BY IGBEDION PRECIOUS
In the heart of Nigeria’s bustling aviation hub, a quiet revolution is unfolding—one that seamlessly blends efficiency with elegance, security with soul, and technology with the tenderness of a child’s imagination. At Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, change is not just visible; it is palpable. Leading this transformation is the visionary Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, whose leadership has reimagined the airport as a symphony of modernity and meaningfulness.
From the moment passengers enter MMIA today, they are greeted not only by the usual travel bustle but also by a distinct sense that something new is emerging. Sleek, state-of-the-art security scanners—recently installed under the MD’s tenure—now line the checkpoints, merging advanced screening technology with faster, smoother passenger flow. These scanners, equipped with AI-enhanced detection systems, ensure that safety no longer comes at the expense of convenience.
However, the transformation extends far beyond infrastructure. It is, at its core, profoundly human. In a bold and beautiful initiative, Mrs. Kuku has opened the airport’s doors to an unexpected and heartwarming collaboration: the Children’s Art Gallery.
This project has not only redefined the airport as a gallery of dreams but also elevated the voices and visions of society’s youngest members—artists with paintbrushes in hand and galaxies in their minds.
Moreover, this artistic twist has captured the imagination of both travelers and airport staff. Vibrant murals, dreamlike paintings, and whimsical sketches now adorn what were once sterile international terminal walls. These artworks are more than mere decoration; they are vivid declarations of hope, colour, and the uninhibited creativity of childhood.
Among the stars of this enchanting exhibition is 12-year-old Fiyin Adeniji, whose expressive paintings have become shining emblems of the initiative. With brushstrokes that speak of innocence and hues that radiate optimism, Fiyin’s pieces caught the attention of none other than the FAAN MD herself. In a touching ceremony, the young artist was invited to the airport, where his work now hangs proudly alongside that of his peers—visible to travelers from around the world. It was a moment of pride and awe, as Mrs. Kuku personally toured the exhibit, pausing with genuine admiration before each canvas.
Additionally, present at the event was Mr. Segun Oni, founder and curator of the Children’s Art Gallery. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the FAAN management for the opportunity. To fully appreciate the depth of this collaboration, it is important to understand Mr. Oni’s journey and the vision behind the gallery.
A Gallery of Dreams: The Brushstrokes Behind the Vision
Mr. Segun Oni is more than a curator; he is a storyteller, a dream-weaver, and a passionate advocate for the brilliance of childhood expression. As the founder of the Children’s Art Gallery, he has created a sanctuary where young artists are not only acknowledged but celebrated with the reverence typically reserved for established masters.
“The Children’s Art Gallery began from a deeply personal place,” Oni explains. “When my son started painting at the age of six, I was struck by the emotion and imagination in his work. Like any proud parent, I wanted to share it with the world. But I quickly realised that most mainstream galleries wouldn’t accept it—not because it lacked merit, but simply because it came from a child.”
What began as a father’s act of faith has since blossomed into a national movement. With each canvas added, the gallery expanded—welcoming children from underserved communities, neurodiverse backgrounds, and areas where creativity often goes unnoticed. Here, the paintbrush became a voice, and the sketchbook a sanctuary. Confidence flourished, healing began, and lives were transformed—stroke by stroke.
Today, the Children’s Art Gallery stands as a chromatic cathedral of hope, where every drawing is a manifesto and every doodle a declaration. It serves as a powerful reminder that creativity knows no age, class, or diagnosis—only the universal human desire to be seen.
A Landmark Collaboration: Art Before 30,000 Feet
Therefore, being invited by FAAN to exhibit at Murtala Muhammed International Airport marks a monumental milestone for the gallery.
“MMIA Lagos sees over 500,000 passengers every 30 days,” Oni said. “With the exhibition running for a full month, we estimate that over one million sets of eyes will experience the children’s artwork.”
This is not just an exhibition—it is potentially the most viewed art showcase in Nigeria’s recent history. It is a significant achievement for the gallery and, more importantly, for the children themselves. It tells them: your art matters. Your perspective matters. You deserve to be seen on a global stage.
Moreover, the partnership with MMIA further reflects MMIA’s art and innovation transformation, where cultural expression becomes a core part of the travel experience. By bringing children’s imagination into a high-traffic, high-profile location, FAAN has taken a bold step toward redefining what airports represent.
With dreams of replicating this initiative across airports nationwide, the vision is clear: to transform transit hubs into temples of inspiration and turn every layover into an encounter with wonder. Every child is an artist, and every traveler deserves a glimpse of the world through their eyes.
About the Author:
Igbedion Precious is a Public Affairs Officer at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA).
