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'To Raise Awareness': A Nigerian Turns Electronic Waste Into Sculptures

18:28, 5 August 2024

Christina Glazkova

Writer / Editor

E-waste consists of discarded electronic devices and equipment. Driven by fast technological advancements and high consumer demand, it contains hazardous materials, posing environmental and health risks. Proper recycling and disposal are essential, but global awareness and infrastructure for e-waste management remain insufficient.

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There are proper e-waste recycling methods, and it is essential for people to become more informed about them, Ozuma Patrick Chidiebube, a young sculptor based in Ibadan, southwest Nigeria, told Sputnik Africa.

"I upcycle materials. The reason I upcycle material is because I want to raise awareness to the general public, both in Nigeria, Africa, and the world at large. We have restricted knowledge of waste. I mean, whenever you mention waste, people tend to look at pet bottles, people look at nylons, people look at metals, but you see that nobody looks at electronic waste," he said.

By disassembling keyboard keys, used chips, and cables, the sculptor also wants to highlight our strong attachment to modern technology.

"There's this unity in humanity that it seems technology, especially the mobile device, is taking us away from," Chidiebube said.

Using materials from different computers, the sculptor also wants to show the importance of unity between people in his works, because if society wants to prosper, people must unite to “form an actual body that can fight for the environment,” he added.

Such multi-layered meanings and unusual materials make Chidiebube's works an "eye-opener" for visitors who start to realize how much electronic waste is being created. Thus, the sculptor's exhibitions become entire educational platforms.

"My work serves as a start point for the education process, that eye-opener that introduces you to the concept of upcycling," he said. "Having a green environment, having a pollution-free environment is a collective endeavor, [and] it needs our hand to be on deck [...]."

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Furthermore, the continent should become a technological center, not a place for storing worn-out gadgets, he continued.

"In Africa, there are smart people in the field of technology, in the field of art who can create these things on their own, but they don't have the right policies or the right means from the government that would encourage them to engage in these practices."

To do this, policies are needed to "structure society, structure the economy to help startups that can build good and better technological devices that we can use in Africa and not depend on importing fairly used gadgets."

"I'm going to do more performances that would have locals ask the questions in their minds so that I can get the opportunity. And I can get the avenue to speak with them directly," promised Chidiebube, concluding the interview.