The Pink Fleur Foundation has urged all and sundry in Nigeria to reflect on the prevailing economic uncertainty and social pressures, and rewrite their personal narratives through creative expression.
It’s Founder, Zainab Sahilijo, made the call at the weekend in Abuja during an art and photography exhibition by the foundation themed, “Change Your Story.”
The event brought together art enthusiasts, development partners and creatives, all converging to explore the power of storytelling through photography, nature and lived experiences.
Sahilijo explained that the exhibition was inspired by her year-long commitment in 2025 to take daily walks—an experience that showcases both a personal journey and a collective call to action.
“This is about giving yourself permission to change your story, to become whoever you truly want to be, regardless of what people say,” she said.
Through her lens, she documented fleeting moments in nature from the shifting skies over the Red Sea to quiet landscapes in Nigeria capturing scenes that, in some cases, can no longer be recreated.
“Some of these been pieces are one of a kind. Once they’re gone, they’re gone. There are places, like parts of Jabi, that I can never photograph again,” she noted, underscoring the urgency of preserving both memory and environment.
Beyond aesthetics, she stressed the deeper message of self-discovery and reinvention, challenging societal definitions of identity often tied to profession.
“If we define ourselves only by what we do doctor, lawyer, journalist we miss who we truly are. It’s never too late to reinvent yourself,” she said.
She also called on government to broaden its support for non-traditional career paths and invest in creative-friendly environments, particularly green spaces.
“We need more outdoor spaces. They are important not just for the environment, but for mental wellbeing and creativity,” she added.
The exhibition also highlighted the intersection of art and social impact. Through a collaboration with the proceeds from selected artworks particularly custom-designed scarves are channelled towards supporting vulnerable women in underserved communities.
Speaking on the initiative, explained that the model had been tested previously with measurable success.
“When these pieces are sold, the money goes back to women in communities, including those with disabilities who want to further their education or start something for themselves,” he said, urging government to prioritise support for vulnerable populations.
For international partners, the exhibition also underscored the role of cultural exchange in strengthening ties. A representative of the described the works as both visually compelling and socially resonant.
“I love all the pictures. The inspiration from her walks and the way she captures iconic locations is incredible. It also makes you reflect and think about how stories are told,” she said, noting that Sahilijo’s participation in a U.S. exchange programme had been instrumental in shaping her creative journey.
According to her, storytelling remains central to fostering collaboration and deepening bilateral relationships.
Also lending her voice, fashion entrepreneur expressed admiration for the originality and social consciousness embedded in the works.
“The fact that this is handmade in Nigeria is amazing. More people need to see this. Awareness is still low, and that’s part of the challenge,” she said, urging artists to leverage digital platforms and institutional visibility to grow their audience.
Kwaji further commended the integration of charity into the business model, describing it as “rare” and “deeply human.”
While acknowledging that art appreciation in Nigeria is still evolving, Sahilijo expressed optimism that increased storytelling around artistic processes and meaning would deepen public engagement.
“If people understand the journey behind the art, they connect more, and they begin to see its value,” she said.
The exhibition did more than display photographs; it offered a philosophy one rooted in gratitude, mindfulness and courage.
“There will always be something to be unhappy about and something to be grateful for, if we focus on the good, we move forward,” she noted.
“In a society often weighed down by challenges, “Change Your Story” stand as both an artistic expression and a quiet revolution urging Nigerians to look beyond limitations and embrace the possibility of transformation,” she added.
