Conflict Resolution in South-South Nigeria: A Ceramist’s Perspective

Abstract

The South-South region of Nigeria has gone through serious problems as a result of oil exploration and exploitation by various multinational oil companies. One of these problems is the high level of unemployment as a result of environmental degradation caused by oil spillage, gas flaring and fire disasters. These have destroyed the people’s means of livelihood as farmers, fishermen and traders who have been thrown into abject poverty. This has brought a series of conflicts to the region. The youths and women on several occasions have tried to register their feelings through protests but are always met with Police confrontation and brutality which sometimes claim lives. Some jobless youths of the area in annoyance and frustration have taken to drug abuse and various crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping, cybercrimes, illegal oil refining, oil bunkering and so on which has caused the region more harm than good. This paper proposes ceramics, the art and science of fired clay as a means of self-expression, a universal means of communication and recreation as a creative and peaceful means of resolving conflicts between states, communities, the people and the oil companies and the government through art exhibitions, art fares, workshops and conferences. It will enlighten the indigenes that they can vent their anger and frustrations through art and also resolve conflicts in cordial and artistic ways without loss of life and property. This approach will attract economic gains through patronage and support from the Government and Non- Governmental Organizations (NGOs) while the same message of marginalization, deprivation, oppression, environmental degradation, poverty et cetera are being sent. It is expected that the indigenes of the region will acquire the necessary skills and take to ceramics practice to peacefully and aesthetically communicate to resolve conflicts and empower themselves out of poverty.