The African Maritime Art Exhibition (AMAE), in collaboration with the National Gallery of Art, is taking maritime art, ocean literacy and blue economy awareness directly to Nigeria's coastal communities through its Paint Your Coast initiative.
Following its launch in Akodo-Ise, the programme expanded to Makoko, where children and young people took part in practical sessions in drawing, painting, sculpture and tie-and-dye while learning about their maritime environment and the opportunities within the blue economy.
Professional artists transformed the Makoko waterfront into a live creative studio, mentoring participants as they captured the community's unique lagoon seascape through art.
Flagging off the initiative, the Lekki Port Manager of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Mr Anda Emmanuel, said the initiative is exposing coastal communities to opportunities within the maritime sector while encouraging young people to embrace creativity as a pathway to economic empowerment.
Convener of the African Maritime Art Exhibition, Ezinne Azunna, said the initiative is designed to equip children with creative skills while helping them see their coastal environment as a source of opportunity, innovation and sustainable livelihoods.
Prince David Omaghomi, Trustee of the Eco Restoration Mangrove Sanctuary and Research Centre, said exposing children to the mangrove ecosystem alongside creative learning is helping to nurture environmental stewardship and a deeper appreciation of Nigeria's coastal heritage.
Art teachers involved in the programme said the hands-on training is building participants' artistic confidence while encouraging them to tell the stories of their coastal communities through creative expression.
Participants described the experience as inspiring, saying it had broadened their understanding of both art and the opportunities within the marine and blue economy.
The programme will culminate in a one-month competition, with the top entries from participating schools to be showcased at the African Maritime Art Exhibition 2026.
