The Nation Newspaper

Tag: recycling

  • Making wealth from recycling

    Making wealth from recycling

    Disturbed by the tonnes of waste generated in Nigeria and its poor management, some women are making efforts to create a rewarding business out of recycling, writes DANIEL ESSIET.

    As the price of imported products soar and the sustainability movement gains momentum, recycling markets have strengthened across the country. Where they were once limited to aluminium cans, soda bottles and milk jugs, there are now recyclables markets for  everything.

    This has created new oppor-tunities for an increasing number of Nigerians to make money from trash. One of them is Chief Executive Officer, T. Cynthia Nigeria Limited, Mrs Cynthia Saka. She is making money from selling products taken from landfills. To her, waste collection and recycling is not just a matter of recovering recyclable material; but also part of the economic system.

    According to her, there are buyers for waste.

    Sometimes she gets truckloads of plastics from collectors. The next step is to get them sorted, packaged and ready to go into the marketplace. This is because there are many companies looking for them. For her, local landfill waste collection is only the beginning of a recycling cycle.

    With the expanse of work, she has done in the field, she is a national expert.

    While she recycles her waste into plastic products, some of her colleagues are partnering state and local governments, to set up intermediate processing centres or materials recovery facilities. The major cost, they incur include paying the companies and individuals involved in collecting, transporting, and processing recyclable commodities.

    According to her, the demand for recycled products requires that the products be cost competitive and of high quality. Buyers, she said, demand that the waste be available in large enough quantities for economies of scale.

    A lot of Nigerians have jumped on the green bandwagon. Another is the Founder WeCyclers, Mrs Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola. The Chief Executive Officer  Wecyclers, is known as the recycling queen. Before Wecyclers, she was a software engineer working for a Fortune 500 company in the United States.

    After five years, she quit her job and applied for an MBA at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Sloan School of Management. While working on a project to help households in developing countries, she decided to work on waste – focusing on its uses, collection and processing.

    After the project was completed, she conducted more research focusing on Nigeria and saw the potential in the waste recycling sector, especially among the manufacturing plants that are hungry for a cheaper and easily available source of raw materials due to local and foreign demand for end products.

    She, then, decided to move the idea forward and Wecyclers was born.

    Upon her return to Nigeria, people were initially apprehen-sive. They didn’t know what to make of her obsession with waste. However, when they saw how passionate she was about her idea, how she was able to build and motivate her team, they began to take interest.

    WeCyclers is a successful initiative that enables low-income communities to make money from the waste piling up in their streets. It deploys a fleet of cargo bicycles to collect and recycle waste in Lagos. Weekly, these bicycles go to people’s homes picking up a variety of plastics, cans and sachets. The residents receive points via SMS based on the weight of recyclables they collect, which they can redeem for basic food items, consumer electronics, or even cash.

    After collection, WeCyclers aggregates the material at the household level to sell to local recycling processors.

    Mrs Adebiyi-Abiola, has launched LagosIs Recycling initiative aimed at building low-cost waste collection infrastructure while raising general awareness on the importance of recycling for environmental sustainability and social welfare.

    Mrs Adebiyi-Abiola said Nigerians should see waste as a resource, not a nuisance or an environmental problem.

    With the initiative, Wecyclers, in partnership with Lagos State Waste Management (LAWMA), is encouraging Nigerians to recycle their household items, thereby promoting a cleaner and healthier Lagos.

    Other partner organisations include Unilever, DHL, Nigerian Bottling Company, UKAID, and First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

    Co-Founder/Chief Operations Officer (COO), RecyclePoints, Chioma Ukonu, operates an incentive-based scheme which collects recyclable waste materials from consumers and rewards them with ‘points’ which they can accumulate and use to redeem household items, through the startup’s iRecycle store.

    The RecyclePoints model is an incentive “Point-Based” collection programme that allocates “Points” to the quantity of recyclable items neatly collected at the point of disposal by post-consumers who in turn use the earned “Points” to redeem numerous identified household items and services.

