Lagos: The Olu of Warri Kingdom, Ogiame Atuwase III, has called for the protection of the Niger Delta mangroves from foreign interests seeking to exploit them under the guise of carbon credit offsets. The traditional ruler made the call during an ongoing art exhibition showcasing the works of Art scholar and environmentalist, Dr. John DeBebs, on Wednesday in Lagos.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the solo exhibition, organised by Crimson Fusion Curators, will run from March 5 to March 13. The exhibition is themed ‘The Intersecting Worlds of Climate Change, the Mangrove and Art’. The Olu of Warri emphasized the urgent need for indigenous communities to safeguard their land and heritage.
The traditional ruler highlighted the significant role of these forests in absorbing and storing carbon, offering a natural solution to the climate crisis. He stated, “They are more than just ecosystems; they are the lungs of our heritage. They sustain our life, they protect our shores, they preserve our identity.” He further noted that while local communities have long valued the mangroves, foreign entities are now viewing them through satellite images and economic speculation, posing a threat to the collective sovereignty of the people of Niger Delta.
The curator of the works, Oriiz Onuwaje, said the exhibition aimed to celebrate the beauty of the Niger Delta, particularly the mangroves. Despite the common narrative of disaster and underdevelopment in the region, Onuwaje emphasized that the mangroves embody significant value and beauty. He also pointed out that climate change is affecting the mangroves, underscoring the need for their protection, conservation, and regeneration.
Dr. DeBebs, whose works are featured in the exhibition, stated that the role of mangroves in the ecosystem inspired his creations. He expressed hope that the exhibition would generate interest and raise awareness about the vital role mangroves play in carbon extraction and providing a cleaner environment. “Once the awareness grows, then the mangroves will thrive more because people will now be more interested in ensuring that they are not just destroyed,” he said.
