The Artpreneurs, the first book devoted exclusively to the lives and careers of Nigeria’s full-time studio artists, will be unveiled to the public at the 2026 Lagos Book and Art Festival (LABAF) on Tuesday, November 17.
The preview event will feature a 2:00 p.m. panel discussion at Freedom Park, Lagos Island, titled The Artpreneurs: The Untold Story of Nigerian Full-Time Studio Artists. Chaired by renowned sculptor and University of Benin Professor of Fine Arts, Franklyn Chu Egwali, the interactive session is a major highlight of the week-long festival, which runs from November 16 to 22. Organisers are also expected to announce the official date for the book’s Lagos public presentation during the session.
Joining Professor Egwali on the panel to share their reflections on the book’s advance copy are:
Dada Ajai-Ikhile, Founding Managing Director, Next Media Ltd
Okechukwu Uwaezuoke, Arts Editor, THISDAY Newspapers
Ezinne Chinwe Azunna, Founder, Maritime TV Africa, the Maritime Writes Project, and the African Maritime Art Exhibition
Rachel Nwose, Programmes Manager, ODISO Leadership Academy
Abuja Maiden Launch and Digital Release
Following the Lagos preview, Abuja will host the book’s first official public presentation on Thursday, December 3, at 11:00 a.m. prompt at the Exhibition Pavilion, opposite Radio House, Garki. Limited-edition copies will be sold at a premium price during the ceremony.
On the same day, The Artpreneurs will become available globally on Boldscholar.com as an e-book, alongside a print-on-demand option at the standard cover price.
Three Generations of Nigerian Contemporary Art
Authored by veteran arts journalist and cultural administrator Oji Onoko, the book is built on in-depth, one-on-one interviews with 36 full-time studio artists across Lagos, Abuja, and Kaduna. Conducted largely inside the artists’ studios and homes—with a few virtual sessions—the profiles chronicle the business and creative realities of studio practice across three distinct eras:
The Pioneers (1980s)
The Bridge Builders (1990s–2000s)
The Young Turks (2010s)
Onoko brings decades of journalism and arts administration experience to the work, having previously served as Arts and Review Editor and later Deputy Editor at THISDAY Newspapers, a pioneer member of The Sun Editorial Board, and Deputy Director/Head of Public Relations at the National Gallery of Art (NGA).
Ahead of next week’s festival appearance, Onoko commended the organisers of the Committee for Relevant Art (CORA)-LABAF—specifically Toyin Akinosho, Jahman Anikulapo, and the Board of Trustees—for providing a platform to spotlight the book.
