CBAAC

Meet Shaakirah Lawal @shark_lawal and Nurat Lawal @miemie_lawal , representatives of South-South Nigerian architecture and interior storytelling  Their project, WOVEN WALLS, SPEAKING SURFACES, explores how interior finishes can become vessels of memory by translating Etsako cultural patterns, symbols and craft traditions into contemporary design elements. Rooted in Edo State, Nigeria, the project reimagines indigenous motifs not as decoration, but as living design languages embedded within everyday spaces. Drawing from woven textiles, ceremonial markings, carved forms and rhythmic geometries, the project transforms cultural patterns into wallpapers, curtain textiles, upholstered surfaces, rugs, knitted panels and joinery details. Each surface becomes more than just an aesthetic choice, but a quiet narrator carrying stories, heritage, identity and collective memory into modern interiors. Thoughtful, immersive and deeply rooted in culture, the project reflects on how contemporary design can preserve tradition while creating space for it to evolve Roots and Roofs Project is an initiative of the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC), implemented in collaboration with the Goethe-Institut Nigeria, British Council, Embassy of Spain, Embassy of Ireland, and other project partners under the European Spaces of Culture Programme. Roots and Roofs is supported by Spaces of Culture, part of the wider Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture programme funded by the European Union. The programme encourages cooperation between African and European artists, creators, and cultural professionals, supporting cultural relations projects in Sub-Saharan African countries based on equal partnerships and local ownership.

Meet Iklima Babangida @iklimababangida and Aisha Bindawa @ayshabdw two creatives exploring how architecture, culture, and storytelling can shape more inclusive spaces in Northern Nigeria. Today, they take us deeper into the heart of the project. Their project, ZAURE is inspired by the traditional Hausa entrance space known as a 'Zaure'. It reimagine these spaces as environments where women can feel safer, more visible and more comfortable existing, creating and carrying out everyday activities. Blending heritage, spatial design and visual documentation, the project transforms the traditional courtyard and artisan cluster into a living cultural hub that preserves stories, craft, memory and community. It’s thoughtful, culturally rooted and deeply intentional, showing how design can preserve heritage while also making space for new possibilities. Roots and Roofs is an Initiative of @cbaac77 , supported by Spaces of Culture, part of the wider Africa-Europe Partnerships for Cultural Programme funded by the European Union @eunicglobal @euinnigeria with cluster members @goetheinstitut_nigeria @ngbritish @embespnigeria @irlembnigeria . Other partners include @national_troupe_of_nigeria amd @theiads_ . The programme encourages cooperation between African and European artists, creators, and cultural professionals, supporting cultural relations projects in Sub-Saharan African countries based on equal partnerships and local ownership. #rootsandroofs #paidprogramme #spacesofculture #indigenousarchitecture #projectintroduction

'Zaure', proposed by Iklima Babangida @iklimababangida and Aisha Bindawa @ayshabdw explores how architecture from North West Nigeria can preserve memory, culture and everyday life. This project reimagines a traditional Northern Nigerian courtyard and artisan cluster as a living heritage hub, a space where design becomes a way of documenting stories, rituals, craft and collective experience. Rooted in cultural documentation and visual storytelling, the project centres artisans and the lived realities that continue to shape Northern Nigeria’s identity beyond monuments or archives. The project also reflects on the gendered realities of these traditional spaces, many of which have historically been male-dominated or less accessible to women. Through spatial rethinking and inclusive design, ZAURE explores how heritage spaces can become more welcoming, visible and participatory for women without losing their cultural essence. Through architecture, spatial design and image-making, ZAURE asks an important question: What happens when heritage is not only preserved, but actively lived in? Swipe through to explore the thinking behind the project. Roots and Roofs is an Initiative of @cbaac77 , supported by Spaces of Culture, part of the wider Africa-Europe Partnerships for Cultural Programme funded by the European Union @eunicglobal @euinnigeria with cluster members @goetheinstitut_nigeria @ngbritish @embespnigeria @irlembnigeria . Other partners include @national_troupe_of_nigeria amd @theiads_ . The programme encourages cooperation between African and European artists, creators, and cultural professionals, supporting cultural relations projects in Sub-Saharan African countries based on equal partnerships and local ownership. #zaure #projectintroduction #rootsandroofs #indigenousarchitecture #paidprogramme

