Nigerian journalist and cultural advocate Jahman Oladejo Anikulapo has been announced as the winner of the prestigious UNESCO Defender of Cultural Rights Award 2024 in Argentina.
In a congratulatory statement released by Mr. Ben Tomoloju, he said, “Huge congratulations to Jahman Anikulapo on winning the winner of the prestigious UNESCO Defender of Cultural Rights Award 2024.
This recognition is a testament to his unwavering commitment to cultural advocacy, his immense leadership and nurturing a vibrant, purposeful creative industry in Africa. Jahman’s dedication to uplifting African culture, both locally and globally, has never wavered.
His impact in fostering literary communities, empowering creatives, and advocating for the preservation and promotion of our cultural heritage has been nothing short of transformative.
This award is not only a well-deserved honor for Jahman but also a significant boost for Nigeria and Africa on the global stage. It highlights the importance of cultural rights and the pivotal role the continent plays in the global cultural landscape.
We are incredibly proud of Jahman, and this achievement is a powerful reminder that when we champion our cultural narratives, we elevate the entire African story.”
Anikulapo was Art and Culture journalist for over three decades, writing mostly on performing arts, visual arts, literature and cultural affairs. He later became the Art and Media Editor for The Guardian (Daily) between 1993 and 2003, and Editor of The Guardian on Sunday and GuardianLife Magazine from March 16, 2003 to January 15, 2013.
A trained professional in theatre performance, production, and management, Anikulapo studied Theatre Arts at the University of Ibadan, specialising in Directing, Dramatic Theories, and Theatre criticism. Strongly influenced in culture advocacy, art criticism, and journalism by Benson Tomoloju, Anikulapo was an Actor, Assistant Director, and Assistant Stage / Production Manager with the Ajo Productions and Ajo Festival of Plays 1986, led by Fred Agbeyegbe between 1983 and 1986.
Between 1995 and 2002, he was Actor, Assistant Director, and Production Manager for the AFRIKA PROJEKT, an inter-cultural dialogue between Nigeria and Germany through theatre, and which toured several cities in both countries in 1996, 1998, and 2000.
He was Assistant Director/Producer of ASKARI, the International Committee for the Red Cross/Nigeria Red Cross Society ‘Vote for Tolerance’ that toured 22 states of Nigeria, led by Tomoloju. Anikulapo’s rich profile also includes touring Germany and Mexico at different times as an actor and dancer with the National Troupe of Nigeria.
He is the Executive Program Director of Culture Advocates Caucus, the content production and advocacy arm of Culture Advocates Consult (CAC), with a focus on programme designs, management, administration, and execution; arts and cultural advocacy and communication. The CAC has been involved in cultural communication in general, handling projects for both private organisations and the government and collaborating with international agencies like the Goethe Institut, Alliance Francaise, British Council and American Consulate.
In 2024, the Lagos Studies Association announced him as the Winner of the LSA Distinguished Personality Award, among numerous national and global awards.
