National Gallery of Art Leads Strategic Tripartite Partnership to Launch “The Amazons Project”
The Director-General of the National Gallery of Art (NGA), Ahmed Bashir Sodangi, outlined the vision and key objectives behind the agency’s latest flagship initiative, The Amazon Project, during an interview with a media team led by the producer of Amazon of Nigeria, Mr. Rume Ogame, on October 15, 2026, at the Director-General’s office. Conceived as part of the activities commemorating Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, the landmark project celebrates 66 trailblazing Nigerian women who have made significant contributions to nation-building over the past six decades.
Detailing the core motivation behind the interview and media engagement, Mr. Ogame explained that as the primary initiators of the project, the NGA seeks to introduce the creative minds, and institutions driving the initiative as momentum builds toward the main event. He noted that the project encompasses a dedicated documentary designed to showcase Nigeria at 66 through the eyes and extraordinary accomplishments of Nigerian women who have represented the country with distinction across the globe. By celebrating these feats, the initiative aims to build national capacity, expand the country’s workforce, and serve as an official corporate introduction to the agencies interconnected behind the collaboration.
Addressing institutional alignment, the Director-General highlighted that driving growth in the contemporary creative economy requires robust public-private collaborations under the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The project operates through a powerful tripartite partnership bringing together the National Gallery of Art for creative and visual execution, the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development for women’s advocacy, and DeVerge Securities & Logistics Services Limited representing private sector drive. Under ongoing reforms, the agency is expanding its reach.
At its heart, the primary aim of the project and its media documentary is storytelling through art and documenting legacy—telling the Nigerian story through visual arts and showcasing the women who have flown the nation’s flag high globally.
Expressing the core philosophy behind this approach, Sodangi remarked, “The Amazons project is all about storytelling—telling the story of our nation, our heritage, and our future.
By celebrating the women who played pivotal roles in Nigeria’s advancement, we create tangible, inspirational role models for the next generation of leaders.” The project also uniquely coincides with celebrating Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu at 66, acknowledging her exemplary track record as a legislator, advocate, and distinguished role model.
The initiative unfolds across four core event pillars: a visual art exhibition featuring portraits of the 66 women, an intellectual public lecture on female leadership, a live theater performance depicting narratives of courage, and a gala night dedicated to presenting awards. The four-tier event will kickstart on 30th October 2026 with a world class press conference. Out of these, Sodangi highlighted the exhibition as his personal favorite, emphasizing how direct visual engagement with art can inspire visitors across generations. Beyond these main events, the initiative incorporates interactive mentorship workshops and youth programs aligned directly with the NGA’s core vision to empower the next generation.
Addressing young girls, women, mothers, and future leaders, Sodangi noted that seeing accessible examples of success is vital for national growth, reminding them that educating a woman educates an entire community.
“When you educate and empower a woman, you build an entire nation. The goal is to show our youth that regardless of where you start, dedication and resilience can lead to extraordinary heights,” he stated, encouraging the younger generation to look up to these trailblazers, as there is always light at the end of the tunnel regardless of one’s starting point.
Turning his message to the honored Amazons, the Director-General expressed profound gratitude and respect, stating that words fall short in describing their dedication and commitment to nation-building. He reflected on how their journeys stand as a testament to what is possible, reaffirming that the nation deeply celebrates, values, and honors their legacy.
In his closing remarks, Sodangi underscored that telling these powerful stories through visual art remains central to the National Gallery of Art’s mandate. He reiterated that by showcasing real-life examples of valor, preserving cultural heritage, and partnering strategically across sectors, the agency continues to fulfill its duty of inspiring the leaders of tomorrow and building long-term economic prosperity for the nation.
