"Ila Abiku" is associated with the belief in "Abiku," which is a concept in Yoruba folklore referring to a child believed to be born with the intention of dying at an early age and returning to the spirit world. The term "Ila" specifically refers to the ritual marks or scarifications made on the body of a child believed to be an "Abiku." In some Yoruba traditions, it is believed that making these ritual marks on an "Abiku" child's body will prevent them from returning to the spirit world prematurely. The purpose is to anchor the child more firmly in the physical world and deter the spirit from leaving.

This project is my take on Cultural Scarification and the spirituality behind it as a cultural practice and how it plays out in the modern/ urban context. These strong and vibrant portraits of young people that are around my sphere of contact (friends and acquaintances) with markings on their face and body parts serve as representation of a wider pool of people with similar experiences.

Each person has a unique story to tell ,and personal experiences that is  as visible as their physical scars. This Project aims to create awareness among the younger generation about these practices to foster inclusivity especially in a modern and diverse city like Abuja. The project is still ongoing.