Some top academicians from the Department of Fine Arts in some Nigerian universities and other stakeholders have said that investment in the art and craft sector will help the society to overcome the problem of plastic pollutions.
They made this known at an art exhibition titled: ‘Identity Polemic’ organised by Chairman, Rivers State Indigenous Fine Artists, Mr. Woko Aguru Joy in Port Harcourt.
Some of the scholars including Prof Frank Obioma and Dr. Francis E.K Francis told The Tide during the exhibition that artistic works are now reducing the number of plastic waste being thrown around by members of the society.
They noted that, aside from the use of plastic waste even log woods which some times constitute a big environmental problem are being utilised by fine artists for the production of art work.
Prof Frank Obioma said even the concept of waste to wealth is best promoted by Artists.
He said because of the process of recycling of the waste, people can now sell their waste to generate money.
Obioma said a policy to encourage this development should be put in place by relevant authorities.
He praised Woko for his consistency in the development of the sector, describing the exhibition as an impressive outing.
“One of the exhibitions that caught my attention was his first solo exhibition.
“He has been consistent in his desire to introduce a new thing. Fine object that he has been passionate about”, he said.
On his part, Dr. Francis E.K. Francis said the Rivers State Indigenous Fine Artists chairman has lent his voice to the Save the Planet Earth movement.
“His works speak volumes through the waste to wealth programme. He has put a voice to say save the planet, save the earth”.
Francis also said the exhibition is about visual and building a strong state on earth.
He however, said government alone cannot do everything as the challenge to curb environmental pollution lies with everyone.
For Prof Etido Effiong Williams, visual communication can contribute to a better society.
He said apart from the waste recycling process, the various works also speak loudly about the rot in the Nigerian society.
He said the neglect of the Art sector is not helping as far as the creation of employment was concerned,  adding that the sector was capable of generating millions of jobs through waste recycling..
According to him, some African countries such as Senegal used their Art sector to attract millions of tourists every year.
He also called for the establishment of Art gallery in the state.
Speaking,  Engr. Ozuruke Ake said Artists can also use tyes to beautify the cities.
He said government needs to talk to artists to do things right.
Speaking with The Tide, the exhibitioner, Mr. Aguru Woko Joy said the industry cannot do without synergy with professionals.
Aguru said with the recycling process, the artist is creating jobs for the teeming unemployed youths.
He said artists in Rivers State need the right environment to perform.
“Government should come in. Government should create  consciousness about works of Art. It can be used to reduce waste”.
Aguru also stressed  the need for the government to set up a programme to empower the artists.
“If there is an Art carnival, it will bring people across the world.
Aguru said a lot of discussions are going to change the narrative about the work of the artists.
He said identity polemic was designed to create consciousness among Nigerians especially now that election is around the corner.

By: John Bibor & Orbim Ibama