By: Manoah Kikekon
A Four-Week Showcase at the Badagry Slave Museum Highlights Community Narratives and Sustainable Art Practices
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| Art works at the BYC art exhibition |
BADAGRY, LAGOS – The Badagry Young Contemporaries BYC have launched a groundbreaking four-week exhibition titled "GBẸTỌ an Ode to Humanism." Running from December 21, 2025, to January 10, 2026, at the historic Badagry Slave Museum in Lagos State, the showcase brings together a dynamic collective of artists, writers, poets, curators, and cultural practitioners.
This event marks a significant moment for the creative community in Badagry, offering a platform to redefine the town’s narrative beyond its historical association with the transatlantic slave trade. Through diverse mediums and community-driven interventions, the exhibition seeks to highlight Badagry’s rich cultural tapestry and contemporary artistic innovation.
Curator Paul Ayihawu, in an exclusive conversation with News Peddlers, emphasized the collective’s mission to reshape perceptions of Badagry’s history and identity. "Our role is to spotlight the historical landmarks of Badagry and shift public perspectives," Ayihawu explained.
He noted that the exhibition is part of broader community engagement efforts, including a mural painting at the French Village earlier this year, supported by the Goethe-Institut. Ayihawu added, "This exhibition showcases the talents of our members, promotes their works, and celebrates Badagry’s culture. Art is deeply influenced by environment here, you’ll see pieces crafted from charcoal, coconut shells, and other local materials, reflecting our sustainable and rooted practices."
The title GBẸTỌ," an Ogu word meaning "Human," underscores the exhibition’s focus on humanity from an Ogu perspective. Through paintings, sculptures, poetry, and installations, the artists explore themes of identity, resilience, and community.
The use of indigenous materials not only reduces environmental impact but also strengthens the connection between art and Badagry’s natural and cultural resources. Visitors can expect immersive experiences that blend traditional storytelling with contemporary aesthetics, offering a fresh lens on Ogu heritage. The Badagry Slave Museum, a site of profound historical significance, provides a poignant backdrop, encouraging dialogue between past and present.
As interest in cultural tourism and community art grows in Lagos State, events like "Gbẹtọ the Ode to Humanism" position Badagry as an emerging hub for artistic innovation. The exhibition is expected to attract art enthusiasts, historians, and tourists, boosting local engagement and economic opportunities.
For those planning a visit, the Badagry Slave Museum is open daily with guided tours available. The Badagry Young Contemporaries hope this initiative will inspire further investments in local arts and preserve Ogu traditions for future generations. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to witness Badagry’s creative resurgence a testament to the power of art in shaping heritage and humanity.