By Abdullahi Lukman
Ondo State Goodwill Ambassador for the Environment, Olayemi Olapeju, has carried her advocacy for wildlife conservation and waste-to-wealth creativity to Lagos, urging Nigerians to take action in protecting endangered species and reducing environmental pollution.
At an art exhibition held on Monday, Olapeju emphasized the importance of halting the killing of wildlife for food, highlighting the urgency of preserving the country’s wildlife.
The exhibition, titled “NO TO EXTINCTION,” aimed to raise awareness about the plight of endangered species, particularly the African bush elephant.
The art displayed in the exhibition featured thorn-carved American eagle coins, created from discarded TV screens, symbolizing both the fight against wildlife extinction and the potential for turning waste into valuable art.
Olapeju explained that the exhibition was designed not only to highlight the issue of wildlife extinction but also to promote the idea of recycling and transforming waste into art.
The event included artwork crafted by Olapeju herself, along with Mrs. Bolajoko Ayeni and Mr. Charles Olulaja Akeredolu, son of the late Chief J.D. Akeredolu, who is credited with inventing thorn carving.
Dr. Funso Esan, former Ondo State Commissioner for Environment, chaired the exhibition and delivered a keynote address stressing the need for Africa to adopt stronger policies on wildlife conservation and habitat protection.
Esan pointed out that the destruction of habitats and illegal hunting continue to threaten wildlife populations but noted that the endangered species still have a chance for recovery if both the government and the public collaborate on conservation efforts.
Esan also drew parallels between the African bush elephant’s struggle and the successful recovery of the bald eagle in the United States, which returned from the brink of extinction thanks to conservation efforts.
He cited the 2008 U.S. minting of coins featuring the bald eagle to commemorate its recovery, drawing hope for similar success in the protection of African wildlife.
Through this innovative blend of art and activism, Olapeju is not only calling attention to the urgent need for wildlife protection but also inspiring a more sustainable approach to waste management, turning electronic waste into creative and impactful works of art.