Defending
Nature

Events

Students Planting trees for environmental sustainability

People happy

People laughing

Students Planting trees for environmental sustainability

0

WHAT HOST COMMUNITIES SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE PIA

Community Development Petroleum Industry Act Sensitization

Community Development Advocacy Foundation has called on host communities to stay informed about the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act and actively engage with relevant authorities to ensure that their interests are adequately represented and protected.

This was stated at a one-day Sensitization Program on the Host Community Aspect of the PIA which held on the 29th of December 2023, in Agbarha-Otor community of Delta State, organized by CODAF in collaboration with BudgIT.

Presenting a paper on Community Awareness on PIA, Executive Director of African Center for Rural and Environmental Development, Fred Nohwo guided the participants to understand the content of the PIA as it relates to Host communities, x-rating some aspects of the PIA including the Host Community Development Trust, Host Community Fund, Community participation, Environmental protection, Petroleum Host Community Fund, Community Development plan.

He rounded off the session by encouraging community leaders to stay informed about these provisions and actively engage with relevant stakeholders to ensure that their interests are adequately represented and protected.

The event also featured pretest to ascertain the level of knowledge of the PIA within the community participants and thus, the result revealed that even though the PIA is in existence, participants do not have an in -depth knowledge of the PIA as it concerns the host communities and the need to fully embrace the PIA.

The pretest was followed by a mono drama moderated by the Executive Director of Neferok Foundation, Ayo Okotie. The drama was centered on the host community involvement in the implementation of the PIA, the objective of the drama is to arouse the interest of participants on PIA.

The representative of the palace, Egnr. Samuel Okagbare expressed his delight over the sensitization efforts of CODAF and BudgIT. He lauded CODAF for the great job and appealed for more enlightening programs in the Agbarha kingdom.

On his path, the Executive Director of CODAF, Richard Benin urged the community to make themselves familiar with the latest version of the PIA, and to seek legal advice for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

One of the highlights of the event was a comment from a female participant who said” EVERY CHILD IN THE HOST COMMUNITY SHOULD KNOW THE PIA.” Thus, documents and pamphlets containing the Host Community Aspects of the PIA should be made available in community primary and secondary schools.

As a continuation on the Sensitization of the Host Community Aspect of the PIA, CODAF also organized a 3 days media dialogue on the 5th, 8th and 10th of January 2024 on Quest fm to further discuss on “What Host communities should know about the PIA”.

0

CODAF URGES HOST COMMUNITIES TO PAY DELIBERATE ATTENTION TO THE CONTENT OF THE PETROLEUM INDUSTRY ACT (PIA)

WHAT HOST COMMUNITIES NEED TO KNOW. PIA

0

CODAF'S A MILLION TREE SCHOOL PROJECT EMPOWERS FUTURE GENERATIONS WITH FREE NOTEBOOKS IN DELTA STATE

Environment / Youth Schools / A Million Tree Project

In line with its dedication to creating positive and sustainable impact within local communities, Community Development Advocacy Foundation (CODAF) has successfully distributed over 1000 free notebooks to school children in Ughelli North and Ughelli South local government areas of Delta State.

According to the Executive Director of CODAF, Richard Benin, the initiative is in line with the organization’s commitment to fostering education and community development, to alleviate the financial burden on families and ensure that every child has access to essential educational tools.

“Recognizing the pivotal role education plays in shaping a brighter future, CODAF aims to empower young minds, promote learning, and bridge educational disparities in the region. This initiative is a testament to CODAF's unwavering dedication to creating positive and sustainable impact within local communities.

By providing free notebooks to school children, CODAF aspires to inspire a love for learning, enhance educational opportunities, and contribute to the overall development and sustainability of the environment.”

The CODAF boss also expresses gratitude to its partners, (ACERD and NeDi) volunteers, and all stakeholders for their support, adding that the foundation remains committed to its mission of empowering communities through education and advocacy.

