Lagos: Ecobank Nigeria, in collaboration with Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) and other cultural partners, unveiled the Lagos Pop-Up Museum, a creative platform designed to showcase African art as a catalyst for education, innovation, and youth empowerment.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the initiative is a joint effort by Ecobank Nigeria, the Yaba Art Museum of YABATECH, the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC), and the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM). It aims to demonstrate how creativity can act as a tool for social transformation, offering young artists visibility, mentorship, and access to economic opportunities.
The Managing Director of Ecobank Nigeria, Mr. Bolaji Lawal, represented by Mrs. Omoboye Odu, Head of SMEs at Ecobank Nigeria, emphasized that the museum project bridges the gap between art and economic development. He stated that the bank’s involvement reflects its belief that creativity is both an expression of identity and a pathway to innovation and financial inclusion. Lawal noted, “Art is not just decoration; it’s a driver of innovation and community growth. Through this collaboration, we are empowering young Africans to see creativity as a sustainable livelihood.”
Located at the Ecobank Pan-African Centre (EPAC) in Victoria Island, the Lagos Pop-Up Museum opened on Nov. 8 and will run until Feb. 10, 2026. It features exhibitions, workshops, performances, and mentorship sessions connecting students, curators, collectors, and the public.
Dr. Adedotun Abdul, Rector of YABATECH, described the initiative as a living classroom that demonstrates how education and creativity can intersect to solve social problems. Represented by Dr. Baskin Odo, Coordinator of the Yaba Art Museum, Abdul stated that the museum embodies the college’s vision of linking academia, culture, and the creative economy. The project bridges research, heritage, and real-world impact, helping young Nigerian artists gain global exposure.
Among the highlights is an ‘Adopt an Artwork’ campaign, where visitors can sponsor students’ education through artwork adoption, with proceeds supporting underprivileged students. Other installations explore themes such as ‘Homecoming,’ ‘Deep Blue,’ and ‘Mutating Space,’ focusing on identity, environmental consciousness, and innovation.
Mr. Olugbile Holloway, Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), praised the initiative as a forward-thinking effort that fuses heritage preservation with modern technology and education. Represented by Mr. Attinsir Roberts, an Assistant Director at NCMM, Holloway explained that museums should evolve into dynamic centers for innovation and lifelong learning. He added that the NCMM would continue to provide technical expertise and artefacts to enrich similar exhibitions across Nigeria, with plans to digitize collections for global access.
Mrs. Roselyne Adahaka, an Assistant Director at CBAAC, noted that the collaboration reinforces the center’s mission of preserving African heritage and reviving the ideals of FESTAC ’77. Adahaka emphasized that CBAAC would continue to support community-based art programs that encourage entrepreneurship, cultural tourism, and youth leadership. She stressed the importance of creative industry partnerships in contributing to Nigeria’s GDP and promoting culture-based economies.
The project aligns with Ecobank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) pillars of education, sustainability, innovation, and African identity, offering a model for how culture-driven initiatives can create jobs, nurture talent, and build economic resilience across Africa.