The Kola Aluko Foundation is a charitable venture that was established in 2013. It was set up in order to inspire and support future generations of African youth. At Bonhams, famous London based auctioneers a Photography Exhibition celebrating the Nigerian Centenary was held and hosted by the Kola Aluko Foundation.
The exhibition hosted what Brompton called an ‘astonishing collection of photography documenting Nigeria’s rich and diverse cultural heritage.’ This exhibition promises to be the first in a long standing collection of major events of a cultural nature hosted and supported by the Kola Aluko Foundation. Not only will the exhibition focus on the cultural history of Nigeria, but it will also feature cultural landmarks from all around the rich and diverse continent of Africa.
It is hoped that the exhibition will inspire the youth of Africa to pursue their talents and impact the entire world, not only Africa. The exhibition was dedicated to the great Nigerian photographer ‘J.D. Okhai Ojerikere. Okhai was a universally lauded photographer who was noted for his work with the many unique hairstyles found in Nigeria. He first started as a darkroom assistant in 1954, while at the Ministry of Information in Ibadan. After Nigeria’s independence, he pursued photography fully and soon found himself a studio photographer under Steve Rhodes, for the Television House Ibadan. In 1967 he joined the Nigerian Arts Council, and the year after started his largest project documenting Nigerian hairstyles, this was to be his greatest work and he printed around a thousand photos. He is an icon for Nigerian artists and a worthy artist to dedicate the Kola Aluko Foundation even too.
Kola Aluko stated that the exhibition is ‘the perfect place to celebrate and put the spotlight on young leaders. Together the Foundation and these young leaders hope to communicate to other young Africans the value of aiming high, working hard and making a difference.
The Kola Aluko Foundation’s programme of activities is set to continue, with a series of unique competitions covering entrepreneurship, art, information technology and agriculture. More details will be announced soon.
Nigeria Gazette 