… as works depict port
The Lekki Port Lagos has rewarded some final year Creative Arts students of University of Lagos for their exceptional artistic creativity.
Wang Qiang, CEO of the port, commended the students for investing their energy and creativity to producing fantastic works of art that represented the full potential of the port.Qiang made the commendation during the grand finale of an art exhibition titled “The Lekki Port Story Through Art” organised by Lekki Port and held in Lagos recently.
He described the paintings as a full expression of the beautiful sight of marine infrastructure and facilities at the port. He noted that the art exhibition offered the opportunity for the students to tell the story of Lekki Port through various paintings, while also unleashing their talent. The occasion, according to him, has further helped to cement the relationship between the academia and corporate organisations such as Lekki Port, especially with the quality of infrastructure in place.
Speaking at the event, Yan Yuqing, Consul General, People’s Republic of China, and special guest of honour at the event, described the paintings as quite wonderful, noting that the creativity showcased by the students is a symbol of China-Nigeria best co-operation.
While appreciating the 13 outstanding student artists, she noted that their works have placed them as true ambassadors of China-Nigeria friendship.
“As you know, China-Nigeria has a long history and tradition. I think the students have not only shown their painting talents, they have also showed their love for China, the Chinese people as well as China-Nigeria friendship. This is indeed a big contribution to the bilateral relations between both countries,” she said.
Delivering his closing remarks, Biodun Dabiri, chairman, Lekki Port, commended the management of the port for promoting creativity, which was evident in the quality of paintings on display.
It would be recalled that a delegation from the Department of the Creative Arts, Faculty of Arts, University of Lagos, led by Victor Ogunyemijo, a
PhD holder, the head of department, visited the Lekki Port in June 2025 where each of the students was asked to do a live painting of infrastructural facilities and the port itself.
At the grand finale, each of the 13 students was provided the opportunity to make presentation of their artworks.
Upon evaluation by judges, Shalom Oluwa emerged winner, while Oluwafemi Morakinyo and Ajeseni Godin came first and second runners-up, respectively.
Speaking shortly after being announced as the winner of the art exhibition, Shalom Oluwa, a graduating student of the University of Lagos, expressed deep excitement about the outcome of the exhibition, adding that it is a soothing reward for her devotion to choose creative art in defiance of her parental preference.
“I feel very blessed to have emerged as winner. This painting is one of the interesting parts of my work. This is the first time I am painting freely. I enjoy bright colours and love beautiful contrasting colours. The title of the work I did was “Breaking of a New Dawn” and it is basically Lekki Port pioneering a new era for Nigeria,” Oluwa said.
She explained that the reward would certainly serve as a great motivation to invest and improve on her craft. Some of the paintings that were represented during the grand finale include tugboat, cargo ship, caricature image of Wang Qiang, managing director, Lekki Port, among others.