    Subscribers to the scheme are given Green Cards, where items collected and counted are recorded against each week of the month. Recyclers get an SMS notification at the end of the week on the number of “Points” gained.

    Thereafter, the points gained could be traded in exchange for equivalent tagged items available at the RecyclePoints “iRecycle Store”.

    Redeemed items are collected from the company’s office are delivered to the recycler. Recyclers register to join the iRecycle Network and earn points from various recycling.

     

  • Beware! Recycling contaminates plastic toys

    Beware! Recycling contaminates plastic toys

    Some banned toxic flame retardant chemicals are now found in recycled plastics in form of e-waste, which are being made into several toys for children to play with. It is believed that the popular magic puzzle toys called “Rubik” contain these harmful chemicals.

    Though these chemicals are already banned, the Stockholm Convention is however yet to address their use in recycled form, so the case is for the Convention to take action in extending the ban to their not being used in recycled plastics, which is considered a threat to children’s health. The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) is an international environmental treaty, signed in 2001 and effective from May 2004, that aims to eliminate or restrict the production and use of POPs.

    Observers see the situation as a case of another toxic dump on Africa by Asian countries, where most of the toys come from.

    Indeed, a new global survey has found out that recycling plastics containing toxic flame retardant chemicals found in electronic waste results in contamination of the world’s best-selling toy along with other children’s products. Ironically, the chemical contaminants can damage the nervous system and reduce intellectual capacity but are found in Rubik’s Cubes – a puzzle toy designed to exercise the mind.

    The study was performed by IPEN (a global civil society network), Arnika (an environmental organisation in the Czech Republic) and SRADev Nigeria (a national NGO). The toxic chemicals, OctaBDE, DecaBDE and HBCD, are used in the plastic casings of electronic products and if they are not removed, they are carried into new products when the plastic is recycled.

    The survey of products from 26 countries, including Nigeria, found that 90 percent of the samples contained OctaBDE or DecaBDE. Nearly half of them (43%) contained HBCD.

    In Nigeria, SRADev purchased 18 rubik’s cube-like toys and sent them for analysis to the Czech Republic. Fourteen samples were chosen for laboratory tests. The analysis found that all 14 samples contained OctaBDE and DecaBDE at elevated concentrations. One of the samples from Nigeria  tested with the highest concentration of OctaBDE among 111 samples from 26 countries. These chemicals are persistent and known to harm the reproductive system and disrupt hormone systems, adversely impacting intelligence, attention, learning and memory.

    “Toxic chemicals in electronic waste should not be present in children’s toys,” said Leslie Adogame, Executive Director of SRADev Nigeria. “This problem needs to be addressed globally and nationally.”

    The result of the study emerges just a few days before the global Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Stockholm Convention will decide whether to continue allowing the recycling of materials containing OctaBDE and possibly make a new recycling exemption for DecaBDE. The treaty’s expert committee has warned against the practice.

    “Recycling materials that contain toxic chemicals contaminates new products, continues exposure, and undermines the credibility of recycling,” said Joe DiGangi, IPEN. “Governments should end this harmful loophole.”

  • ‘Recycling creates jobs’

    United Recyclers Association President Afolabi Saheed has  said recycling and more efficient resource use have led to new jobs in Lagos and Ogun states.

    Speaking on the sidelines of the Recycling Day, Saheed said jobs were created as more Nigerians join the industry to collect and recycle commercial and industrial wastes.

    Though he was not exact on the number of jobs created and the number of youths attracted to the sector, Saheed noted that apart from Lagos, the association has been recording new entrants in Ogun State.

    According to him, the waste collection and recycling industry has grown quickly, translating to self-employment opportunities.

    Some of the members are involved in collection, sorting and reprocessing, as well as in the supply chain.

