Hon. Aisha Augie, Ace Photographer, Artist Takes Over as New CBAAC DG

Chiemelie Ezeobi 

Honourable Aisha Adamu Augie has assumed office as the new Director-General of the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC), an agency of the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, following her appointment by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu.

Aisha Augie takes over the reins of affairs at the Pan-African cultural and creative institution after a successful handing over by Hon. Oluwabunmi Ayobami Amao, the erstwhile Director-General, recently held at the centre’s Head Office in Lagos.

During the handing over, Hon. Amao, who assumed office on September 1, 2020 expressed gratitude to God for the uncommon privilege to lead the agency as its DG.

While thanking the staff and management for their support and commitment for all that was achieved during her tenure, she stated that through the years, she gave her best.

She appealed to members of management of the centre to extend their support to her successor.

In her response, Hon. Aisha thanked Amao for the support and for ensuring a smooth transition, while promising that she would build on the achievements recorded during the tenure of the former DG. 

She emphasised on the need for dedication and teamwork among management and staff of the centre. 

She further stated that her administration would deploy innovative ways to bolster the programmes of the centre so as to deliver on the mandate of the organisation, and in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President.

Earlier, Hon. Aisha Augie was guided to a tour of the facility at the centre by Hon. Amao, as part of activities for the handing over.

CBAAC is an agency saddled with the statutory responsibility of promoting and propagating Black and African art and cultural heritage in its totality. 

Established by Decree 69 of 1979, the centre came into existence after the hosting of the historic 2nd World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC ’77).

An avid lover of experiential arts, Aisha Augie brings to CBAAC an impeccable profile and extensive track record of excellence, passion, dedication and service in the arts and creative sector spanning over two decades.

Aisha Adamu Augie is an acclaimed multi-award winning Nigerian photographer, filmmaker and artist known for her exceptional contributions to the arts, culture and creative industry. 

In 2011, she was named Creative Artist of the Year at The Future Awards. She also won the Sisterhood Award for Photographer of the Year in 2014.  In the same year, she emerged winner of the British Council Through-My-Eyes Competition.

In 2009, she co-founded the Photowagon, a collective dedicated to promoting Nigerian photography and went on to showcase her artistic dexterity with her first solo photographic exhibition, titled “Alternative Evil” in 2014.

Beyond her individual pursuits, Aisha Augie actively contributes to the creative community. She became an Associate for the Nigeria Leadership Initiative (NLI) in May 2011 and served as the vice-president of Women in Film and Television in Nigeria (WIFTIN), the West African chapter of the US-based network. 

Aisha’s journey extends beyond the arts. She has actively contributed to initiatives focused on women and girl child/youth educational development. She participated in the 50@50 celebrations in 2010, a commemoration of 50 Nigerian women, supported by the Women for Change Initiative. This earned her a recognition as part of the UNICEF High-level Women advocate on education. 

She is a regular facilitator at the Nigeria Photography Expo & Conference and a sought-after panelist and speaker at various events, including TEDx gatherings in Nigeria. Her multifaceted journey reflects not only her artistic prowess but also her profound impact on the cultural and educational landscape. 

Aisha Augie holds an MBA from Hult International Business School, London. She is a graduate of Mass Communication from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. Her academic pursuits are complemented by certifications in digital filmmaking from the New York Film Academy and curating contemporary art exhibitions from the Chelsea College of Arts, London, UK.   

Aisha served as Special Adviser to the Minister of Finance and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Kebbi state, Nigeria, focusing on New Media strategies.

She is the daughter of the well-respected late Senator Adamu Baba Augie, a distinguished politician and broadcaster, and retired Justice Amina Adamu Augie (JSC). She is from Kebbi State.