Jumoke Verissimo, 30

In the past one year, Verissimo has been promoting poetry and reading – releasing a poetry collection: “I am memory.” She participated in exhibitions like the Struga Poetry Nights in Macedonia, gave a Visual Introduction to the Berlin International Festival audience and has received an Honorary Mention-Association of Nigerian Authors.

Onyeka Nwelue, 21

Nwelue’s success as author of “The Abyssinian Boy” (DADA Books, 2009) established him as a strong new literary voice leading him to give talks and presentations at universities and colleges across India, like University of Kurushektra, Delhi University and NSS College, Ottapalam.  The Abyssinian Boy is also being made into a film by Lasse Lau of KRAN Film Collective, Belgium.  2009 Visiting Fellow, Centre for Public Policy Research, Kochi, Kerala, India and benefactor of the 2008 Institute for Research on African Women, Children and Culture (IRAWCC) Grant.

Ovbiebo Richardson, 27

A passionate sculptor who won the 1st Prize – Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria and African Artist Foundation Exhibition, Lagos in November 2009 and 1^st prize at the Nigerian Breweries and African Artist Foundation in December 2009. Also, participated in various exhibitions and workshops in 2009 including the Old News Project No. 6 – Centre for Contemporary Art, Lagos, October Rain – National Museum, the Artlaw Training Workshop on Principles and Practice of Copyrights and Trademarks among others. Fellowships include: Society of Nigerian Artists, Centre for Contemporary Art and African Artist Foundation, Lagos. 

Yaaka Celestine Okpokpong, 18

Involved in graphic design, web design and digital art, his clients the Akwa Ibom State Government, Davinchi, The Clement Isong Foundation, Howfar Magazine, K-Otix magazine, Nature Udoh & The Gang, Pheonix Environmental Services, Naeto C, Wheels Entertainment and UNIUYO.

Andrew Esiebo, 31

A photographer, he was commissioned to take part in The World in One City- an ambitious public project which forms The Photographers’ Gallery’s (UK) celebration of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games in London. He was also selected as one of the World Press Photo African All Stars to tell African stories through football during and after the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. He has participated in various exhibitions like the Group 2009 Havanna Bieannial, Havanna, Cuba, Bamako , Mali and Dhaka, Bangladesh. 

Olanrewaju Oluwemimo Oluwafemi, 30

Oluwafemi is the chief executive office and director of Lafem Animation, a registered and two-time award-winning classical 2-D animation production studio/company located in Lagos with 10 animated short-subjects of which two of them have won awards in Nigeria and Ghana. Some notable filmography of 2009 were “POLICE REPORT” and the award winning “LAGOS SANITIZER” and NATIONAL CAKE EMBEZZLEMENT.” His clients include the STB-McCANN Advertising Agency with the Lagos State Internal Revenue Services which turned out to be his biggest project in 2009.

His works have been exhibited and screened in Ukraine, Spain and Canada.

Ogunnubi Babadeji, 29

‘Deji has has experience working with Paintings, Mosaic and Marble designs for Royal P.O.P Ceiling, Swimming pool and stone sculpture designs. His biggest project in 2009 was a N7.6million private home interior and exterior design with   royal P.O.P ceiling, marble floor, swimming pool design and construction. His 2009 work was exhibited at D YETTYD FASHION MEETS ART SHOW in London and at  UCL/DoSomethingPositiveAfrica fashion, art and culture exhibition.

Adekunle Samuel Owolabi, 24

Co-founder of Kstunt Media, a creative agency based in Johannesburg & Cape Town. Working with Paintings, Graphics & Multimedia Designs, Animations, Journals, Photography, Videos and Storytelling, he has exhibited works at the Aluta Premiere, S.A 1.Township Film Festival, Africa fashion Week, Johannesburg. Clients include FPA Agency Johannesburg, Yetty D London, Kunle Ayo-South Africa, JTON-New York. In 2009, Owolabi was  Creative Director of the African Drum Festival International 2010, Kaya FM & Joe Nina Vintage Tour Johannesburg & Durban, Designer, GROWING PAINS- Panos London, and  Feature Writer, 234 Next Nigeria amongst others. Has also designed over 50 websites.