Akunyili-Crosby is the daughter of the late Dora Akunyili, the celebrated Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

By Fisayo Ogunwuyi

Nigerian-born artist Njideka Akunyili-Crosby has earned global accolades for creating a portrait of former United States President Barack Obama and ex-First Lady Michelle Obama.

The painting by Akunyili-Crosby, the daughter of Dora Akunyili, the celebrated ex-Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), is for the Obama Presidential Centre in Chicago.

The artwork, which was commissioned by the former U.S President through his Foundation, The Obama Presidential Centre, was unveiled on Tuesday, drawing admiration and accolades from the Obamas.

Titled ‘The Obamas: Springing Forth (2026)’, the artwork will be permanently installed in the museum’s Hope and Change Lobby, a public space that does not require a ticket.

The painting features the couple seated together in a modern, deeply personal portrait surrounded by meaningful references to the Obamas’ lives, including Barack Obama’s Harvard Law Review history and Michelle Obama’s love for Stevie Wonder.

It is filled with details tracing the Obamas’ personal and political journeys. Among them are Michelle Obama’s childhood home on Chicago’s South Side, the Martin Luther King Jr. bust that occupied the Oval Office during the Obama administration, Stevie Wonder’s Talking Book album, charms gifted to Barack Obama by constituents that he carried during his presidency, and a bookshelf lined with books, family mementos, photographs, and the couple’s four Grammy Awards

The unveiling of the artwork drew praise from the Obamas, who described the portrait as a vibrant reflection of their lives, memories, and shared experiences.

The unveiling of the artwork drew praise from the Obamas, who described the portrait as a vibrant reflection of their lives, memories, and shared experiences.

“Barack and I were so honoured to have Njideka Akunyili-Crosby create our portrait for the Obama Presidential Center,” Michelle wrote. “Her artistic brilliance shines through — and the way she infused such life and joy into the piece is truly extraordinary. We love it, and we think everyone who visits the centre will too.”

A Familiar Feeling

Former President Obama, meanwhile, joked about one artistic decision.

“My only real question is, how come you didn’t dye my hair in the photo?” he asked. “Don’t they usually touch it up a little bit?”

“I thought about it,” Akunyili-Crosby replied, drawing laughter from the group.

Reflecting on the project, the artist admitted that the commission pushed her beyond familiar territory.

“It was good. It was challenging because it made me push myself. It took me out of my comfort zone,” she said.

Obama praised the final result, saying, “Well, it looks fantastic. In fact, I’m going to have a suit made with this pattern!”

Michelle also revealed that collaborating with Akunyili-Crosby had long been a personal wish.

“You know how long I’ve been wanting this woman to do something with and for me?” she said. “It was an honour,” the artist responded.

“I mean, we did it!” Michelle added.

‘Excellent Nigerian Spirit’

Expectedly, the unveiling of the portrait drew accolades from Nigerians, including the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, who praised her for the feat.

“I am immensely proud to see the official tweet from former U.S. President @BarackObama, celebrating the incredible brilliance of our own Njideka,” Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, wrote on his X handle.

“This monumental achievement is a powerful reminder to Nigerian youths of what is possible when talent is met with hard work and discipline. Njideka, who is also the daughter of our late Dr Chike and Prof. Dora Akunyili, embodies the very best of the excellent Nigerian spirit.”

He urged young Nigerians to look up to Njideka as a role model.

“I urge our young people to look up to individuals like her as true role models. Success is not found in shortcuts but in the relentless pursuit of excellence, honouring one’s roots, and using your gifts to make a global impact,” he said. “If we remain committed to merit and hard work, the new Nigeria we desire will be built by such exemplary minds.”

Many of Akunyili Crosby’s paintings feature family members and friends in familiar domestic settings, engaged in everyday activities such as eating, drinking, or watching television. These scenes are often interwoven with vibrant photo-collage elements drawn from Nigerian pop culture and politics.

Reflecting on the project, the artist admitted that the commission pushed her beyond familiar territory.

“It was good. It was challenging because it made me push myself. It took me out of my comfort zone,” she said.

Obama praised the final result, saying, “Well, it looks fantastic. In fact, I’m going to have a suit made with this pattern!”

Michelle also revealed that collaborating with Akunyili Crosby had long been a personal wish.

“You know how long I’ve been wanting this woman to do something with and for me?” she said.

“It was an honour,” the artist responded.

“I mean, we did it!” Michelle added.