NGA HOSTS AFD REPRESENTATIVE, EXPLORES AREAS OF COLLABORATION

The National Gallery of Art (NGA) on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, received Celine Danion, a representative of the Agency for French Development (AFD), on a courtesy visit to explore areas of collaboration and development in Nigeria’s visual arts sector.
The NGA delegation, representing the Director-General, comprised the Director of Human Resources, Mr Adewale Alabi; Director of Information Services, Mr Odiari Emeka; Deputy Director, Curatorial Services, Mr Obadan Chris; Senior Information Officer, Oparaugo Precious; and Personal Assistant to the Director-General, Mr Avadu Leninso.
During the visit, the NGA presented its mandate, programmes, and operational challenges, particularly the need for a permanent gallery space, adequate funding for exhibitions, improved infrastructure, and the digitisation and preservation of its art collections.
The Gallery also highlighted its flagship programmes, including the Children in Art Talent Hunt and Exhibition and the Saturday Art Club, which promote creativity and nurture young artistic talents across the country.
The AFD representative explained that the visit formed part of the agency’s assessment of Nigeria’s visual arts institutions to identify needs and potential areas of support, including infrastructure development, digital preservation, and art education.
The visit provided an opportunity for both institutions to explore potential partnerships to strengthen the operations of the NGA and promote the growth of Nigeria’s visual arts sector.