The @3iafricasummit is indeed back for 2026 and this time, the summit is diving deep into the heartbeat of the continent's growth. ​We are excited to announce that our Director-General, Hon. Aisha Adamu Augie @aishaak49 is taking the stage to champion the cultural and creative sector in shaping Africa's integrated FinTech future. She joins a host of other distinguished industry leaders and visionary speakers: @clarapinkrahsam Kwadoh Owusu-Agyeman, CEO @akunawallet @c.swaniker @djvyrusky and moderator, @bolarayofficial ,on a panel titled 'Financing Africa's Creative Economy at Scale'. Together, they will explore how Fintech Innovation is revolutionizing the way creators monetize their work and connect with international markets and how strategic investments can turn Africa’s creative spirit into a powerhouse for economic growth. Date: Friday, 8th of May, 2026 Time: 3.05pm Venue: Forum Stage (Main Plenary), Destiny Arena, Accra, Ghana. You can connect to the conversation live on YouTube- @3iafricasummit Don’t miss this vital conversation as we chart the roadmap for the creative sector and celebrate the journey towards @festac77fifty ​#3iafrica2026 #connectedafrica #cbaac #creativeeconomy #festacat50

Aisha Adamu Augie (@aishaak49 ), Director-General of the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC) (@cbaac77 ), reflects on ‘Archive Fever II’, a four-day programme by MOWAA, which brought together cultural practitioners, archivists, and institutions across Nigeria for a series of exchanges on archival stewardship, material conservation, digitisation and access. Hosted in Lagos in April, the workshops created space for peer learning and collaboration, with discussions centred on a shared question: how do we build stronger systems of care for our cultural memory? Watch the full video on our YouTube channel via the link in bio. ‘Archive Fever II’ is supported by the Embassy of France in Nigeria (@franceinnigeria ) under the Alternative Heritage grant.

In a major move to elevate the global standard of cultural publications, @cbaac77 has initiated talks for a strategic partnership with Future Printing & Publications, one of Nigeria’s leading print production firms. Led by Director-General, Hon. Aisha Adamu Augie @aishaak49 , a CBAAC delegation recently paid a working visit to the company’s state-of-the-art facility along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. This engagement is part of the Centre’s broader push to strengthen institutional collaborations that enhance the quality, reach, and preservation of Africa’s cultural heritage. Received by CEO, Mr. Richard and his management team, both organizations had discussions focused on the critical role of high-quality printing in cultural documentation; CBAAC’s mandate to project Black and African arts to a global audience; the use of modern presses and digital workflow systems for upcoming archival projects, and excellence in documentation. ​Hon. Augie expressed optimism about a fruitful and forward-looking partnership that aligns with CBAAC's mandate while Mr. Richard affirmed the firm's readiness to deploy innovative, high-quality solutions tailored to the Centre's unique publishing needs. #cbaac #publishing #printing #collaboration love

Can you feel it? It’s the rhythm of a continent that never stops creating . ​HAPPY WORLD ART DAY 2026 Today, @cbaac77 joins the global community in celebrating World Art Day. We honour the profound creative spirit that defines the Black and African diaspora, the repository of our history, the proof of our resistance, and the cornerstone of our identity. At CBAAC, we remain committed to our mandate of promoting and propagating the immense artistic wealth of the Black and African people. As we navigate 2026, we shall continue to tell our own stories, paint our own truths, and sculpt a future that honours our past. Happy World Art Day!!!!!!

12 years later, the echoes of Chibok remain a profound part of our national consciousness. On Tuesday, April 14th, our Director General @aishaak49 joined a distinguished panel for the private screening of @mothersofchibok , a powerful documentary directed by Emmy Award winner @kachibenson and produced by the legendary @ajokesilva which offered an intimate and heart-wrenching look at the lives of the mothers whose daughters were abducted 12 years ago (14/04/2014). The documentary, recorded over a period of three years focused on their courage, captivating strength and the reality of their lives in the past decade. It also served as a stark reminder of the strength these women carry and the collective responsibility we share to ensure their stories are never forgotten. During the panel discussions, our D.G. emphasized the vital role of cultural documentation and storytelling in preserving the narratives of our people, even the most painful ones to foster healing and national reflection. @mothersofchibok is now showing in cinemas nationwide. We encourage everyone to watch, and reflect on this important piece of our contemporary history. Kindly click on the link in our bio to directly support these mothers as they continue to navigate life 12 years after this devastating abduction. Every contribution makes a difference.

