Artists’ guild elects Adejumo as new president

Olusegun Adejumo, President-elect, GFA

 

By Tajudeen Sowole

A new president for Guild of Professional Fine Artists of Nigeria (GFA) has emerged as Oluegun Adejumo was elected during the group's convention held at National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, few days ago. Adejumo scored 18 votes out of a total 21 to emerge the president-elect of GFA.

 The president-elect will be taking over from Abraham Uyovbisere whose tenure of two terms ends January next year.  Other members of the newly elected executive of GFA are Kehinde Sanwo, Vice President; George Edozie, Financial Secretary; and Bimbo Adenugba, Secretary-General. For the post of the president, Lekan Onabanjo, according to the outgoing executive members, contested against Adejumo.

  

 Apart from Sanwo, all the newly elected executive members were not part of the last administration. Interestingly, Adejumo and Sanwo are the oldest members of GFA among the incoming executives. Edozie and Adenugba were among the set of members inducted over two years ago.

  In 2008, the GFA's founding members voted the pioneering executive Edosa Ogiugo, president; Abiodun Olaku, Vice President; Alex Nwokolo, Financial Secretary; Sanwo, General Secretary; and Sam Ovraiti, Social Secretary. Two years after, Onabanjo replaced Ovraiti as Social Director.

  Aims and objectives of GFA include: to promote the appreciation of Fine Art in Nigeria; project the good image of professional artists in the society; establish ethical standards and rules that would encourage and enhance the proper practice of the profession in Nigeria; encourage interaction and unity between Nigerian and non - Nigerian professional Fine Artists and synergize and affiliate with any recognized art body; promote self-sustenance through professional art practice.

  Adejumo was born on September 30, 1965 in Lagos. He served as Assistant Lecturer, Painting at the Lagos State Polytechnic and later worked as a visualizer and illustrator at Advertising Techniques Limited from 1991 to 1992. He co-ordinated The Young Masters Art Trust. 

  As a resource person,  Adejumo had shared his knowledge in History of Nigerian Art, 2014, a forum at Red Door Gallery, Victoria Island, Lagos courtesy of The Nigeria Stock Exchange; in 2013 Breakfast With The Creatives, also at Red Door Gallery; Sharing My Work Experience in 2012 at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile- Ife, Osun State; in 2011 at OAU Ife, Surviving As a Visual Artist in the 21st Century Nigeria; in 2008 Nigerians at Work at Africa Art Resource Centre (AARC), Lagos; and in 2007, Young Artist and His Market Place- Swimming Against the Tide at Art Zero, Lagos.

  Some of his past shows include Make a wish- fundraising exhibition in support of breast and cervical cancer, Bloom Project, City Hall, Lagos; 2007 Expressions, Sandiland Arcade, VI Lagos; 2004 Lately, Truview Gallery, Lagos; 1998 On Request, American Embassy guest house, Lagos 1997 Recent Paintings, Chevron Estate, Lagos 1994 Recent Paintings in watercolour, Fenchurch Gallery, Lagos; and 1992 Diverse Siblings, Centre Culturel Francaise, Alliance Francais, Lagos.

(Updated on Sunday, December 27, 2015)