Olu of Warri Urges Protection of Niger Delta Mangroves and Ecosystem

 

His Majesty, the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, has called for the preservation of the Niger Delta’s vital mangrove ecosystems, while also opposing their exploitation for economic gain.

Speaking at the inauguration of The Mangrove Exhibition, an art showcase held at the Wings Office Complex on Victoria Island, Lagos, Ogiame emphasized the environmental and social importance of the mangroves, which he described as irreplaceable for both the ecosystem and human communities.

The exhibition, curated by Oriiz Onuwaje of Crimson Fusion Curators, combined art, culture, and environmental advocacy to highlight the critical role the mangroves play in the Niger Delta and the urgent need to protect them.

During his speech titled “The Intersecting Worlds of Climate Change, the Mangroves and Art”, the Warri monarch referred to the mangroves as “the lungs of our heritage.” He noted their significance in sustaining local livelihoods, protecting shorelines, and preserving cultural identity. However, he also warned that these mangroves were increasingly viewed by outsiders through the lens of economic speculation, threatening the sovereignty of the Niger Delta people.

“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,” he said.

His Majesty also addressed the dual threats posed by climate change and economic exploitation, particularly highlighting concerns about the commodification of carbon credits by foreign entities. He firmly stated, “We will not allow our heritage to be exploited by those who neither understand its significance nor bear the cost of its destruction.”

The exhibition, featuring powerful paintings by Dr. John Ed Debes, was both a celebration of the beauty of the mangroves and a call to action. Ogiame commended Dr. Debes’ art, describing it as a “force for change” and said, “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.”

Oriiz Onuwaje, the curator, was also praised for his role in creating a platform that blends art and environmental advocacy. His Majesty added, “Through his meticulous curation, a platform has been created, urging us all to see the mangroves not just as landscapes but as lifelines.”

In his closing remarks, the Olu of Warri called for unity among Niger Delta leaders and communities to safeguard 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.

The exhibition, which runs until March 18, 2025, invites visitors to engage with the intersection of art, climate change, and the crucial ecosystems of the Niger Delta. 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 defense of our mangroves began.”

The event was 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.