This competition challenges participants to explore concepts of design, emphasising collaborative and sustainable economic development, and their vision of the future of Nigeria

1st - Emmanuel Okonkwo

"In Between Hope and Frustration"

Description of Art:

It's a double panel work of about 20 by 24 inches each. First panel depicts a girl sending a rope to her already frustrated part of herself to give her strength. The rope signifies a source of strength and help to make her strive to get up from the dungeon she was already in. The question is, is she willing to take the bold step? Heaven helps those who help themselves. For one to be fit to help others defeat their demons. He or she must have first, conquered inner fears. The use of Ankara based images, signifies that the economical challenge is an issue faced by everyone, because Ankara tends to be a local wear that has no trace to a particular culture in Nigeria. Making it a generally used and accepted material for all tribes.

Artist Profile:

Emmanuel Okonkwo is a Calabar-based Nigerian painter and mixed-media artist with a B.A. in Fine and Applied Arts from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. His work explores the complexities of Nigerian society, focusing on survival, conflict, and social issues. Growing up in Abuja, he was deeply influenced by Nigeria’s cultural diversity and the connections he formed across ethnic lines. These experiences fuel his perspective on “otherness” as a bridge to shared humanity. His piece, In Between Frustration and Hope, reflects the resilience required in life’s struggles. Depicting a young girl offering herself a rope to climb, the work underscores self-motivation as a vital form of collaboration, reminding viewers of the inner strength essential for rising above challenges.

2nd - Korede Onakomaiya

"Replanting Together"

Description of Art:

This multimedia painting, inspired by the theme "Collaborative Actions for Growth, Stability, and Competitiveness," skillfully integrates a variety of materials to express its concept. The artwork features a painted backdrop that includes a vivid sky, a tranquil sea, and textured ground. Central to the composition is a tree, symbolizing growth and stability. Its branches are crafted from natural materials, and its support leaves are made from paper Mache, adding a layered, tactile quality to the piece. There are also wires embedded in the tree to symbolize how digitalization is a key element in the nation's growth. Surrounding the tree are figures molded from clay, each dressed in vibrant Ankara fabric, representing the diverse yet unified nature of the collaborative effort. These figures are positioned to highlight the theme of collective action, reinforcing the idea of shared progress. The use of mixed media, including tree branches and wire, enhances the three-dimensionality of the piece, creating a dynamic contrast with the painted elements. This artwork visually embodies the theme of collaboration as a driving force for growth, stability, and competitiveness, offering a rich and engaging interpretation of these concepts.

Dimension: 19ft, 25ft

Artist Profile

Onakomaiya Korede Faith is an artist whose work blends abstraction and realism, inspired by spiritual, natural and urban landscapes. She draws motivation from her aunt, Olujuwon Olusanya, owner of TrueView Gallery.

3rd - Bamaiyi Emmanuel

"Collaborative Action for Positive Growth (Teamwork)"

Description of Art:

Collaborative action for growth, this theme emphasizes the importance of creative effort, knowledge sharing, and strategic partnerships in achieving sustainable growth, competitiveness and stability in various sector, including education. these could also be seen in the life of the ant. ants are social insects which lives in colonies, these brings us to the conclusion that they work together, unity and team work is one major key we can learn from the ant, in fostering a sustainable economy.

Dimension: 19ft, 25ft

Artist Profile:

BAMAIYI EMMANUEL is an Abuja-based artist, has pursued art from an early age, finding in it both inspiration and livelihood. For Emmanuel, art serves as a vital means of expression, offering a creative escape and a powerful response to life’s challenges.

This piece highlights the crucial role of creativity, knowledge sharing, and strategic partnerships in fostering sustainable development across sectors, including education. Using ants as symbols, it draws parallels between their social nature and human efforts toward collective progress. Living in colonies, ants exemplify unity and teamwork, reminding us that by working together, we can achieve national growth and stability. The artwork serves as a call to embrace collaboration as a foundation for lasting success.