A Pictorial Journey Through Colgar: Kello’s Masterpiece
Slide One: Representing the Boys
This slide pays homage to the backbone of Colgar—the boys. These are the folks involved in the raw execution of everything we stand for. It’s always a playful vibe with them, a blend of camaraderie and dedication. I wrote down names to shout out everyone who has contributed to the development of Colgar in one way or another. Special thanks to @babs for providing many of these names. If your name isn’t on here, know we’re still together in spirit!
Slide Two: The Call to Contribute
“Deposit @ Bank”—this was my first stroke on this piece. It’s not just a phrase; it’s a call to action. It symbolizes the collective effort needed to contribute to Colgar’s noble cause. The event center, Succoth Garden, also takes center stage in this slide. This venue holds deep significance for Ilorin residents and Unilorin students alike, as it has birthed countless memorable events, including Colgar’s unforgettable soccer outreach aimed at promoting and providing for the community.
Slide Three: Giving Back to the Community
Here, I tried to depict one of Colgar’s defining moments: giving back to the community. The building with stickmen in a queue represents the annual Cloth Bank event. This event embodies Colgar’s new motto: “No Bystanders.”
When I asked Babs about the term “Cloth Bank,” he shared the chaos and beauty of it all:
“It’s one of those outreaches where there’s clothes everywhere! My room, Ayanfe’s, Adebara’s, even Spinii’s—all packed with clothes. The car was full to the brim too. This year’s event involved over 100 volunteers, making it the smoothest yet despite its complexity.”
Slide Four: The Vibes and the Roots
This slide—the most detailed of them all—celebrates the vibrant energy that DJs bring to our events. Their contributions, both musical and financial, have been pivotal to Colgar’s growth. I also depicted two hostels that played a foundational role in our journey. These spaces weren’t just buildings; they were ecosystems of support, whether through hyped promotions or generous pockets.
The stage in this slide represents the culture that raised us—the “outside lifestyle.” Colgar was born from the genius of social interactions, a testament to the power of collective ambition and friendship.
Slide Five: Advocating for the Girl Child
This slide features two giant-sized schoolgirls, deliberately out of scale to emphasize the message. Inspired by a signboard from one of Colgar’s outreaches—“Not a Pad”—this visual underscores the importance of providing every female child with access to sanitary equipment, regardless of their background. As we advocate for the best for these children in their formative years, the message remains clear: no one should be left behind.
Slide Six: A Political Reflection
This slide takes a more political tone. The long-nose avatar symbolizes the lies the youth of this country have endured for generations. It’s a question of hope: Is the brighter future we’ve been promised truly within reach? The youth’s resilience and determination shine through despite the challenges.
This piece—a collaboration with @colgarteam—is a visual representation of the Colgar movement. It’s not just art; it’s a story, a journey, and a celebration of everyone who has been part of this mission.
Closing Thoughts from Babs and Kello
When I spoke with @babs about this project, he said:
“We’re commissioning this piece to tell our story in a unique way. It’s about the events, the people, and the moments that built Colgar.”
And I’m all in. This work resonates deeply because I was right in the midst of it all. From the university days to today, this masterpiece captures the essence of what Colgar stands for: friendship, ambition, and the power of community.
Here’s to the journey so far, and the road ahead!
