A large crowd of partners, sponsors and creatives from Nigeria and the UK attended the Abuja launch of the British Council cultural programme, UK/Nigeria 2015—16, yesterday.

UK/Nigeria 2015—16 is a major season of arts in Nigeria aimed at building new audiences, creating new collaborations and strengthening relationships between the UK and Nigeria.

Guests present at the event included; Mr. Mike Omeri, DG National Orientation Agency, Mrs. Eugenia Abu Executive Director Programmes of the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA and Aisha Augie-Kuta, Photographer and winner of British Council ‘Through-my-eyes’ competition in 2014. Also present were officials of the British High Commission and the British Council including Mr. Simon Shercliff, Deputy High Commissioner; Louisa Waddingham, Director of Programmes, British Council Nigeria and  Ojoma Ochai, Director of Arts, British Council Nigeria,

Others who stepped out to support the British Council include; A-Strings, Nigerian violinist who treated the guests to beautiful renditions of popular Nigerian and British songs; Mrs. Dayo Keshi, Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture; Wanger Ayu, Creative Director and Convener of Designers Market Place; Ms Hadiza Liman who represented the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education and staff of the British High Commission, Department for International Development (DfID) as well as many other arts enthusiasts.

The event also featured a make-space facilitated by the Nike Arts Centre Abuja, a screening of selected films and a maker’s exhibition courtesy of Designer Market Place.

The guests were treated to a mix of UK and Nigerian food including local palm wine served in gourds as well as wines and finger foods like Akara, Samosa, Springrolls and Plantain.

See photos below

Mallam Yero