The Sun Arts reporter, Simeon Mpamugoh, last Saturday received an award for his outstanding contributions in art reporting and the promotion of visual arts scene.
The award was part of a gala night organised by the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), Lagos State chapter, to celebrate 2017 induction of new members and British-Nigerian born artist, David Dale, who clocked 70 years, as well as Prof. Bruce Onobrakpeya, a recipient of Nigerian National Order Merit Award from the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The event took place at Chief Paul Olatunde Alabi Multipurpose Hall, Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka, Lagos.
Chairman, Gala night planning committee, and a sculpture, Idowu Sonaya, said the award was in honour of those who had rendered selfless service to the society in various capacities. He added that it was in the same vein that the society thought it wise to give honour to whom it was due, through presentation of awards to deserving recipients, as well as induct some members who had joined the society since 2015.
Chairman of SNA, Lagos chapter, Dotun Alabi, described the event as special in many ways, adding that it celebrated both members who should have been honoured in 2016 and this year.
He said it was not an easy task going through the list of people for the award and induction “but, eventually, we were able to arrive at the list,” he added.
Those who were honoured from the art press category included Vanguard’s Chris Onuoha, Arthouse Channel Television’s Melinda Akinlami, ArtExpress TVC’s Tolulope Lamidi and Konkere Extension by Tunji Shotimirin of UNILAG FM.
From the academia were Aladegbongbe Aderinsoye, Dr. Tonie Emodi, Dr. Ademola Azeez and Dr. Stella Awoh.
Post humours awards went to Prof. Ben Enwonwu, Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi and Bisi Fakeye. They were honoured for their development of visual art scene in Lagos as well as their artworks that continue to breathe.
Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Yemisi Shyllon and Tito Ogufere received excellence awards for impacting on the citizens of Lagos State in different ways outside the visual scene.
Present at the event included the National President, SNA, Oliver Enwonwu, Kurt Tola Odunorin, promoter of Cubism, Kolade Oshinowo and Jerome Elaiho. The evening was spiced up by Kofi, a comedian, Edaoto, soloist, and Ajidewe group.