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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday celebrated the creativity and unyielding spirit of Nigerians during a reception at the Tate Modern art gallery, organised by the British government to honour his state visit.
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu praised Nigerians’ ability to transform historical images into modern legacies while speaking at the “Nigeria’s Modernism” exhibition.
“The theme of the exhibition, Nigeria’s modernism, is more than just a title for an art show. It is a testament to revolution. It tells the story of a generation of Nigerian giants, who in the middle of the 20th century refused to be despised but chose to define themselves,” he said.
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The president lauded the fusion of ancient and modern elements in Nigerian art, creating a timeless body of work that showcases the nation’s ingenuity. He also reassured attendees that Nigeria’s economy has emerged from “the dark tunnel of economic uncertainty and hopelessness”, steering toward the bright future citizens deserve. Tinubu urged the audience to ignore “negative indices often bandied about by naysayers”, expressing full confidence in Nigerians’ ability to excel globally.
UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, who hosted the event, welcomed President Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, spotlighting the robust UK–Nigeria partnership built on mutual respect. He noted annual trade reaching £8.1 billion, with over half a million Nigerians enriching the UK’s cultural and economic fabric.
Lammy celebrated Nigeria’s global cultural impact—from art to entertainment—and emphasised the forward-looking trade and investment talks strengthening ties.
Moderated by Nigerians in Diaspora Commission Chairman Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the event highlighted prominent Nigerians in key UK roles. Attendees included Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy Hannatu Musawa, Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, Defence Minister Gen. Christopher Musa (retd), Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Finance Minister Wale Edun, Industry Minister Jumoke Oduwole, Education Minister Tunji Alausa, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Ojukwu, National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu, and National Intelligence Agency Director-General Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed.
