In every brushstroke, Moses Oghagbon paints not just a picture, but a narrative of resilience, tradition, and the enduring beauty of Argungu. His art is a bridge that connects past with present, artist with audience, and culture with creativity.

“Through his visual anthropology, Moses Oghagbon has spent a decade bringing to the fore, the rich cultural traditions of Northern Nigeria by activating our landscape to publicize the ways of our people.”
His Royal Highness
The Emir of Argungu
Alhaji Sam’ila Muhammad Mera CON

That is your first cut of the opening scene for Argungu Series Exhibition – The Field Notes from a Master, as you stroll into the urbane – culture gallery O DA Art Gallery, standing on the famous Samuel Manuwa Street, one of the Victoria Island opulence neighbourhoods, just after the famous Flat 1004 residential building. The Emir’s introduction captured the essence and impact the series has done in a decade to appreciate culture and humanity. Argungu and Moses Oghagbon have experienced a gallant ‘safe journey’

It is indeed like a film script. Moses Oghagbon and his illustrious Argungu expedition would make a Netflix Original docu – series, if it is ventured in. For the quintessential Nigerian painter, Moses Oghagbon, his name, has become a household name in artistic expedition and documentation. His docu – series on Argungu on canvas in 10 years could be likened to docu – series done by glorious African filmmakers such as Professor Ali Mazrui who gave us Africa through his excellent documentary explorations of Africans as people of valued cultures and traditions in the 70s. And Kenyan photographer, journalist and filmmaker, Mohammed Amin, whose lens reshaped Africa and African wars stories in the 70s and 80s. Amin, a self taught photographer, through his production company, Camerapix, singlehandedly documented African wars through commissions from European news agencies. Moses Oghagbon has given us Argungu Series Exhibitions for a decade. His series belong to the celebrated innovation pantheons.

One of the most valued and treasured currencies in the world is integrity. It is highly accepted as a stamp for good networking and greatness. Moses Oghagbon is on that hierarchy of human currency. His journey started as a compulsory call to national service. A mandatory one year program for love of the country, after his graduation from the prestigious Yaba College of Technology in Lagos. Moses was posted to Kebbi State and later got fascinated by what he saw in Kebbi and its environs. “The purpose of Argungu Series documentation is beyond the fishing festival. It is to take Argungu Emirate to the world at large,” Moses explains to iBAND Magazine. He continues, “it is to see what they have such as their landscape features, lifestyles, culture, fashion, history, religion and every other thing in life that is connecting their existence.”

The purpose of Argungu Series documentation is beyond the fishing festival. It is to take Argungu Emirate to the world at large,”

The youth service scheme was initiated after the Nigerian – Biafran Civil War, a three – year war that started in 1967 and ended in the early months of 1970. The Yakubu Gowon government at that time was promoting a ‘No Victor No Vanquished’ mantra and one of the laudable efforts for unity to prevail between Nigeria and the hitherto breakaway South – Eastern part of Nigeria. The scheme has been sustained for 50 years and despite insecurity challenges and cultural differences beguiling the scheme, Nigerians still feel the scheme is a necessity to promote one nation, one people objective.
Moses Oghagbon travelled to Kebbi State with the customary Nigerian farewell, “Safe Journey,” which means “Have a safe trip” or “Journey mercies.” His journey was safe and successful, as he recounted.
Moses shares some moments about his first trip to the North and how his life turned out for the better. “Going to the orientation camp was a big deal for me,” he still recollects. “It was joy for me that I would be seeing at first hand what I have been painting always. I started painting the Northern landscapes and their cultures, even, before embarking on this NYSC journey.” When Moses shared the good news about his postings to his family, they were happy for him. “I am one person who goes after whatever I want.”

It was joy for me that I would be seeing at first hand what I have been painting always. I started painting the Northern landscapes and their cultures, even, before embarking on this NYSC journey.”

Moses Oghagbon has carved a niche for himself in the art world with his ground-breaking and internationally acclaimed ‘Argungu Series’. This documentary exhibition, now, marked its tenth anniversary with an edition entitled ‘Field Notes from a Master’
The series instalment, has graced prestigious venues across Nigeria and globally. Moses Oghagbon will surely be one of the few artists globally that has had a series in virtually all the internationally acclaimed galleries and exhibiting museums all over the world. Argungu Exhibition has opened at major centres and still on a safe journey across the globe. Each year has showcased a unique collection of artworks, cementing Moses as a pioneer in celebrating the cultural richness of the Argungu Emirates of Kebbi, Nigeria.

With over thirteen solo exhibitions and participation in forty group exhibitions, Oghagbon’s artistic journey is marked by critical acclaim in national newspapers and magazines. His solo shows, held in prestigious venues such as the National Museum in Lagos and the Thought Pyramid Art Centre in Abuja, highlight his dedication to exploring themes like environmental conservation and cultural heritage.