The schools that benefited from the free books initiative are; Ibru College, Afiesere secondary school, Otu Jeremi Secondary school, Sunnicity Group of schools and Omavovwe Secondary school. Mr Benin revealed that the next phase of the project will be the provision notebooks to schools in the riverine communities.

The A Million Tree Project is an initiative of CODAF, that encourages the young to pay attention to the beautification and health of the environment through the planting of trees.

0

Vacancy Announcement

Community Advocacy Foundation (CODAF) also known as Rural Community Empowerment Initiative (RUCEi) works to bridge the communication gap between policy makers and the grassroots AND raise awareness of rural dwellers and empowering them to be active players in environmental decision making.

CODAF is currently recruiting to fill the following vacant positions:

1. Program Officer.

We seek a Program Officer who will oversee program development, campaigns, seek grants and develop proposals, manage projects and oversee budgets.

The desired candidate should be able to think and write creatively. He/she should be a graduate of any program from a Polytechnic or University. Candidates that reside in Ughelli area of Delta State are preferred.

2. Communications Officer.

We are seeking the appointment of a Communication Officer to play a critical role in the establishment and promote CODAF's brand. The officer should be able to create, coordinate, and execute communication plans to increase public awareness, write press releases and special reports.

The desired candidate should be able to think and write creatively. He/she should be a graduate of Mass Communications, Political Science from a Polytechnic or University. Candidates with other courses that have the experience are also eligible to apply. Candidates that reside in Ughelli area of Delta State are preferred.

3. Office Assistant.

We seek the services of a smart Administrator who will support on the day to day running of the CODAF head office.

The ideal candidate should be able to read and write and has the ability to use a computer efficiently.

Interested candidates should submit their application and CV to codaf@codaf.org on or before November 30, 2023.

0

WOMEN OF OTU-JEREMI COMMUNITY CALLS FOR AN END TO GAS FLARING AND FOSSIL FUEL EXTRACTION

"We want compensation for the damages to our environment"- Women of Otu-jeremi

The decades long extraction of fossil fuels from the Niger Delta region of Nigeria has exposed host communities to several forms of environmental pollution that has destroyed the lands, waters and livelihood of the people, thereby creating health challenges and poverty in these host communities.

As part of the African People's Counter COP Assemblies Action, the people of Otu-jeremi community in Delta State has called for an end to Gas flaring and oil pollution in their community, demanding for compensations for the years long damages they have endured.

The women of the community made this know in a One-Day People's Assembly Action organized by Community Development Advocacy Foundation - CODAF, to present the people's perspective on gas flaring and to demand for real solutions in the fourth coming COP 28 to hold in Dubai.

Otu-jeremi community is a host to the largest gas plant station in Nigeria and West Africa, with 3 gas flaring plants located in the community.

While sharing their displeasure on the level of pollution they have suffered, the women complained of health issues such as hypertension, loss of sight, loss of hearing and other ailments caused by the poisonous substances deposited in the environment, polluting the air and water.

They also revealed that the agricultural produce of the community has reduced drastically and the people are in poverty because the pollution has destroyed their lands and chased away the fishes from their waters.

Speaking at the program, the Executive Director of African Center for Environmental and Rural Development, Fred Nohwo spoke on the effects of gas flaring on agriculture, stressing that gas produces acid rain that destroys the pH of the soil, depositing sulphur dioxide and other harmful chemicals that deters the growth and metabolism of plants.

Also speaking at the event, the Executive Director of Neferok Foundation, Ayo Nefertiti Okotie stated that despite hosting gas plants and the associated environmental pollution and health hazards suffered by the people of Otu-jeremi, they still have a deep level of energy poverty in the community.

On his part, the Executive Director of CODAF, Benin Richard pointed out that the People's Assembly Counter COP is being held to hear the perspective of the affected host communities and to seek real solutions to the decades long environmental pollution and health hazards caused by fossil fuel extraction in the Niger Delta.

The highlight of the event was a river side action by the women of the community.

