The maiden edition of the FREEE Recycle art exhibition held recently in Lagos has spotlighted young Nigerian creatives reimagining environmental solutions through art and recycling.
It also inspired young artists into the climate conversation in practical and creative ways.
Held on the 14th floor of Access Bank Headquarters, Oniru, Lagos, the exhibition was organised by FREEE Recycle as a window to amplify climate change conversations through education, circular economy and youth engagement.
It is part of the company’s broader mission to inspire the next generation to see waste as a resource rather than trash.
Managing Director of FREEE Recycle, Ifedolapo Runsewe, said the initiative was designed to bring young people into the climate conversation in practical and creative ways.
“Our SDGs, education, and partnership for the goals are key. The youth and upcoming generations have a crucial role to play in climate change conversations. So, we thought, how can we achieve this? We decided to bring students in and have conversations around circularity and its impact on our environment,” she said.
According to her, over 200 students applied for the FREEE Residency Programme, with five undergraduate artists eventually selected after a rigorous process. During the residency, participants were mentored by leading faculty members.
The young artists also went on a cultural field trip to the J.K. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, which helped shape their creative process as they reimagined lost and stolen artefacts through recycled materials.
“All the pieces on display were developed over six to seven weeks. They did a fantastic job. Proceeds from the art sales will go to the FREE Impact Foundation and will be used to provide footwear and school bags for children in underserved communities,” she said.
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Runsewe urged young Nigerians to rethink their approach to 1consumption and disposal of waste.
“Before you consume anything, before you dispose of anything, think about the value you can derive from it. We all have a part to play in climate action,” she added.
Among the exhibiting artists was Joseph Ajagbe, a fresh graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University, who presented two pieces, one of which, titled The Connection, explored the shared cultural heritage between Ife and Benin.
“History supports the fact that Ife and Benin share historical pasts together. That can never be overlooked, that can never be denied. Not of war, but of good shared cultural heritage,” he said.
“I used the rulers of Ife, iconic artifacts of Ife, and Benin bronzes to show that their stories are incomplete standing alone. Together, they show brotherhood and shared history.”
The young artist, who created his work using discarded materials like old tires, expressed deep joy at the opportunity to exhibit.
“How do I explain the feeling? I can’t, actually. But I feel much more alive, seeing people love my work and coming together to see what we can make out of waste. My project contributes to global sustainability and encourages other artists to embrace it,” he said.
The event was supported by the Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Lagos, Access Bank and Sagegrave Finance.
Runsewe also revealed plans to expand the initiative next year, calling for more sponsors to support the growing platform.
The exhibition underscored the power of art as a tool for environmental advocacy and demonstrated how Nigerian youth can lead the charge in building a more sustainable future.
