Remember the 3R's to Celebrate Earth Day with ‘Environmental Art Exhibition’ (April 20, 2012)

Abuja | April 20, 2012

Fauziyat Babagoyi, primary 5 pupil of Golden Key Academy, Suleja, explains her class work to U.S. Charge D’ Affaires James McAnulty. Embassy photo by Idika Onyukwu

Nduwhite Ahanonu, Creative Director IICD, right, explains a display to U.S. Charge James McAnulty and Deputy Chief of Mission Melissa Ford. Embassy photo by Idika Onyukwu.

Ten upcoming Nigerian artists including an alumnus of the U.S. Government exchange program and students from schools in Suleja, exhibited their art work at the Hilton as part of this year’s Earth Day celebration.  The talent-laden display which seeks to draw attention to environmental consciousness was organized by the U.S. Mission in collaboration with the NGO, International Institute for Creative Development (IICD) and the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

In his opening remarks, U.S. Charge d' Affaires James McAnulty said time has come for everyone to take active steps to celebrate the mission of Earth Day every day of the year.  He said the exhibition demonstrates the U.S. Mission's commitment to safeguarding the environment and to create opportunities for Nigerian artists to use their talents to address social issues through the arts.  McAnulty also expressed his delight in the participation of Suleja school students who displayed colorful and talented art created from their class projects.

To underscore the right of everyone to a clean environment, all ten art pieces displayed were taken from abandoned waste materials such as empty beer cans, bottle covers, plastic cans, broken CD plates, and other discarded materials.  Nduwhite Ndubuisi Ahanonu, Creative Director of IICD, recommends three key action points – the 3Rs – of reduce, reuse and recycle as environmental best practices.  And to adopt the 3Rs approach, he encourages members of the public whether on or off the road, to “dispose waste properly in designated points; patronize and use products made from recycled materials and above all, to at least plant a tree as often as possible.”

This year’s Earth Day celebration marks the 42nd anniversary since the formal declaration of the event on April 22.