Osahon Okunbo Foundation promotes artistic opportunity in Nigeria

…Expands training in classical European painting techniques

The Osahon Okunbo Foundation (TOOF) is expanding artistic opportunity in Nigeria by sponsoring an intensive training in classical European painting techniques with creative mentorship, all led by Belgian Professor, Wouter Steel and Nigerian Artist, Bolaji Ogunwo, will run July 7–18, 2025, in Lagos and Abuja.

Originally set to accommodate 10 painters, the program has doubled its cohort to 20, TOOF is sponsoring 10 additional artists.

The Legacy Arts Foundation and the Belgian Embassy are sponsoring Old Masters by Future Masters, a prestigious two-week art masterclass in Lagos. It will culminate in two major exhibitions, one in Lagos and another at the Belgian Ambassador’s residence in Abuja.

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For TOOF, the partnership is about more than visibility; it’s about long-term transformation.

“You can’t ask people to change the world without giving them the tools to shape it,” says Osahon Okunbo, founder of the foundation.

“That’s why we support initiatives like this. Because talent needs structure. Imagination needs opportunity. And our people, our artists, deserve both.”

By sponsoring 10 more artists, TOOF is increasing participation and deepening impact.

Legacy Arts Foundation designed the program with the Belgian Embassy to spark cross-cultural dialogue. The program blends technical workshops with lectures from curators, gallerists, and critics.

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The initiative is also being documented by Eyes of a Lagos Boy.

“We’re not just investing in this moment,” Okunbo further said.

“We’re investing in future exhibitions, future careers, and future legacies. That’s what this is about—multiplying possibility.”