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• Promises to transform African arts, crafts on global stage
By Kehinde Aderemi
Recently, the Nigerian flag rose high in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso, as the Organisation for the Development of African Handicrafts (ODEVAA AFRICA) elected Nigerian artist, Comrade Opeoluwa Ogunyakin as its new President General.
Ogunyakin, succeeded Ivorian Ali Cisse, founder and organiser of SIAB, an arts and crafts exhibition in Grand-Bassam, Côte d’Ivoire.
The even had in attendance delegates from Ghana, Gambia, Burkina Faso, Benin Republic, Togo, Cameroon, Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire among others.
Head of Tourism Unis, Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Area, Mrs Idisu Olajumoke was also in attendance.
This year’s edition was the 18th edition of the Salon International de l’Artisanat de Ouagadougou (SIAO), which was also the International Arts and Crafts Fair of Ouagadougou.
Ogunyakin would serve for a five-year term and he is expected to bring to bear his years of outstanding records, experiences and exposures as the new President.
ODEVAA AFRICA is the largest non-governmental organisation in Africa, well established in more than 28 African countries, with a president in each country and a large membership across the continent.
The continental organisation also protects African arts and heritage and creates job opportunities for young people, men and women as well as people living with disability.
Outgoing President General of the group, Ali Cisse, expressed delight that Ogunyakin’s emergence was a testament to the confidence reposed in Nigeria.
He stated further that he believed strongly in the past records of the new President General to take the continental organisation higher than how he met it.
“I believe that Ogunyakin would protect African arts and crafts and its heritage, giving it a global appeal that it desires.
“Under his leadership, we look forward to enjoying the support of the Federal Government of Nigeria in transforming the African arts.”
In his remarks, Ogunyakin expressed appreciation to all continental leaders for supporting his emergence as the new President General of the organisation.
He pledged to work with his executive to ensure that African arts and crafts continue to be the best in the world.
“I stand before you today with profound humility, deep gratitude, and a great sense of responsibility.
“To have been elected by you — my colleagues and fellow custodians of African craftsmanship — with 65 per cent of the vote, to lead this great continental organisation for the next five years, is an honour I do not take lightly.
“I thank God Almighty. I thank the Government and people of Burkina Faso for hosting us so warmly here in Ouagadougou, at the 18th edition of the Salon International de l’Artisanat de Ouagadougou (SIAO). I thank the Organising Committee, led by my brother, Hachim Touré, President of ODEVAA Burkina Faso, for a transparent and credible process — both in person and online.
“I congratulate my worthy opponent and President of ODEVAA Benin, Mrs Mme Tossa Honorine, for a campaign conducted with dignity and vision. This election was not about winners and losers. It was about one family, one craft, one Africa.
“And I pay special tribute to my predecessor, Mr. Ali Cissé of Côte d’Ivoire, founder and organiser of SIAB in Grand-Bassam, who has led ODEVAA since its creation in 2020. He built the foundation and gave this organisation life, structure, and credibility across our continent. On behalf of all of us, thank you. I pledge to continue your work — and to build upon it,” he stated.
Nigeria’s Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Syndoph Endoni, said the development presented an opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s cultural diplomacy, promote African unity and preserve the continent’s cultural heritage.
Endoni spoke during an engagement with ODEVAA-Africa representatives. He urged the organisation’s leadership to protect African arts, traditions and cultural identity while adapting to changing social influences.
Lagos State Chairman of the National Union of Textile Garment Tailoring worker of Nigeria, (NUTGTWN) Kampala Sector and the acting president, ODEVAA Nigeria, Ibrahim Adebayo Lawal, said Ogunyakin’s leadership would usher in the needed transformation for African arts and crafts across the continent and on the global stage.
He described Ogunyakin’s victory as well-deserved, noting that as his immediate successor, he would definitely support his leadership to achieve the great vision as the new President General of ODEVAA Africa.
“Your victory is not just your personal achievement. It is a victory for ODEVAA Nigeria. It is a testimony to your vision, your sacrifice, your leadership, and your unwavering commitment to the growth of our association. You have lifted the flag of Nigeria high on the continental stage, and we are all proud of you.
“As you take on this higher responsibility to lead ODEVAA Africa, I assure you of our full support, loyalty, and cooperation from Nigeria. We will stand with you, we will work with you, and we will continue to build on the solid foundation you laid.
“I want to assure my fellow members that under my acting leadership, we shall maintain peace, discipline, and unity. We shall continue with the good works and programmes of our past administration, and also open new doors for progress, welfare, and empowerment for all members.
“We are one family. Let us continue to support one another, respect our constitution, and project the good image of ODEVAA Nigeria at home and abroad,” he said.
From his records and artistic profile, Ogunyakin has made tremendous impact as one of the pioneers of the sector.
A thorough-bred artist with over 30 years of experiences in African art and craft got a resounding victory at the global stage.
He is a member of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) and was a pioneer artist at AFAC 2007 in Abuja and also the Chief Executive Officer of Artminds and Decor, a former President of ODEVAA Nigeria.
