Emmanuel Thomas
September, 16, 2015 – Founder, Nike Art and Culture Foundation, Chief Nike Monica Okundaye was on Wednesday crowned Inspirational Woman of 2015 by Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO).
She was given the award for her contribution to COWLSO and for empowering women through her foundation which is noted for churning out classic Adire fabric.
While presenting the award to her, Kebbi State Governor, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu thanked her for the creativity and wished that her Adire could be used as an instrument to empower women in Nigeria.
Nike Okundaye was born 23rd May, 1951 at Ogidi-Ijimu in Kogi State. A multi-talented artist, she is a painter, textile artist, weaver and enbroider who has won many awards both locally and in the international scene.
She founded the her foundation in 2007 with the main objective of forestering Nigerian cultural hieritage.
Among her numerous awards are Ordina Della Stella Della Solidarieta Italiana, one of the highest Italian national award of merit in recognition of her efforts in using arts to address Nigeria’s social problem of sex workers in Italy.