LADI KWALI ; NIGERIA FOREMOST POTTERS MAKER

 Hadiza Ladi Kwali was born in 1925, in the village of Kwali in the Gwari region of Northern Nigeria.

There, pottery was a common occupation among


women, so she learnt the art from her aunty using the traditional method of coiling.

In 1954, she joined Cardew’s pottery training centre in Abuja. She was the centre's only female potter and turned out to be one of Nigerians greatest and foremost potters.

She was awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), an honourary doctoral degree from Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria in 1977, the Nigerian National Order of Merit Award in 1980, and the national honour of the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) in 1981.

The Cardew Pottery in Abuja was renamed the Ladi Kwali Pottery and a major street is called Ladi Kwali Road in Abuja.

Ladi Kwali died on August 12, 1984. She was 59.

Her portrait appears at the back of the Twenty Naira Note (₦20) note and she is the only (known) woman on the Nigerian naira note.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A Life Well Lived: Remembering Rev. Oluwabukunmi Olanrewaju Oriowo

Image
“From childhood, his smile carried a light that would one day shine across nations.” On 23rd April 1995, a star was born into the Oriowo family of Iwo-Isin, Kwara State —Rev. Oluwabukunmi Olanrewaju Oriowo. His parents, Engr. Samuel Olanrewaju Oriowo and Mrs. Comfort Abosede Oriowo, welcomed a son who would grow to embody humility, service, and an unwavering love for God. Sadly, on Saturday 23rd August 2025, at the young age of 30, that shining light completed his earthly assignment and returned to his Maker. Though brief, his life left an imprint that time cannot erase. His Journey of Education and Growth “A determined student, both in academics and in faith.” Bukunmi began his education at ACME Nursery and Primary School, Ojodu Abiodun, and later at Community High School and Uncle Steve Group of Schools. He obtained an OND in Public Administration from Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin (2015). But beyond the walls of formal education, God was preparing him for higher service. In 2017,...
Read more

The Silent Grave: Laying Rev. Bukunmi Olarenwaju Oriowo to Rest

Image
Friday, 29th of August 2025, will remain forever engraved in our memories — the day we laid my beloved brother, Rev. Bukunmi Olarenwaju Oriowo, to rest. It was a day wrapped in sorrow, filled with tears, and marked by the kind of silence that only tragedy can bring. From the early hours of the morning, the atmosphere was heavy. Friends, church members, colleagues, and well-wishers gathered in their numbers. The compound was filled with people, yet the weight of grief made it feel empty — because the one we had all come to honor lay lifeless, prepared for his final rest. My siblings and I stood together, bound not only by blood but by the collective pain of losing a brother who had been our joy, our example, and our companion. Each of us carried a different memory of him — the way he advised, the way he prayed, the way he laughed with us in lighter moments. His absence left a gap in our circle, a space no one else can ever fill. Beside us was his wife, clothed in sorrow deeper than word...
Read more

A Journey of Discovery: Timileyin's Northern Odyssey

Image
FROM IBADAN TO KATSINA: A Corp Member's Travelogue Timileyin Oriowo's journey to Katsina State for his NYSC scheme was a thrilling adventure, filled with excitement, new experiences, and unforgettable encounters. From the bustling Ibadan terminal in Ojoo to the vibrant city of Katsina, Timi's travelogue is a captivating tale of self-discovery and exploration. As the sun rose over Ibadan, Timi arrived at the motor park, eager to embark on his journey. The first bus, filled with corp members and their anxious relatives, was a sight to behold. With a mix of emotions, Timi waited for the second bus, destined for Kano, the gateway to his final destination, Katsina. A chance encounter with a fellow corp member, deployed to Jigawa State, sparked a conversation that would last throughout the journey. As they awaited other passengers, Timi marveled at the diverse group of travelers, each with their own story to tell. The hours ticked by, filled with phone calls from loved ones, food...
Read more