The Underpass Gallery!

4 hours ago(edited)

It's the 300th edition of the CCC's Street Art Contest and I'm so excited to participate in this auspicious edition. I’ve skipped past editions for lack of photos, but when I saw the announcement post, I wished to participate. I didn't have much hope, but I trusted the universe to send some photos my way. Turns out the universe listened.

Yesterday found me around the Osisioma junction, so I seized the opportunity to capture the stunning murals painted on the pillars holding the flyover. Hope you'll like the photos.

Make Your Own Future.

Another mural with a message that's hard to ignore. The words are simple but powerful: Your future is yours to make of whatever you want. No one’s going to do that for you. You pick up the lamp and move.

The Dream.

You know what this painting means the second you see it. No much talk, simply saying "If you dream it, you could achieve it. This is where you start. This is where you could be. The walk between them is yours."

Test of Strength.

A mural depicting a traditional wrestling. Two men locked together, dust kicking up around their feet. Muscles straining, grips tight, no fancy gear — just skin, earth, and effort.

At the back shows the spectators. One cheering, the others sitting, waiting their turn. And the drummer, doing what he knows how best to do. What is a traditional wrestling without a drummer. They're the life of game!

This is how it’s done here: community shows up, strength is tested in the open, and respect is earned on the sand.

Every Stitch Matters.

A seamstress just getting the work done. Eyes on the fabric, hands steady, leg moving in rhythm with the machine, creating one stitch at a time. The hustle is real, so they say.

I dedicate this photo to all the tailors and fashion designers in the #diy community. We see all you do to create those stunning outfits that we flex with. 😍

Rural Life.

This painting captures the kind of sight you see in the rural areas. A couple on a bicycle heading home after the day's hustle. They might probably be coming back from the farm, market or somewhere else. And the cluster of the head of palm fruits adds a nice touch to the rural setting.

Local Musical Instruments.

Music isn't made in the space, but with a collection of instruments. Here you see the talking drum, the long gong, the pot,

Traditional Dancers

What is music without the dancers. They make the music come alive with their energetic dance steps.

*Wildlife Reserve on Concrete

The tiger - king of the jungle, keenly watching his preys, planning on when to launch an attack. Lol.

The elephant (locally called Enyi), the epitome of strength and might. That's where Aba got its alias from "Enyimba city."

You walk through the Osisioma underpass, and the walls of the pillars talk back. The murals don’t ask for attention. They’re just there, waiting for you to notice. And I did. Not just notice, but captured them on camera to share with you. I hope you like them.

Author's Photos