Inside the world of Abuja wood carvers

Mr. Adeayeni Bamidele, from Osun State, recalled that he ventured into wood carving 32 years ago. He learnt the job from his father in Osogbo. In those days, according to him, there was no much fortune from wood carving. But today, he is happy that the job has turned his life around. “I will forever […]

Mr. Adeayeni Bamidele, from Osun State, recalled that he ventured into wood carving 32 years ago. He learnt the job from his father in Osogbo. In those days, according to him, there was no much fortune from wood carving. But today, he is happy that the job has turned his life around.

“I will forever be grateful to my father who taught me the art of wood carving. When we started, there was nothing much to make from it, but now, we are making much from it both in terms of wealth and satisfaction.  The smallest statue in my stock sells for about N250, 000. All our statues have their names and histories.

“There is no doubt that wood carving is capable of promoting the culture of Nigeria. From May of every year, we witness large patronage from foreigners who keep these statues in museums. They have told us several times that the statues they buy from Nigeria enrich their countries’ centres of tourism. I must confess to you that wood carving is really a very booming occupation. Apart from the fact that I have trained 12 people, all my children are also into wood carving”, he stated.

24-year-old Ann Enejo, an undergraduate student of the University of Abuja, says she is studying Banking and Finance merely to satisfy her urge for higher education. Her interest, career-wise, lies in becoming a full-time wood carver after graduation.

“I see myself making a career in wood carving. Career decisions are personal, anyway. No matter how the society views it, I am going into wood carving, nothing else. Anytime we are on vacation in school, I come here to learn wood carving. It is basically where my interest lies”, she said

 78-year-old Alhaji Awalu Gama, from Kano State, has been in wood carving since Nigeria’s pre-independence.  According to him, when he started, it did not occur to him that he was embarking on a path that would afford him the opportunity to travel round the world.

“I learnt the job from my late father. We were then in Benin. That time, we were told that white men used to go to countries like Ghana, Togo, Libya, Ivory Coast and others to buy statues carved with woods. So, those places were good selling points for these statues. That was how I was able to travel to all those countries. In fact, I lived in Ghana for many years. It was when I learnt that foreigners were also visiting our country to buy these statues that I decided to return to my fatherland.

Mrs. Sandra Joseph, from Delta State, says she is engaged in the African arts and craft to demonstrate her passion for creativity. In her own opinion, she and her colleagues in the business are not only promoting the Nigerian culture. Rather, they are equally promoting the African culture.

“In my own case, I have been creative right from childhood, and I believe that the best thing for me is to go into something I am gifted in. If you look round this place, you would discover that statues that showcase the cultures of other African countries are also on display. So, it is not only the Nigerian culture that we are promoting.  The foreigners that come here to buy these statues would confirm this to you”, she said.

Sandra, however, regretted that the Nigerian government has not shown adequate commitment to the promotion of arts and culture. “Many of us who are into this creative job would confirm to you that the government does not seem to be encouraging us. Look at this place where we work. It is not befitting. We’re not even sure that this place will not be demolished by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA)”, She said.   

Silvia Roberts, a Chinese lady who spoke to Sunday Trust, said anytime she had the opportunity to visit Abuja, she ensured that she bought new statues to her country. “These statues are of great value to us in China. Most of our museums are full of them. We appreciate them too much. Simple”, she confirmed.