Novels
1. Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie:
This novel tells the story of the Nigerian Civil War through the eyes of two sisters, one of whom is a Biafran nationalist and the other a Nigerian federalist. The novel explores the impact of the war on the people of the Niger Delta, as well as the role of oil in the conflict.
2. Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi:
This novel tells the story of two half-sisters who are separated at birth and sold into slavery. One sister is sent to America, while the other is sent to Ghana. The novel follows the lives of their descendants over several generations, exploring the themes of race, identity, and the legacy of slavery. While not directly about the Niger Delta oil scheme, it provides context to the exploitation of resources and its lasting impact.
3. These Thousand Hills by Ayiwei Okwei Armah:
This novel tells the story of a young man who is caught up in the Nigerian Civil War. The novel explores the themes of war, violence, and the struggle for identity. While the focus is not on oil, it provides insight into the social and political climate of the region.
4. Miracles of Abundance by Elias Bongonda:
This novel is a satire of the oil industry in the Niger Delta. The novel tells the story of a group of villagers who are forced to leave their homes to make way for an oil pipeline. The novel is a scathing indictment of the oil industry’s exploitation of the Niger Delta and its people.
5. Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler:
This dystopian novel is set in a future America that has been ravaged by climate change and economic collapse. The novel tells the story of a young woman named Lauren Olamina who creates a new philosophy called Earthseed, which emphasizes self-reliance and community. While not directly about the Niger Delta, it offers a critique of environmental degradation and exploitation of resources.
Films
1. Black Gold (2016): This documentary film tells the story of the environmental and human rights abuses that have been committed in the Niger Delta as a result of oil extraction. The film features interviews with community members, activists, and government officials.
2. We Don’t Like Strangers (2017):
This short documentary film tells the story of Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni people’s struggle against Shell Oil. The film is a powerful indictment of the oil industry’s exploitation of the Niger Delta.
3. The Mosquito (2019):
This documentary film tells the story of the impact of oil spills on the people of the Niger Delta. The film features interviews with community members, scientists, and government officials.
4. Ìfé (2020):
This short film tells the story of a young woman who returns to her home village in the Niger Delta after many years away. The film explores the themes of environmental degradation, displacement, and the search for identity.
5. Peace Anyhow (2020):
This documentary film tells the story of the Niger Delta Conflict. The film features interviews with community members, activists, and government officials.
These films and novels provide a variety of perspectives on the Niger Delta oil scheme and its impact on the region and its people. They offer insights into the complex social, political, and environmental issues that the Niger Delta face.