MAMA MAMA MAMA NIKE NIKE NIKE
The Legacy of Chief Dr. (Mrs.) Oyenike Monica Okundaye
Vuyo NetworkOyiya :
As we reflect on this homage to Mama Nike, it is essential to recognise the many extraordinary individuals who have been integral to this journey — our sine qua nons. These remarkable souls, whose support, guidance and networks have opened doors, expanded horizons and fostered opportunities beyond what we could have imagined, are too numerous to list in full.
Below, we share a handful of these vital sine qua nons — those who have played a particularly pivotal role in The Evolution of The Crown Chakra sculpture — but we wish to emphasise that everyone who has contributed along the way holds equal importance. You know who you are, and your support, encouragement and kindness have woven themselves into the very fabric of this journey. To each and every one of you, THANK YOU FOR BEING YOU.
Evolution of The Crown Chakra Sine Qua Nons:
Collaborators: Khulu and Gogo Dirk Durnez - Art@Africa, Kunye Collab legacy initiative with artists: David Chipondamoyo, Lindi Schultz, Talita Steyn, Olivia Dunkley, Jane Moodie, Wendy Lee, Lwando Lunika...
#MyCrownVnA #ThisIsHowIWearMyCrown: in collaboration with Kunye Collab - Art@Africa and VnA Waterfront @ Silo District Clock Tower, Kiss Media Productions
Seeds of Freedom: Empowering Women Through Self-Sustainability: in collaboration with Melany Fuma, Shahida Mausi, Dr Sian Proctor, Liam Cockcroft, Ethandwa Dwane, Hlelokuhle Kama with Dominique Vandenhoudt, Jim Adams, Superfile for sponsoring the Art/Tech Festival.
WOMINT: The Arts of Women’s Intelligence: Mahshid Yazdani, Mama Nike: Chief Dr. (Mrs.) Oyenike Monica Okundaye...
Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Akande, Visual Artist and an Art Historian — our Nigerian sister . Thank you for your kindness, sisterhood and for facilitating the realisation of this Homage to Mama Nike. Your support and encouragement, along with your generous spirit, have been instrumental in turning this vision into reality. We are grateful for yours and Mama Nike Art Gallery for the unwavering belief in the power of collaboration, sisterhood and cultural connection.
Firdoze Bulbulia — For your unwavering commitment to connecting women and inspiring change, a gift we deeply cherish. Thank you for opening countless pathways for women, bridging networks and fostering collaborations among like-minded individuals. You remind us of the power of history, culture and shared stories as sources of strength and inspiration. Thank you for your ongoing work in creating these essential connections and for being a guiding light in our collective journey.
Khulu Dirk Durnez Art@Africa — a true art agent and impresario in the finest sense of the word. Your dedication to empowering artists and mentoring us on the business of art has been invaluable. Your legacy initiative: Kunye Collab, is a testament to your commitment to nurturing talent and sustaining the arts. We are privileged to benefit from your legacy and grateful for your role as our “Khulu” — our “grandfather” in the business of art. Thank you to Gogo and everyone at Kunye Collab, as well as the talented artists we have collaborated with to date, on The Evolution of The Crown Chakra.
VnA Waterfront — our cousins. Thank you for your unwavering support of artists and for investing in the arts community. Your commitment to arts ability and inclusion is truly inspiring. The #VnACrownChakra is a testament to your dedication, standing as a permanent installation that continues to elevate and celebrate artistic expression and cultural inclusion.
Shahida Mausi — Seeds of Freedom: Empowering Women Through Self-Sustainability... Your support has been instrumental from the very beginning. It was your nod and encouragement when we first met that ignited the fire for this Art of Kindness journey. Since then, you have gone far and beyond, mentoring with kindness, wisdom and unwavering support. We are deeply grateful and humbled by the space you continue to hold for us, guiding us with your gentle strength.
A humble tribute to ALL our sine qua nons — the foundational elements of our growth, resilience and shared vision. Their contribution goes beyond words; it is woven into the very fabric of our journey and the: Evolution of The Crown Chakra.
