Esther Nosazeogie’s wetland photography exhibition in Lagos, Nigeria
Earlier this year we shared a grant opportunity with our members who were asked to submit proposals for environmental storytelling projects. Esther Nosazeogie’s project was a photography exhibition in Lagos, Nigeria, which raised awareness about the potential destruction of a local wetland and highlighted its beauty and value.
We provided Esther with a grant to put on the exhibition, as well as providing help from one of our mentors through our mentorship scheme, who had experience with curating and holding photography exhibitions
Esther said, “We hosted 57 pupils/students from 5 schools in the surrounding area, and 45 adults, excluding the National Theatre staff that came to see the exhibition, but declined to register for the event.”
“In addition to looking at the wonderful photos on display, the children attended educational sessions during which they learned about the importance of wetlands and their biodiversity, and asked tons of brilliant questions inspired by the photos. The event was also attended by members of the diplomatic and business community, Lagos state officials, and members of the press, and mentioned in the local news.”
“As shown in the above video, we believe that all our visitors left the exhibition with an entirely different outlook on wetlands. Also, this event has attracted the support of many individuals and organizations to this cause (advocating the preservation of the National Theatre wetlands). It has inspired different organizations that are now strategizing to work together to organize similar advocacy events in the future. Although there is no official statement from the Bankers Committee, we have wind of rumors that the sand filling project is being reconsidered, and I intend to follow this up with more advocacy (in synergy with supporting organizations).”
“Thank you again. If not for WildLens, this event would never have come to life. And from this event, I am even more convinced of the power of storytelling for inspiring positive change for conservation. I look forward to working with you again really soon.”
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