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It was an evening of colour, culture, and creative brilliance as the Creative Designers Guild of Nigeria (CDGN) hosted its highly anticipated Creative Exhibition 2.0 under the theme “Re-Defining Culture for Economic Prosperity.” The event, held at the NECA House in Ikeja, Lagos, drew an impressive gathering of top cultural icons, diplomats, film industry stakeholders, and public figures in celebration of Nigerian artistry and craftsmanship.

The exhibition doubled as an induction ceremony for newly trained and registered CDGN members from across the federation, marking another milestone in the Guild’s mission to professionalize creative design practice in Nigeria and elevate its economic and cultural impact.

Presiding over the event, CDGN President, Dr. (Mrs.) Joy Osawaru-Akinyemi, reaffirmed her commitment to her personal mantra, “learning before leading.” Since assuming the Guild’s leadership, she has spearheaded several initiatives focused on continuous professional training, creative innovation, and the preservation of Nigeria’s cultural identity through film and design.

“Our vision at CDGN is to make creativity a tool for nation-building,” she said in her address. “Through our work, we are telling the Nigerian story with authenticity, pride, and global relevance.”

Among the distinguished guests was Dr. Bolaji O. Akinyemi, founder of Project Victory Call Initiative (PVC-Naija), who attended in support of his wife. Speaking with journalists, Dr. Akinyemi, known for his calm composure and philosophical reflections, quipped in Yoruba, “Aṣọ ńlá kò ní ènìyàn ńlá—gorgeous dressing has nothing to do with the gracefulness of a soul.”

When asked about his presence at the ceremony, Akinyemi responded with characteristic depth:

> “I am here to stand by my wife, Joy Osawaru-Akinyemi, who is championing the engraving of cultural components in Nigeria’s film industry. Ours is a family committed to building a better and greater Nigeria. My son, Samuelcomedian, told Nigeria’s story through humour at his ‘State of the Nation’ show. Today, my wife is telling that same story through her craft. I feel fulfilled both as a father and as a husband.”

Reflecting on the broader meaning of the event, he described the exhibition as more than a showcase of art, but as a call to national renewal:

> “Our leadership system—once lost to the wildness of ambition—is here experiencing revival. What we are witnessing today is not just art on display; it is an economic revival concept rooted in culture. The Creative Exhibition 2.0 is rekindling what we lost when leadership got separated from cultural values.”

He went on to draw a parallel between culture, leadership, and national development, hinting at the next major project by his civic platform, PVC-Naija.

“In the same spirit of nation-building, PVC-Naija will follow with a cultural revival of leadership—a movement I call ‘Training Before Tribute.’ At A Nite 4 Naija, we are not just celebrating leaders; we are cultivating them. Every nominee for the 2025 edition will undergo a Citizens’ Governance Impact Assessment and Leadership Reorientation Training to strengthen values, deepen accountability, and refine the conscience behind performance—because you don’t reward what you haven’t refined.”

He concluded passionately:

“Our goal is to rebuild a Nigeria where training births transformation and honour becomes the harvest of integrity. A Nite 4 Naija celebrates leadership that first learns to serve.”

The Creative Exhibition 2.0 attracted an array of notable personalities, including His Excellency Mr. Daniel Krull, Consul-General of the Federal Republic of Germany; Dr. Shaibu Husseini, Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censors Board; Mrs. Adebukola Agbaminoja, Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board; His Eminence Bishop Joseph Ighalo Edoro; Ms. Iyen Agbonifo-Obaseki, fta, Emeritus President of CDGN; and Ms. Chioma Ude, Founder and CEO of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF).

Throughout the day, guests were treated to an enchanting display of creative costumes, stage designs, and artistic installations that showcased the fusion of traditional motifs with contemporary design innovation. The atmosphere was one of admiration and renewed pride in Nigeria’s cultural depth.

The seamless coordination of the event was credited to Mr. Leo Omoseebi, CDGN General Secretary and Director of Projects for PVC-Naija, whose detailed planning and supervision ensured the success of the ceremony. His leadership, participants noted, has been instrumental in bridging creative expression with civic consciousness—setting the tone for the forthcoming A Nite 4 Naija celebration, where art and leadership will once again converge.

As the curtains fell on Creative Exhibition 2.0, the resounding message remained clear: Nigeria’s creative sector is not merely a showcase of talent—it is a strategic driver of economic prosperity, social cohesion, and national reawakening. And under the vision of leaders like Dr. Joy Osawaru-Akinyemi and the partnership of institutions like PVC-Naija, that renaissance is well underway.

This post has already been read at least 11107 times!