Oghagbon, a graduate in Painting from Yaba College of Technology’s School of Art, Design, and Printing Technology, has established himself as a prominent figure in the art world. His extensive body of work has been showcased both locally and internationally, garnering attention and placement in numerous private and public collections.

Internationally, Oghagbon’s art has been featured in exhibitions like Global Peace Through Synergy at Artfully Spaced Gallery in California, USA, underscoring his global influence and thematic versatility. His artistic approach integrates documentary and photography, offering insightful perspectives on social, anthropological, and environmental issues.

Origin of Inspiration
For Moses Oghagbon, the inspiration behind the ‘Argungu Series’ sprang from his immersive experience during his National Youth Service in Kebbi State. Witnessing first-hand the vibrant Argungu fishing festival, he was captivated by its cultural significance and sought to immortalize its essence through his art. His dedication to authenticity and originality sets him apart, as each exhibition presents a fresh perspective on this historic festival.
Moses reflects on how he embarked on this life changing journey to Birnin Kebbi from Lagos and landed at the much anticipated camping experience. “I had a captivating experience in Kebbi,” he recalls. “ Going from Lagos by road in a luxurious bus with over 60% of the passengers being corps members was so exciting. We had a lot to cheer and talk about with appreciation. The admiration of one another on this trip was joy to watch.” Oghagbon could still recollect how the weather was so unfavourable to the corps members; “the camp opened during the harmattan season and we were turning to ice while at the camp. The cold out there was terrifying. I was eventually posted to Kamba which is under Argungu emirate. It shares the same border with Niger Republic,” he concludes.

Going from Lagos by road in a luxurious bus with over 60% of the passengers being corps members was so exciting. We had a lot to cheer and talk about with appreciation. The admiration of one another on this trip was joy to watch.”

Renowned for his consistency and well thought out process, Oghagbon has captivated audiences worldwide with his compelling solo exhibitions showcased across prestigious venues.
The first edition of the series was held at the prestigious Terra – Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos in 2013. While subsequent series have been held in high valued spaces. The 9th edition in 2023 got its opening at iconic National Museum Onikan while the 8th edition of the series did a voyage to the nation’s capital of Abuja at Thought Pyramid Art Centre, Abuja in 2019.
Later, the expedition made a return to Lagos with Colours of Uhola I, Moorehouse Hotel, Lagos (2018), Argungu Series 7, Terra Kulture (2019), Argungu Series 6, Alliance Française, Kano ( 2017), Argungu Series 5. Moses Oghagbon took the series into the midst of affluent Polo game players when he exhibited at Argungu Polo Tournament, Kebbi in 2017 to the delight of polo lovers and tourists.
Argungu Series 4, Kanta Museum came up also in Kebbi in 2017 while the third edition of Argungu Series, had its celebratory opening at Maison de France – Alliance Française, Lagos in 2016. The second of Argungu Series had a commanding presence inside Moorhouse Hotel, Lagos in 2016.

Oghagbon’s journey through these exhibitions reflects his evolving artistic vision and profound exploration of Nigerian culture and landscapes.

The Essence of Argungu Festival
Argungu, home to the Kabawa people along the banks of the river Rima, holds a storied history untouched by the Fulani jihad. The town’s identity became synonymous with Argungu festival when it was first celebrated in honour of Sultan Dan Mu’azu. Today, the festival spans four exhilarating days, showcasing agricultural shows, traditional dances, and culminating in the grand fishing contest known as ‘Matan Feda’. Though, now presently on hold since 2020, the emirate council and Kebbi State are planning to return the festival to further enhanced the tourism development in the state.

For Moses Oghagbon, the foundation of Argungu Series Exhibition started from Kamba. “Every morning, I would go out with my small analogue camera to take series of shots and do some sketches,” he shares this illustrious foundation with excitement.

Every morning, I would go out with my small analogue camera to take series of shots and do some sketches,”

Celebrating Tradition Through Art
Moses Oghagbon’s artistic talent shines brightly in his portrayal of the Argungu festival on canvas. His paintings vividly capture the lively spirit of the event, from the competitive fishing contests to the rhythmic dances and communal rejoicing. Through his art, Moses not only preserves the essence of the festival but also elevates the cultural significance of Argungu and its people on a global scale.

