By Chukwuma Ajakah

Nigerian interdisciplinary artist Yusuf Durodola, in partnership with Nike Art Gallery and the Norwegian Embassy, Nigeria, marks the 2026 World Environment Day with a cultural exchange programme featuring workshops and an art exhibition.

Through art, dialogue, and shared vision, the organisers show how Nigeria’s culture of turning waste into
resources as a cultural exchange model to drive global environmental action.

The 2026 World Environment Day exhibition, which opens June 5, runs through July 5, 2026, at Nike Art Gallery, Abuja. The show, “Because There is No Planet B: From Waste to Resource, Art that Changes Perspectives,” follows a 5-day workshop from May 25-29.

Dignitaries at the event include the Norwegian Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Svein Baeera and Counsellor, Trade and Cultural Affairs, Norwegian Embassy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Salveig Andresen.

Aside from officials of the Royal Norwegian Embassy, representatives of Nigeria’s Ministry of Environment, Nike Art Gallery clients, art collectors, recyclers, environmental advocates, and art enthusiasts are in attendance. They are all driven by a common desire to protect the planet through creativity.

Workshop sessions are anchored by lead facilitator and workshop director Yusuf Durodola, alongside Katurag Chinyio, assistant director; Temitope Oladeji, workshop coordinator; Abdullahi Ibrahim, logistics coordinator; and Caroline Useh, co-facilitator.

Describing upcycling art as a “creative response to environmental consciousness”, Yusuf Durodola says, “In an age increasingly defined by environmental concerns and the consequences of excessive consumption, upcycling art has emerged as a compelling creative response to ecological consciousness.
“By transforming discarded and overlooked materials into meaningful works of art, artists challenge conventional perceptions of waste, revealing the hidden potential embedded in society’s excesses.”
According to the art connoisseur, upcycling represents a philosophy of transformation and renewal through which “artists breathe new life into what was once considered worthless by the imaginative manipulation of plastics, metals, textiles, paper, and other abandoned objects.”

Noting that artists create visual narratives that address issues of pollution, sustainability, and humanity’s relationship with the natural world, Durodola explains that “Upcycling art occupies a pivotal space where aesthetics and environmental stewardship converge,” adding that it inspires viewers to think in line with evolving patterns, knowing that creativity can be used as an instrument for ecological awareness.

“By reimagining the purpose of discarded materials, artists demonstrate that value is not determined by the cost of resources, but by the power of vision and innovation,” he observes.

“With no Planet B, restoring our environment rests in our collective hands, as a Yoruba proverb says,” Durodola remarks. “The artist becomes both creator and custodian, using visual language to advocate a sustainable future.”

Upcycling art helps viewers see waste as more than trash. The initiative sparks conversations on education, community engagement, and social responsibility. It inspires people to view waste in a new light.

“This project has also created an important opportunity for artists from diverse specialisations to engage with new materials, techniques, and forms of artistic expression.
“Through collaboration, experiment, and creativity, the exhibition demonstrates how discarded materials can be transformed into works of beauty, meaning, and environmental advocacy.”

Chief Mrs Nike Okundaye, legendary textile artist, UN culture ambassador, and chief host of the occasion, thanks her supporters. “We celebrate all participating artists, facilitators, and supporters. Your dedication and creativity inspire greater awareness of sustainable practices and art’s role in a healthier environment,” she says.

“Through this exercise, artists see discarded materials as valuable media. By turning trash into art, we create beauty and meaning while reducing pollution and promoting a cleaner planet,” Mama Nike says.

Durodola’s experience, artistic excellence, and leadership as lead facilitator shape the workshop. With co-facilitators, he turns the event into an inspiring showcase.

The project also gives artists from diverse specialisations access to new materials and techniques. “Through collaboration and creativity, the exhibition shows how discarded materials become works of beauty and environmental advocacy,” Okundaye says.

“We encourage institutions, organisations, communities, and private individuals to embrace the culture of turning trash into treasure.
“Through collective action, creativity, and innovation, we can inspire sustainable practices that benefit our environment for present and future generations.

Speaking on the event, Caroline Useh, co-facilitator and visual artist, says, “The gallery has been supportive of my practice. Having the opportunity to work with Durodola is quite a privilege, and I’m honoured to be given that opportunity.

“Yusuf Durodola is a senior colleague. I first met him at an exhibition where we had a few conversations. From that instance, he became a role model and mentor to me. He has shaped my career with tremendous support,” Caroline says, adding, “The Nike Art Gallery hosting the event shows their dedication to building a healthier and sustainable environment. The Royal Norwegian Embassy sponsorship made the exercise an effortless and productive experience,” she enthuses.

The organisers say the initiative comes from a shared vision between Solveig Andresen, business counsellor at the Royal Norwegian Embassy, Abuja, and Yusuf Durodola, a renowned upcycling artist and environmental advocate.

What begins as a conversation on sustainability and creative responsibility evolves into a project that inspires a new generation of environmentally conscious artists. “Great accomplishments often begin with simple ideas,” says Yusuf Durodola, lead facilitator and project director

The organising team includes Solveig Andresen, Lavender Onyenah, Ingrid Fosker, Yusuf Durodola, Katurag Chinyio, and Abdullahi Ibrahim.
Speaking on the initiative, the lead facilitator describes the opportunity as “an honour and a privilege”. He expresses profound appreciation to the Royal Norwegian Embassy, Abuja, for recognising art as a tool for environmental awareness and sustainable development. Durodola also pays tribute to his art mother, Chief Mrs Nike Okundaye, whose mentorship and belief in young artists continue to shape Nigerian art.

Fourteen artists drawn from diverse backgrounds as potential
environmental ambassadors are participating in the workshop, exploring the creative possibilities of discarded materials and their likely impact on the environment.

Highlights include colourful cultural performances by Nike Art Gallery Cultural Troupe, a panel discussion, involving conversations on creativity, sustainability, and environmental stewardship, and the presentation of certificates to participants by Norwegian Ambassador to Nigeria, Svein Baera, alongside the Host, Chief Nike Okundaye and Workshop Director, Yusuf Durodola.

The event also features upcycling art workshop sessions, an exhibition of artworks, a live performance art presentation by Durodola, and a fashion show by MODELA, showcasing waste materials transformed into wearable fashion.

Most activities at the 2026 World Environment Day event instantiate the power of collaboration among diplomatic institutions, cultural organisations, artists, and other stakeholders.

As the world continues to confront environmental challenges, the organisers reaffirm their conviction that humanity has no Planet B. “It is our collective responsibility to appreciate, protect, and preserve the Earth for present and future generations,” Mama Nike says, reiterating that through creativity, collaboration, and conscious action, waste can be transformed into opportunity, and art can become a powerful catalyst for environmental renewal.