    Earlier, Saheed had reiterated his association’s   seriousness about unlocking the wealth in waste and help consumers to recycle as much as possible.

    He explained that recycling is a value chain activity that begins with recyclable material collection from locations such as households, drop-off points, construction and demolition centers and businesses.

  • Cleaner City: Lagos, firm partner on recycling of waste oil

    Cleaner City: Lagos, firm partner on recycling of waste oil

    To tackle the indiscriminate handling/management and disposal of spent/waste oil, a major contaminants of its ecosystem, the Lagos State Government has said it will partner with Ecocycle Technology, to begin a recycling programme aimed at ensuring a cleaner environment.

    The General Manager/CEO, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Adebola Rasheed Shabi, said the move was aimed at protecting the environment and the prevention of further contamination of the surface and underground water body in the state.

    He said under the new system Lagosians whether corporate or individuals, would be encouraged to deposit their used oil at any of the specially designated collection centres across the state for onward disposal by the firm.

    Shabi said since the proper management of used oil is a major environmental concern, in accordance with the laws setting up the agency, it would be an offence for anyone to discharge their spent fuel indiscriminately into storm drains or elsewhere in the state when the system finally rolls off.

    He said: “The goal of this effort is to ensure an environmental quality that is consistent with the social and economic needs of the state, in order to protect human and animal health, welfare, property and quality of life.”

    He further stated that the continuous monitoring and control of the disposal of solids, liquids and gaseous wastes generated by both government and private facilities has led LASEPA to setting some benchmarks that has ensured the safety of lives of residents.

    He said approximately about two hundred million litres of used oil are dumped on the bare ground or into storm drains nationwide every year, with no one bothering about its adverse effect on the environment and human health.

    “Improperly disposed oil can contaminate drinking water and harm aquatic animal and plant life, by depriving them of nutrients and oxygen. These waste oil contains heavy metals (i.e. Chromium, Lead, Zinc, Mercury, etc, that bio-magnify in the body tissues of the aquatic animals such as Cyclops, Planktons and other Benton) that are primary producers in the food chain,” he said. When these primary food chains are consumed by man, he explained, they become carcinogenic (cancer causing agents), in the human bodies.

    With this partnership, LASEPA, Shabi said, is encouraging Lagosians to protect the state’s natural resources, surface and underground drinking water supplies by properly disposing used motor/engine oil at public collection centres that would be appropriately designated across the state.

    The Managing Director of Ecocycle Technology Mr. Albert Adewunmi said the firm is determined to put an end to the contamination of the ecosystem as a result of waste oil through a beneficial recycling system that is meant to make the environment cleaner.

    He listed some of the products that could be generated from the recycled waste oil to include fresh engine oil, diesel, asphalt residue, which could be mixed with bitumen, as well as soap.

    “The recycling would also create work opportunities for hundreds of people directly and millions indirectly as waste collectors, and job creators,” Aderomi said.

    He added that the recycling system comes with a waste buy back opportunity where the firm would be paying a token to anyone who patronises it by bringing their waste oil in exchange for cash.

  • Nigeria gets ACA’s support on cashew waste recycling

    The  African  Cashew  Alliance has  reiterated  its  commitment to helping  Nigeria implement changes needed to reduce poverty  through  creation of  jobs  in  cashew waste  recycling.

    Presenting  the USAID-funded Trade Hub Project commissioned study on  environmental management of  cashew processing industry, ACA SEAL Coordinator,  Dorcas D. Amoh  said  Nigeria and other West African countries are denying  themselves the opportunities of  providing  more jobs and generating  additional revenue by  not  deploying  technologies  to  transform  waste  to  products  that  will  speed  up  industrial development.

    According  to study, Amoh said  there  were  very positive results within the Cashew Value Chain in West Africa in recent years, including expansions in production of raw cashew nut, a growth in installed processing capacity, and increased trade, but  noted  that  the  processing industry generates a significant waste stream with 50 to 75 per cent of cashew nut shells left over after processing.

