By Ifeoma Halim

The Oba Elegushi Market is a sight to behold. Located in the heart of Lekki, Jakande to be precise, the market is home to hundreds of talented artisans with ingenious arts and crafts for sale. Take a stroll through the open-air venue and you will discover a hidden world of colour and authenticity. These pull in locals and tourists in numbers as they search for unique finds of leather and bead crafts, as well as sculptures and paintings.

Photos only offer a glimpse of what the market’s unique appeal; friends’ narrations too. Being present is necessary to take in and experience the vibe of the marketplace in its fullest form. From the sheer pride of its artisans to the almost entertaining haggling process, one leaves with much more than another piece of art to add to their growing collection. One leaves with a precious memory. Needless to say, a subtle reminder of the creative talent Nigerians possess, a talent deserving of support from the right quarters. Depending on its size, a wooden sculpture can range from N1,500 to N20,000 in the market. According to Ismail, one of the many sculptors with a stall of his own, custom-made requests can also be placed, each taking a maximum of a month to create.

The bags. Made of genuine leather, they are a sight to behold and come in a range of colours and shapes. This Christmas, a quick visit is a must-do, with ranges of items to choose from for gifts.

The importance of art communities like Oba Elegushi’s cannot be overlooked The creation of livelihoods is obvious, the offer of sheer inspiration, notable. Their havens away from busy urban life and present a greater appreciation for art as we know it. A visit to such is a must this season.