Stakeholders link art, policy at African Maritime Art Exhibition 2025

The 4th African Maritime Art Exhibition (AMAE) opened in Lagos on Tuesday with calls for stronger artistic involvement 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 the call during the exhibition themed “A Thousand Words from the Blue.”

Speaking at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, the NBC Director-General described the exhibition as a bridge between policy, the public, and the stories connected to the ocean. He stated that while reports and technical documents inform, art can “bypass jargon and speak directly to the human soul,” capturing issues and opportunities within Africa’s maritime space.

Ebuebu reaffirmed the NBC’s commitment to supporting content that highlights Nigeria’s maritime heritage and expands public understanding of the blue economy. He noted that broadcasters and artists share a mission centred on storytelling that shapes national awareness and prompts action.

As Special Guest of Honour, Oyetola officially declared the exhibition open. Represented by Prof Busayo Fakinlade, he welcomed the initiative and encouraged wider creative expressions that can support economic activity within the marine and blue economy. He added that the Ministry would continue to advance blue economy development through all available channels, including the arts.

The President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Nigeria, Barr (Mrs) Mfon Usoro, urged artists to explore Nigeria’s maritime history. Usoro, a former Secretary General of the Abuja MoU and former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), drew attention to the many historic shipwrecks across Nigeria’s waterways, describing them as useful sources for storytelling and creative interpretation.

A cultural dance performance by children from Enayon Makoko Children Foundation School and Orphanage Home in Lagos was a major highlight. Their performance drew wide applause and reinforced the role of coastal communities in maritime narratives.

Director-General of the National Gallery of Art (NGA), Ahmed Bashir Sodangi, represented by Oladipo Adetayo, spoke on the role of art in history and social change. He expressed satisfaction that some exhibitors at the 4th AMAE are products of the NGA, including Blissing Uzoatuegwu, who produced a live drawing of Barr Mfon Usoro during the event.

Representing the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Engr Elsie Egwuatu stressed the value of maritime art in conveying safety messages on inland waterways. She said art can support the regulator’s efforts to promote safe practices and reduce boat accidents and 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 tool for advocacy, education, and collaboration within Africa’s blue economy.

In her welcome address, the Convener of AMAE, Ezinne Azunna, said the exhibition has grown into a forum linking artists, policymakers, students, maritime professionals, diplomats, industry leaders, academics, and the public. She noted the inclusion of “Blue Economy in Art for Schools & Children” and announced the introduction of “Blue Art by Women” in honour of Evelyn Osagie, who served on the AMAE team until her passing in August.

Azunna said AMAE aligns with SDG 14: Life Below Water, and supports African Union and ECOWAS priorities on sustainable blue economies, maritime security, and community engagement. She explained that the exhibition uses the Edutainment Imperative to translate global and regional goals into local stories.

She thanked sponsors and partners, noting NIMAREX for collaborating and listing AMAE 2025 as a side event.