12 years later, these are products made directly from and by @mothersofchibok , a memory that haunts us to this day. If you would like to support these exceptionally resilient women and community, please go to the next slide for donation details. The products are world class and truly helps to keep them going. This initiative came from moving beyond the film that was shot for 3 years before coming to life. The team wanted to add additional value to the community. We must commend and say thank you to the amazing Director @kachibenson and Producer @ajokesilva plus anyone who supported this initiative for continuing to give a voice to their plights and for telling their story with dignity and grace. Please follow @mothersofchibok for further details on how to watch this film. Support if and when you can. Thank you in anticipation. 💚🤍💚 #StorytellingMatters

HAPPY NEW YEAR DG 🎉🎉🎉💯 Hon. Aisha Adamu Augie (DG, CBAAC). On this special day, I join many others in wishing you a very happy birthday filled with joy, good health, and abundant blessings. Your visionary leadership style continues to inspire us all. As you champion the preservation, promotion, and global projection of Black and African arts, culture, civilization, your dedication to rekindling our rich heritage and inspiring future generations is truly commendable. May this new year of your life bring you greater strength, fresh ideas, and even more impactful achievements in service to Nigeria and the African continent. Happy Birthday, ma! Wishing you a beautiful celebration and many more years of grace and excellence.🎉🎉🎉📌🗓️

​A toast to our Digital D.G., Hon. Aisha Adamu Augie @aishaak49 Wishing a very Happy Birthday to the visionary force behind @cbaac77 . Your leadership is the bridge between our glorious past and a tech-driven future. Today, we celebrate a leader who doesn't just manage an institution but guards the flame of our collective memory. Like the ancient griots, you ensure the stories of Black and African civilizations continue to resonate across the digital world and beyond. ​We pray your new year be as radiant as the Kente weave and as enduring as the bronzes of Benin. Thank you for leading @cbaac77 with wisdom, grace, and an unwavering commitment to our heritage. ​ Cheers to more years of innovation, impact, and cultural pride.....our dearly beloved Tozalin Tula. Congratulations ma'am. ​

Enterprise 101-Hustle Meets Policy: Yesterday, I was happy to join the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President @ssapentrepreneurshipdevcide , Ms. Chalya Shagaya at the State House for the inaugural launch of #RHEBI- The Renewed Hope Enterprise Bridge Initiative, a much needed Presidency-led national platform designed to strengthen the relationship between entrepreneurs and government. I must commend her office and her candid voice in expressing the challenges faced by Nigerian entrepreneurs, for documenting voices from across the country in a 40-minute film and for having most sectors represented in the room. There were excellent conversations and networking at play and we got to hear from our Hon. Minister @fmactce_nigeria @honhannatumusawa in a fireside chat with @lolaogunnaike and also from various entrepreneurs, leaders, investors & institutions on the challenges they also face and possible solutions moving forward. I participated in the panel discussion ‘Capital, Innovation & the Digital Economy: Financing and Scaling the Future of Enterprise” where I emphasised the importance of both government and financiers taking more risks in supporting entrepreneurs. When we play it too safe, we tend to fund what already exists, works and feels predictable. But entrepreneurs live in the opposite terrain, a place of uncertainty, invention, and sometimes beautiful chaos. Supporting them requires stepping into that fog. Yes! We must not spend recklessly, it should be about smart risks which include diversifying investments, supporting capacity building (not just capital) and creating safety nets that allow failure without total collapse. Policy must meet hustle and I look forward to RHEBI being able to achieve that. Kudos to the Presidency and @chalyashagaya plus everyone who showed up and supported this initiative. We are in this together. Go to and follow @ssapentrepreneurshipdevcide for more details. #EntrepreneursWeSeeYouWeHearYou 💚🤍💚 #Policy #entrepreneurship #Hustle Photo Credit: @theadebayomi