Back in 1984, Nigerian artist, Tunde Odunlade, and Assistant Secretary of State, Linda Thomas Greenwich, met for the first time.
Thirty years ago, Tunde, a print and textile artist went to Linda’s window to request for a visa to the United States when she was serving as a Consular Officer in Lagos.
![](https://c7684bdb45.mjedge.net/wp-content/uploads/cloudinary/v1472391556/gndtr6emtu6lgcqvo5vp.jpg)
Tunde, who was granted the visa rose to be one of the leading faces of traditional African art . His work has been displayed in many countries and is currently in a collection of institutions such as the Smithsonian Museum of African Art.
![](https://c7684bdb45.mjedge.net/wp-content/uploads/cloudinary/v1472391556/pzhlsi0vwefyo0q4zmbw.jpg)
Thirty years after their first encounter, as if by coincidence, Linda and Tunde happened to be panelists for a discussion on the Chibok girls.
![](https://c7684bdb45.mjedge.net/wp-content/uploads/cloudinary/v1472395974/efvyusyuaagjtbsp2alm.jpg)
Tunde recognised her and just had to pay her a visit to thank her for approving his visa in 1984. He even showed her some of his work.
![](https://c7684bdb45.mjedge.net/wp-content/uploads/cloudinary/v1472391557/ly4kl4t7d33knihpst62.jpg)
Tunde Odunlade was the first African artist to exhibit at the Festival of Atlanta in 1987. Till date, he uses his art to address the social issues Nigerians face.
![](https://c7684bdb45.mjedge.net/wp-content/uploads/cloudinary/v1472395974/rh2mjvxqt1dnkxhjpvrj.jpg)