About Us: PREVIOUS CAMPAIGNS:
The Vuyo Oyiya Network is a visionary organisation dedicated to igniting a global movement rooted in the transformative power of kindness, compassion an d reverence for human dignity. Inspired by the profound principles of The Arts of Kindness, our mi ssion is to elevate the innate strength and nurturi ng spirit of women as essential pillars for collective evolution and societal harmony.
At the heart of our philosophy lies a deep convicti on that true progress begins with cultivating our s hared humanity—recognising that compassion, understanding and empathy are the foundational forces that can heal divisions, foster unity and inspire positive c hange across communities worldwide. We believe that by nurturing these qualities within ourselves and othe rs, we can co-create a world where kindness is celebrated as the highest form of human intelligenc e.
Our innovative Crown Chakra sculptures serve as pow erful symbols of this ethos. These exquisite works of art are more than aesthetic expressions—they are soulful reflections of the divine feminine energy and the natural power of women. Each sculpture embodies the essence of nurturing, support and resilience, celebrating women as the Earth’s vital soil for gro wth and renewal. They stand as sacred reminders of women’s roles as nurturers, creators and carriers o f life’s profound wisdom—embodying the spirit of Mother Nature herself.
The Vuyo Oyiya Network aspires to be a catalyst for cultural transformation by blending artistic innovation with spiritual consciousness. We aim to inspire individuals, communities and institutions t o embrace kindness as a fundamental value—cultivating empathy, fostering understanding and empowering women as visionary architects of a brighter, more c ompassionate future.
Through our initiatives, we seek to elevate the col lective consciousness, honor the divine feminine an d remind the world that true strength lies in kindnes s, care and the nurturing of our shared human spiri t. Together, we can forge a more empathetic, inclusive and harmonious world—one inspired by the enduring power of love, compassion and the sacred feminine.
Since 2023, we have created sculptures emphasising sisterhood and highlighting that women are beautiful souls in human bodies. We refer to these sculptures as Crown Chakras, as every woman possesses a crown chakra that transcends race, cult ure and religion. For this year’s global women’s celebration campaign, we are concentrating on the t heme “WOMINT: The Arts of Women Intelligence” under the umbrella of “The Arts of Ki ndness”
In 2023, in collaboration with Art @ Africa Kunye Collab and VnA Waterfront, we unveiled Crown Chakra sculptures on Women’s Day that serve as a global ca ll for women to unite. The 2023 theme was #ThisIsHowIWearMyCrown while 2024 focused on “Seeds of Freedom: Empowering Women Through SelfSustainability” inspired by the saying, “You give a woman a fish, and you feed her for a day; you teac h her how to fish, and you feed her for a lifetime. W e were honoured to feature powerful trailblazers ar ound the world to amplify the message that one cannot po ur from an empty cup. Like the safety instructions on a plane, it’s essential to put on your own oxyge n mask first before assisting others.
#ThisIsHowIWearMyCrown was also an extraordinary tr ibute to the women who have shaped our past, guide our present and will define our future. It served as a profound celebration and reminder of our intrinsic worth and our deep connection to t he divine as women. Women possess an unparalleled capacity for healing and represent the purest embodiment of art, akin to the very essence of Mother Nature herself—beautiful, soft an d powerful souls in human bodies.
To witness the inspiring success of our past campai gns see on IG: Vuyo Oyiya Network and click link in bio.
WOMINT
Symbolising our divine essence exudes strength, linking us to our origins and the universe. Our cro chakras signify unity with the sacred earth
Symbolising our royalty, strength, intelligence and wisdom - to navigate life’s jungle with grace and resilience.
Kunye Collab with: David Chipondamoyo
Kunye Collab with: Talita Steyn
WOMINT
adversity into beauty and light, shining through challenges, emerging victorious and radiant
Symbolising our souls are limitless, nurturing and weaves harmony amidst chaos.
