Bukunmi Oyewole

Ocean Surge Aftermath

Artist Statement

In this series, I documented the aftermath of an ocean surge which occurred in the Ayetoro community, Ilaje, Nigeria, November 14th 2020. Ocean surges are a natural phenomenon, but are happening with increasing frequency due to human driven climate change. This particular ocean surge destroyed many properties and rendered many Ayetoro residents homeless, with the fear that they would be swept out to sea in the following days. Coastal areas of the Niger Delta region are particularly susceptible to extreme weather events as the result of climate change. My project is to continue to document these events in order to raise awareness that environmental insecurity and poverty will continue to be the order of the day if governments do not take immediate action.

Bukunmi Oyewole

Bukunmi Oyewole is a travel and documentary photographer who loves to see the world through the lens of his camera. One of his many dreams is to travel round the world, capturing astonishing moments with his camera. His passion for photography and striking pictorial skills earned him several features in different magazine publications and exhibitions. He was a member of the jury for the Wikipedia Photo Competition tagged "Wiki Loves Africa 2021.” He is also a member of the African Photojournalism Database (APJD), a project of the World Press Photo Foundation and Everyday Africa. Bukunmi is a lover of books and anything travel-related.