By Chief Jeff Ajueshi
*A special commendation to Hon. Erhiatake-Ibori Suenu
Ten years ago, after participating in various curatorial and art workshops across Europe and America, my vision became clearer during a curatorial intensive in Marrakech, Morocco. It was there that I nurtured and birthed the dream of establishing an Artists and Writers Residency in my hometown of Oghara.
For years, from the comfort of my residence, I looked across at a vast, vacant expanse of land sharing its banks with the lake. The land had remained unused for more than a decade, yet every time I looked at it, thoughts and possibilities flooded my mind.
I began to imagine transforming that neglected space into a place where artists could live, work, create and exchange ideas through an Artist-in-Residence (AIR) programme, a home for artists, writers, thinkers and other creatives from Nigeria and across the world.
Deep within me was an even bigger dream: that one day, this space could grow into something as significant to the arts and culture of our region as the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, a major cultural landmark.
That dream eventually became a reality with the establishment of the Artists and Writers Residency, The LAKEYARD. Although we are still working tirelessly to complete the residency accommodation and expand our capacity to welcome more creatives from Nigeria and the diaspora, the vision has already taken root.
Alongside the residency, we developed and named the LAKEYARD Cultural Centre.
There was a compelling need to fill the gap in recreational, cultural and social facilities within our community. This gave birth to our fine-dining restaurant and gathering space, a place where creatives could meet local residents, exchange ideas, share experiences and become integrated into the community.
Over time, we watched with great joy as young people began to identify with and participate in the creative community around LAKEYARD. We have also had the privilege of welcoming numerous visitors, ambassadors, expatriates and foreign nationals who have experienced the space and engaged with our community.
Our vision has always been bigger than a physical structure. We have sought to create a cultural and creative hub in the Niger Delta, a place capable of attracting artists, writers, creatives, visitors and nationals from different parts of Nigeria and the world, while contributing meaningfully to the development, cultural identity and visibility of our host community.
The name LAKEYARD itself was inspired by the lake beside which we built this dream. We became the yard around the lake, and so LAKEYARD was born. But nothing prepared us for this devastating flood, which submerged the LAKEYARD space after the lake overflowed its boundaries.
I watched helplessly as a dream that has been so dear to my heart appeared to be crashing before my very eyes. After everything we had built, nurtured and sacrificed for, seeing the space underwater was heartbreaking.
Then, through the intervention of dear friends and brothers, Engr. Chief Greg Ighere and Prince Onoriode Umukoro, a call was made to our own Amazon, Rt. Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu.
As usual, she responded. She came to our rescue. The flood has affected other areas, including my personal residence and those of others who were severely impacted by the flood.
Words cannot adequately express how grateful I am for the rescue mission she embarked upon. At a moment when it felt as though years of dreams, labour and sacrifice were being washed away, her intervention brought hope. Her actions have reminded us that LAKEYARD is not just a project. It is a dream with deep roots in Oghara, a dream that belongs to our community and to the generations of creatives we hope will pass through its doors.
Rt. Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu deserves a special place in our hearts for standing with us at such a critical moment. Of all the challenges we have faced, this flood has been one of the most devastating, and her timely intervention has meant more to me than I can adequately express.
God bless you, my dearest sister, Rt. Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu. Thank you for coming to our rescue. Thank you for seeing our pain. Thank you for standing with us.
Thank you for helping to protect a dream that belongs not only to me, but to Oghara, the Niger Delta, and the many creatives whose lives we hope to touch.
In moments like this, one discovers that the greatest strength of a dream is not only in the person who starts it, but also in the people who believe enough in that dream to help keep it alive.
You have given us renewed hope. You have helped keep the dream alive. And above all, you have made me proud to be an Oghara man. May God continue to bless you, strengthen you, protect you and reward you abundantly for your kindness, compassion and service to our people. With profound gratitude and appreciation.