    Waste from cashew nut shells, she  noted  mounts up quickly and most processing plants have found it difficult to dispose of it properly, with growing mounds of waste dumps on-site. The presence of caustic  CNSL (cashew nut shell liquid) in the waste, she  referred  to the study  slowed natural decomposition and can lead to local site contamination and toxic run-off into nearby surface waters.

    The dark and oily waste stream,she noted,  has given the cashew industry a slight black eye and prompted growing concern about the environmental implications of cashew processing. Accordingly, and in line with its project-wise Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (EMMP),she  said  the USAID-funded Trade Hub Project commissioned the study of the environmental management of the cashew processing industry to address  issues of adverse environmental impacts .

    The intention,according to her, is  to  seek solutions  and  improve the marketability of African cashew in an increasingly globalised market demanding sustainable production. Doing so,she  added  would help to  expand West Africa’s comparative advantage in cashew production and processing.

    To her, the cashew processing  presents an  opportunity to diversify income sources  from  the subsector.

  • Akingbade’s recycling, art at Temple Muse

    Akingbade’s recycling, art at Temple Muse

    I want to be an artist whose space is limitless.  I have always loved to experiment with different objects people normally overlook. The vibrant digital prints on paper and their unusual hues inspire me to start creating works. I see paper as a unique representation of my graphic design and printing profession, which I try to reflect in my work,” said Adeyinka Akingbade whose solo art exhibition opened last Monday at premier concept store, Temple Muse, in Lagos.

    Akingbade, an award winning artist and alumni of the prestigious Yaba College of Technology, used paper waste to create 36 rich, multi-textured works, which focus predominantly on portraiture and abstract landscapes.

    It reflects the dexterity of an artist who expresses the tenacity of life and relationships by using perforated rubber sheets and tiny paper punched holes to show that Africans need the same tenacity and toughness to survive, as the materials he manipulates.

    “I have always loved to experiment with different objects to highlight unique materials one would normally overlook,” explains Akingbade who runs a small graphic design consultancy and printing press. “Working in graphics actually gave birth to the idea of recycling the excess paper waste that is produced during printing for my art.”

    Akingbade’s stark simple silhouettes off-set against highly textured white and dark backgrounds portray a fresh and unusual take on “recycling & art”. His world of design overlaps seamlessly with his classical training in painting as his skillful and fascinating use of paper, glue, acrylic, is combined with found objects such as the colorful straps of cheap roadside rubber slippers, which lend a playful attitude, emotion, and personality to his portraits.

    Besides these eclectic mixed media works, Akingbade also revealed expertise in print techniques by presenting abstract monoprints with dashes of colour that look almost like Asian symbols. After graduating in painting, he learned how to do silk and screen printing from well known Nigerian artist Dr. Kunle Adeyemi,  one of Akingbade’s mentors.

    “We are delighted to present emerging artists like Akingbade during our summer art salon explained exhibition curator Sandra Mbanefo Obiago, who has ensured that many young artists showcase their work along side industry veterans in Temple Muse’s quarterly exhibitions.

    After graduating with a Higher National Diploma in painting from the Yaba Institute of Technology in 2008, Akingbade’s eclectic and versatile style drew the attention of the African Artists’ Foundation’s Unbreakable Nigerian Spirit art competition in which he emerged as one of the finalists. In 2010, he was selected to take part in the month long CCA Lagos artist residency programme, Independence and the Ambivalence of Promise, and the following year he won first prize at the Lagos Black Heritage Festival’s Walls of Prison into Fields of Freedom art competition.  His first presentation abroad was in 2014 when he exhibited at the 25th Annual Festival of the Arts in Chicago, USA.

    “Its important that we make space for fresh creative minds to exhibit along side Nigerian masters like Prof Bruce Onobrakpeya, and ensure that our discerning audience enjoys the best and brightest that Nigeria has to offer,” concluded Temple Muse Director, Kabir Wadhwani. The exhibition is runs from July 20 to September 4.