Their advocacy messages included a firm call for an end to fossil fuel extraction, to put an end to gas flaring in the community, a demand for environmental justice and sustainable development, a restoration of the ecosystem and the payment of loss and damages caused by extractive activities.

0

WOMEN OF OTU-JEREMI CALLS FOR AN END TO GAS FLARING IN THEIR COMMUNITY

"We want and end to fossil fuel extractions" - Women of Otu-jeremi

Otu-jeremi community is a host to the largest gas plant station in Nigeria and West Africa, with 3 gas flaring plants located in the community.

The highlight of the event was a river side action by the women of the community.

0

CODAF AND OTHER GAIA NIGERIA MEMBERS CALLS FOR ACTION AGAINST SINGLE-USE

Community Development Advocacy Foundation (CODAF) joined other members of the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) on an advocacy visit to the Delta State Ministry of Environment in Asaba, Delta State on its campaign against Plastic Pollution, Open Waste Dumping and the promotion of Zero Waste.

The meeting which held on Thursday, the 13th of July 2023, was also facilitated by Community Development Advocacy Foundation (CODAF) in partnership with Green Knowledge Foundation (GKF) and Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) , featuring strategic discussion sessions on the global plastic treaty and the efforts of the Delta State Government in achieving a plastic free environment in the state.

Speaking at the meeting, the Executive Director of CODAF, Benin Richard stated that with the current situation of the country and the state, the total ban of plastic may be an unachievable fit. He however pointed out that the Delta State government can employ strategic efforts to reduce the use of plastic by monitoring the number of plastics that leak into the state.

Mr. Benin suggested that the ministry can start by banning the use of Single-Use Plastics within their office surrounding and gradually extend it to other ministries and the entire secretariat complex.

Also speaking at the meeting, the Executive Director GKF, Bawo Akpo stated that the issue of plastic banning or reduction is a commitment that should be prioritized by the government, with an aim of achieving a common goal of Zero plastic.

He suggested that the government can develop mechanisms that will involve the collection of plastics from the people in exchange for health care services in government owned hospitals and payment of school fees.

Representing ERA/FoEN at the meeting, the Project Officer, Waste Management- Melody Enyinnaya stated that Extended Producer Responsibility negotiation may not be complete if it doesn’t produce an accountability system.

She added that the government should make policies that hold manufacturers responsible for their product waste such as withdrawal policy, adding that segregation of waste from source should become a practice.

According to her, in order to get it right with the monitoring and reduction of plastic waste in Delta State, there is an urgent need to revisit the Delta State Waste Management Laws for gaps that can hinder the achievement of effective waste management systems in the state.

On her part, the Director of Climate Change, Delta State Ministry of Environment, Mrs. V.D Briggs commended the organizations for their visit, applauding the solutions presented by the team.

She noted that the team will be invited on another scheduled date for further discussions on the management of plastic waste in Delta State and how to achieve results.

The highlight of the event includes a sensitization road show/campaign around Asaba metropolis against Open Waste dumping, to commemorate National Environmental Sanitation Day. The team also made a presentation of GAIA Nigeria Zero Waste Guidelines Booklet to the Director of Climate Change and also to the Permanent Sectary of the Delta State Ministry of Environment.

0

CODAF flays upsurge in indiscriminate sand dredging in N-Delta

Community Advocacy Development Foundation, CODAF, a nongovernmental organisation, has decried the high spate of indiscriminate sand dredging in Niger Delta, which he said was hurting the ecosystem of the oil-rich region.

Executive Director of CODAF, Mr. Richard Benin, while reacting to the development, warned that buildings around dredging sites could start having cracks in the next 10 or more years if the trend continues unchecked. Berating Ministry of Environment in Niger Delta states for not taking the issue of indiscriminate sand dredging seriously, he said: “All along the East West Road, you see dredging sites on both sides of the road. I wonder who gives these people licences to carry out these dredging activities. “Once there is a small water anywhere, they just bring in their dredger, put it there and start lifting sand without taking cognizance of the negative impact of their actions on the environment.

