The story of Epe, Lagos, is one of resilience, transformation and great potential. Ejirin,
Saga and Oriba are communities rich in culture, history and natural resources. Yet, like many regions on the cusp of rapid urbanization, these areas face their share of challenges: infrastructure gaps, economic disparities, the water hyacinth menace and the pressing need for sustainable development.
Saga and Oriba are communities rich in culture, history and natural resources. Yet, like many regions on the cusp of rapid urbanization, these areas face their share of challenges: infrastructure gaps, economic disparities, the water hyacinth menace and the pressing need for sustainable development.
This exhibition chronicles a year-long development project supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark that sought to address these challenges. The Lagos Lagoon Climate Response implemented by Help Africa Initiatives (HAI) is not an isolated initiative, but a blueprint for inclusive growth and community-driven progress.
Over the course of twelve months, a diverse team of partners, healthcare professionals,
artists, training facilitators and community leaders came together to reimagine the future.
artists, training facilitators and community leaders came together to reimagine the future.
The Lagos Lagoon Chronicles at the National Museum, Lagos, opened on April 5 with a memorable lineup of events. Visitors witnessed an explosion of tradition, color, dance, music, arts and crafts – delivered by a coalition of project partners and participants from Ejirin, Oriba and Saga.
Guests watched the 20- minute documentary on the project with great interest, admired the artworks produced by 13 artists, exchanged with the ladies producing beautiful objects made from water hyacinth live at the venue, and applauded the performances by children from Ejirin and Bariga, curated by Crown Troupe of Africa, followed by professional dancers Uche Enechukwu and Rasheed Ibrahim.
All this and more under the watchful gaze of the Elejirin of Ejirin Kingdom Oba Rafiu Ishola Balogun and his worthy council of chiefs. The exhibition venue designed with the lagoon in mind, had a section filled with water hyacinth that stayed alive all through the duration of the one-week artistic and development showcase.
Jette Bjerrum Consular General of Denmark in Lagos
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The US Ambassador to Nigeria Richard M. Mills, Jr with Bolaji Alonge and guests at the Lagos Lagoon Chronicles Exhibition Opening – Eyes of a Lagos Boy
Dr Tuyi, Bolaji Alonge and Achenyo Idachaba Obaro
Elejirin of Ejirin Oba Rafiu Ishola Balogun, his Olori, Chiefs and guests at the exhibition opening
Koffivi – Lagos Lagoon Chronicles Exhibition. The Opening – Eyes of a Lagos Boy
Lagos Lagoon Chronicles Exhibition. The Opening – Eyes of a Lagos Boy
Lagos Lagoon Chronicles Exhibition. The Opening – Eyes of a Lagos Boy
Members of the Diplomatic Corps
Bolaji Alonge
Olugbile Holloway Director General of the National Museum and the US Ambassador to Nigeria Richard M. Mills, Jr. at the Lagos Lagoon Chronicles Exhibition Opening – Eyes of a Lagos Boy
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Everyday of the week had guests from all walks of life who came to see the exhibited items, to touch the sea weed in real time and get to own the wonderful crafts can be made out of them. There were tangible lessons to learn for many that came.
In these communities beyond Epe, water hyacinth can play a significant economic role despite its challenges. As demonstrated by the project, it can serve as a resource for local industries, creating opportunities for trade, craftsmanship, and environmental solutions.
The multimedia exhibition was the concluding chapter of the Lagos Lagoon Climate
The show presents artworks by a group of thirteen talented artists that joined the project team for an immersive art experience: Ogooluwa Adeniran, Basit Akinsemoyin, Olabisi Alonge, Gaspard Koutchika, Anthony Monday, Jason Ogbazi, Oluwapelumi Olaosun, Esther Oloruntobi, Oluwayemisi Onadipe, Femi Simpson and Bolaji Alonge who created some inspiring, delicate and touching works which are the result of their intimate encounter with the beauty of Epe and its inhabitants.
The Lagos Lagoon Chronicles exhibition ended on April 12 on a high note with KIDS PLAY, an art workshop for children emphasizing sculpture and dance, conducted by Esther Oloruntobi and Uche Enechukwu.
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We want to express our genuine appreciation to the considerable number of art enthusiasts, visitors, and friends who attended the seven-day exhibition, demonstrating a keen interest in the holistic approach of the Lagos Lagoon Climate Response and the outstanding works presented by our artists.
The story of Epe is not a distant goal, but a continuous journey—one that is shaped by the voices of communities, the dedication of leaders, and the collective will to create a better future.
Our heartfelt gratitude also extends to local government officials, traditional rulers, school directors, teachers and many others whose contributions were vital to the success of the year-long project and the exhibition.
To the people of Epe, may this work stand as a tribute to your resilience and a promise of the brighter days ahead. It has been a deeply inspiring experience.
You can download the catalogue here
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