The Osahon Okunbo Foundation (TOOF), On Monday, July 21, helped mark a defining moment for the Nigerian art landscape, standing alongside 20 emerging artists at the Museum Gallery, Freedom Park, Lagos. The event was the culmination of Old Masters by Future Masters—an intensive two-week workshop and exhibition hosted in partnership with the Legacy Art Foundation and the Belgian Embassy.
Timed to coincide with Belgian National Day, the exhibition opened with remarks from Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria, Pieter Leenknegt. He highlighted the significance of the programme in strengthening cultural ties between Belgium and Nigeria and praised the participating artists, master instructors Professor Wouter Steel and Bolaji Ogunwo, and the institutional partners for bringing the vision to life.
Osahon Okunbo, founder of TOOF, spoke of the dedication and transformation he had observed throughout the process.
“I’ve been watching closely—getting updates every day, following the journey online, and seeing the process unfold. And I’ve been in awe. Not just of the final works, but of what becomes possible when talent meets structure, mentorship, and belief.”
Niyi Adenubi, founder of the Legacy Art Foundation, reflected on the impact of the partnership with TOOF:
“We’re profoundly grateful to The Osahon Okunbo Foundation, who recognized the importance of this programme and made it possible to double the number of artists who could participate.”
For many of the young creatives, the experience marked a turning point—an opportunity to learn new techniques, share their stories, and explore the power of visual expression. Several artists, including Bankole Emmanuel and Clinton Juwon, sold their pieces during the exhibition.
The Old Masters by Future Masters workshop is part of TOOF’s ongoing commitment to empowering Nigerian creatives with the tools, funding, and support they need to thrive. Earlier this year, the foundation sponsored the +234 Art Fair, enabling over 200 artists to showcase more than 700 works over five days of exhibitions, dialogue, and cultural exchange.
“What’s on these walls is important,” Okunbo noted, “but what’s behind them—the process, the support, the shift in belief—that’s what matters most.”
The Old Masters by Future Masters exhibition reflects TOOF’s broader 2025 vision: to nurture the talent, voice, and vision of a new generation of Nigerian creatives, and to ensure that purpose is never out of reach for those with potential.
Ayo Sogbuyi is a seasoned journalist with over 30 years of experience, he is a passionate advocate for press freedom and ethical reporting. Throughout his career, he has covered significant global events and championed the role of journalism in holding power to account.