Didi Museum
Didi Museum is a Nigerian private museum established in 1983.[1][2] It is recognized as the first privately owned museum in Nigeria.[3]
History
[edit]Didi Museum was founded by Dr. Newton Jibunoh in memory of his younger sister, Edith Jibunoh, who died at the age of 13. The name "Didi" originated from Dr. Jibunoh's mispronunciation of his sister's name. The museum was officially inaugurated on May 11, 1983, within Dr. Jibunoh's private residence on Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. The opening ceremony was presided over by His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ado Bayero, the Emir of Kano, who also served as the museum's first Chairman of the Board of Trustees.[4][5]
The inaugural exhibition featured works by artists Kenny Adamson and Adamu Ajunam, attracting over 1,200 visitors during its five-day run.[6]
In celebration of its 40th anniversary in 2023, Didi Museum announced the establishment of a new facility in Delta State, the founder's home state. The new headquarters is located within the Nelson Mandela Gardens & Resorts at the Asaba International Airport.[7]
Exhibitions
[edit]Didi Museum has exhibited the works of several artists including Ayoola Gbolahan, Lemi Ghariokw, Ebele Okoye, Isaac Emokpae, Ayodeji Awoyomi, Olawunmi Banjo, Chike Aniakor, Victor Ehikhamenor, Chinwe Chukwuogo-Roy, Olu Amoda, Kelechi Amadi-Obi and others.
References
[edit]- ^ "In Commemoration of Didi Museum's Journey of 40 Years – THISDAYLIVE". www.thisdaylive.com. Retrieved 2025-05-26.
- ^ Kan, Toni (2023-05-15). "DIDI Museum celebrates art, culture and heritage promotion at 40". The Lagos Review. Retrieved 2025-05-26.
- ^ Okogba, Emmanuel (2019-04-15). "DIDI Museum celebrates 50 with Journey to Mastery exhibition". Vanguard News. Retrieved 2025-05-26.
- ^ Emelike, Obinna (2023-06-12). "Didi Museum: Celebrating 40 years of support for arts in Nigeria". Businessday NG. Retrieved 2025-05-26.
- ^ Meshioye, David (2023-05-17). "With No Art, No History, DIDI Museum celebrates four decades of art". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 2025-05-26.
- ^ Kelly, Bernice M.; Stanley, Janet L.; Smithsonian Institution. Libraries. National Museum of African Art Branch (1993). Nigerian artists : a who's who and bibliography. Smithsonian Libraries. London ; New York : Published for the National Museum of African Art Branch, Smithsonian Institution Libraries, Washington, DC [by] Hans Zell. ISBN 978-0-905450-82-7.
- ^ Adah, Glamour (2023-09-05). "Nelson Mandela Gardens and Didi Museum Exhibited At Akwaaba; Their Managers Had Thoughts To Share". Arise News. Retrieved 2025-05-26.