After the national tour, all three young winners from each zone were invited to Lagos for a grand exhibition at artist Ms Nike Okundaye’s iconic Nike Art Centre in Lekki – four floors of contemporary African art.
Children, their families and teachers were treated to a luxury stay in Lagos, courtesy Access Bank. The first day was spent on a visit to Omenka Gallery, home of the Ben Enwonwu Foundation. Ben’s son Oliver was patient with the children, imparting a wealth of knowledge about his father’s contribution to Nigeria’s contemporary art scene and his impact on global representation. The children were spellbound by the information, bolstered by the gallery’s rich art displays.
The children’s work was then set up in Nike’s art gallery and opened to the public. The gallery hosted a private view and judging event to chose an overall winner of the tour. There was a formidable selection of judges: Jimoh Buraimoh, Nike Okundaye, Jerry Buhari, El-Dragg Okwoju, Chukwuemeka Okpara & Ken Okoli. They selected the work of Johncross Omeke, 13 year old student of Model Primary School, Nsukka. The joy and elation felt by Johncross infected the entire gallery. It was quite emotional.
There was an extraordinary twist to the tale in Lagos. There was a debate at the office of the sponsor Access Bank prior to publishing the catalogue. They opted to chose Johncross’s art piece as the cover image despite this not being in the design spec. Their decision was implemented and the catalogue changed. Then Johncross emerged winner – quite extraordinary.
Johncross received a prize beyond his dreams. A trip to London with visits to Marlborough House, the British Museum, SOAS Brunei Gallery, The Arc Floating Gallery & the ultimate experience – guest of HM the Queen at Buckingham Palace and a private exhibition of curated works of Ben Enwonwu, brought specially from the Royal Collection.
