Singer Shola Allyson Reveals

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December 7, 2025

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While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sola Allyson, the popular Nigerian gospel singer, has revealed that she is not currently living with her husband.

The musician made this known in her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV.

While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sharing her marital experience, the singer said she has never enjoyed the kind of happiness many people describe.

“I’m married, but I’m not in my husband’s house. We live separately. He in his house and I in mine.”

The interviewer asked: “You sang ‘Eji Owuro’, did you experience genuine love from your husband?

She replied, “We lied before. Those older than us didn’t inform us that it’s tough. They made us believe that so long as you both love each other, you will live happily ever after, but it’s a lie.

“That’s not the experience I have. I didn’t have the experience of living happily ever after. I did all I could to make it work.

“Marriage has been a big challenge. I hear people talk about joy in marriage, but I have never experienced it.”

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VIDEO: Shola Allyson Finally Opens Up, Reveals Why She Does Not Reference Jesus In Her Songs

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December 7, 2025

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Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Shola Allyson, the renowned Nigerian songstress, has opened up on the real reason she avoids mentioning the name of Jesus in all her songs.

Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Reacting to her critics in a post on X, the songstress stated that “No one can bully me into joining their darkness that looks like light because indolent souls find comfort in it”.

Finally revealing her reason for not mentioning Jesus in her songs, Shola Allyson on Saturday during her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV, stated that Jesus did not ask her to do PR for him.

She said “I’m not a religious singer. As I am, I have never introduced myself as a gospel singer. My name is Shola Allyson. I’m a singer”.

Interviewer; “Some people said you don’t mention ‘Jesus’ name’ in all your songs”.

She quickly responded “Jesus did not instruct us to mention his name in songs nor did Jesus ask us to do PR for Him”.

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