By peace Udugba
As a panelist at The Fela Debates 17, Mr. Ekuma Eze, Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Rite Foods Limited, emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing environmental challenges. The debate, themed “Water (No) Get Enemy: Sustaining Life, Art and Commerce Through the Blue Economy,” brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and changemakers to discuss the role of the blue economy in sustaining life, art, and commerce.
Unity and Collective Action
Ekuma drew inspiration from Fela’s iconic song “Water No Get Enemy,” highlighting the metaphorical depth of water as a symbol of unity and sustenance. He noted that just as water nourishes without discrimination, we must act collectively to protect our shared resources. Citing the Igbo philosophy “ndu mmiri, ndu azu,” meaning the life of water, the life of fish, Ekuma emphasized the importance of harmony, balance, and interdependence in all aspects of life.
Rite Foods’ Environmental Initiatives
Ekuma highlighted Rite Foods’ commitment to preserving the marine ecosystem through its Rite on the Beach initiative, now in its fifth year. The initiative has cleaned over 15 kilometers of shoreline across various locations, collecting plastic bottles and promoting sustainability. The project also supports school children through scholarships and trains undergraduates in sustainability practices.
Call to Action
Ekuma called for multi-sectoral collaboration to advance Nigeria’s blue economy potential, estimated at over $1.5 trillion. He urged government, businesses, and citizens to take responsibility for proper waste management, climate action, and water protection, emphasizing that “water is not our enemy; our actions are.”
The Fela Debates
The Fela Debates series is a cornerstone of the globally acclaimed Felabration Festival, celebrating the legacy of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, the Afrobeat icon who championed freedom, justice, and social consciousness. The symposium has hosted distinguished voices from various fields, cementing its reputation as a platform for progressive dialogue at the intersection of art, activism, and social change.
