CIRCULAR HEROES

Circular Heroes by Rafael Kouto with Eran Jije Project by Peter D. Abayomi and photographed by Ruby Okoro.
The project embodies the idea of capturing Nigerian adolescents from the coastal area of Isale Akoka in Bariga. Due to their day-to-day lifestyle, they play a key role in the circular economy. Bariga is a picturesque island and unique habitat created from the materials that surround it, most of which come from the lagoon: Waste, wooden boards, textiles, plastic, etc. Through innovative recycling and upcycling ideas, the collected objects are given a second life as landfill, building materials, electronic repairs, musical instruments or fashion. What many don't realize is that these efforts contribute significantly to the global economy.
To realize «Circular Heroes», Swiss designer Rafael Kouto teamed up with Peter D. Abayomi, a dignitary from Bariga whose local initiatives focus on waste management and environmental sustainability concepts. Through several workshops, Rafael Kouto's goal was to raise awareness among young people in the community and among participants across Lagos to foster pride, recognition and visibility for their valuable contributions. For this purpose, they produced scarves in collaboration with screen printing and hand-dyeing artisans from Lagos, that are being shown together with the young protagonists within «Circular Heroes»

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