Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has launched the maiden edition of the “Paint Your Coast” initiative, a creative advocacy programme designed to introduce children and youths in coastal communities to opportunities within Nigeria’s Blue Economy through marine art, environmental education and ocean literacy.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony held at Akodo-Ise in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, the Lekki Port Manager of the NPA, Mr. Anda Emmanuel, described marine art as a powerful tool for unlocking the vast economic opportunities embedded in the maritime sector while promoting environmental sustainability among coastal communities.
He said the initiative, organised by the African Maritime Art Exhibition (AMAE) in collaboration with the National Gallery of Art (NGA), aligns with efforts to build awareness of the Blue Economy and empower young people with creative skills that can improve their livelihoods.
According to him, Nigeria’s coastal communities possess enormous untapped potential, and initiatives such as Paint Your Coast provide an avenue to expose young people to the maritime industry while encouraging them to become custodians of the marine environment.
“Our coastal communities are central to the success of the Blue Economy. I encourage every participant not to see art merely as a pastime, but as a gateway to knowledge, innovation and opportunities within the maritime sector. Through marine art, you will gain a deeper understanding of the industry, discover its vast potential and develop skills that can improve your future,” Emmanuel said.
He further urged participants to embrace creativity as a pathway to economic empowerment rather than viewing art solely as a recreational activity.
As part of the event, the Lekki Port Manager and members of his management team presented cash prizes to outstanding participants in recognition of their artistic talents and commitment.
Speaking on the initiative, the Convener of the African Maritime Art Exhibition, Mrs. Ezinne Azunna, said Paint Your Coast was conceived to broaden the horizons of children and youths living in coastal communities by exposing them to career and entrepreneurial opportunities within the maritime sector beyond their traditional occupations.
She explained that participants would undergo practical art training before being provided with materials to create artworks over a one-month period.
“At the end of the exercise, participating schools will submit entries for assessment by an independent panel of judges, with the ten best artworks earning places at the African Maritime Art Exhibition 2026 later this year,” she said.
Azunna encouraged participants to embrace drawing, painting, sculpture and other creative expressions as valuable skills capable of opening doors to education, employment and entrepreneurship within the Blue Economy.
Representing the Director-General of the National Gallery of Art, Mr. Ahmed Sodangi, the Zonal Coordinator (West), Mr. Babalola Oladipo, described AMAE as a strategic partner committed to using art as a vehicle for education and social transformation.
He expressed confidence that the initiative would leave a lasting impact on coastal communities by nurturing creativity while promoting environmental awareness among children and young people.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the occasion and Director of the International Ocean Institute (IOI)- Nigeria, Dr. Akanbi Williams, commended the initiative for leveraging creativity to deepen environmental consciousness and maritime awareness among children.
He noted that the programme offers pupils and students a unique opportunity to explore their maritime heritage, understand environmental responsibility and strengthen their sense of community identity through artistic expression.
According to Williams, art remains one of the most effective tools for telling the stories of the sea, showcasing the livelihoods of coastal communities and inspiring future generations to protect fragile marine ecosystems.
He also applauded the longstanding collaboration among the IOI-Nigeria Centre, AMAE and the Eco Restoration Mangrove Sanctuary and Research Centre in advancing ocean literacy, coastal conservation, environmental education and community engagement across Nigeria.
In his remarks, Dr. Aghigho Kolawole-Daniels,representing the UNESCO Blue Schools Global Network, Nigeria, described the initiative as an innovative approach to introducing children and youths to the Marine and Blue Economy, while encouraging them to harness the opportunities available within their coastal environment.
Participants at the event engaged in practical sessions on sculpture, pencil drawing, painting and tie-and-dye, while learning how to creatively utilise locally available materials.
The event also featured an educational tour of the Eco Restoration Mangrove Sanctuary in Akodo-Ise, where participants gained first-hand knowledge of mangrove conservation, biodiversity protection and the critical role of healthy coastal ecosystems in supporting sustainable livelihoods and the Blue Economy.