Kids in Makoko and their Environment

My Photo scholarship 2011 entry

Nigeria | Tuesday, November 8, 2011 | 5 photos

‘’Kids in Makoko and their Environment’’ is a documentary I carried out with an NGO called Kids Clean Club last April. Kids Clean Club was established to raise a generation of physically, mentally and environmentally clean children across Nigeria and the World by creating awareness amongst children, about the effects of pollution and global warming, and how they can make a change in their environment.

Makoko is a slum neighbourhood in Lagos, Nigeria and its present population is considered to be 85,840 since it was established in the 18th century primarily as a fishing village, much of Makoko rests in structures constructed on stilts above Lagos Lagoon. Today the area is essentially self-governing with a very limited government presence in the community and local security being provided by area boys.

From my last visit, here are pictures I found really interesting that captures the life’s’ of these little beings and their environment. I would never have thought that people could live in this kind of environment. I interviewed one of the kids in the neighbouring school about what he would like to change about her community and she immediately responded ‘’My area is dirty and it stinks all the time, I don’t like it when it stinks!’’

I would like be part of the National Geographic Channel & WorldNomads.com: Travel Photography Scholarship 2011 to South Africa because I want to showcase my passion for photography to a more larger audience and experience new cultures and places outside my local community.

I am more interested in inspiring people with pictures thereby toning ‘Our’ Minds with the art of love and togetherness. I ultimately belief this platform is going to help me achieve that If I am opportune to be part of it.

Thanks