L-R: Nike Okundaye, Akwari (in white) and friends during the programme
November 9, 2025, will remain memorable in the hearts of many who gathered at the Nike Art Gallery, Lekki, Lagos, to celebrate not just a milestone birthday, but also a milestone in cultural preservation. Friends, family members, art lovers and cultural enthusiasts converged to honour photographer, artist and storyteller Philip Akwari as he marked his 50th birthday with a special book reading of his work, Abiriba: A Photographic Narrative of a Rich Cultural Heritage.
The atmosphere was one of warmth, admiration, and inspiration as the expansive gallery filled with laughter, memories, and reflections on heritage. The event served as both a birthday celebration and a tribute to years of dedication to documenting the beauty and traditions of the Abiriba people of Abia State.
In her address of welcome, Chief (Mrs.) Nike Okundaye, the founder of Nike Art Gallery, expressed her admiration for Akwari's creative devotion and his unique contribution to cultural documentation. "Today, we are launching this book because the author is very special to us," she said, her voice brimming with pride. "When the German ambassador came to this gallery, he asked to see the author of this book. People from all over the world have come to read it, and they are amazed at how he has promoted our culture and history."
Okundaye described Akwari as a man on a mission, celebrating him for producing the only known photographic book that captures the essence of the Abiriba people. "There are many cultures in Nigeria, but this book stands out because it documents the unique culture of the Abiriba. Everyone keeps asking, where is the book about Abiriba? And this is the only one. I thank him and his co-author for writing it. Nobody can promote our culture better than we can," she declared.
She also used the moment to share a message with younger Nigerians: "The next generation must work hard and stay focused. When they do, doors will open and blessings will follow. This book shows what it means to preserve one's heritage with passion."
When the celebrant himself took the stage, he spoke with deep emotion about his journey as both an artist and a cultural documentarian. "When I realised that I had climbed the fifth floor," he said smiling, "I asked myself what I could do to celebrate. I decided that rather than throw a party, I would showcase my works and celebrate my Abiriba story."
Akwari explained that his dedication to the Abiriba project had consumed nearly all his artistic energy. "My food photography and street photography seem to have vanished," he said lightheartedly, "because the Abiriba story has taken over my creative life. One of my friends once told me I might spend the rest of my life telling Abiriba stories -- and maybe he's right. It's a vast, dynamic culture that has captured my heart."
Tracing the origins of his inspiration, Akwari reminisced about his university days at the University of Ibadan, where he lived with his mentor, Professor David Okali. It was in Okali's compound, surrounded by nature, that he first heard stories of the Abiriba people. "Prof would tell me tales about our people while I roasted corn for him," he recalled. "Those stories left a deep imprint on me, especially when he described the artefacts that were lost during the civil war. I knew I had to do something to preserve what remained."
His resolve was strengthened in 2011 when he travelled to India to study photography. Before his departure, Professor Okali gave him financial support and encouragement. "He told me to go and learn, and to come back to document the Abiriba heritage," Akwari said.
Upon returning to Nigeria, Akwari began his visual documentation journey in earnest, working alongside Chinaza Aniakor, his co-author. Together, they embarked on a seven-year exploration of Abiriba's cultural life, capturing festivals, ceremonies, and artefacts through their lenses. "Some of these events happen only once in several years," he explained, "so we had to be patient. It took us seven years to gather enough material for this book. Even then, we had to cut a lot out because the stories are endless."
The result of that effort was "Abiriba: A Photographic Narrative of a Rich Cultural Heritage", a book that has since been exhibited in Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, and Abiriba. "We realized exhibitions alone were not enough. We needed to document these stories permanently," Akwari said. "That's how the idea for the book came to life." He also hinted at ongoing projects, promising a new exhibition titled "Story of 50 Years" scheduled for early 2025.
Tributes poured in from friends and associates who spoke glowingly about the man behind the camera. CSP Kalu Chijioke, a guest who connected with Akwari through social media, praised his sense of purpose. "What he has done is something people need to connect to. Our youth must understand the value of documenting history. It's our responsibility to pass these lessons to the next generation."
Another close associate, Solomon Eleanya Okeke, described Akwari as a man of courage and determination. "He never gives up," he said. "If you knew what he went through to make this book possible, you'd be amazed. He believes that with faith and persistence, anything can be achieved."
Dr. Charles Oruh Kalu, a longtime friend, spoke with emotion, calling Akwari "a man of integrity who values process and family." Others, including university classmates and colleagues, echoed similar sentiments, lauding his discipline, creativity, and deep cultural consciousness.
A particularly moving moment came when Akwari's wife, Mrs. Eresi Akwari, shared her reflections. "This year marks our 10th wedding anniversary," she said softly. "It hasn't always been easy, he travels a lot for his work, but I thank God for his life and for bringing him this far."
Closing the event, Lydia Enyidiya Eke, who anchored the celebration, described the book as "a remarkable piece of documentary storytelling." She commended Akwari and his co-author for their vision, noting that the project could inspire future documentaries and radio adaptations. "Documenting culture in Nigeria takes intelligence, resilience, and grace," she said. "This book has traveled far, and it deserves to be in libraries and homes for people to learn from."
As the evening ended, guests lingered among the photographs on display, absorbed in the visual journey of Abiriba's heritage. It was clear that the day was not only about marking 50 years of a man's life, but also about celebrating a legacy of culture, storytelling, and pride in one's roots.