Ex-BBC journalist gets Pulitzer Centre grant to probe Lagos mangrove destruction

A Nigerian researcher and PhD candidate at the Missouri School of Journalism, Damilola Oduolowu, has been awarded a prestigious Pulitzer Centre grant to investigate the escalating destruction of mangroves in Lagos State.

According to him, the project seeks to raise awareness about an environmental crisis that has been largely ignored despite its far-reaching consequences on the state.

“Mangroves are among the world’s most vital marine ecosystems, providing protection against flooding, supporting biodiversity, and sustaining livelihoods.

“Yet, in Lagos, these ecosystems are being destroyed at an alarming rate,” Oduolowu stated.

Oduolowu recently returned to Lagos from the United States to begin his field research, visiting coastal communities and interviewing residents whose lives are deeply affected by mangrove depletion.

According to estimates, Lagos has lost between 50% and 70% of its mangroves since the 1960s. This destruction endangers marine life, erodes the natural barriers against climate change, and jeopardizes the livelihoods of local populations reliant on these ecosystems.

Oduolowu said the Pulitzer Centre grant is part of its global initiative to support projects addressing critical but underreported issues such as climate change, adding that his plan was to use the grant to document the human and environmental toll of mangrove loss and spark conversations about sustainable solutions.

“This grant allows me to tell stories that matter—stories of how vulnerable communities in Lagos are battling the double threat of climate change and environmental degradation.

“Through partnerships with several media platforms, I aim to ensure these voices are heard,” he said.

Oduolowu’s professional background amplifies the significance of his work.

Before pursuing his PhD, he spent over a decade as a multimedia journalist, including a role as a Senior Journalist at the BBC World Service.

His expertise spans television, radio, and digital platforms, with a career devoted to uncovering underreported issues and inspiring meaningful change.

By combining academic rigour with environmental journalism, Oduolowu said his project would highlight the devastating consequences of mangrove destruction while inspiring environmental justice.

He noted that his work exemplifies the power of storytelling to confront global challenges, offering hope for sustainable solutions in Lagos and beyond.

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