Okunbo Foundation Expands Artistic Opportunity In Nigeria

The Osahon Okunbo Foundation (TOOF) is expanding artistic opportunity in Nigeria by sponsoring an intensive training in classical European painting techniques with creative mentorship, all led by Belgian Professor, Wouter Steel, and Nigerian artist, Dr. Bolaji Ogunwo, and will run from July 7–18, 2025, in Lagos and Abuja.

Originally set to accommodate 10 painters, the programme has doubled its cohort to 20, with TOOF sponsoring 10 additional artists.

The Legacy Arts Foundation and the Belgian Embassy are sponsoring Old Masters by Future Masters, a prestigious two-week art masterclass in Lagos. It will culminate in two major exhibitions, one in Lagos and another at the Belgian Ambassador’s residence in Abuja.

For TOOF, the partnership is about more than visibility, it’s about long-term transformation.

Okunbo, who is the chairman of Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartments, in a statement, stated: “You can’t ask people to change the world without giving them the tools to shape it. That’s why we support initiatives like this. Because talent needs structure. Imagination needs opportunity. And our people, our artists deserve both.”

By sponsoring 10 more artists, TOOF is increasing participation and deepening impact.

Legacy Arts Foundation designed the programme with the Belgian Embassy to spark cross-cultural dialogue. The programme blends technical workshops with lectures from curators, gallerists, and critics. The initiative is also being documented by Eyes of a Lagos Boy.

“We’re not just investing in this moment,” Okunbo added. “We’re investing in future exhibitions, future careers, and future legacies. That’s what this is about—multiplying possibility.”

The expanded masterclass is already generating buzz in the local art community.