Kunye Collab with: Lindi Schultz
Kunye Collab with: Lindi Schultz
WOMINT WO FE The Arts Of Women Intelligence
#MyCrownVnA: This sculpture by Vuyo Oyiya in collaboration with Kunye Collab serves as a poignant reminder of our innate divinity. The Crown Chakra is the seat of our soul, the centre of our s piritual selves and the source of our connection to the divine. As women, we embody The Arts of Kindness and we are the embodiment of j ust beautiful souls in human form. This sculpture serves as a powerful reminder to embrace our spiritual essence, to rise above earthly limitations and to recognise the divine power that resides within each of us. Let us celebrate not only the beauty and strength that we possess as individuals but also the unity and sisterhood that connect us all. Together, we can overcome adversity, tap into the boundless love and wisdom of the universe, and radiate the light of our divine selves to illuminate the world. The time has come for us to stand tall, together, to wear our crowns with pride and to share our unique gifts with the world.
Artist : Vuyo Oyiya – Kunye Collab | The Crown Chakra
THEME INSPIRATION
Our 8 year theme draws inspiration from the Lava Crown Chakra sculpture. Our first attempt to imbue a soul into a headwrap, our meditation in motion . At the soul of this sculpture are three feminine forces:
Mama Madosini: Dr. Latozi Madosini Mpahleni of Xhosa, South Africa - symbolising CONNECTING to THE SOURCE. Mama Nike: Chief Dr. (Mrs.) Oyenike Monica Okundaye of Yoruba, Nigeria - symbolising ERUPTING YOUR DIVINITY. Queen Nefertiti of Egypt - symbolising OWNING YOUR POWER.
This sculpture has a volcanic eruption lava finish, symbolising how volcanic action, despite its danger and negative connotations, can also create fertile soils — known for their fertility and richness in minerals, making them highly beneficial for agriculture. REBIRTH.
For more insight, please refer to page 20, where you'll find the impactful video we created in 2022. It showcases “The Making of the 1st Crown Chakra Sculpture” — highlighting where it all began and how these feminine forces inspired our creative process.
Through WOMINT: The Arts of Women Intelligence, we aim to celebrate the essence of being a woman. We hope that this theme will inspire each and every woman to celebrate their WO.FE— themselves, those who have walked the journey with them, the ones who paved the way and the women of the future. It’s a celebration and expression of gratitude for the blessings of being born a woman.
Women possess an unparalleled capacity for healing and represent the purest embodiment of art, akin to the very essence of Mother Nature herself—the nurturing soil for humanity, a source of support, care and The Arts of Kindness.
This offering is a heartfelt homage to Mama Nike: Chief Dr. (Mrs.) Oyenike Monica Okundaye of Nigeria — a living legend whose life and legacy embody resilience, artistry and profound cultural wisdom. As we celebrate her birthday and her enduring presence among us, we honour her extraordinary journey, her teachings and her unwavering dedication to empowering women and preserving heritage.
This homage is a tribute to her enduring influence, her spirit of kindness and her role as a cultural torchbearer. It is a recognition of her lifelong commitment to passing down knowledge, nurturing communities and inspiring generations. Through this offering, we aim not only to celebrate her remarkable life but also to carry her legacy forward — a beacon of WOMINT: The Arts of Women’s Intelligence.
A Special Birthday to The Yoruba Mother of The Crown Chakra : Chief Dr. (Mrs.) Oyenike Monica Okundaye
Happy Birthday Mama Nike! Happy Birthday Mama Nike! Birthday
Today, we celebrate not just a remarkable presence, Today, we celebrate not just a remarkable presence, Today, we not remarkable but a living legend whose influence continues to inspire a living legend whose continues to inspire legend and uplift us all. Mama Nike — a beacon of African and uplift us all. Mama Nike — a beacon of African us Mama Nike beacon heritage, artistry and resilience — your journey, heritage, artistry resilience — your journey, artistry your your spirit and your unwavering dedication have your spirit your unwavering dedication have your have profoundly shaped our understanding of cultural shaped our understanding of cultural our understanding empowerment and the WOMINT: The Arts of empowerment and the WOMINT: The Arts of empowerment The Women’s Intelligence. Women’s Intelligence.
