law-meets-art:-babalakin-&-co-hosts-inaugural-exhibition-to-empower-young-nigerian-creatives

Leading Nigerian law firm, Babalakin & Co, stepped beyond the courtroom on Tuesday as it hosted its first-ever art exhibition at its Victoria Island office. The event showcased the winning entries from the firm’s maiden art competition, underscoring a growing intersection between legal practice and cultural expression.

Speaking at the event, Managing Partner Olawale Akoni, SAN, emphasised the firm’s vision of supporting the arts as a tool for national development.

“It was very important for us as a firm to show our commitment to the arts, we believe that the practice of law is not something that should be tunnel visioned. We thought that it was important to also contribute to the society and develop upcoming artists who have a vision.”

Highlighting the symbolic value of the artworks on display, he added,
“You see, the vision and the hope for Nigeria is being captured by these young men and women. And we thought it was important to be part of it.”

He noted that the firm’s 37-year legacy in legal development was now expanding into creative support.
“We didn’t want to be left behind. As a law firm, we spent the last 37 years developing the legal practice and the legal space. And we think that Nigeria has come to a point where vision is so important.”

On whether the initiative would continue, he responded, “Absolutely. First of all, this is a yearly event. And as you heard, it’s an inaugural one. And we’re going to do it every year.”

The event drew a high-level audience, including Joellen Borg, Acting US Consul General in Lagos, who praised the depth and innovation of the showcased works.

“I’m really happy to see so many young artists here today, both men and women. They’re very, very talented,” she said. “They have an image, they actually sew the outfits, they film the people, and then they paint that. So I didn’t realize how much can go into some of this art.

“From the view of the US Consulate, we’re very excited about the creative industries here in Lagos.”

Among the standout artists was Aaron Ajogwu Atadoga, who won first prize for works centered on African identity, music, and the environment.

“Well, I feel so excited. Coming from Zaria to Lagos for the first time, just for the events, it’s an honour,” he said. “Four works that are exhibited here are basically on music, nature and the label in African culture. Expect more of Afrikaans.”

Second-place winner Innocent Ifunanyachukwu Glory focused on memory and everyday experience.

“When people look at my art, I want them to think, where do I fit in this? That’s why I also write little poems. Even if you can’t understand the art, at least you can understand my words.”

The People’s Choice Award went to Nkwocha Ezichi, whose monochrome drawings explored societal tension and psychological complexity.

“My works here are; Complexity of Complexion, One of a Kind, and Between Notes,” he said. “They’re actually a series talking about the state of anxiety and the state of confusion in our contemporary youth.

“These artworks represent the discrimination of our people, discrimination of our beliefs, gender abuse, gender discrimination, something like that.”

That’s why you can see an emphasis on the complexion, our cultural practices here. And those who claim to be the main African due to their dark skin culture, being in a state of confusion, not knowing whether to support contemporary trends or they should support their tradition.”

With its successful debut, the Babalakin & Co Art Exhibition marked the beginning of a new cultural tradition, one where legal heritage meets creative expression to promote social development.

Faridah Abdulkadiri

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