As the world marks the International Day of the Girl Child on 11 October, the stories of young girls who are daring to dream, create and build against the odds deserve to be heard.

Twenty-six-year-old Sadiq Rukayat is one of such voices. A Nigerian visual artist and entrepreneur, she has turned a childhood passion for drawing into a creative journey that now spans visual art and her handcrafted raffia earrings brand, Ewalani by Abimbola.

Through her works, Rukayat is already proving that creativity can be both a language and a livelihood. From drawing for her classmates as an introverted child in secondary school to studying Fine Arts at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and building her own handcrafted raffia earrings brand, she has steadily turned her passion for art into a story of courage, culture and self-belief.

Her journey, however, has not been without its challenges. Like many young female creatives, she has had to navigate the struggle for visibility and opportunities while learning to put her work forward, even when the outcome is uncertain. Yet, rather than allowing gender or circumstances to determine the limits of her ambition, she has chosen to see herself first as an artist.

Through her art and fashion brand, Rukayat is also telling a distinctly African story. Each handmade piece of Ewalani is designed not merely as an accessory but as an expression of culture, heritage and identity.

In this interview, she opens up about her childhood, her decision to study Fine Arts, the realities of being a young woman in the creative industry, the lessons entrepreneurship has taught her, and her hopes of reaching a global audience while inspiring and mentoring the next generation of creatives.

Excerpt

Tell us about your childhood.

My name is Sadiq Abimbola Rukayat, a 26-year-old Nigerian visual artist with a passion for art and storytelling. I grew up as an introverted child, and art became my escape and a way to express myself. In secondary school, I would draw for my classmates in exchange for money. My dad noticed how passionate I was and bought me different colours to encourage me to practise. Looking back, that support played a big role in shaping the artist I am today.

Why did you chose to study Fine Arts at the university?

Studying Fine Arts was always my dream. I trusted my instincts and chose the path I genuinely wanted rather than following the crowd. My time at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, helped me understand art beyond just creating beautiful pieces. It taught me to appreciate its depth, value and professional possibilities, and I am grateful I chose that path. I work primarily with acrylics in impasto style, using palette knife techniques to create textured, expressive works that explore human experiences through an African lens.  

Take us through your journey as a female artist

My journey has been beautiful, with a few bumps along the way. Sometimes, being a woman in the art world comes with certain advantages, but I believe that my work and dedication should speak for themselves. I see myself first as an artist, and I refuse to let my gender define or limit how far I can go. So my experience so far as a female artist has been a fulfilling one. It has come with opportunities to grow creatively, connect with amazing people, and build confidence in my work.

What is your biggest challenge as an artist?

One of my biggest challenges has been gaining visibility and accessing opportunities. But I have learned to be intentional about putting my work out there, applying for open calls and showing up even when the outcome is uncertain. These steps have helped me grow and reach new audiences.

What inspired your handcrafted earrings brand, Ewalani by Abimbola?

Starting my raffia earrings brand, ‘Ewalani by Abimbola’ has been an exciting experience because it lets me combine my love for art and fashion. I started because I believe we, as Africans, should tell more of our stories through fashion. I wanted to create pieces that celebrate our culture, heritage and identity in a unique way. For me, every piece is more than an accessory; it carries a part of our story. Every piece is handmade and it’s been rewarding to see people appreciate and support my work.

Every piece is handmade. What does the process look like?

The process begins with an idea and the selection of raffia and other materials. I prepare and shape the raffia, carefully weave or assemble the pieces, and add the finishing touches to create unique earrings. Every stage requires patience, creativity and attention to details, ensuring that each piece carries its own character.

What has running a small business taught you that school could not?

Running a business has taught me consistency, discipline and the importance of showing up even when things are not moving as quickly as I would like. I have also learned that building something meaningful takes patience, courage and a willingness to keep learning.

My biggest challenge has been reaching a wider audience and getting more people to discover the brand. What makes me proud is seeing people appreciate and connect with the concept behind Ewalani. Knowing that people understand and love the story I am trying to tell makes the journey worthwhile.

What do you want other girls to learn from your story?

I want other girls to know that their dreams are possible. I am living a dream I once hoped for, and it is still unfolding. You do not have to have everything figured out before you begin. Be bold, pursue what you love and give yourself the chance to become everything you envision.

Where do you see yourself and Ewalani in the next five years?

In five years, I hope to have grown into a bigger brand and space, with my art and Ewalani reaching a wider, global audience. I also hope to inspire and mentor younger creatives, sharing what I have learned and showing them that even the little they start with can become something meaningful and globally relevant.

Your message to the Nigerian girl 

Believe in yourself and keep showing up for your dreams. Your dream is valid, and you have what it takes to turn it into your reality. Do not wait for permission to become who you want to be. Start where you are, use what you have, and keep going. Your story deserves to be told.