Your birthday is a moment for us to pause and Your birthday is a moment for us to and is us express our deepest gratitude for having had express our deepest gratitude for having had express our gratitude the honour to know you. You are a blessing the honour to you. You are a blessing honour not only to your community and to us but to the not only your and to us but to the your to us but to the world beyond. Your legacy — rooted in tradition, world beyond. Your legacy — rooted in tradition, beyond. legacy in nurtured through kindness and celebrated through nurtured through kindness and celebrated through through your artistry — has inspired the very core of our your artistry — has inspired the very core of our the our WOMINT theme “ERUPT YOUR DIVINITY. You exemplify the WOMINT theme “ERUPT YOUR DIVINITY. You exemplify the theme “ERUPT YOUR Arts of Kindness, resilience and cultural pride that Arts of Kindness, and cultural pride that we cherish and seek to uphold. we cherish and seek to uphold.
The Legacy of Chief Dr. (Mrs.) Oyenike Monica Okundaye
MAMA NIKE
As we reflect on your life and your enduring impact, on your your impact, we are reminded that true wealth lies in the practices we reminded that true wealth lies in the practices the and wisdom you have shared — practices that sustain, and wisdom you have shared — practices that sustain, wisdom you have sustain, empower and uplift generations. Your influence has empower and uplift generations. Your influence has empower ignited a light that guides us, a legacy we are humbled to carry ignited a light that guides us, a legacy we are humbled to carry we forward. forward. forward.
As we reflect on your life and your enduring impact,
Mama Nike, your birthday is a celebration of your incredible journey Mama Nike, your birthday is a celebration of your incredible journey your is a your and the blessings you have bestowed upon us all. We are forever and the blessings you have bestowed upon us all. We are forever the you have us We grateful for your presence, your teachings and your example. May grateful for your presence, your teachings and your example. May this day and every day be filled with the love and honour you so this day and every day be with the love and honour you so this be the honour richly deserve. Happy Birthday, Mama Nike. Thank you for being the richly deserve. Happy Birthday, Mama Nike. Thank you being the richly deserve. Happy Birthday, Nike. the guardian of our culture, the keeper of our artistic soul and an eternal guardian of our culture, the keeper of our artistic soul an eternal our the an source of inspiration. We cherish you more than words can say. source of inspiration. We cherish you more than words can say. source more can
The
A Homage: The Yoruba Mother of The Crown Chakra Chief Dr. (Mrs.) Oyenike Monica Okundaye
In the soul of Africa, there exists a In the soul of Africa, there exists a of a Crown Chakra whose life embodies Crown Chakra whose life embodies Chakra whose resilience, artistry and cultural wisdom: resilience, artistry cultural wisdom: artistry
Legacy of Chief Dr. (Mrs.) Oyenike Monica Okundaye
MAMA NIKE
Chief Dr. (Mrs.) Oyenike Monica Okundaye popularly
Chief Dr. (Mrs.) Oyenike Monica Okundaye Oyenike Monica Okundaye known and called “MAMA NIKE” by her numerous fans, known and called “MAMA NIKE” by her numerous fans, NIKE” her numerous born on the 23rd May 1951 at a very quiet and born on the 23rd May 1951 at a very quiet and born on the a and hilly village of Ogidi-Ijumu in Kogi State of Nigeria. Mama village of Ogidi-Ijumu in State of Mama village of in of Nike is a multi talented individual with a wide range of Nike is a talented individual with a wide range of is a range enduring fortitude. In her early life as a village girl, she enduring fortitude. In her early life as a village girl, she her girl, was a stage dancer and later became a popular actress was a stage dancer later became a popular stage became featuring as a lead actress in numerous local Yoruba as a lead in numerous local Yoruba a films that expanded internationally. films that expanded films expanded
As we celebrate her birthday and her enduring presence
we celebrate her birthday and her enduring presence celebrate her among us, we reflect on her profound influence. among us, we reflect on her influence. we Her journey is a testament to the strength of roots, Her is a testament to the strength of roots, is tradition and nurturing spirit that sustains communities tradition and nurturing spirit that sustains communities that sustains and beyond. and beyond.