“For you to carry out such activity, you need an Environmental Impact Assessment, Environmental Impact and Social Assessment of whatever you want to do in the environment. “These people don’t do that, they just bring the machine, fell trees, create access and start to dredge. Now felling of trees, that’s degradation of the ecosystem and there is noise pollution.

“These machines use oil, fuel and diesel and they spill into the water thereby increasing the pH level of the water, thereby affecting the organisms that thrive in the water. ".

This report was written by Ochuko Akuopha and published on page 4 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 23, 2023.

In 2018, CODAF made similar call to the Federal and State Governments of Nigeria

0

GAIA NIGERIA ADVOCATES FOR ZERO WASTE POLICY ACROSS NIGERIA

Webinar on the Transit to Zero Waste

GAIA Nigeria and other civil society organizations in environment have called on the public to embrace the opportunities of transiting to zero waste to save the planet.

This was made known in a one-day webinar organized by Gaia Nigeria with the theme, Transiting to Zero Waste, Challenges and Opportunities.

In his introduction of the webinar, Program Manager of Environmental Rights Action/ Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN), Maimoni Ubrei-Joe stated that the webinar was organized to broaden the web of solutions around waste in the environment and to create awareness on zero waste.

Also presenting the outcomes of the recent UN Plastics Treaty negotiation in Paris and the findings of the delegation of GAIA Nigeria, the Executive Director of Community Development Advocacy Foundation, Richard Benin revealed that the outcomes following five days of negotiations included an agreement to develop a zero draft treaty text for a future binding treaty on plastics, discuss on the 12 core obligations options for the new binding global plastic treaty, support by many governments for global measures to reduce plastic production, regulate the waste trade, ensure chemical transparency and ban single-use plastics

He added that the third round of negotiations will be held in Nairobi, Kenya in November 2023, the fourth round in Canada in April 2024, and then in South Korea in October 2024.

The first presentation on the challenge of Transiting to Zero Waste was given by the Executive Director of Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADeV), Dr Leslie Adogame who pointed out that Africa and Nigeria are far behind in entrenching the concept of zero waste while focusing on zero solutions.

While speaking on the opportunities of transiting to Zero waste, the Executive Director of Center for Earth Work, Benson Dotun Fasanya opined that the concept of Zero waste can be transformed into a means of job creation to recover resources and to save the planet by putting an end to incineration.

On his part, the Executive Director of ERA/FoEN, Barr. Chima Williams encouraged members of GAIA Nigeria to look inward to see how policies and ground activities can be expanded in various states to achieve a compendium of zero waste programs across Nigeria.

The Program Officer of ERA/FoEN, Melody Enyinnaya gave a breakdown of the achievements and accomplishments of ERA and other organizations in their work to promote Zero waste.

The webinar had over 50 participants from the coalition of 9 organizations which include Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADev), Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN), Pan African Vision for the Environment (PAVE), Centre for Earth Work (CFEW), Green Knowledge Foundation (GKF), Community Development Advocacy Foundation (CODAF), Policy Alert, Lekeh Development Foundation and Community Action Against Plastic Waste (CAPWs).

0

Community based Tree Planting Awareness Campaign To Save The Earth

Otu-jeremi Secondary School, a member of CODAF's Plant-A-Million-Trees-Club

A member of Plant-A-Million-Tree club, Otu-jeremi Secondary School in Ughelli-South, Delta State, held a street sensitization on the dangers of indescriminate cutting down of trees in Otu-jeremi community in commemoration of the 2023 World Environmental Day.

The A Million Tree School Club, is an initiative of Community Development Advocacy Foundation (CODAF) A Million Tree Project.

While speaking to community members, a man working on his local boat said he agrees with the initiative but however opined that it is the duty of the government alone to plant trees.

He further stated that individuals are not intrested in planting trees as the problems facing the ordinary man in Nigeria are numerous.

