• How creative Nigerians earn a living from arts and craft
By Ngozi Nwoke
From the intricate designs of adire and ankara fabrics to the delicate craftsmanship of handmade coral beads, wood carvings, pottery, and leather works, Nigerian arts and crafts entrepreneurs are blending traditions passed down through generations with modernity.
In a small workshop at the popular Balogun Market on Lagos Island, Funmilayo Oyedele, a third-generation adire maker with deft hands, displays samples of the tie and dye cotton fabrics with intricate patterns that tell stories of Nigerian mythology.
“Adire and ankara are not ordinary fabrics; they are part of our culture and heritage. Growing up in Lagos, I was fascinated by the vibrant colours and intricate patterns of these traditional textiles,” she told Saturday Sun.
Oyedele said her grandmother was a skilled adire maker, from whom she learnt the craft when she was a teenager.
“She showed me how to tie and dye the fabric, creating unique patterns that tell stories of our Yoruba culture. As I honed my skills, I began to experiment with new designs and techniques, blending traditional methods with modern styles.”
While explaining her journey into the creative world of adire making, Oyedele revealed that “Today, I’m proud to be one of the few artisans in Lagos, keeping the tradition of adire and ankara alive. My workshop is a hub of creativity, where I work with a team of skilled artisans to create stunning pieces that showcase our cultural heritage.
“From traditional adire eleko to modern ankara prints, every fabric that leaves my workshop is a testament to the rich cultural legacy of our people. I’m grateful to be a part of this tradition, and I look forward to passing on my skills to the next generation of artisans.”
At the nearby Idumota Market also on Lagos Island, vendors make a fortune trading in colourful ankara fabrics. One of them, Kehinde Ojo, revealed that he had learned the art of ankara design from his father.
“Ankara is a symbol of Nigerian identity. We use traditional techniques to create unique designs that reflect our heritage.”
At the mainland end of Lagos, there is also a boom in the art. Somewhere beside the computer village in Ikeja, Bimpe who specialises in waist, hand and other sorts of beads used for various purposes, carefully selects and polishes coral stones, transforming them into exquisite pieces of jewellery.
She told Saturday Sun: “We use natural materials and techniques passed down from our ancestors to create these beautiful pieces.
“Coral beads have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I have always been fascinated by the colourful beads.”
But how this creativity translates to money is another issue. According to Bimpe, the earning from the trade is encouraging, but it’s not consistent.
“Demand for traditional coral beads is seasonal, and sometimes, I have to wait for months to receive a significant order.
“On a good month, I can earn between N150,000 and N200,000, but on slower months, it can be as low as N50,000 to N70,000. I also organise bead-making workshops and I have a strong online presence.”
At the Jakande Art market, Lekki, Olayinka Oladosu, a master wood carver with precision and skill, churns out intricate pieces of furniture and traditional artefacts, using local woods and traditional methods to create functional and decorative pieces that showcase his Yoruba cultural heritage.
“I discovered my passion for woodcarving as a young apprentice in a small workshop in Osogbo, but it wasn’t until I moved to Lagos that I truly mastered my craft.
“The city’s vibrant energy and diverse cultural influences inspired me to experiment with new designs, blending traditional Yoruba motifs with modern styles while creating intricate masks, sculptures, and furniture pieces that showcase the beauty and usefulness of Nigerian wood.
Like other art entrepreneurs, Oladosun said the patronage and profit from woodcarving could be unpredictable. He admitted that on one hand, there’s a growing interest in traditional Nigerian art and crafts, particularly among tourists and locals who appreciate unique, handmade pieces.
“The profit margins can be slim, as I have to factor in the costs of materials, tools, and labour,” he told Saturday Sun.
Simply identified as Yusuf, a Lagos-based cane weaver is keeping the traditional craft alive with his exceptional skill and dedication.
With over 30 years of experience, Yusuf has mastered the art of transforming ordinary canes into extraordinary pieces of art. From intricately designed chairs and bags to beautiful baskets and tables, Yusuf’s creations are a testament to his ingenuity and craftsmanship.
What sets him apart from his peers is his passion for creating unique pieces that reflect his customers’ individuality. “I strive to create a new design pattern every day. I love it when my customers have unique pieces that stand out from the crowd.”
Despite the challenges that come with being an artisan in a rapidly changing world, Yusuf remains committed to his craft. “I make everything by hand,” he said proudly. “From chairs and bags to baskets and tables, I pour my heart and soul into every piece I create.”
As he looks back on his three-decade-long journey, Yusuf is grateful for the opportunity to do what he loves. “I thank God Almighty every day for giving me the strength to do what I love and make a living out of it,” he said with a smile.
Yusuf’s story is a reminder that traditional craftsmanship still has a place in modern society. His dedication to his craft is an inspiration to young artisans and a proof of enduring power of handmade products.
In a world where technology is gaining much ground, Daniel Adeniran, a young potter based in Ogba, Lagos, found solace in the ancient art of pottery.
In an exclusive chat with Saturday Sun, Adeniran revealed how his fascination with pottery began.
“I have always been fascinated by the magical feel and flow of how potters turn clay into something beautiful. It’s a process that’s both calming and challenging at the same time.”
Adeniran’s journey into pottery began at the University of Lagos where he studied visual arts and majored in ceramics. He further honed his skills at the Atamora Pottery Centre in Osun State and grew under the tutelage of different masters in Lagos.
Today, Adeniran is known for his stunning pottery pieces, ranging from flowerpots to sculptural masterpieces. He works primarily with earthenware clay, which he sources from riverbanks and excavation centres.
His creative process is not without its challenges. For instance, sourcing clay and other ceramic products doesn’t come easy. He lamented: “We don’t have stores in Lagos where we can easily get all the materials and tools we need. Most of the time, we have to import from other countries.”
Despite these challenges, Adeniran said he remains committed to his craft. “When we can’t get the materials we need, we improvise. We create our own glazes and even make our own tools and machines. It’s a process that requires patience, creativity, and perseverance.”
Another Potter, Bukola Adeniyi, who creates beautiful vessels and vases from clay, shared her techniques and traditions.
Adeniyi explained: “Pottery is a craft that connects us to the earth. We use natural clay and traditional methods to create pieces that are both functional and decorative.”
At Emma’s Manor, a shoemaking shop, on Lagos Island, Saturday Sun found Femi Oyediran, who uses leather to make female footwear. He revealed that he uses high-quality local leather to create durable and stylish footwear for females.
“I have spent 26 years as a leatherworker and footwear maker in Lagos. This shows how much investment and resources I have put into the craft.
“From sourcing my leather from local markets like Balogun and Jankara, where I select the finest hides and skins, I also import some exotic leathers from Italy and Morocco to create unique and stylish designs.
“I design and craft bespoke shoes, from traditional Nigerian styles like Babariga and palaga to modern sneakers and boots.
“I take pride in every stitch, every cut, and every detail, ensuring that each pair is not only beautiful but also durable and comfortable to meet the market’s expectations.”
A tour of this amazing world of creativity shows that artisans are the preservers of Nigeria’s cultural heritage. Despite the challenges they face, they remain committed to preserving traditional techniques and passing them down to future generations..