Dr. Paul Chike Dike, OON, was a towering figure whose impact on the culture sector, especially visual arts, will be remembered for generations. Simon Odey Ikpakronyi recounts their first meeting at a pivotal moment: Dike had just been appointed Chief Executive of the newly established National Gallery of Art (NGA), while Ikpakronyi worked as a Visual Art Officer at the National Gallery of Modern Art, a division of the National Council for Arts & Culture (NCAC), located at the National Theatre in Lagos.
Early Challenges and Determination
The NCAC management refused to hand over the office space and keys to Dike, which were in Ikpakronyi's possession. Despite this obstacle, Dike's passion and vision for the culture sector were evident. He shared his efforts to establish the NGA, including compiling memos from individuals and groups that had petitioned the military government of General Ibrahim Babangida. Notable among these was an open letter by Dele Jegede, then president of the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), recommending the creation of an independent National Gallery of Art and a National Academy for the Arts. Despite stakeholder urgency, these memos were initially ignored. Dike consolidated all petitions with an executive summary and submitted them to the Minister of Information and Culture, Comrade Uche Chukwumerije, through his aides. This final push led to the Minister's action, resulting in the Federal Executive Council's approval. The NGA was established under Decree No. 86 of August 1993, and Dike's appointment as first Chief Executive was announced on August 20, 1993.
Accessing the Office
It took four months for Dike to gain access to his office due to NCAC's refusal to hand over. Only after a directive from the Permanent Secretary of Information, Mr. P.B. Etta, and Ikpakronyi taking a personal risk, were the keys handed over on December 15, 1993. This act enabled the full take-off of the NGA as a parastatal. Dike then appointed Ikpakronyi as his Personal Assistant, and later as Special Assistant on professional matters from 1993 to 2006.
Building the National Gallery of Art
Dike and Ikpakronyi worked tirelessly, often late into the night, traveling for NGA business. Dike initially drove himself until a driver was assigned. Early in his tenure, he established a professional studio commissioned in 1999, named after Aina Onabolu, the father of modern Nigerian art, to benefit Nigerian artists. Dike sought unity between the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA) and NGA to attract government attention. He maintained strong relations with SNA, supporting its programs and assisting artists. He also engaged with other art associations, notably the Female Artists Association of Nigeria (FEAAN), which began in 2001 when NGA brought together Nigerian women artists to exhibit their works for Nigeria's 41st Independence anniversary.
Welfare and Legacy
Artist welfare was paramount to Dike. Even after his tenure, he remained connected with many artists until his death. Noticing universities no longer provided research grants to lecturers, he initiated the 'Award of Grants to Artists' program, benefiting many art scholars. However, he often lamented NGA's current state, feeling that the structures he built had collapsed and that the institution had not fulfilled his dream. His expectations and those of others remained unmet.
Dike will be greatly missed and remembered for his immense contributions. The Nigerian art scene remains his big constituency. Artists will forever remember his love, interest, and support. He deserves recognition akin to other master Nigerian artists, with comprehensive documentation of his life. A standard book should be written about him, as NGA has done for others. If Aina Onabolu is the father of modern Nigerian art, Dike should be regarded as the father of the modern gallery of art in Nigeria. His name will forever be synonymous with the Nigerian art scene. Adieu, my boss, mentor, art colossus.
Ikpakronyi PhD, former Director, Overseeing Office of the Director General, National Gallery of Art (March 2019-July 2020).
