In a grand gesture to celebrate the 25th anniversary of democracy in Nigeria, the government has revealed an immense canvas painting of President Bola Tinubu in Abuja. This artistic endeavor marks the first Democracy Day celebration after the date was shifted to June 12 by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2018, in homage to MKO Abiola, the acknowledged victor of the June 12, 1993, presidential elections.
During the commemorative event held at Eagles Square, the audience was introduced to what is claimed to be the largest portrait painting in the world. The painting captures President Tinubu donned in a wine-hued agbada, with a blue cap featuring his signature infinity emblem.
Opeyemi Olaore, leading the coordination of the painting, disclosed that the creation was a collaborative effort involving 37 artists from across Nigeria, under the guidance of Artifact Galleries. Joining Olaore in this innovative venture were Toyin Jinadu, Adele Oladipupo, and others, who combined their talents to bring the record-setting portrait to life.
Speaking at the event, Olaore commented, “37 of us, led by Artifact Galleries, collaborated to produce the canvas that holds the title of the world’s largest portrait. The initiative, while maintaining an element of surprise until its unveiling, aspires to transcend beyond the critiques of governance and addresses the widespread poverty…”
