By Justina Okapanku
The founder of Nike Art Galleries in Nigeria, Chief Nike Okundaye, popularly known as Mama Nike, has been honoured for her outstanding contributions to the creative industry at the Eko Vanguard International Summit and Awards 2026.
Eko Vanguard International Summit and Awards is an annual socio-cultural and economic gathering of key stakeholders in the culture and tourism ecosystem.
E-VISA is described as a dynamic convergence of the creative economy, culture, tourism, gastronomy, investments, partnerships, exhibitions, advocacy, and awards, further positioning Lagos as Africa’s entertainment capital through high-value networking and global visibility.
Okundaye was recognised alongside notable figures including Karl Hala, Group General Manager of Continental Hotels Nigeria, and Iyadunni Gbadebo, Director of Sales and Marketing at Eko Hotels and Suites, among other creative professionals across the country.
The award celebrates role models who are leveraging culture to attract investment and create employment opportunities for thousands of Nigerians—both skilled and unskilled, young and old.
E-VISA is powered by the Erelu Yeye Odua Foundation in partnership with the Eko Tourism Foundation, a premium public-private partnership for the tourism ecosystem under the chairmanship of Lai Mohammed, alongside X-Media Group.
According to the organisers, the summit and awards recognise art and craft practitioners for uniting to not only rediscover cultural identity but also harness the economic potential of culture, reinforcing the idea that culture itself can be a sustainable source of livelihood.
Speaking under the theme “The Nigeria Sociocultural Economy: Promoting a Resilient Ecosystem for Sustainable Development,” Lai Mohammed emphasised that Nigeria’s future prosperity lies not just in natural resources like oil, but in the creativity, talents, and ingenuity of its people.
Also speaking, Abiola Dosumu, who has long championed cultural development, noted that the award recipients have made significant contributions to society. She commended Okundaye for her pioneering work in promoting Nigerian textiles, particularly Adire, on the global stage.
“Chief Nike has elevated Adire and enhanced our collective well-being,” she said.
Dosumu also praised the people of Isale Eko for their enduring connection to cultural heritage, particularly the Eyo Festival, which she described as a major economic and cultural driver.
“The Eyo Festival brings immense benefits. People travel from far and wide, and there is vibrant economic activity—buying, selling, eating, and celebrating,” she added.
Reiterating his remarks, Lai Mohammed described it as a privilege to chair E-VISA 2026, noting that the cultural and creative sector has employed millions of Nigerians and contributed significantly to the nation’s GDP, proving that culture and creativity remain powerful engines of economic growth.
