By: Manoah Kikekon
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| BYC |
Badagry, a historic town in Lagos State, is on the verge of a creative revolution as the Badagry Young Contemporaries (BYC) secures a major sponsorship from the Goethe-Institut Nigeria.
The ambitious initiative, tagged "Claiming the Future," aims to position Badagry as Africa’s leading creative hub, where art, culture, and innovation converge. This project will see large-scale murals and performances across five Lagos communities, with BYC leading the charge in Badagry.
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| BYC Members |
According to Paul Ayihawu, a representative of BYC, the collective is more than just a group it’s a cultural movement. "We are young artists, architects, designers, and creatives from Badagry, united by a common goal: to make our hometown the first place people think of when they imagine African art," Ayawu stated. The Goethe-Institut’s support is a major milestone in BYC’s mission to transform Badagry into a continental arts epicenter.
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| Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende at BYC exhibition 2024 |
The "Claiming the Future" project will feature mural paintings and live performances that blend futuristic themes with contemporary social advocacy. Five Lagos communities List of citys are Badagry, Egbeda/Iyana Ipaja, Isale Akoka/ Bariga, Sabokoji/ Sogunro, and Lagos Island will host these artistic interventions simultaneously. For Badagry, BYC has proposed painting the French Village fence, though securing official approval remains a hurdle. The group is calling on stakeholders to help fast-track permissions for this landmark project.
The institute emphasized the project’s goal to empower youth, celebrate cultural pride, and reclaim public spaces through art. "BYC has been selected to represent Badagry, working alongside the Mobee Museum to create a mural and performance centered on ‘Art as Advocacy for Social Justice’," a statement made available to News Peddlers read. The initiative aligns with Goethe-Institut’s values of inclusivity, dialogue, and cultural exchange.
The project is expected to boost tourism, inspire local talent, and put Badagry on the global art map. BYC is actively seeking more partnerships and sponsorships to expand its vision beyond this initial phase. "We’re grateful for Goethe-Institut’s support, but we need more collaborators government agencies, private investors, and art enthusiasts to make Badagry Africa’s undisputed creative capital," Ayihawu added.
Beyond murals, BYC envisions art festivals, residencies, and creative workshops that will nurture Badagry’s next generation of artists. The town’s rich history from its role in the transatlantic slave trade to its vibrant cultural heritage makes it an ideal canvas for storytelling through art. With the right support, Badagry could rival global art destinations like Marrakech, Dakar, or Cape Town.