While the global climate crisis is often discussed in terms of statistics and policy, international photographer Bukunmi Oyewole is teaching a new generation of Gambian creatives to look for the “Human Dimension.” This week, the renowned Nigerian photographer concluded a landmark two-day intensive workshop in Banjul, aimed at shifting how the nation’s environmental struggle is projected to the world.
The workshop, titled “Visualizing the Crisis: Climate Action through the Lens,” was delivered in partnership with the Media Academy for Journalism and Communication (MAJaC) and funded by the British High Commission in The Gambia.
The significance of the initiative was underscored on Day 1 by the presence of the British High Commissioner to The Gambia, Harriet King. In her opening remarks, held in commemoration of the Commonwealth Day celebration, High Commissioner King encouraged the 15 selected photographers, journalists, and influencers to take the opportunity seriously, urging them to use their craft to prompt meaningful action from duty bearers.
As the lead trainer, Oyewole moved the participants beyond traditional environmental photography, focusing instead on the “Human Dimension of Climate Change.” His curriculum emphasized resilience, daily labour, and local ingenuity.
“People are the protagonists of their own survival, not just victims of a crisis,” Oyewole remarked during his session. “To tell a climate story effectively, we must document the ‘Quiet Strength’ of those on the frontlines, focusing on dignity and the innovative ways communities are already adapting to their changing environments.”
The training included a guided field trip to climate hotspots, where Oyewole mentored participants on the “Narrative Structure,” teaching them how to balance establishing shots with relationship-driven action shots that capture the gravity of the situation.
A central outcome of the workshop was the official activation of the Gambian Storytelling Hub, a professional network and “Intelligence Hub” mentored by Oyewole. The hub is designed to bridge the gap between local talent and global opportunities.
Addressing the professional hurdles many African creatives face, Oyewole was blunt: “Don’t wait to be discovered. You have to find the opportunities yourself.” He provided a roadmap for navigating international open calls, mini-grants, and newsletters, urging the cohort to treat every submission as a step toward professional independence.
Bukunmi Oyewole’s presence in Banjul brings a wealth of international experience to the local creative economy. With a portfolio spanning the COP26 Climate Summit and galleries across North America and Europe, Oyewole’s collaboration with the British High Commission and MAJaC marks a strategic effort to amplify Gambian voices in the global Commonwealth conversation.
The workshop concluded with a formal presentation of certificates to the 15 participants, marking their transition into the Gambian Storytelling Hub. Following a final roundtable involving the Gambia Environmental Alliance, the message was clear: Gambian storytellers are no longer just observing the crisis, they are now equipped to lead the solution.
Bukunmi Oyewole is a documentary photographer and Lead Mentor for the Gambian Storytelling Hub. A member of the African Photojournalism Database (APJD)— a joint project of the World Press Photo Foundation and Everyday Africa—his work focuses on climate resilience and cultural preservation across the continent.
