REPORTER’S DIARY: Trapped in water hyacinths… revealing journey to Lagos riverine communities

On February 24, at 6:30 am, I left home to join a group of journalists, tourists, and health experts on an expedition to Epe, a coastal town situated on the north side of the Lekki Lagoon. Our journey began at the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) station in Falomo, Ikoyi, where we converged.

The three-day Lagos Lagoon Climate Response project, implemented by Help Africa Initiatives, aimed at addressing the impact of climate change at the local level.

With the support of the Danish ministry of foreign affairs, the initiative’s goals were to promote better local practices in terms of water management and sanitation, generate employment, and impact the lives of children attending public schools in Ejinrin, Oriba, and Saga communities as well as support public health service provision.

By 10 am, we set off from the station, embarking on an over two-hour trip to Epe. Led by Bolaji Alonge, a renowned Nigerian photographer, artist, and journalist who happened to be the project director, we were equipped with cameras and notebooks, ready to capture the unique riverine town — its sounds and stories.

Upon arrival in Epe, we kicked off the project with a visit to the palace of Rafiu Ishola Balogun, the Elejirin of Ejirin, and we were warmly welcomed by the Oba’s council of chiefs.

Next, we headed to Lofi Ogunmude Comprehensive Junior and Senior Secondary School in Ejirin, where our team led various activities. Tuyi Mebawondu, a medical doctor, spearheaded the healthcare and medical interventions, sharing striking statistics and insights with us.

Genotype tests were conducted by representatives of the Sickle Cell Foundation of Nigeria to promote health awareness and education. Creative arts and dance classes were led by The Crown Troupe of Afrika while book donations were made by Roving Heights to support literacy and education.

In addition to the school activities, the team also visited a vocational center where residents are trained by Mitimeth to collect, dry, and craft water hyacinth into useful everyday items — promoting environmental sustainability and economic empowerment.

Water hyacinth (pontederia crassipes) is a fast-growing, troublesome, and floating plant with clusters of leaves with spongy stalks arising from a base of dark purple feathery roots. When water hyacinths take over a lake, the ecosystem undergoes a dramatic transformation with severe consequences.

The invasive plants shade out native submerged plants, causing them to die. As the dead plants decay, the dissolved oxygen in the water is depleted, making it impossible for fish and other aquatic life to survive. Severe infestations of water hyacinths can form dense mats on the water’s surface, making boat travel difficult or impossible.

A HARROWING ENCOUNTER: TRAPPED IN WATER HYACINTHS

Ironically, on the third day of our expedition, our team faced the perilous reality of the water hyacinth firsthand. What started as a journey turned into a distressing ordeal. Our boats became entangled in the dense, suffocating blanket of water hyacinth, leaving us stranded for nearly two hours.

The situation was dire, but fortunately, local fishermen came to our rescue from the clutches of the invasive plant. Our attempts to visit the Saga community through the dense foliage were futile as the water hyacinths forced us back to the safety of Epe town. Although we were shaken, the experience left an indelible mark, underscoring the urgent need for intervention and the importance of supporting the affected communities.

 

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However, Achenyo Idachaba-Obaro, US-born social entrepreneur who is the founder of Mitimeth, is transforming the notorious water hyacinth into a valuable resource. By harnessing the plant’s potential, Idachaba-Obaro is creating a sustainable livelihood for local communities.

Through a collaborative effort, Idachaba-Obaro works with fishermen to collect massive quantities of water hyacinth from waterways. The harvested plants are then entrusted to local women, who skillfully process them by separating the roots from the stems and drying them under the open sun.

Using age-old techniques, the dried hyacinths are carefully woven into durable ropes of varying sizes, giving birth to unique, eco-friendly handicrafts like baskets, mats, hats, and furniture including chairs, tables, and frames.

Another highlight of the expedition was the opportunity to see the old post office, which is currently under rehabilitation. It is claimed to be Nigeria’s first. This historic landmark provided a unique glimpse into the region’s past.

A LEGACY OF EMPOWERMENT 

Alonge, founder of Eyes of a Lagos Boy, has been at the forefront of addressing the impact of water hyacinths on riverine communities along the Lagos Lagoon. In 2021, he presented the exhibition and documentary ‘Greener Pastures’, shedding light on the challenges faced by these communities.

Building on this work, Alonge secured a grant from the Danish ministry of foreign affairs in 2024. With this support, he has been implementing initiatives in several villages to promote the sustainable processing of water hyacinths. Additionally, his project has provided vital assistance in health and education.

Since July 2024, the project has achieved remarkable milestones:

Over 150 community members have been trained by MitiMeth on utilising water hyacinth for crafts and biochar production. More than 1,500 people have received urgent health advice from Healthnika under Mebawondu’s leadership. In collaboration with the Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria, over 600 young people have gained valuable insights. About 2,250 school books have been distributed directly to children. Twelve school assemblies on climate change have been conducted in partnership with Ecolearn and Crown Troupe of Africa.

A forthcoming exhibition at the National Museum Lagos, scheduled for April 3-13, 2025, will showcase artwork and crafts created by community members. This event will not only promote sustainable livelihoods but also provide a platform for artists to share their stories and talents.