Access Holdings Plc and Coronation Group organized a private dinner in Lagos’s Ikoyi district to host members of Tate’s International Council and supporters of its global Acquisitions Committees. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, who chairs both firms, led the initiative to bridge Nigerian cultural bodies with the global art world. Nairametrics reported that the guest list included high-profile attendees from the arts sector, government, and national heritage organizations. Key figures present were the federal minister for arts and creative economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, senior Tate delegates, and representatives from the national museums commission.
During the evening, Aig-Imoukhuede argued that cultural identity is a vital economic asset. He suggested that shared heritage gives people the strength to achieve significant goals. He emphasized that African traditions are robust and require political leaders who value this form of capital. "And in Africa, and certainly in Nigeria, our culture is powerful," he stated, according to Nairametrics. His comments framed cultural preservation as a strategic component of national development rather than just an artistic pursuit.
Governor Sanwo-Olu presented Lagos as a premier entertainment hub across the continent. He cited the city’s fashion, music, cinema, and cuisine as evidence of its cultural dominance. Sanwo-Olu also outlined a strategic plan to grow the state’s economy to one trillion US dollars by 2052. This vision aims to transform Lagos into a center for human capital, enabling youth to participate in global industries. He noted that infrastructure improvements must be paired with educational opportunities for young people.
The gathering extends a partnership between the financial firms and Tate, which previously supported the Nigerian Modernism exhibition at Tate Modern in London. That show, held between October 2025 and May 2026, showcased Nigerian modern art to international audiences. The dinner also featured works by photographer J. D. ’Okhai Ojeikere, whose images document Nigerian social history and hairstyles. The event underscored the need for ongoing cooperation among the public sector, cultural bodies, and private investors to elevate African art globally.