Olu of Warri seeks protection of Niger Delta mangroves
The Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, has called for the protection of the Niger Delta’s mangroves from foreign interests seeking to exploit them under the guise of carbon credit offsets.
The traditional ruler made the call during his speech at the opening of an art exhibition tagged ‘The Intersecting Worlds of Climate Change, the Mangroves and Art’, showcasing the works of art scholar and environmentalist, John DeBebs in Lagos.
He said, “For centuries, the people of the Niger Delta have lived with and through the mangroves. These lands, stretching from the Bight of Bonny to the Bight of Benin, are more than just ecosystems; they are the lungs of our heritage. They sustain our way of life, protect our shores, and preserve our identity.
“And yet, while we have looked upon them for generations, others from afar have begun to look at them differently, through satellite images, through the lenses of economic speculation, and with intentions that threaten the collective sovereignty of the people of the Niger Delta.
“I call upon fellow leaders, the Ijaws, the Urhobos, the Nembes, the Ilajes, and all custodians of the Niger Delta, to rise with us in this cause. Let us establish a framework to protect our mangroves from unchecked exploitation. Let us ensure that any economic benefits derived from them serve our communities first. And let us stand firm in the knowledge that our lands, our heritage, and our future are not for sale.”
Speaking on the challenges of bringing these artworks to life, DeBebs said, “Painting the mangroves meant immersing myself in the very creeks where they thrive. The environment is humid and difficult, but it’s a world I know from my youth. The real challenge is making people see their value before they disappear.”
The curator, Oriiz Onuwaje of Crimson Fusion Curators, also emphasised that the exhibition seeks to showcase the beauty of the Niger Delta beyond the prevailing narratives of “doom and gloom.”
The event was graced by one of the wives of the Ooni of Ife, Queen Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, alongside legal luminary, Eyimofe Atake (SAN) and other dignitaries. Attendees admired the evocative artworks while enjoying refreshments.
The Mangrove Exhibition will run until March 18, offering visitors a chance to engage with the intersection of art, climate change, and the vital ecosystems of the Niger Delta.
