CPDI- AFRICA, AUST Reclaim Ancestral Wisdom As Ifeoma Ebo’s Exhibition Sparks Deep Reflections in Abuja

Abuja, Nigeria – The CPDI Africa Gallery and Hub at the African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja recently hosted the ground-breaking exhibition Reparations in Public Space Reclaiming Ancestral Intelligence by renowned Nigerian-American architect, urban planner, artist, and activist, Ifeoma Ebo. The exhibition, which explored themes of ancestral memory, sacred spaces, and cultural reconnection, has sparked profound conversations on African identity and spirituality. The event which took place at the CPDI center at the African University of Science and Technology, Abuja, the was declared open on February 9, 2025 and attracted art enthusiasts, cultural scholars, and members of the African diaspora eager to engage with Ebo’s vision. Through a masterful fusion of traditional African materials—including akweti and akocha textiles, Yoruba aso-oke, and quilting patterns rooted in both African and African American traditions—Ebo’s work weaves together a powerful narrative of healing, rest, and spiritual reconnection. Her exhibition is deeply rooted in the concept of sacred spaces where Black people, whether on the African continent or in the diaspora, can find solace, meditate, and reconnect with their ancestral lineage. Through AI-generated architectural imagery integrated into her quilted and woven pieces, she challenged viewers to reflect on the ways they engage with their heritage and the spaces they consider restorative. One of the thought-provoking aspect of the exhibition is her Clarion call to Africans to rethink African spirituality. While African Americans, Black British, and Caribbean communities often yearn for deeper connections to their ancestral roots, Nigerians and other Africans on the continent sometimes struggle with embracing indigenous spiritual systems, largely due to the influence of Christianity and Islam. Ebo’s work aroused the much desired interests of visitors to explore these traditions with confidence rather than fear, emphasizing that reconnecting with ancestral wisdom does not have to come at the expense of one’s faith. Visitors at the exhibition saw the exhibition emotional and enlightening. CPDI Africa Coordinator, Mrs. Nmadili Okwumabua, described the exhibition as a powerful and much-needed conversation ever held by the center. According to her “It challenges us to think about where we go when we need to rest, to find peace, and to reconnect with ourselves and our heritage" Participants at the much touted exhibition shared their personal experiences with some noting that nature, such as rivers, oceans, and forests, offer them a sense of spiritual grounding while others expressed a new found appreciation for African architectural spaces as potential sites for collective healing. Beyond its artistic impact, reparations in public space align with Ebo’s broader mission of designing justice using urban planning and public spaces as tools for cultural reparations and social healing. Through speculative designs and community participation, her work showcased the importance of honoring ancestral knowledge in shaping modern African cities. Supported by Creative Urban Alchemy LLC (CUA), a New York-based design studio dedicated to equity-centered urban planning and cultural heritage, the exhibition serves as a reminder that reclaiming ancestral intelligence is not just an artistic endeavor but a necessary step toward decolonization and self-reclamation. With the exhibition set to run for another week, members of the public still have the opportunity to experience this transformative journey. Ifeoma Ebo, is expected to return for further engagements, offering more insight into her creative process and the inspiration behind her work. For those who attended, the experience was more than just an art exhibition but an invitation to reflect, reconnect, and reclaim the wisdom of their ancestors.