The grand finale of the Nsibidi Institute Festival 2025 was electrified with emotion last night as the lens of Nigerian photography history focused squarely on one of its most revered figures. In a moving ceremony at the prestigious Quintessential Event Centre in Ikoyi, iconic photographer Don Barber was presented with the esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award, cementing his legacy as a national artistic treasure.
The award, presented by the Institute’s Director, Dr. Adaora Nwosu, was not merely for a career spanning decades, but for the indelible mark Barber has left on the very fabric of visual storytelling in Africa. It served as a powerful recognition of his dual role as both a master craftsman and a foundational mentor.
“We are not just honouring a photographer; we are honouring an institution,” Dr. Nwosu declared to a captivated audience of dignitaries, artists, and former protégés. “Don Barber’s camera has chronicled the soul of our nation—from its tumultuous moments to its triumphs. More importantly, his generosity of spirit has trained the eye of a generation. Many of the top photographers working in Nigeria and across the globe today can trace their artistic lineage back to his studio.”
The event, described by attendees as both poignant and celebratory, saw a who’s-who of the African art scene in attendance. A curated slideshow of Barber’s most powerful works—striking black-and-white portraits of cultural icons, vibrant scenes of everyday life, and historic documentary images—was projected, drawing gasps and nostalgic applause.
Upon accepting the award, an visibly moved Don Barber, known for his humility, shifted the praise back to his community. “This camera,” he said, holding up his classic film camera, which he had brought on stage, “is only a tool. The real magic has always been in the people, the stories, and the light of this beautiful country. My greatest pride is not in the pictures I took, but in the brilliant photographers I have had the privilege to teach. They are the future, and they ensure that our stories will continue to be told with truth and beauty.”
The evening culminated in a standing ovation that lasted several minutes, a heartfelt tribute to a man who has, through his lens and his lessons, forever shaped how Nigeria sees itself.
