The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria recently approved 11 new CEOs to head the Art, Culture, and Creative Economy Sector. As a laudable move to bolster the creative economy and promote culture, these appointments couldn’t have come at a better time. Among these appointments is Aisha Adamu Augie, who assumes the role of Director-General at the Centre for Black and African Arts Culture (CBAAC), the repository of all core collections and artefacts presented by countries during FESTAC ’77, the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture
On her Instagram page, the newly appointed Director-General penned down a heartfelt note of introspection, gratitude and acceptance: “I am thrilled to confirm that I have accepted a role to serve as the Director-General at the Centre for Black and African Arts & Civilisation (CBAAC), an agency domiciled at the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture & Creative Economy as appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.
The Creative and Cultural Sector has played a significant role in all my triumphs in life. It has taught me life lessons and expanded my network beyond my expectations. Those closest to me can attest that I am most energized when surrounded by fellow creatives. My lifelong passion has been to express myself artistically; regardless of obstacles and to uplift other artist and creatives. I have also believed in documenting our history and preserving our culture while showcasing the beauty of what we have to the world.
Today marks the pinnacle of all the lessons I’ve absorbed on my journey, the incredible individuals I’ve encountered, the opportunities that may have come my way and for those around me. I am profoundly honored to be given this opportunity to contribute…”
We will be taking a closer look into the portfolio of the multipotentialite, advocate for creative and cultural sectors and the newly appointed Director General at the Centre for Black and African Arts Culture (CBAAC), Aisha Augie:
Born 11 April, 1980 to the late Senator Adamu Baba Augie and Justice Amina Augie, Aisha Adamu Augie hails from Argungu Local Government Area in Kebbi State, Northern Nigeria.
With a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, she moved ahead to obtain her MSC in Media and Communication at the Pan Atlantic University, Lagos, with certifications in digital filmmaking from the New York Film Academy and curating contemporary art exhibitions from the Chelsea College of Arts, London, UK. Aisha is a wife and mother of three children.
Aisha’s interest in photography peaked when her dad gifted her a camera at a young age, leaving her job as a Human Resource manager to pursue commercial photography in 2008. Since then, had gone on to impact in the creative community through her work and vision. With her work spanning across documentary, fashion and aerial photography. She also employed her knowledge in photojournalism into her projects in exploring issues of gender and identity influenced by her experiences as a female, mixed race and mixed tribe.
Transcending her work as a photographer, mixed media artist, and filmmaker, Aisha has also spearheaded initiatives for the advocacy of youth and women empowerment across Nigeria. Below are select strides she has made in the art and political landscape:
- In 2009, she co-founded the Photowagon, a collective dedicated to promoting Nigerian photography.
- She participated in the 50@50 celebrations in 2010, a commemoration of 50 Nigerian women, supported by the Women for Change Initiative.
- Augie-Kuta became an Associate for the Nigeria Leadership Initiative (NLI) in May 2011. She is also the vice-president of Women in Film and Television in Nigeria (WIFTIN) the West African chapter of the US-based network.
- In 2014, Augie-Kuta held her first solo photographic exhibition, entitled Alternative Evil.
- She has made contributions toward girl child/youth development and nation building.
- She has been a frequent facilitator at the annual gathering of photographers, Nigeria Photography Expo & Conference; a panelist and speaker at various events; and has spoken at TEDx events in Nigeria.
- Augie-Kuta was sworn in as a UNICEF High-Level Women Advocate on Education with a focus on girls and young women.
- In 2018, Augie-Kuta was the lead representative for the Nigerian Visual Arts sector that met with His Royal Highness Charles, Prince of Wales at the British Council in Lagos.
- Augie-Kuta is the first female politician to run for the house of representatives primaries under a major party for the Argungu-Augie Federal Constituency in Kebbi State, Nigeria.
- She worked as the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Kebbi State, Nigeria on New Media.
- She also served as the Special Adviser to the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed.
Aisha’s numerous prestigious Awards include Winner, Creative Artist of the Year at The Future Awards, 2011; Sisterhood Award for Photographer of the Year, 2014; Winner, British Council ‘Through-My-Eyes’ competition, 2014; Ambassador, Lagos Fashion Week, 2015; Award of Excellence, (Leadership & Service to Humanity), Junior Chamber International, 2016; Top 7 Young Nigerian Entrepreneurs, Leadership, 2016; HiLWA: High-Level Women Advocate, (Girl Child Education & Affirmative Action) UNICEF/Kebbi State Government, 2016, and Fellow, Korea International Cooperation Agency, 2016.
Now, as the Director General at the Centre for Black and African Arts Culture (CBAAC). Aisha Adamu Augie succeeds Chief Olubunmi Amao, who assumed the role on September 1, 2020. CBAAC, a parastatal under the Federal Ministry of Culture and Information, with the statutory responsibility of promoting and propagating Black and African Cultural Heritage comprehensively.
With her astute and artistic vision, we hold no doubts that the Centre for Black and African Arts Culture (CBAAC), is in safest hands and will receive through expertise and experience, the creative leadership of her new Director-General, Aisha Adamu Augie.
All images are courtesy of the Director-General, from her Instagram page Aisha Augie
