By Ike Mgbatogu
Staff Writer

Onumba.com, USA ——- Nigeria’s own internationally distinguished artist Njideka Akunyili-Crosby is forever connected to history. That history involves the long anticipated grand opening of The Barack Obama Presidential Center and Museum on June 18, 2026.

Artist Njideka Akunyili

But the center officially opens to the public June 19.

Gracing the majestic foyer into the center’s main lobby hangs a massive and impressive portrait of former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama.

That portrait, ladies and gentlemen, is the magnum opus of Nigeria’s own Ms. Akunyili.

The Nigeria-born artist was picked for the historic project and she hit it right out of the park. The portrait brilliantly navigated the historic tapestry of the Obamas, superbly capturing the former first couple sitting surrounded by sort of toned-down and pushed back montage of themes, events and memories of their lives and journey to the history making achievement as the first African-American president and first lady of the United States.

Obama is the 44th president.

The Obamas were exceedingly pleased with Akunyili’s work.

“It is beautiful, said Michelle Obama, as she and her husband strolled into the lobby to soak in their first glance at the official portrait of the center.

“The way she infused such life and joy into the piece is truly extraordinary. We love it.”

Former President Obama echoed a similar reaction.

“It looks fantastic,” he said before cracking a joke asking, “How come you didn’t dye my hair,” to which Akunyili replied jokingly as well, “I thought about it.”

But it appears Ms. Obama has been eyeing Akunyili for a potential gig.

“Do you know how long I have been wanting this woman to do something with and for me,” she asked.

Ms. Akunyili, looking quite pleased herself, soaked in the torrent of kudos before expressing appreciation for the opportunity to work with the Obamas.

But she noted, “it was so challenging.”

“It made me push myself,” she said.

“It took me out of my comfort zone.”

But the outcome is all worth it.

The Barack Obama Presidential Center and Museum is located in Jackson Park on the South Side of Chicago. The center will house a library, exhibitions, spaces for community events and a campus of the University of Chicago, which is a partner in the project. It is also home to a Chicago Public Library branch, as well as the Obama Foundation’s headquarters, a non-profit organization.

Akunyili, a globally known heavyweight artist, has come a long way.

Born in 1983 in Enugu, Akunyili is Igbo. She resides in Los Angeles. She is one of six children born to her late father Medical Dr. Chike Akunyili and her late mother, Dora Akunyili, who was the former director of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Akunyili obtained her Bachelor’s degree from Swarthmore College before bagging her Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree from Yale University.

Her husband is Justin Crosby, also an artist.