The Woman is Power – Klaranze Okhide’s Eve – Ode to Women is a visual celebration of strength, wisdom, and the feminine soul that we should continue to give honour to. Writes Ireho Aito

The final of the African Women’s Cup of Nations, recently concluded in Rabat, Morocco, was a breathtaking display of football artistry by the specially selected twenty-two women in an epic showdown of talent and passion. While well positioned properly to see the first female football final since the inception of female football, no one bargained for the sheer dominance of strength from the two teams.

The women were stamina – built for the match. A sweet final from sweet ladies. As the game progressed with tension mounting around because the host team – the Lionesses of Morrocco shot themselves ahead of the Super Falcons from Nigeria, a two goal lead. A friend of mine in another continent sent a WhatsApp message that we should all calm down that Super Falcons would come out victorious. And indeed, the Super Falcons overturned the lead and crushed the host team to a grand finale of victory. What a match! What a final! A final from adouring ladies that are now super women

. A certain bell started ringing, let’s continue to celebrate our women. They are the pillars. The Super Falcons of Nigeria gave Nigerians a moment to believe and restore hope to the nation especially with the comeback magic to win a tension soaked but great game. Viva Falcons!

One interesting piece every commentator shared was that the women on the pitch brought fire, finesse, and fierce determination to the pitch to the delight of football fans across the continent.

Their energy on the field was more than a game. That energy was a statement about the power, grace, and resilience of women. That same spirit finds vivid expression beyond the stadium, in the work of Nigerian artist Klaranze Okhide, who uses her canvas to celebrate the unseen pillars of society, our women.

In a continent rich with heritage and stories waiting to be told, Nigerian artist Klaranze Okhide is using her canvas to awaken consciousness and celebrate the unseen pillars of society, our women. Her compelling piece Eve – Ode to Women is more than just a painting. It is a layered symphony of colour, form, and emotion, boldly elevating the feminine spirit.

Klaranze herself, saw her wonderful and admirable migrated to Abuja tagging along her mother because she was a civil servant and career transfer was inevitable. Klaranze saw the strength her mother exhibited to stay strong in a new city that was still being developed, after living and working for so long in the South – South region and raising her family for a long time. Her mother was able to absorb the new terrain, got stabilised and knocked off culture shock while she was able to take care of Klaranze and other members of the family with her. An event that happened in 1986 when Klaranze was just 10 years old.
With sweeping strokes and a profound palette that radiates strength and tenderness, Eve – Ode to Women pays homage to womanhood in all its complexity. It is a visual tribute to women as life-givers, caregivers, warriors, and wisdom-keepers. Klaranze’s work not only draws from the personal alone but it echoes the collective memory of generations of women whose contributions have been silenced, overlooked, or forgotten. The piece evokes ancestral strength, the quiet labour of mothers, and the invisible power shaping homes, communities, and nations.
At the heart of this creation is a call to action. A call to recognise, respect, and uplift women across cultures and generations. “Eve – Ode to Women is not just art.

Danielle Fichter, Manager of the Bouygues Club House Abuja, once described Klaranze art as one so important for the world to start documenting. “Her art is a movement. Klaranze’s work is an affirmation of her innovative spirit and bold creative vision.”

“Her art is a movement. Klaranze’s work is an affirmation of her innovative spirit and bold creative vision.”

Bouygues Club House Abuja played host to Klaranze Okhide’s ongoing exhibition entitled “Ephemeral Narratives.” The exhibition opened in May 24th 2025 and will run till September 28th 2025.

Born in Edo State, Klaranze’s artistic voice has always drawn from the richness of her roots. That early move exposed Klaranze to the vibrancy of Nigeria’s cultural crossroads, an influence still visible in her work today.

Klaranze Okhide graduated from the prestigious School of Art and Design, Federal Polytechnic Auchi, but now based in Abuja, Klaranze continues to use her work not only to create beauty, but to ask questions, challenge norms, and inspire change. Eve – Ode to Women is a shining example of her mission to make art that speaks to the soul of Africa bold, proud, and deeply human.

“My female figures seeks to celebrate womanhood in her enduring role in a family. Her struggles and resilience, her dedication and focus in nurturing her children and her boldness in the face of life’s challenges. At the end of it all, she is crowned a queen in the hearts of many,” Klaranze reveals in her appraisal of womanhood.

As the African art scene continues to blossom on the global stage, artists like Klaranze are reminding the world of the continent’s timeless stories and the power of women who carry them forward, often in silence, but always with grace.

Just as the mission for Super Falcons – Mission X for their 10th win of the competition, Klaranze is also on a mission to make the celebration of women count.

Words/Ireho Aito/ Don’t Keep Your Art in the Finger/ Artwork/ Klaranze Okhide