The Dawn of a new Consciousness

Gibson Esere, a student from the University of Port Harcourt made a compelling attempt to raise a new consciousness about the environment with his work which reflected the Nigerian culture and importance of the age-old tradition of storytelling in conveying messages of importance.

“How can I help, the Earth?" his desire became suddenly genuine. "You can start by helping mummy plant the trees at the backyard; they filter the polluted air. Recycle those plastic bottles of soda, turn off the lights when going to bed, and tell your friends about the importance of climate change," said Esere.

Esere was one of the over 1600 participants in the 2020 Edition of Dawn Project Poetry and Art Competition. Participants in the competition said that the poem: “A Plea” written by Pamela Ajayi in 2005 inspired them and helped create in them a desire to change the world for the better using their works.

Ada Udeh, Satomi James, and Daniel Eta won in the 7-14 years. While Favour Ajileye, Baki Adams, and Adams Olajumoke, won in the 15-18 category and Esere Gibson won the overall Prize in the Adult section. 

The prize money of over N650,000 was given out at a hybrid webinar on the 2020 World Environmental Health Day that had as speakers, the wife of Vice President of Nigeria, Her Excellency; Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo; the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof Akin Abayomi; The British High Commissioner, Ben Llewellyn Jones OBE, amongst others. 

As another world poetry day approaches, the Dawn Project Nigeria is planning its program to further deepen the consciousness of more Nigerians on matters of environmental conservation through poetry and art. “We are working on making more of an impact to get more Nigerians to join in the fight to save our environment. Our next competition promises to be even more exciting.” said Dr. Pamela Ajayi of Dawn Project.

Dawn Project is known to champion environmental awareness and active participation, using Poetry and the Arts to combat climate change.  The 2021 Competition will be launched at LUFASI Park on Sunday.