The Lekki Port Manager of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mr. Anda Emmanuel, has described marine art as a gateway to unlocking opportunities within Nigeria’s maritime industry, urging children and youths in coastal communities to embrace creativity as a pathway to the blue economy and improved livelihoods.
Anda made the call while flagging off the maiden edition of the “Paint Your Coast” initiative at Akodo-Ise, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos. The programme, organised by the African Maritime Art Exhibition (AMAE) in collaboration with the National Gallery of Art (NGA), aims to promote ocean literacy, environmental stewardship and blue economy awareness among children and youths in coastal communities.
He observed that coastal communities have a lot of untapped opportunities and art as being deployed by AMAE exposes them to the industry, while the communities more conscious about the maritime environment.
Anda, however, stressed that art should be viewed as a platform for economic empowerment rather than merely a recreational activity.
“Our coastal communities provide immense support to the Blue Economy, and I encourage you not to see art as a confinement but as an exposure and a pathway into the marine industry. Through marine art, you will become more aware of the maritime sector, discover its vast opportunities and learn how to explore them to improve your livelihood.”
The Lekki Port Manager, alongside members of his team, also presented cash rewards to outstanding participants in recognition of their artistic works.
Speaking during the event, Convener of AMAE, Ezinne Azunna, said the initiative was designed to help children and young people living along Nigeria’s coastline recognise opportunities within the maritime sector beyond their traditional occupations.
“Following the initial training sessions, participants are provided with materials to create artworks over a one-month period. Schools will then submit entries for independent jury evaluation, with the top 10 works set to be showcased at the AMAE 2026 exhibition later this year,” the convener said.
She encouraged participants to embrace drawing, painting and other artistic expressions as valuable creative skills capable of opening doors to education, employment and entrepreneurship within the Blue Economy.
Representing the Director-General of the National Gallery of Art, Mr. Ahmed Sodangi, the Zonal Coordinator (West), Mr. Oladipo Babalola, described AMAE as a worthy partner and expressed confidence that the initiative would have a lasting impact on coastal communities through creative education.
He noted that children living along the coastline possess unique advantages and should maximise the opportunities available to them through programmes such as Paint Your Coast.
The Chairman of the occasion and Director, International Ocean Institute (IOI)-Nigeria,
Dr. Akanbi Williams, praised the initiative for using creativity as a tool to deepen environmental consciousness among children in coastal communities.
He said the programme provides students and pupils with opportunities to explore their maritime heritage, environmental responsibility and community identity through artistic expression.
According to him, art remains one of the most effective ways of telling the stories of the sea, highlighting the livelihoods of coastal people and inspiring future generations to protect fragile marine ecosystems.
Williams also acknowledged the enduring collaboration between the IOI-Nigeria Centre, AMAE, Eco Restoration Mangrove Sanctuary and Research Centre in advancing ocean literacy, coastal conservation, environmental education and community engagement across Nigeria.
Dr Aghogho Kolawole- Daniels representing of UNESCO Blue Schools Global Network, Nigeria, also commended the initiative, describing the use of art as an innovative approach to introducing children and youths to the Marine and Blue Economy.
Participants engaged in practical sessions on sculpting, pencil drawing, painting and tie-and-dye while learning how to identify and creatively utilise materials available within their immediate environment.
Guests also toured the Eco Restoration Mangrove Sanctuary at Akodo-Ise, where they were exposed to the importance of mangrove conservation and coastal ecosystem restoration.
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