By Victoria Tokolo
LAGOS — Babalakin & Co. Legal Practitioners has reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing emerging creative talents with the successful staging of the second edition of its National Art Competition and Exhibition, where outstanding young Nigerian artists were recognised for their exceptional works.
At the event held in Lagos on Friday, Segun Owolabi emerged as the overall winner of the competition, while Faith Michael finished second, Zakariyau Ridwanu placed third, and Samuel Joseph came fourth.
Speaking at the exhibition, the Managing Partner of the firm, Mr. Wale Akoni (SAN), described the second edition as a major improvement on the maiden event, noting that the quality of entries underscored the depth of artistic talent in Nigeria
.
“This edition is bigger and better than the previous one. We’ve received high-quality entries from talented young artists, demonstrating the creativity and immense potential that exist in Nigeria,” he said.
Akoni explained that the competition was created to provide young artists with a platform to showcase their creativity to both local and international audiences.
“The competition gives our artists a global stage to present their vision and their work. I believe that, over time, it will become a signature platform for visual art in Nigeria.”
He disclosed that the organisers plan to expand future editions to accommodate Nigerians in the diaspora while maintaining the initiative’s primary objective of developing young Nigerian artists.
“We are committed to this initiative for the long term. As it grows, we intend to widen participation to include Nigerians living abroad, while continuing to focus on promoting homegrown talent,” he added.
Akoni noted that the competition is open to Nigerian artists between the ages of 18 and 30, with submissions expected to reflect the annual theme.
This year’s theme, “Japa to Jagbajantis,” explored migration, identity and the aspirations of young Nigerians.
Also speaking, a partner at the firm, Mr. Tola Oshobi (SAN), said the competition forms part of Babalakin & Co.’s corporate social responsibility initiative aimed at supporting young creatives.
“This project is our way of giving back to society. We want to provide young Nigerian artists with an opportunity to showcase their talents to a wider audience and encourage them to continue creating,” he said.
Oshobi noted that this year’s theme reflects the growing trend of migration among Nigerian youths in search of better opportunities.
“Many young Nigerians are leaving the country because they believe opportunities are limited. Through this initiative, we hope to inspire confidence in the future and encourage more young people to realise their dreams here at home.”
He added that although the competition would remain an annual event because of the extensive planning involved, the organisers are determined to expand its reach and international visibility.
“Our long-term vision is to showcase these artists not only within Nigeria but also on the global stage.”
The firm’s Chief Operating Officer, Mrs. Ndidi Okpaluba, said the organisers strengthened the competition after learning valuable lessons from the inaugural edition.
According to her, both the submission and judging processes were made more structured and transparent, with entries assessed by a six-member panel comprising three male and three female judges.
She announced that the exhibition would remain open to the public from July 3 to September 30, 2026.
A partner overseeing Sports and Creative Industries at the firm, Mrs. Dunni Segun-Oki, said the theme was deliberately chosen to encourage conversations around issues affecting young Nigerians.
“We wanted this competition to reflect the realities of our time. Young Nigerians are expressing concerns about unemployment, migration and limited opportunities, and art offers a powerful and peaceful medium to tell those stories,” she said.
Segun-Oki added that future editions would continue to focus on themes that resonate with society and inspire meaningful dialogue.
Representing the overall winner, Owoyemi Owolabi described his brother, Segun Owolabi, as a hardworking and resilient artist whose winning artwork, created with thread and nails, reflected years of dedication and creative development.
Second-place winner Faith Michael said her artworks are inspired by everyday human experiences and contemporary social issues.
One of her featured pieces, “Weary Home,” highlights the growing insecurity affecting children and families across Nigeria.
“Home should be a place of safety and comfort, but today many children no longer feel secure in their homes or even in their schools. That is the message behind the work,” she explained.
Michael urged government to create a safer and more enabling environment for young people.
“If there is improved security, stable electricity and greater employment opportunities, many young Nigerians will choose to remain in the country rather than seek opportunities elsewhere,” she said.
Faith Michael received ₦2.5 million as the second-place prize.
The exhibition will remain open to the public until September 30, 2026, featuring artworks that examine migration, identity, resilience and the aspirations of young Nigerians through contemporary visual expression.
