By Precious Oham
An Ekiti-born graduate, Obafemi Oni is attempting to set a new Guinness world record in painting for 30 days.
Oni, who is populary known as Ajapa, a graduate of English and Literary Studies from the Ekiti State University started the 30-day painting contest on 11th September and is expected to conclude on 11th October, 2024.
According to him, 24 paintings have been achieved so far in 18 days aimed at addressing the issues of cultism, drug abuse, activism, religion and history.
“I know my environment and I will say that I know the things we people do not really like that much. Arts to me is different, every student and every body here in the state has the mentality of having a white collar job.
“Little did they know that there are few opportunities here, I am trying to create an awareness where there is none. There is no awareness towards arts in Ekiti and I’m trying to open everybody’s eyes to it.
“There are things we do here that are not appreciated until we see them outside the country. We are talented, there are a lot of youths that have talents but because there is no opportunity, we shut down ourselves to focus on something else. I am more focused on self discovery.
“This is me just trying to bring an opportunity to Ekiti state and we have been doing this for eighteen days and there is alot of motivation and energy behind me but if I can do 30 days just to achieve that dream, I don’t mind doing 30 days more.
“I have painted 18 paintings within the eighteen days I have started. In Nigeria currently, the attention on painting is too low and there are people who are actually putting in the work but nobody is noticing them.
“If the mountain does not come to Muhammed, Muhammed would go to the mountain itself and that’s what I’m doing; if there is no opportunity, I will create the opportunity in my society.
“All we need from the state government is their support and acknowledgment for them to know that we are doing something down here. We the youths are ready to work.”