In this year’s first edition, Art Drive makes a surprise debut with a scintillating work of nature photography by Odejide Faith titled Ori Pako. It’s our first selection from Odejide’s wide range of photography taken outdoors and devoted to displaying natural elements such as landscapes, wildlife, plants, and close-ups of natural scenes.

Ori Pako – Atop the Planks

Ori Pako shows a footbridge made of planks located in a thin strip of natural forest in Southwest Nigeria. The erection of the bridge by the locals to ease their movement without destroying the forest in the process is a proof of ingenuity even without the influence of modernism. This natural and undisturbed forest environment sustains various plant species and thriving wildlife. The forest is located in the tropical rainforest belt of Nigeria which experiences heavy rainfall, has luxuriant vegetation cover and supports a number of plantation crops. The wildlife in the forest include crocodiles, snake fish and other animals.

The setting of Ori Pako is located in Owode-Ota town in Iganna, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria. Ogun State is bounded on the west by the Republic of Benin, to the south by Lagos state and a 20-kilometre stretch of the Atlantic Ocean, to the east by Ondo and Osun states, and to the north by Oyo state.

About the Artist

Mr. Odejide Faith is a Visual Arts student at the Creative Arts Department of the University of Lagos.  He is a nature photographer in the making. An indigene of Abeokuta South Local Government Area in Ogun State, Odejide sees wonders of God and the surprises of men in nature. He seeks to understand the foundations of man’s pleasures and struggles.

According to Odejide, “the truth is that if we neglect the natural environment, man is heading for destruction. Thus if we must make change, we need to forget a little about posh cars, buildings and other selfish conquests. I take my viewers to see how much there is for them to learn outside their bedrooms and offices, for one thing is sure –  humans are the guarantors of the Planet.”

Odejide’s inspiration for photography comes primarily from the wisdom of God and his appreciation of the works of nature. Odejide loves photography because it gives him the opportunity to see meaning in created things that aren’t man-made and according to him, “words sometimes can’t fully explore creation as it is, and even the simplest plants can baffle a Professor”.

Connect with Odejide:

Mobile: +234-8182262976

Instagram: odejide_faith

About Art Drive

Art Drive is a monthly online art exhibition of inspiring and edifying works of art by the MFM Youth Church Writers Club. It explores the dream world of artists and celebrates the richness and diversity of creativity.

We’re inviting artists from near and far to submit visual artworks – drawings, paintings, photography etc. on any theme with a positive and inspiring message. All artworks must include a brief description of the piece and a short bio of the artist.

Submit to mfmyouthwriters@yahoo.com

MFM HQ Youth Church Writers Club

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