Mama Nike’s work is more than craft; it’s a legacy
Mama Nike’s work is more than craft; it’s a legacy Nike’s is more craft; of empowerment and cultural revival and inspires us to of empowerment cultural revival and inspires us to of inspires connect to our divinity: our core essence and self connect to our divinity: our essence and self sustainability rooted in kindness. sustainability rooted in kindness. rooted
Her dedication to passing on knowledge Her dedication to on knowledge on and uplifting women has made her a beacon and uplifting women made her a beacon women a of resilience, kindness and artistry. Today, we pay of resilience, kindness and Today, we pay kindness Today, pay homage to her not only as a legend but as a living homage to her not only as a legend but as a living her a legend as source of inspiration whose influence continues to ripple source of inspiration whose influence continues to ripple of across generations. across generations.
WOMINT
MAMA MAMA NIKE NIKE
The Legacy of Chief Dr. (Mrs.) Oyenike Monica Okundaye
A Dive.deep
NIKE MAMA
The Legacy of Chief Dr. (Mrs.) Oyenike Monica Okundaye
INTERVIEWER: Chinelo from The Leadership Newspaper in Abuja
The Legacy of Chief Dr. (Mrs.) Oyenike Monica Okund
The Wealth of Legacy — Self-Sustainability and Empowerment:
Chief Dr. (Mrs.) Oyenike Monica Okundaye is a 5 generation of textile artist. In Mama Nike’s family, there is a profound belief: the true wealth of a person and community lies in the knowledge of self-sustainability and cultural empowerment. Her family’s guiding principle was that these treasures — skills, traditions and resilience — are passed down through generations. They are invaluable assets that cannot be taken away, unlike material possessions. th
From a young age, Mama Nike was immersed in her craft. She began weaving at just 4 years old, learning from her great-grandmother, a master textile artist. When she was 7 years old, her mother and grandmother passed away, leaving her in the care of her great-grandmother, who became her primary teacher in textile arts and traditional crafts. Her family believed that elders have a sacred duty to pass on their knowledge so that cultural wealth and skills are preserved and continue to uplift and empower the next generation.
Her father also played a vital role in her early learning, teaching her embroidery and reinforcing the importance of sharing skills not just as art, but as a means of empowerment and independence. These teachings were about more than craft; they were about cultivating a resilient spirit rooted in pride, heritage and the ability to sustain oneself.
Throughout her life, Mama Nike has expanded and nurtured these teachings, believing deeply that true wealth is found in practices and knowledge that enable individuals and communities to stand tall, self-reliant and proud. She sees her craft not merely as art, but as a vital legacy, a gift from her ancestors designed to empower and uplift her community.
Mama Nike’s life exemplifies that authentic legacy is not measured by material wealth but by the practices, skills and cultural wisdom that sustain and uplift communities. Her teachings are a treasure rooted in her ancestors’ wisdom, cultivated through her journey and passed on with love and purpose - a foundation of resilience, independence and cultural pride for generations to come.
A deep Dive. curated MAMA NIKE
A deep Dive. curated
The Science and Art of Polygamy: A Reflection on Tradition, Discipline and The Arts of Women’s Intelligence:
Historically, women in polygamous marriages cultivated an artful intelligence. This involved balancing personal ambition with familial duties, mediating conflicts and nurturing social bonds among co-wives and extended families. Their wisdom was often transmitted through oral traditions, storytelling and the arts — serving as repositories of cultural identity and moral guidance.
Polygamy has been part of human history for millennia, woven into the cultural, religious and social fabric of many societies. Far from being merely a social arrangement, it is a complex system rooted in the science of human relationships, resource management and social cohesion.
The Discipline of Women in Polygamous Societies:
In traditional polygamous societies, women often played roles that extended far beyond mere companionship. They were custodians of cultural knowledge, arts and social harmony. The discipline required of women — whether in managing households, nurturing children, or preserving tradition — fostered resilience, emotional intelligence and diplomatic skills. Women learned to navigate intricate social hierarchies, mediate conflicts and maintain harmony within large familial units.
