By Prisca Sam-Duru

GAIA Africa  played host to some of 

Nigeria’s most influential women in the art ecosystem on Saturday, November 22, 2025.Held in collaboration with the Society for Art Collection, the exclusive evening with GAIA Africa celebrated women shaping the nation’s art collecting culture.

The event brought together respected gallery owners, private collectors, and pioneers who have spent decades acquiring, preserving, and promoting African art, including Mrs. Ebun Clark and Mrs. Tola Akerele. Also present was the Chairman of the Society for Art Collection, Dr. Okey Anueyiagu, who presented awards to the keynote speaker and the panellists.It also featured a keynote address by renowned art collector and founder of SMO Contemporary Art, Mrs Sandra Mbanefo Obiago.

She spoke passionately about the evolution of art collection in Nigeria and the growing influence of women in the field.Mrs Mbanefo Obiago’s speech was followed by a panel discussion featuring three leading female collectors: Ugoma Ebilah, Director of BLOOM Art Gallery; philanthropist and business leader Ngozi Edozien; and culture advocate Mrs. Eyamba Dafinone. The session, moderated by Wunika Mukan, explored questions such as: Do women collect differently from men? How does one handle inherited artworks? Can art improve the quality of life? and how can young collectors begin strategically?

Panelists noted that art collecting is not reserved for the wealthy. Rather, it requires passion, discipline and strategic choices.The need to insure artworks in Nigeria was also discussed. Collectors lamented that many insurance companies lack the expertise to value art pieces properly.

In response, Prof. Fabian Ajogwu, SAN, founder of the Society for Art Collection, urged collectors to demand insurance packages more consistently, noting that market demand could compel insurance firms to step up.

Speaking on the cultural importance of supporting women in art, Ugoma Ebilah described collecting as an emotional and human-centered practice.“When you lean into humanity, emotions, hope—these are ingredients for great art,” she said. “Women are nurturers and seers, and these elements are critical in today’s world with its inequities.”

Mrs. Eyamba Dafinone commended GAIA Africa’s founder, Olatowun Candide-Johnson, for giving women a platform to share their experiences. She stressed the importance of building art collections as valuable assets.

Vanguard News