Some experts in the art and craft sector are calling on the government to use the sector to check plastic pollution in the country.
They said this at the launching of the book , Drift wood And plastic: A medium for Experimental Expressions”written by Dr Benjamin Ejiohuo and and Art exhibition in port Harcourt.
Some of the respondents  including Prof. Pamela Egware of the university of port Harcourt and Woko Aguru President Rivers indigenous Visual Artists said since Artists now rely on plastic and wood for their work, encouraging the sector will reduce plastic pollution and create employment opportunities.
On her part pamela who is the Head of Department of Fine Art University of Port Harcourt said Artiste should be involved in waste recycling to create wealth.
She said a policy on waste recycling is urgently needed in the country.
“We need a policy on waste recycling. By so doing jobs will be created and restiveness will be checked”
She also decried  the non regard for Artists by some states in the south south.
According to her “it is only Akwa Ibom state that is engaging Artists to beautify their cities.
She said Dr.Ejiohuo is teaching the society to explore and to expand their horizon.
“He is teaching us that wood is not only meant for tables and chairs.His work is to help reduce trash in the environment,” she said.
Pamela said ,using plastic and wood to create fine works of art , the Artist is simply transforming waste to wealth.
Also speaking woko Aguru of the Rives indigenous Visual Artist said the situation has shown that Artists can turn waste to wealth
He described Nigeria as  a country that is too wasteful.
“The country is so wasteful that plastic waste is littering everywhere.
“If we look at this angle,you discover that plastic waste is a huge resource that can be transform into wealth.
“If people are employed to exchange the plastic waste,the economy will grow”he said.
Chairman of the occasion Kingsley Eguma said society should appreciate what the Artists are doing for it.
He also advised Artists to be consistent with their work despite the neglect by the society.
Dr Ejiohuo told journalists that the book is about the use of plastic and driftwood to produce Art work.
“I draw,I paint and use drift wood and plastic to express myself”
Ejiohuo also called on his fellow Artists to use resources within their envelope for their work.
“The message is that use what  you have in your environment to do what you want to do”.

By: John Bibor