What started as a medium size musical store five decades ago in high-brow Falomo area in Ikoyi Lagos, reputed for its hi-fi stereo sets and high-end furniture, has evolved into a one-stop Quintessence Gallery, a leading global brand in exotic African arts and crafts. In commemoration of its 50th anniversary, Quintessence hosted friends, relations, collectors, artists and enthusiasts to an exclusive celebration of artistry and cultural excellence featuring art exhibition, spoken word performance and music.
It was a gathering spiced with sweet memories of 50 years of Quintessence’s quality services and pep talks on how to sustain the legacy founded by the late Oni-Okpaku and wife, Aino.
Keynote speaker, Managing Director and CEO Design Group Nigeria, Mr. Bayo Odunlami described the celebration as not just 50 years, but 50 years of quintessential quality services. He called on the management of Quintessence to sustain the quality and legacy of the centre while keeping their eyes on the ball as quality has no other definition, but quintessential.
“It is the ability to identify what makes you authentic. And I can see from what is on ground that your vision is still very strong. I was a little bit nervous when you talked to me about this project. I thought many things will continue the next year.
But, I’m very happy that what I see here takes me back to how it all began. And we will be with you. The Lord shall be with you,” he said.
Odunlami said the challenge before the management is not what it has achieved till date, but how well it sustains the legacy by passing it to next generation.
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“It is not what you are doing now because this was handed over to you. What you will achieve in the next 15 years, the Lord will be with you. And you can be rest assured that a lot of us here will support you because there isn’t much of quality around. So, when we see one, we will latch on it. Congratulations for this. It shall grow big, and it shall grow stronger…You should think out of the box and think different. But, without losing sight of the legacy,” he added.
Recalling the journey so far, he said: “But, I can say one thing for sure. When this talk started, we were very young, but we understood the quality. And I was into music and CDs.”
CEO Quintessence, Mr. Jude Oni-Okpaku who was touched by the words of encouragement said that there is a lot of pressure involved in moving an institution like Quintessence forward, which is also very rewarding.
“I have not only inherited a company that is an example of quality, but I have also inherited a company that is a community. And I feel it’s worth all the hard work and all the pressure. It makes it all worth it when you have the whole community with you. We haven’t gotten here by myself but by God and your supports,” he added.
A close relation to the founders of Quintessence, Mr. Vincent Aruofor felt elated and fulfilled that the legacy started 50 years ago, has blossomed into a global quality brand.
He said Quintessence as a brand has transformed over the years, both in location, content and design, noting that the word Quintessence, speaks about excellence and the purest form, as well as beauty in its purest form.
“I think it has been upheld over the years. Wherever the location is, whoever is in control, it has always aspired to achieve that sort of beauty… And I believe, with what’s going on here, with the developments and new leadership here, that it will only get better,” Aruofor added.
On the increasing value and impact of creative sector in Nigeria’s economy, Aruofor said: “I think we are in the phase where creativity is going to be the next oil in Nigeria. I’ve watched it since the early 2000s and late 1990s, where creativity has become the main thing. I believe the youths are using that soft power. And I believe it’s the next frontier for Nigeria. Other dignitaries at the celebration were Prof Ibironke Akinsete, Founder, Trinity House, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, Dr. Adam of Rugby School, Eko Atlantic City, Lagos among others. The Great Harmonious Band led by Joseph Akinrinade was on stage to entertain the guests.