On 20th February we celebrated the local launch of our new residency space in Ijebu, Nigeria. The expansive building, designed by Papa Omotayo of architectural practice MOE+, comes to life with locally sensitive interior design conceptualised and delivered by Temitayo Shonibare. The structure sits on the highest point of the Ecology Green Farm and overlooks 54 acres of lush farmland. The farm itself, built on principles of ecology and food sustainability, is located on the outskirts of the village of Ikise and is accessible via a 3km road built by Yinka Shonibare CBE RA. It produces bountiful harvests of crops including maize, peppers, corn and cashew and is home to a wide variety of animals including chickens, goats, peacocks and a parrot named Sabur (the Arabic word for patience).
We marked this milestone in the history of G.A.S. with guests from Lagos and local villagers from Ikise. Dignitaries in attendance included His Royal Highness (HRH) Oba Dagburewe of Idowa with three of his Kings and a number of his chiefs, HRH Oba Imoru of Imoru and the Baale (village head) of Ikise with some of his chiefs and village elders.
We were entertained by drummers who had travelled over 45miles from Ibadan to honour Yinka Shonibare CBE RA along with praise singer Princess Adekoya and children from nearby St John’s Primary School. Guests had a chance to hear from some of the figures who have been instrumental in the development of the project including founder and visionary Yinka Shonibare CBE RA.