  • Akingbade’s recycling, art at Temple Muse

    Akingbade’s recycling, art at Temple Muse

    I want to be an artist whose space is limitless.  I have always loved to experiment with different objects people normally overlook. The vibrant digital prints on paper and their unusual hues inspire me to start creating works. I see paper as a unique representation of my graphic design and printing profession, which I try to reflect in my work,” said Adeyinka Akingbade whose solo art exhibition opened last Monday at premier concept store, Temple Muse, in Lagos.

    Akingbade, an award winning artist and alumni of the prestigious Yaba College of Technology, used paper waste to create 36 rich, multi-textured works, which focus predominantly on portraiture and abstract landscapes.

    It reflects the dexterity of an artist who expresses the tenacity of life and relationships by using perforated rubber sheets and tiny paper punched holes to show that Africans need the same tenacity and toughness to survive, as the materials he manipulates.

    “I have always loved to experiment with different objects to highlight unique materials one would normally overlook,” explains Akingbade who runs a small graphic design consultancy and printing press. “Working in graphics actually gave birth to the idea of recycling the excess paper waste that is produced during printing for my art.”

    Akingbade’s stark simple silhouettes off-set against highly textured white and dark backgrounds portray a fresh and unusual take on “recycling & art”. His world of design overlaps seamlessly with his classical training in painting as his skillful and fascinating use of paper, glue, acrylic, is combined with found objects such as the colorful straps of cheap roadside rubber slippers, which lend a playful attitude, emotion, and personality to his portraits.

    Besides these eclectic mixed media works, Akingbade also revealed expertise in print techniques by presenting abstract monoprints with dashes of colour that look almost like Asian symbols. After graduating in painting, he learned how to do silk and screen printing from well known Nigerian artist Dr. Kunle Adeyemi,  one of Akingbade’s mentors.

    “We are delighted to present emerging artists like Akingbade during our summer art salon explained exhibition curator Sandra Mbanefo Obiago, who has ensured that many young artists showcase their work along side industry veterans in Temple Muse’s quarterly exhibitions.

    After graduating with a Higher National Diploma in painting from the Yaba Institute of Technology in 2008, Akingbade’s eclectic and versatile style drew the attention of the African Artists’ Foundation’s Unbreakable Nigerian Spirit art competition in which he emerged as one of the finalists. In 2010, he was selected to take part in the month long CCA Lagos artist residency programme, Independence and the Ambivalence of Promise, and the following year he won first prize at the Lagos Black Heritage Festival’s Walls of Prison into Fields of Freedom art competition.  His first presentation abroad was in 2014 when he exhibited at the 25th Annual Festival of the Arts in Chicago, USA.

    “Its important that we make space for fresh creative minds to exhibit along side Nigerian masters like Prof Bruce Onobrakpeya, and ensure that our discerning audience enjoys the best and brightest that Nigeria has to offer,” concluded Temple Muse Director, Kabir Wadhwani. The exhibition is runs from July 20 to September 4.

  • ‘We’re recycling same old people in leadership’

    ‘We’re recycling same old people in leadership’

    Iheoma Obibi has two masters in Creative Writing and Communications Policy Studies from Manchester Metropolitan University and City University, London. The Ashoka fellow is also the Executive Director of Alliances for Africa. In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde, she talks about her passion, women empowerment and more.

    International Women’s Day has just been celebrated all over the world, do you think that women’s empowerment is in the right direction?

    Women’s empowerment has to continue from where the MDGs left off. We are still way behind other parts of the world in ensuring that women have access to loans and other facilities in which to start a business or even keep their businesses afloat.

    We are in year 2015, the year set for the achievements of some MDG’s for women, how have we fared?

    As for the 2015, it is rather obvious that we have not made significant achievements in the areas of violence against women, in access to health care, with relation to infant and maternal mortality.

