…speaks against environmental crisis through poetic expression
By Tracy Ohovwore
The Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) on Friday, August 1, 2025, hosted a one-day poetry event in Benin City aimed at amplifying environmental justice through the power of creative expression.
The event, aimed at using poetry for planet, brought together young writers, students of the University of Benin, environmental advocates, and creatives to voice concerns about ecological degradation — particularly in the Niger Delta — through spoken word and poetic reflection.
Participants explored key environmental issues including oil spillage, deforestation, flooding, and air pollution, while being encouraged to use art as a tool for advocacy and awareness.
Renowned writer and performer, Iquo Diana-Abasi, delivered key notes address that underscored the urgent need for collective responsibility in addressing environmental crises. Through her poetic performance, she illustrated the harsh realities faced by communities in the Niger Delta and called on the audience to become active custodians of the Earth.
“How do you inspire others when you’re not even aware of the problems and challenges facing humans and other organisms in our environment? For this reason, we owe ourselves a duty to seek knowledge,” she said.
Abasi also emphasized the role of everyday behavior in exacerbating environmental damage.
“How we dispose of waste is a serious issue. We must arm ourselves with the right information and act on it. Sadly, many people know what to do but choose convenience over responsibility,” she added.
She encouraged participants to share their knowledge on environmental degradation — including its causes, effects, and risks to the ecosystem — with their communities. She further urged them to embrace African cultural values that promote harmony with nature and respect for all living things.
The event featured short documentaries and visual clips to reinforce messages on environmental harm and resilience. Participants were also engaged in a poetry writing session, showcasing their creative responses to the environmental challenges discussed.
Three participants with outstanding poems received cash awards and literature books presented by HOMEF’s Executive Director, Nnimmo Bassey, who praised the role of art in environmental activism.
“This initiative reaffirms our belief that art can move people to action, and poetry has the power to heal, educate, and provoke much-needed change,” Bassey said.
