Gov Abiodun carrying Ebunoluwa and his portrait drawn by the young artist.
Ebunoluwa Morenikeji, a Primary 5 pupil of the Federal College of Education Staff School, Osiele, has received a jumbo sum of N2.5 million for emerging as the Youngest Visual Artist in Nigeria.
In a celebration of excellence, the Ogun State Government, led by Governor Dapo Abiodun rewarded outstanding performances among students in the state and accorded recognition to Ebunoluwa as one of the beneficiaries.
According to Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Master Ebunoluwa was discovered by the Governor at the 2023 Gateway International Trade-Fair, where he was promised a scholarship for his exceptional talents.
Being a trail blazer with natural talents for drawing, this 10-year-old Nigerian boy has made a name for himself as one of the youngest visual artists in the country and made his parents proud.
According to his parents, Ebunoluwa began honing his skills at the tender age of 4 and has since become a prodigy in the art world.
His father, Mr Bosun Morenikeji stated that Ebun’s artworks are a testament to his creativity and skill which according to the boy is particularly heaven sent as proof of his name, Ebunoluwa (gift of God).
Ebunoluwa has drawn numerous portraits of notable figures, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, King Charles, President Joe Biden, Dr Kimberly Lawless of the Penn State University USA, Governor Ademola Adeleke, Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Governor Dapo Abiodun, Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, Elon Musk, and Davido, among many others. His pencil sketches are incredibly lifelike, showcasing his attention to detail and mastery of shading and texture.
He has drawn Femi Otedola, Elon Musk, King Charles, Ooni of Ife, Prof Peter Ifatomilola, Prof Kimberly Lawless, Madam Folounsho Alakija, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Davido and the Senate President, Godswill Apabio among others.
Moreover, Ebunoluwa said he is currently working on a project of drawing 1,000 faces of individual making the world better through their positive contribution in their various communities across the World tagged “1000 faces of high impact”.
He said he has already completed over 250 pencil sketches and aims to create a comprehensive collection that celebrates the diversity and achievements of individuals from various fields.
Sharing his hopes Ebunoluwa aspires to use his talent to make a positive impact in his community and inspire others to do the same. He plans to organize art workshops and classes for underprivileged children, providing them with a creative outlet and platform for self-expression.
Some of the accolades the young artist has won in the past include: Winner, Vanaplus children day contest 2024. Winner Artzmania Children day 2024 contest, Winner Nutri-yo kids got talent May 2024. He was awarded Youngest Visual Artist of the year 2023 at the Young Luminary Awards 2023 – December, 2023, He came second during the Youth Talent Show organized by Isaamira Food Bank at Lekki Phase 1, Lagos – December, 2023. He came first during the Catch them Young Arts Competition at Simeon Adebo Library, Abeokuta, Ogun State – December, 2023. He came 2nd in the Access Early Saver Art Completion – November 2023. He was invited to participate in the Art X Lagos Fair 2023 as a young outstanding Visual Artist – November, 2023. He participated and became the star boy and the Youngest Visual Artist at the 1st Visual Arts Stakeholders and symposium & Exhibition of the Ogun State Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism – October 2023. He was an award winner at EKO TALENT AWARDS as Most Confident Kid Virtual Artist of the year 2022 at Eko Hotels and Suites – December 18, 2022. He came 3rd in a Nationwide Mamador Art Competition with more than 120 participants. His Artworks has earned him a Merit Award by the Lions Club International. He is also part of the “ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNER” of the 2022/2023 lions Club International Peace Poster Contest. He was also awarded the PEACE POSTER AMBASSADOR AWARD for 2022/2023 award year by the Abeokuta Unique Lions Club.
While delivering the 2.5 million naira cash gift Prof. Arigbabu charged the awardee to continue to make the state proud and to be a source of motivation to others while master Morenikeji expressed his gratitude to the Governor for creating opportunities for children’s development and promised to have his own art gallery in the future.