Mama Nike’s Application of The Arts of Women’s Intelligence:
Mama Nike exemplifies this profound discipline and application of WOMINT. When she married, she was the only wife with artistic talents, particularly in textiles and cultural crafts. She trained her 15 co-wives in textile design, empowering them economically and fostering a ripple effect of cultural preservation.
Her application of the Arts of Women’s Intelligence was deliberate and strategic. She demonstrated that personal talents when shared with harmony—do not diminish within a polygamous system; instead, they can serve as a foundation or collective strength.
MAMA NIKE
The Legacy of Chief Dr. (Mrs.) Oyenike Monica Okundaye
A deep Dive. curated MAMA NIKE
WOMINT: The Sacred Dance of Women Uplifting and Inspiring One Another
Mama Nike often recalls how an encounter with an Austrian woman broadened her horizons and inspired her to take her craft beyond her immediate community. This moment was not about a lack of confidence but about recognising the power of women inspiring women—an essential aspect of WOMINT. The encouragement she received from this stranger reinforced her belief in the importance of sharing her talents and connecting with others on a global scale.
Her gratitude for this experience reflects how WOMINT thrives through women uplifting and inspiring each other. Mama Nike’s openness to external inspiration exemplifies how women’s collective energy, encouragement and shared knowledge can amplify their journey, transforming individual talents into a powerful force for cultural storytelling and artistic excellence worldwide.
The Power of a Sharp Mind:
The Legacy of Chief Dr. (Mrs.) Oyenike Monica Okundaye
In 1982, during an exhibition in Washington DC, Mama Nike, along with her co-wives and other artists, faced a sudden crisis when their space was consumed by fire, destroying everything including their passports. In that critical moment, her quick wit and decisive action were put to the ultimate test. She swiftly assessed the situation, made rapid decisions and contacted the Nigerian Embassy, securing their safe return home.
This incident highlights that true strength isn’t just about resilience it’s about a sharp, agile mind capable of navigating the most unexpected challenges with calm grace and clarity. Mama Nike’s quick thinking transformed a potential disaster into a powerful testament to her resourcefulness and mental acuity.
A Dive.deep
NIKE MAMA
The Legacy of Chief Dr. (Mrs.) Oyenike Monica Okundaye
VUYO OYIYA NETWORK FACILITATED BY DR. MRS NGOZI AKANDE: THE ARTS OF WOMEN
INTERVIEWER: Chinelo from The Leadership Newspaper in Abuja
Mama Nike’s heartfelt wish, which she often shares, is that someone will help her write a book on her arts, a comprehensive guide to her textile techniques, from traditional methods to contemporary expressions. She hopes this book will serve as a legacy, ensuring her stories, skills, and cultural wisdom are preserved for current and future generations, starting from as young as 6 years old. It is her dream that this resource will continue to inspire and empower, passing on the gift of self-sufficiency and cultural pride.
MAMA NIKE
VUYO OYIYA NETWORK | WOMINT: THE ARTS OF WOMEN INTELLIGENCE
The Legacy of Chief Dr. (Mrs.) Oyenike Monica Okundaye
THEME INSPIRATION
The Making Of.
Credits:
Collaborators: Khulu and Gogo Dirk Durnez - Art@Africa, Kunye Collab legacy initiative with artists: David Chipondamoyo
Decoded by Ryan Childs Music that inspired the Lava Crown Chakra sculpture creation journey: “Mayine” by Simphiwe Dana, “Yitileni” by Mama Madosini: Dr. Latozi Madosini Mpahleni , “Ma” by GuruGanesha Singh & Snatam Kaur
The Sine Qua Non
Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Akande, Visual Artists and an Art Historian. — our Nigerian sister. Thank you for your kindness, sisterhood and for facilitating the realisation of this homage to Mama Nike. Your support and encouragement, along with your generous spirit, have been instrumental in turning this vision into reality. We are grateful to you and the team at Mama Nike Art Gallery for putting together the following brief citation of Mama Nike and for the unwavering belief in the power of collaboration, sisterhood and cultural connection.
