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.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, and the Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Mr Charles Ebuebu, made this appeal during their addresses at the event which had the theme, “A Thousand Words from the Blue.”
This is contained in a statement signed and issued by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the African Maritime Art Exhibition (AMAE), Mr Kenneth Jukpor, and made available to newsmen in Lagos on Thursday.
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 reports and technical documents may inform, but art had 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 showcased Nigeria’s maritime heritage and deepened public consciousness about the blue economy.
According to him, broadcasters and artists share a common mission of telling stories that shape national awareness and inspire action.
As the Special Guest of Honour and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, officially declared the exhibition open, and re-echoed the same thoughts.
Oyetola, who was represented by Prof. Busayo Fakinlade, his Technical Advisor, applauded the initiative and urged more creative expressions that could 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, the President, Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Nigeria and former Secretary-General of the Abuja MoU, Mrs Mfon Usoro, encouraged artists to mine the nation’s maritime history for inspiration.
Usoro, who was also the 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.
On his part, the Director-General, National Gallery of Art (NGA), Ahmed Sodangi, underlined the unique role of art in preserving history and driving change in society.
The NGA boss, represented by Mr Oladipo Adetayo, expressed delight that some of the exhibitors at the 4th AMAE were products of the NGA including; Blessing Uzoatuegwu, who produced a live drawing of Mrs Mfon Usoro from her sitting position at the event.
Representing the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mrs Elsie Egwuatu, stressed that maritime art should be explored to convey the message of safety on the inland waterways.
According to her, art can aid the regulator’s agenda in driving safe and sustainable practices to curb boat accidents and recurring loss of lives.
In her welcome address, the Convener of AMAE, Ezinne Azunna, said that AMAE had grown into more than an exhibition to become a forum bringing together artists, policymakers, students, maritime stakeholders, academics, and the public to reflect, learn, and take action.
“We have woven into our programme 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, 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,” Azunna said.
She noted that through art, they could translate the global and regional goals into local, tangible stories that inspired understanding, empathy, and responsible stewardship of the oceans using the Edutainment Imperative.
The convener profusely thanked the array of sponsors and partners, even as she singled out the Nigeria Maritime Conference and Exhibition (NIMAREX) for collaborating and listing AMAE 2025 as a side event.
The event was organised by Media Traction Ltd., 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.
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 emphasised the strong cultural connection between coastal communities and the maritime environment