The O’DA Art Gallery recently opened its doors to showcase a new series curated by Asibi Danjuma, marking the tenth edition of the Argungu Series Exhibition. Running until July 13, 2024, the exhibition features Moses’ dynamic oil and acrylic paintings, created between 2022 and 2024, highlighting his remarkable talent, resilience, and inspirational vision.
Moses and his curatorial team, led by Asibi Danjuma, have meticulously art directed the vibrant displays at O’DA Gallery. Featured prominently are some of the artworks like “Hope 2” and “Mission 3 and 5,” all acrylic on canvas pieces completed in 2024. Also showcased are “Common Goals 1, 2, 3, and 4,” “Believe 1,” “One Voice 3,” “Argungu,” “Conversation 2,” “The Way We Are 1,” and “Mystery Argungu,” created between 2022 and 2024.
Moses’ enduring commitment and consistency have been instrumental in his long-term success. Beyond mere talent, his dedication to his craft over many years has been pivotal. Moses Oghagbon’s deliberate approach has undoubtedly yielded remarkable achievements.
He also admits that artist is the mirror of the society. “ I can use myself as an example, I document what I see for people to relate with and not the other way round. Art is life to me and keep me doing what gives me joy,” reveals the father of two lovely boys.

I can use myself as an example, I document what I see for people to relate with and not the other way round. Art is life to me and keep me doing what gives me joy,”

Uniting Communities
Beyond artistic acclaim, the ‘Argungu Series’ serves as a unifying force, fostering camaraderie and promoting tourism in Nigeria. Moses Oghagbon’s dedication to his craft mirrors the festival’s spirit of healthy competition and communal joy, making him a cultural ambassador for Argungu and a visionary in the Nigerian art scene. He reveals that the fishing festival last edition was held in 2020. The annual event has since stopped.

A Legacy in Living Colours
Moses Oghagbon’s journey with the ‘Argungu Series’ is more than an artistic endeavor—it’s a testament to the power of passion and perseverance in preserving cultural heritage. Through his lens, the festival’s vibrancy and significance resonate with audiences worldwide, ensuring that Argungu’s legacy endures for generations to come.
In every brushstroke, Moses Oghagbon paints not just a picture, but a narrative of resilience, tradition, and the enduring beauty of Argungu. His art is a bridge that connects past with present, artist with audience, and culture with creativity. Each exhibition, often, explores themes of time and space, creating a sense of continuity and evolution throughout the decade-long series. Through these distinctive elements, Moses Oghagbon’s Argungu Series Exhibition not only showcases his artistic prowess but also serves as a catalyst for cultural dialogue, social commentary, and creative exploration within Nigeria and beyond.

Moses Oghagbon’s unique approach to expressing his art through the Argungu Series Exhibition over the past decade is characterized by Conceptual Depth: His artworks delve into profound themes such as cultural identity, tradition, and social issues, reflecting a deep understanding of Nigerian and African contexts. Highly creative as a writer, a documentarist with his field notes, so rich in research and records, Moses, invested in multimedia integration where Oghagbon seamlessly integrates various artistic mediums such as performance, dance, music, durbar – horse race, fishing competition into painting, thereby, creating a rich and immersive experience, also incorporating interactive elements that encourages viewer engagement and participation, fostering a dynamic dialogue between the artwork and the audience.

Moses Oghagbon narrative storytelling has distinguished him and his works from other creatives in contemporary art in Nigeria. Moses works will surely stand the test of time due to the originality of the artist. Each piece in the Argungu Series: Field Notes from the Master, tells a story, whether through visual symbolism, cultural references, or personal anecdotes, connecting viewers to broader narratives of Nigerian and African history. His constant reinvention of innovative use of materials, colours and techniques in his art-making process, pushing boundaries and challenging traditional artistic norms.
Moses collaborative approach stands him out as an artist of integrity with reputation. Oghagbon collaborates with local communities, artisans, and fellow artists, enriching his artworks with diverse perspectives and experiences, leaving a legacy and continuity that is beyond individual exhibitions, Oghagbon’s Argungu Series aims to establish a legacy of cultural exchange and artistic innovation, influencing future generations of artists and audiences alike.

Through these distinctive elements, Moses Oghagbon’s Argungu Series Exhibition not only showcases his artistic prowess but also serves as a catalyst for cultural dialogue, social commentary, and creative exploration within Nigeria and beyond.

Beyond his artistic endeavours, Oghagbon’s personal life intertwines with his creative pursuits. Originally from Edo State, he discovered love in Kebbi State and married his sweetheart, the esteemed Fatima. Together, they have nurtured their two sons in one of the most multi – cultural cities in the world – Lagos. This romantic narrative adds a personal touch to Oghagbon’s artistic legacy, showcasing how his passion for art and his love for Fatima have shaped his journey as an artist and as a family man.

His artistic journey, which began with a passion for painting, documenting and taking photographs, blossomed into a love story intertwined with the cultural milieu of Nigeria’s regions, particularly through his experiences during the Argungu expeditions.

Moses Oghagbon Argungu journey is a journey well travelled.

Words/Ireho Aito/Don’t Keep Your Art in the Finger!/ Images/Pictures/Moses Oghagbon Archives