A big thank you to Chinelo from The Leadership Newspaper in Abuja for the filming of Mama Nike’s Deep Dive Interview
CHIEF DR. (Mrs.)
NIGERIAN ACCLAIMED TEXTILE ARTIST AND GALLERIST
A BRIEF CITATION OF
CHIEF DR. (MRS.) OYENIKE MONICA OKUNDAYE
Chief Dr. (Mrs.) Oyenike Monica Okundaye popularly known and called “MAMA NIKE” by her numerous fans, was born on the 23rd May 1951 at a very quiet and hilly village of Ogidi-Ijumu in Kogi State of Nigeria. Nike is a multi talented individual with a wide range of enduring fortitude. In her early life as a village girl, she was a stage dancer and later became an actress featuring as a lead actress in a local Yoruba film, “Ayaba”. In addition, she has also participated in many documentary films including “KINDRED SPIRITS” sponsored and produced by Smithsonian Museum in Washington DC and a CNN feature documentary film “AFRICAN VOICES”. In January 2016, the CNN again featured Nike in another documentary film "INSIDE AFRICA". Nike then walked up the ladder to become a rare international icon in art. She is an accomplished professional artist; a painter, a textile artist, weaver, embroider and an awards winner at many national and international art shows. Nike is a member of many national and international professional bodies. She is also principally a social entrepreneur and a well known philanthropist championing the cause of the neglected Nigerian rural women using art as a tool to accomplish these noble missions. Nike is happily married with children.
Nike is the Managing Director of Nike Centre for Art and Culture, Osogbo where she offers free trainings to all Nigerians in various forms of arts. The centre was established in 1983 by Nike solely from her earnings as an artist and without government assistance. Nike opened this centre with 20 young girls who were marching the streets in Osogbo aimlessly and who ha d no hopes for the future. In their tender age, Nik e withdrew these girls from the streets and provided them with free food, free materials and free accommodation at her residence at Osogbo and taught them how to use their hands to earn decent livings through the art. So far, over 3000 young Nigerians (mainly violated and abused young women) have been trained in the centre and who are now earning their decent livings through art. Many African countries now send their students to study textile art at the centre.
The Nike Centre for Art and Culture, Osogbo now adm its undergraduate students from many universities in Nigeria for their industrial training programs i n textile design. Over the years, this centre now a dmits students from European countries, Canada and the Un ited States of America. International scholars and other researchers in traditional African art and culture also visit the centre from time to time for their research works into Yoruba “Adire” fabric processin g and African traditional dyeing methods.
Nike is also the Owner/Curator of the Nike Art Galleries at Lagos, Osogbo, Ogidi-Ijumu and Abuja. In 1996, Nike established a textile (Aso-Oke) weaving centre at Ogidi-Ijumu near Kabba in Kogi State for the women of the village, employing and empowering more than 200 rural women in the weaving centre. In June 2002, Nike established an Art and Culture research centre at Piwoyi village, FCT Abuja with an art gallery and a textile museum, the first of its kind in Nigeria which will provide functional platform for research into Nigerian traditional textile industry in the Federal Capital Territory area of Abuja. In furtherance of these noble endeavours, Nike is currently the managing director and founder of the following organisations in Nigeria; “Nike Art Productions Limited” which she incorporated in 1994, “Nike Art Gallery Limited” which she incorporated in 2007 and the “Nike Research Centre for Art and Culture Limited” which she incorporated in 2007.
Also in 2007, Nike founded the “Nike Art and Culture Foundation” with some notable eminent Nigerians as trustees, with the main aims and objectives of fostering Nigerian cultural heritage. Nike has earned for herself numerous laurels for her hard work, devotion and dedication towards the promotion of art and culture in Nigeria. Just to mention a few of her recent time awards and public recognition of her noble efforts in developing the society and mankind, in May 2006, Nike was awarded “Ordine Della Stella Della Solidarieta Italiana” one of the highest Italian national awards of merit by the government of the Republic of Italy in appreciation of her efforts in using art to address and solve the problems of Nigerian prostitutes (sex workers) in Italy.