    Would you say that women are doing well in terms of leadership opportunities?

    On the surface, it looks like we have done exceptionally well, but let’s interrogate what we have. As we prepare for the elections, it is rather obvious to anyone, even those armchair critics, that we have lost more women wanting to be part of the electoral process. Due to the very nature of how our political process works, few women want to be part of an aggressive party process. Many worry about electoral violence and the implications for them and their families.

    What do you think are some of the achievements made so far?

    As for other leadership opportunities, there are some achievements recorded there, but it seems like with many things Nigerian, there is little room for the young to develop. We are recycling the same old people, be they men or women. There must be a better way to ensure that we can get young people involved. Remember, our definition of a young person is questionable at best of times. Anything up to 55 years. I know, unbelievable.

    What are the new challenges for women?

    We do not need to look far. We need to look at regional integration and implications for cross border trade in the light of the Boko Haram threats and its effect on our food security. We are facing a serious threat to our food source because if people in communities known as the bread basket of Nigeria cannot farm and make money for fear of being kidnapped and raped, then we have a crisis which is brewing. Additional challenges are the fall of the naira and the ability for SMEs to import. However, lack of power and other basic facilities all are challenges for women running businesses and trying to keep their heads above water.

    A lot of women fall into the small business owner category, do you think that the business environment is friendly enough?

    As a small business owner, I would say that the environment is not friendly. It is very difficult to get anything done in a manner that is timely and efficient for your business. From fulfilling all regulatory requirements, to making demands on the necessary statutory bodies.

    Accessing credit facilities to move small businesses to the next phase is usually a challenge, how can they do this without stress?

    As a small business owner, I have also been looking to access credit facilities. But like everyone else, the interest rates being offered are not realistic or feasible.

    Would you say that technology has helped to improve the business environment for women?

    Yes, technology has been crucial and critical in ensuring that as many businesses interested in using social media can. It is a completely different language, but it is worth understanding and doing well. You can sit in the comfort of your home and organise everything from paying and buying with your paga to using paypal; paying your suppliers, to vendors, to customers making purchases. Technology has to a certain extent revolutionised the way business is done.

    Tell us about life as an entrepreneur

    I run a sex-positive online adult store called www.myintimatepleasureshop.com and whilst it has been a fantastic opportunity to learn new skills and to test e-commerce opportunities, it has all been extremely challenging. To begin with, people are stunned that anyone can run such business. Then individual stereotypes kick in; you’re a woman, you’re married, you’re this and that. Once you have surmounted those prejudices, getting access to loans of any sort is an impossibility and in my case I was supported hundred percent by my husband.

    He made it possible for my business to move from idea to being established and has always been able to provide support either financial or emotional. The challenges are real and worrisome because we cannot all venture into the buying and selling of shoes and bags which has provided an income for many women. In terms of achievements, I am very happy to test the boundaries, given my antecedents in the women’s movement.

    People are also comforted and assured that I am for real. Not some random person seeking to exploit them and laugh at their problems. I am pleased to note that there is a discussion taking place online at least on the wider issues on intimacy in relationships and I am glad that my business is one of those creating the space for this to happen safely for women. In terms of the strategies used to survive, I would say that we are all affected by the current devaluation of the naira and the implications for importers. It is a good time to remind buyers that fake personal pleasure items cannot be substituted for the originals. There are fake Chinese vibes in the market and these have materials that are TOXIC for the body. Buyers need to beware and be careful.

    Cheaper is not always better. Our products are US and EU certified. My life as an entrepreneur is recent and the business opportunity seriously fell into my lap. I had been providing advice and counselling around intimacy issues for years. So it was a natural progression.

    How would you describe life as a skilled trainer and how has this impacted on the society?

    As a long time trainer, this has been a rewarding bit about learning-life skills. I use this skill all the time in organising training of trainers’ workshops, and more recently in my business where we conduct monthly trainings on effective communications in relationships.

