His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, the Olu of Warri, Wednesday, March 5, inaugurated ‘The Mangrove Exhibition’, in an epoch-making art showcase titled “The Intersecting Worlds of Climate Change, the Mangroves, and Art” at the Wings Office Complex on Victoria Island. The event, curated by Oriiz Onuwaje of Crimson Fusion Curators, brought together art, culture, and environmental advocacy to highlight the critical role of mangroves in the Niger Delta and the urgent need to protect them.
In his powerful opening speech, the Olu of Warri emphasized the cultural and ecological significance of the mangroves, calling them “the lungs of our heritage.” He stated, “For centuries, the people of the Niger Delta have lived with and through the mangroves. These lands are more than just ecosystems; they sustain our way of life, protect our shores, and preserve our identity.” His Majesty noted the dual threat of climate change and economic exploitation, warning against the commodification of carbon credits by foreign interests. “We will not allow our heritage to be exploited by those who neither understand its significance nor bear the cost of its destruction,” he declared.
The exhibition, which features evocative paintings by Dr. John Ed Debes, serves as both a celebration of the mangroves’ beauty and a call to action. The Olu of Warri praised the artworks as “a force for change,” saying, “Dr. Debes has masterfully captured the soul of our mangroves, translating their silent cries onto canvas. Let these works serve as both inspiration and warning.”
The event also highlighted the role of art in driving environmental awareness. Oriiz Onuwaje, the curator, was commended for creating a platform that merges art with advocacy. “Through his meticulous curation, a platform has been created, urging us all to see the mangroves not just as landscapes but as lifelines,” His Majesty noted.
The Olu of Warri called for unity among Niger Delta leaders and communities to protect the mangroves from unchecked exploitation. “Let us establish a framework to protect our mangroves and ensure that any economic benefits derived from them serve our communities first,” he urged. His speech resonated as a rallying cry for environmental justice and cultural preservation.
The Mangrove Exhibition will run until March 18, 2025, offering visitors a chance to engage with the intersection of art, climate change, and the vital ecosystems of the Niger Delta. As the Olu of Warri concluded, “May this exhibition ignite a movement. May it awaken the consciousness of our people. And may it be said in history that here, today, the defence of our mangroves began.”
The event was organized by Crimson Fusion and supported by the National Gallery of Art, the National Council of Climate Change Secretariat, Atlantic Marine, Oando Clean Energy, NCF, and Crimson Fusion, among others.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