Awards And Merits: Nike Okundaye has won more than 200 awards and merits, both national and international in her artist journey to the admiration of her followe rs and fans which are too many to be mentioned in this short brief.
On the 13th April, 2019 Nike was awarded and confer red with a Doctorate Degree of Fine Art (Honoris Causa) by Rhodes University in Grahamstown, South Africa. In the month of June, 2019 Nike was invited to be a special guest of honour at the Smithsonian Institute Museum of African Arts in Washington DC USA to deliver lectures and facilitate workshops focusing on traditional Yoruba Adire textile culture during the period of an Art Exhibition showcasing the artworks of African women. The title of the African women exhibition was; “I Am … Contemporary Women Artists of Africa”. In that exhibition, Nike's artworks and paintings titled “The Liberal Women In Protect March Part 1 & 2” were also displayed for public view. In September, 2019 - Dr. (Mrs) Nike Okundaye was invited by the Osun State University and she was awarded and conferred with Doctorate Degree of Art (Honoris Causa) at Osogbo, Osun State.
Educational Pursuit: Nike was principally educated in art by her great grandmother whom Nike lived with after the death of her mother and grandmother. Her great grandmother was a weaver and an “Adire” textile maker/dyer during her lifetime. It is therefore, interesting to observe that Nike had no serious formal western education because of lack of fund. Her parents were quite poor and they could not fund her education. The truth is that, Nike lost her mother at the age of 6 and her grandmother at the age of 7. Her father, late Nicolas Ojo Allah who was a village traditional drummer and baskets weaver in his days could not help her much to acquire higher western education. Nike stopped schooling at primary 6 school level at her village at Ogidi-Ijumu n Kogi State of Nigeria.
However, Nike went ahead to teach herself English at home. She never went to school to study art which had brought her to global spotlight. Vocational training in art was passed down to her by her great grandmother, late madam Ibitola who was an "Adire" textile maker and a dyer of fabric during her days in the village of Ogidi-Ijumu, Nike's birth place. Watching her great grandmother in the art of “Adire” textile processing and helping her out in “Adire” making, Nike walked up the line to become an expert in “Adire” textile making, dyeing, weaving, painting and embroidery. This was the way vocational training was passed down from parents to children in Yoruba communities in those days in Nigeria.
Nike steadily built upon what her great grandmother taught her and went ahead to develop her own unique style and technique in textile design and painting, and how to effectively present them for exhibitions. Nike is a multi- talented person who was able to use her natural given ability to assist and help many less privileged. In that quest, she has been able to give hopes to the hopeless in our society. In the same vein, Nike has been able to economically and socially empower many rural women by setting up cottage weaving workshops/centres for women at Abuja, Osogbo and Ogidi-Ijumu thereby giving voices to them in their various communities. Nike's challenges were many especially when her activities are centred at men dominated societies. The men saw her initiatives and activities to be too out in giving the so called liberties to women who were there to oppressed in the rural areas.
In her humble quest to further promote, enhance, sustain and provide enabling environment for the growth of African cultural heritage in Nigeria, Nike single handily went ahead in 2009 and built a five floor ultra-modern cultural art centre at Lekki Peninsula, Lagos with the main purpose of positively transforming the landscape of the hitherto neglected art and culture in Nigeria. This building was opened to public in September 2009.
Mama Nike, your birthday is a celebration of your incredible journey and the blessings you have bestowed upon us all. We are forever grateful for your presence, your teachings and your example. May this day and every day be filled with the love and honour you so richly deserve. Happy Birthday, Mama Nike. Thank you for being the guardian of our culture, the keeper of our artistic soul and an eternal source of inspiration. We cherish you more than words can say.
WOMEN WOMEN WOMEN
possess an unparalleled capacity for healing and represent the purest embodiment of art, akin to the very essence of Mother Nature herself. Beautiful, soft, powerful souls in human bodies. Thank you for being an integral part of this journey!
Vuyo Oyiya
VUYO OYIYA NETWORK