Documentary filmmaker and visual artist Olayinka Babalola has voiced concerns that the continuous demolition and eviction of residents in Makoko, Lagos, extend beyond the official justifications of safety and power line clearance. She warns that an entire cultural identity, economy, and way of life is being dismantled without humane provisions for the displaced.
During an appearance on ARISE News' Arise360, Babalola highlighted that her latest documentary offers a distinct perspective on the Makoko situation, focusing on the life of a community leader and countering common misconceptions about the waterside community.
"I believe the film presents a different viewpoint on the events in Makoko compared to the usual narrative of simply destroying the area due to power lines," she stated. "It illustrates the existence of the people there, their daily routines, their methods of earning income, the promises made by the government, and the advocacy efforts of various community figures featured in the documentary."
Babalola emphasized that Makoko is frequently misrepresented as merely a place of poverty, whereas it actually functions as a dynamic, self-sufficient community.
"From the viewpoint of the typical Lagos resident, it's seen as a slum, characterized by polluted water and floating debris," she remarked. "However, my initial explorations of the community revealed a reality starkly different from the perception I had."
"These individuals are, in essence, an economic driving force. Significant trade activities originate from there. Makoko functions much like a fishing community. They engage in fishing, bring in their catch, and contribute substantially to the economy."
"They possess their own distinct culture, language, educational institutions, and an economy operating within the city itself. It's akin to a self- sustaining ecosystem."
According to her, the residents were not fully informed about the extent of the demolition operations.
"They were informed that a specific area would be cleared for safety purposes," she explained. "An agreement was reached on a certain distance from the power lines, involving community leaders. However, significantly more was demolished, affecting homes far beyond the agreed-upon limits."
Babalola stated that the pressing need to release the documentary was spurred by the magnitude of the ongoing displacement.
"This has been a protracted struggle," she commented. "Any necessary clearing must be conducted in a humane manner, with alternative housing and income sources provided."
"You are not only dispossessing them of their homes but also their means of survival. Now, they are unable to fish. How will they earn a living?"
She characterized the situation as a clear instance of gentrification.
"What is happening in Makoko is essentially gentrification," she asserted. "People are displaced under the guise of development, their indigenous cultures and livelihoods are eradicated, and no alternatives are offered."
"Consequently, it becomes a collective burden."
Babalola revealed that her personal experience with displacement has deepened her emotional connection to the narrative.
"While working on this documentary last year, we were also evicted from our residence of approximately seven years in Abuja," she shared. "We were current on rent and all obligations. Unexpectedly, we were forced out of the compound while the legal proceedings were still ongoing."
"This incident made me realize that such events can happen to anyone, irrespective of their social standing."
She further added, "While it is currently affecting individuals of a particular socio-economic status in Makoko, it is not limited to them. This is a possibility for virtually anyone."
Providing an update from Makoko, Babalola confirmed she maintains communication with the community's traditional leader, who is featured in the documentary.
"I spoke with the bale yesterday," she reported. "He mentioned that no demolitions occurred on that day, but the operations have approached very close to his home, with approximately ten houses remaining."
"He also informed me that plans were in place for today to set fire to the already demolished structures. While I cannot independently verify this, it is what I have been told."
She also referred to community advocate Caleb Dugtsugan, the founder of Fremosi, who she believes has a more accurate understanding of the situation's severity.
"According to him, residents are anticipating the complete razing of the entire community this time around," she stated.
Beyond her film work, Babalola remains dedicated to nurturing young creative talent through film education.
"I mentor around 10 to 15 children at my local church," she said. "We teach them filmmaking and photography. They have progressed from never having held a camera to producing their own short films."
"For me, it is about economic empowerment. Film offers significant income- generating potential. One should not impose limitations; creativity is an asset in any endeavor."
She concluded by stressing that the crisis in Makoko should be a matter of concern for all Nigerians.
"When you observe homeless individuals or street crime and ponder their origins, this situation is a contributing factor," she argued. "You are exacerbating an already difficult problem by failing to offer solutions."
"This concerns everyone."
Comments (0)
You must be logged in to comment.
Be the first to comment on this article!