Nigerian environmental photographer, Adebote Mayowa, has been named one of the winners in the “Climate Action in Focus” international photography competition, organized by the COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company. Mayowa secured third place with his entry titled Makoko, highlighting Nigeria’s environmental challenges due to climate change.
The contest, launched on August 1, 2024, aimed to raise global awareness about climate change through visual storytelling. In a statement, the COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company emphasized the competition’s goal to inspire climate action by inviting photographers worldwide to document the effects of climate change on daily life.
Mayowa Adebote’s passion for environmental advocacy stems from his childhood experiences growing up in a community deeply affected by environmental degradation. Witnessing firsthand the impacts of pollution, poor waste management, and climate disruptions shaped his understanding of the environment’s fragility. These early experiences motivated him to make climate advocacy central to his work, with a belief that storytelling could be a powerful tool to reveal hidden truths and mobilize people for justice.
Mayowa said: “Photography became my medium to bridge the gap between the public and the realities of climate change. My projects go beyond capturing images; they often have tangible impacts on the affected communities. One of my defining moments was the Black Oxygen project, which addressed pollution and environmental injustice in my community, leading to meaningful change. This project reinforced my belief that visual storytelling can be a catalyst for action, inspiring communities and giving a voice to marginalized groups.”
Mayowa is driven by a strong conviction that making environmental realities visible through photography can lead to sustainable change. With each photograph, he aims to bring attention to pressing climate issues, empowering individuals and communities to advocate for a better future. His work not only sheds light on environmental challenges but also promotes solutions that lead to justice and sustainability.
Looking ahead, Mayowa envisions establishing Africa’s leading media agency focused on climate change awareness. His goal is to use visual storytelling to capture the unique climate challenges African communities face, creating a platform that tells powerful stories of resilience and adaptation. This agency would become a central voice in African climate communication, linking scientific data with real-world experiences to offer actionable insights to governments and organizations.
Mayowa hopes to inspire a new generation of African storytellers who are passionate about using photography and multimedia to highlight the continent’s climate challenges and successes. By collaborating with environmental experts, activists, and policymakers, his agency aims to amplify African perspectives on climate issues and drive global conversations about environmental justice. Through this platform, he seeks to foster a movement that prioritizes Africa’s environment and elevates African voices in the global fight against climate change.