When Excellence Speaks: Reflections on the Global Recognition of Njideka Akunyili Crosby


A Name from the Pages of Aurora

The first time I heard the name Njideka Akunyili was when I was in secondary school.

I had a sibling who attended Queen's College, Yaba, Lagos. On one occasion, she would bring home a large school publication titled Aurora. It contained photographs of students, old and current, as well as principals, past principals, and other notable members of the school community.

And that was one thing about Queen's College: how well it documented and projected its history and achievements. I even saw pictures of members of the school community as far back as the colonial days.

As a young student looking through those pages, I was always fascinated by the photographs and stories. I particularly remember admiring a former head girl whose photograph stood out because of how captivating it was. She would later have a stint in Nollywood.

Meanwhile, somewhere along the line, the name Njideka Akunyili also featured in those publications or in similar materials from the school I came across. I eventually learnt that she was the daughter of the late Dora Akunyili, the former Director-General of NAFDAC who became widely respected for her fight against counterfeit and substandard drugs in Nigeria.

Years later, the name Njideka Akunyili became synonymous with art. She wasn't mainstream popular, but because I already knew a bit about her background, I occasionally observed her success from a distance and admired how a woman born in Nigeria had become internationally acclaimed for her artistry.

That is why it was particularly delightful to see her receive even greater recognition through the Obama Presidential Center.

A Nigerian Artist on the World Stage

The Obamas' portrait for the Center was unveiled yesterday and since then, social media has been abuzz with videos showing former U.S. President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama viewing the remarkable artwork commissioned by the center. Created by this Nigerian-born artist Njideka Akunyili Crosby, the piece depicts the couple together and incorporates visual elements reflecting important moments from their lives and public service.

I came across Michelle Obama's Instagram post about the unveiling and was struck by the thousands of comments celebrating the former First Couple and their enduring impact.

Naturally, someone in the comment section became curious about the artist behind the work. The commenter asked where she was from, and I took the opportunity to explain that she is Nigerian, married to an American, and the daughter of Dora Akunyili, a woman who during her time revolutionalized our food and drug market.

That comment attracted considerable attention. As I write, it continues to gather likes, and I have even gained a few followers because of it.

But that is not really the point.

What has stayed with me is the immense sense of pride I felt watching a Nigerian artist receive such recognition on a global stage. It is a reminder that excellence has no borders. When people dedicate themselves to their craft and pursue it with consistency and passion, the world eventually takes notice.

The Meaning Behind a Name

Growing up, the name Njideka, a name which I also bear, never sounded like one of those Igbo names whose meaning is immediately obvious. For years, I found it somewhat complex and unusual. It was only later that I learnt it is closely related to the name Nkemjika and conveys the idea that "what I have is greater" or "my own is greater."

Perhaps because I did not fully understand it, I often thought it was a rather uncommon name.

Meanwhile, with the global recognition of people like Njideka Akunyili Crosby, many more people around the world will encounter and appreciate the name Njideka. In a way, she has helped give greater visibility to a name that some of us proudly bear. In fact, when I introduce myself to any outsider, the name Njideka will easily resonate. 😃

Dreams Count

In conclusion, Njideka Akunyili Crosby has joined a growing list of Nigerians whose achievements continue to bring honour to the country. I see her in the league of people like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, whose extraordinary literary accomplishments have elevated Nigeria's profile globally. Because of writing prowess, the "Odeluwa" herself has brought the name Chimamanda to the fore, so much so that some mothers now name their children Chimamanda.

Their success reminds us that our dreams matter. Whatever path we choose, excellence remains one of the most powerful ways to leave a lasting mark on the world.

And yes, our dreams count, (See what I did there? 😄) and with that, we can achieve any goal.


Location: 595G64X2+FW

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