    Let’s talk about some memorable moments in your career.

    There have been several memorable moments in my career and I am not sure where to begin. Starting my business has got to be the highlight for me because I have worked in social justice since I was 18 years and to start a new venture now is just awesome. I am amazed at myself and what God has bestowed on me. I am excited for the future.

    If you had to advise women, what would you tell them?

    My advice would be to follow your heart and calling. Get your family members to buy-in to your idea, because they will be your biggest promoters and supporters. Understand the regulatory framework and what they demand from you as an SME. Get a book keeper to do your books and ensure that all is well.

  • Nigerite achieves 95% waste recycling

    NIGERITE Nigeria Limited, a building material company, has achieved 95 percent of dry waste recycling in conjunction with Lafarge to make clinkers for cement production.

    Its marketing director, Mr.ToyinGbede, said the firm recycles all the wet wastes internally and re-uses them in the product processes.

    The firm, he said, also recovers all effluent water (wet wastes) from its machines during production.

    Gbede said: “We filter used oil and re-use same on our production lines.

    “In 2011, we recovered 39 tons of oil, 85 tons in 2012 and now 25 tons.”

    Throwing more light on how the two firms manage solid waste, he said it is done through the differentiation of waste sorting basins for plastics, electronics, woods, iron and domestic wastes.

    On rainwater harvesting, Gbede said: “Sanitary, laundry and rain water are stored in storm water lagoon and treated before discharging into public drain.”

    According to him, in addition to the synchronisation of the diesel and gas generators to reduce carbon gas emission, other processes engaged in are in-house dust and noise monitoring laboratories.

  • Art of recycling

    Art of recycling

    Art comes with diversity of concepts and for celebrated bone collage artist Godwin Archie-Abia, visual artists owe it to themselves to be versatile. From recycling bones for his artworks, he says that his new method gives the concept of mixed media a new fell. According to the artist, on a visit to his studio, “life is all about recycling and if we as a nation recycle waste, we will be better off.”

    He talks about the piece God’s Last Card which he says should serve as a wakeup call for sleeping Christians. Away from the end-time, doom prophecy message which rend the atmosphere these days, Archi-Abia says that the first coming of Christ signifies God’s last card to the world. He explains that the blood of Jesus Christ is the one atoning for sins as it is the stronghold of every Christian. “Anything that confronts you, if you plead the blood of Jesus Christ, you will have express deliverance that is why as Christians, we need to be on the alert.

    Adorned with biblical quotations to back up his message, Abia exploits mixed media in the form of chipboard, colours and other waste materials. “If you go open the bible and read those scriptures passages on the piece, you will really understand what I am talking about. Christians don’t need to go from one church to the other. Stay where you are and get the mysteries of what you have as a born-again Christian to get triumph of every situation of your life,” he explains.

    In the same spiritual vein, Abia comes up with the work, Our Manual. Just as electronic and other device manufacturers attach manuals to their products, the artiste says, God who created us has given us a manual. “From all the things we are looking for, have we as individuals gone back to the manual that God gives us to look into it and read and know what is wrong in our life?” he asks.

    Much unlike the purported connotation of the Holy Bible as a mystical object, Abia portrays it as a manual for our day to day study. He further strengthens this by the choice of colours, Black and White. “The bible says that righteousness exalts the nation, sin is a reproach. We should go to the manual and read what God tells us on how to move our lives forward. Until we go back to the manual, we would not be able to move forward,” he further adds.

    On the social scene, Archie paints a picture of class struggle as a monster choking the average Nigerian. Titled Class Struggle and aptly so, he breaks the norm of the regular media using used wood comb, plywood, rope and all manner of was to send home his message. “Away from all this syndrome of pulling down people, the basic thing we need is food and shelter. When God gives us food and shelter, we should not play the politics of pulling down one another because the light, posited at the middle of the painting, shines on everybody that looks up to him,” he says of the work.