Today is Day 89 in our countdown to "IFEADIGO 2025", and we take a moment to celebrate the life and legacy of Odinigwe Benedict Chukwukadibia Enwonwu, widely known as Ben Enwonwu. Born a twin on July 14, 1917, into the noble family of Umueze-Aroli in Onitsha, Anambra State. He was a Nigerian painter, sculptor, writer and art critic; Enwonwu emerged as a pivotal figure in African art and is often hailed as the most influential African artist of the 20th century. His groundbreaking work served as a catalyst for the visibility and proliferation of modern African art in the postcolonial era.

As one of the first African artists to achieve international acclaim, Enwonwu showcased his talent in prestigious galleries across Europe and the United States, earning a prominent place in contemporary art directories worldwide. Since the 1950s, he garnered recognition from the global media as "Africa's Greatest Artist," using his fame to advocate for the Black Nationalist movement internationally. In honor of his contributions, a crater on the planet Mercury bears his name.

Enwonwu’s notable career includes a significant moment during Queen Elizabeth II's visit to Nigeria in 1956 when she commissioned him for a portrait sculpture. This piece was later unveiled at the Royal Society of British Artists exhibition in London in 1957, further solidifying his status as a master of his craft. He died on February 5, 1994 at the age of 77.

As we approach the 44th Annual International Scientific Conference of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) tagged "IFEADIGO 2025", which is set to take place from July 22 to 27, 2025, at the International Conference Center in Awka, with the theme "Technology Integration and Personalized Care: The Future of Community Pharmacy Practice," let’s reflect on the cultural richness and artistic heritage that figures like Ben Enwonwu have brought to Nigeria and the wider world.