Oyetola, Ebuebu Hail Marine-Themed Creativity At AMAE 2025

The 4th African Maritime Art Exhibition (AMAE) opened in Lagos on Tuesday with strong calls for deeper artistic engagement in shaping public understanding of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.

Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola CON, and the Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Mr. Charles Ebuebu, made this appeal during their address at the event themed; “A Thousand Words from the Blue.”

Speaking at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, the NBC Director General described the exhibition as a powerful bridge between policy, people, and the often-untold stories of the ocean.

He noted that while reports and technical documents may inform, art has the capacity to “bypass jargon and speak directly to the human soul,” capturing the beauty, challenges, and opportunities within Africa’s maritime domain.

Ebuebu reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to promoting content that showcases Nigeria’s maritime heritage and deepens public consciousness about the blue economy.

According to him, broadcasters and artists share a common mission – telling stories that shape national awareness and inspire action.

As the Special Guest of Honour and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, officially declared the exhibition open, he reechoed the same thoughts.

Represented by Prof. Busayo Fakinlade, Oyetola applauded the initiative and urged more creative expressions that can stimulate economic growth within the marine and blue economy space.

He added that the Ministry would continue to advance blue economy development through every available dimension, including the arts.

Also speaking at the event, the President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Nigeria, Barr. (Mrs.) Mfon Usoro, encouraged artists to mine the nation’s maritime history for inspiration.

Usoro, who is a former Secretary General of the Abuja MoU and former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), highlighted the numerous historic shipwrecks across Nigeria’s waterways as rich material for storytelling and creative interpretation.

One of the major highlights of the event was a captivating cultural dance performance by children from Enayon Makoko Children Foundation School and Orphanage Home, a waterfront community in Lagos. Their display drew wide applause and further emphasized the strong cultural connection between coastal communities and the maritime environment.

On his part, the Director – General, National Gallery of Art (NGA), Ahmed Bashir Sodangi, underlined the unique role of art in preserving history and driving change in society.

The NGA boss, who was represented by Oladipo Adetayo, expressed delight that some of the exhibitors at the 4th AMAE are products of the NGA including; Blissing Uzoatuegwu, who produced a live drawing of Barr. Mfon Usoro from her sitting position at the event.

Representing the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Engr. Elsie Egwuatu, stressed that maritime art should be explored to convey the message of safety on the inland waterways.

According to her, art could aid the regulator’s agenda in driving safe and sustainable practices to curb boat accidents and recurring loss of lives.

Organised by Media Traction Limited, owners of Maritime TV Africa, Hazi Arts and The Maritime Writes Project, the exhibition continues to position art as a compelling tool for advocacy, education, and continental collaboration in Africa’s growing blue economy landscape.

In her welcome address, the Convener of AMAE, Ezinne Azunna, posited that AMAE has grown into more than an exhibition to become a forum bringing together artists, policymakers, students, maritime professionals, the diplomatic community, captains of industry, academics, and the public to reflect, learn, and take action.

“We have woven into our program several topical conversations and art sections, such as “Blue Economy in Art for Schools & Children.” This year, we are proud to introduce “Blue Art by Women,” inspired by our dear sister, friend, and colleague-poet, writer, and artist-Evelyn Osagie, who served on the AMAE team until her passing in August this year.

“AMAE aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 14: Life Below Water, which calls for the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans, seas, and marine resources. Our work also supports regional priorities articulated by the African Union and ECOWAS, promoting sustainable blue economies, maritime security, and community engagement across West Africa.

“Through art, we translate these global and regional goals into local, tangible stories that inspire understanding, empathy, and responsible stewardship of the oceans using the Edutainment Imperative,” she remarked.

The convener profusely thanked the array of sponsors and partners even as she singled out NIMAREX for collaborating and listing AMAE 2025 as a side event.