At a grand ceremony held yesterday at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, renowned artist and cultural icon Chief (Mrs.) Nike Monica Okundaye-Davies , fondly known as “Mama Nike,” was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award during the 2024 Vanguard Personality of the Year event.
The well-attended gathering brought together distinguished figures from both the public and private sectors. Among the notable guests were Mr. Larry Segun-Lean, CEO of Mind of the Masters—a platform dedicated to amplifying and celebrating African master artists—and Dr. Mudiare Onobrakpeya, representing the Art Galleries Association of Nigeria.
Mama Nike was celebrated for her immense contributions to Nigerian art, traditional textile preservation, and social empowerment.
Through her Nike Centre for Art and Culture , established in 1983, she has trained over 3,000 Nigerians—particularly women—offering free access to art education, accommodation, and mentorship. Her efforts have positioned her as a leading advocate for cultural preservation and community development.
The award affirms Mama Nike’s status as one of Africa’s most influential cultural voices, with her work reaching global platforms including the Smithsonian Institution and CNN.
