TOOF elevates Nigeria Spotlight at Abu Dhabi Art 2025, sponsoring eight galleries and advancing Nigerian art on the global stage
The Osahon Okunbo Foundation, TOOF, on Wednesday announced that it is the official sponsor of the Nigeria Spotlight at the 17th edition of Abu Dhabi Art 2025, held from 19 to 23 November.
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TOOF elevates Nigeria Spotlight through a partnership with the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, enabling eight leading Nigerian galleries to take part in the global fair.
This year’s edition features more than 140 galleries from 37 countries, making it the largest in the fair’s history and the final before its transition into Frieze Abu Dhabi.
The expansion underscores a defining moment for Nigeria as it deepens its cultural presence on the world stage.
The Nigeria Spotlight showcases kò, SOTO Gallery, O’DA Gallery, AMG Projects, 1897 Gallery, Windsor Gallery, Ishara Gallery, and a collaborative project by MADhouse and Tikera Africa.
Their collective exhibition presents a wide-ranging and rigorous display of contemporary Nigerian art, exploring identity, memory, politics, spirituality and the evolving language of African expression.
The presentation draws connections between historic traditions such as the Osogbo School and the dynamic voices shaping Nigeria’s contemporary art scene.
Founder Osahon Okunbo said the Foundation’s sponsorship represents a purposeful investment in cultural access, visibility and authorship.
He described art as a powerful medium through which nations articulate truth, emphasising that supporting the Nigeria Spotlight ensures Nigerian artists can assert their narratives confidently on international platforms.
The Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, said the partnership reaffirms Nigeria’s cultural relevance.
She noted that the fair provides a crucial meeting point for curators, collectors, institutions and other stakeholders engaging with artists whose work reflects the depth of Nigeria’s creative identity.
TOOF’s sponsorship enabled Nigerian galleries to strengthen global networks and expand market opportunities at a pivotal time for African art.
The initiative aligns with the Foundation’s broader mission to create pathways for African stories, talent and innovation to be recognised and supported worldwide.
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By investing in platforms such as Abu Dhabi Art, TOOF continues to position Nigerian creativity not simply as emerging, but as a defining force shaping contemporary culture.
Ibrahim Onipede is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
