Initiative champions art as catalyst for gender justice, social change
As part of activities marking the Ford Foundation’s 65th anniversary in West Africa, the Youth Artivism Festival — organized by the Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative (BBYDI) with support from the Foundation — concluded in Ilorin with a resounding call to harness art as a tool for social change and gender justice. Held at the […]
As part of activities marking the Ford Foundation’s 65th anniversary in West Africa, the Youth Artivism Festival — organized by the Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative (BBYDI) with support from the Foundation — concluded in Ilorin with a resounding call to harness art as a tool for social change and gender justice.
Held at the Banquet Hall, Ilorin, the festival brought together over 300 young artists, activists, policymakers, and members of the public to showcase how youth-driven creativity can raise awareness about Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and promote equality.
Featuring art exhibitions, live performances, panel discussions, and an award ceremony, the event celebrated the role of young Nigerians in challenging societal norms and using art to advocate for justice.
In her opening remarks, Nurah Jimoh-Sanni, Executive Director of BBYDI, emphasized the transformative power of creativity in advancing gender justice.
“Young people are not just witnesses to injustice; they are change agents. Through art, they can challenge silence, demand accountability, and inspire action against gender-based violence,” she said.
An exhibition featuring works by 22 finalists — selected from over 100 submissions across Nigeria’s North Central region — showcased powerful visual narratives on gender justice, empowerment, and resilience. Each piece invited reflection on how art can provoke dialogue, empathy, and social transformation.
At the award ceremony, Usman Adam, a law graduate, won the first-place prize of ₦200,000 for his artwork Sketching Another Shoulder, depicting solidarity and shared responsibility in ending GBV.
Simon Thazhigilla of Nasarawa State earned ₦150,000 for Bride of War and Anatomy of Science, which explored the emotional and cultural dimensions of violence.
Tobi Olomola, a 25-year-old visual artist, received ₦100,000 for Weight of Becoming, which tackled the burden of identity and social expectation in the context of gender inequality.
All 22 finalists received certificates of recognition, while a closing performance by the D’Stars Drama Troupe left the audience reflecting on the urgent need for collective action against GBV.
A panel session titled “Art as Advocacy: The Role of Creativity in Preventing Gender-Based Violence” featured insights from experts including Mal Yusuf Babatunde Abdulqadir, Eduvielawhe Olutimayin of Street Project Foundation, Joy Oluwatoyin Adeboye, Barr. Jumoke Olaoye, and Evang. Funmilayo Olutimehin.
Moderated by Sanni Alausa-Issa, BBYDI’s Communications Director, the discussion examined how art can amplify survivors’ voices, shift public perception, and influence policy.
Adeboye, a GBV survivor and advocate, shared her personal journey of healing through art.
“Art gave me back my voice,” she said. “It helped me transform pain into purpose and use my story to inspire others.”
In her closing remarks, Ramat J. Owolabi, BBYDI’s Head of Women Development and Climate, thanked partners and participants for their dedication.
> “The Youth Artivism Festival is not just an event; it is the beginning of a sustained movement,” she said. “We are committed to ensuring that art continues to drive advocacy and inspire hope in communities across Nigeria.”
The festival underscored the growing recognition of art as both an instrument of expression and a catalyst for social transformation. As the Ford Foundation marks 65 years of supporting West Africa, the event served as a vivid reminder that creativity, courage, and collaboration remain vital to achieving gender equality and justice in the region.