The students of Otu-jeremi Secondary called on the public to join the fight against deforestation and plastic pollution, adding that we have only one Earth and it must be protected.

0

CODAF AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS LEND THEIR VOICES ON ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES FACING COASTAL COMMUNITIES

World Ocean and World Environment Day Celebration in Forcados and Odimodi Communities in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State

In commemoration of the World Environment Day and World Ocean Day, Community Development Advocacy Foundation (CODAF also known as Rural Community Empowerment Initiative (RUCEI) has drawn attention to the dangers of plastic waste and its effect on the environment.

The Executive Director of CODAF, Richard Benin stated this during a Riverside Action and Environmental Campaigns in Forcados and Odimodi communities in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, to mark World Environment Day and World Ocean Day.

Mr. Benin explained that plastic waste is growing to be one of the most disturbing issues bedevilling our planet as of today, as these products contains chemicals that are harmful to the environment and the people. He further stressed that, of the 450 million tons of plastics produced annually around the globe, only 9% is recircled and a sizeable amount of the remaining unrecycled ones find their way into our rivers and oceans which on the other hand have negative impacts on the ecosystems. He said it is important for individuals, cooperate organizations, CSOs, governments at all levels to come together to fight this menace and bequeath an environment in a better condition to our children, as we owe them that.

In his conversations with the people of Forcados and Odimodi communities respectively, he admonished the people to completely avoid or reduce the use of plastic to save their environment and to save mother earth. Speaking further, Mr. Benin, used the opportunity to call on the government to adopt and implement a comprehensive Zero waste plan that will address all forms of waste at the source of generation across all value chain and ban all single use plastics.

Also speaking at both communities, the Executive Director of African Center for Environmental and Rural Development, Nowho Fred who partnered with CODAF on the environmental day action, stated that World Environmental Day is not just celebrated but a reminder that we need to pay attention to the environment, to save the earth for future generations.

On her part, the Executive Director of Neferok Development Initiative, Nefertiti Ayo Okotie exposed that plastic waste accounts for 85% of Marine waste as about 11 Million metric tons of plastic goes into our ocean annually and is estimated to triple over the next 20 years. She advised that if we must survive staying on planet earth, then we must all join in the fight against plastic pollution.

Meanwhile, the people of Forcados and Odimodi have applauded the visit of CODAF and other partner organizations and the environmental messages that were brought to them.

While discussing on the Environmental issues affecting the communities, the people of Forcados lamented that they have been neglected and long forgotten by the government and oil multinationals, despite the cries of crude oil spillages and flooding that is ravaging the community.

Speaking to the CODAF media team, an indigene of Forcados, Engineer Jacob Diale stated that Forcados has the potential of being a well-developed community, as the Nigerian colonial administration was intentionally started in Forcados by the colonial masters.

He however regretted that the glory of Forcados have been diverted to other parts of Nigeria, while the people have been abandoned in deep poverty by the government and the oil multinationals whose crude activities have destroyed the ecosystem and livelihood of the people.

One of the women in the community, Evelyn Orijemi explained that the people have given up on farming because their farmlands have all gone under water, while crude oil has destroyed fishing activities of the people, adding that the people of Forcados are living in poverty and their community is being washed away by the sea.

Another woman, Lucy Akinto who also spoke on the issue, complained that smoke and black oil from oil exploration activities is affecting the people of Forcados, yet no form of development has been seen in the community, stressing that the community does not have portable water, power supply or roads.

The Chairman of Forcados Community, Burutu Erekedowmini called on the appropriate authorities to intervene and save the people of Forcados from being wiped out from the world by the environmental issues plaguing their community.

On their part, the women of Odimodi have applauded the advocacy and intervention of CODAF in Odimodi, as the efforts made have drawn the attention of Shell to their community.

The women who expressed their gratitude testified that after the visit of CODAF in January 2023 and the advocacy efforts made, Shell had introduced nine (9) new scholarship slots for the community and brought medical teams to examine and attend to the medical needs of the people.

While they appreciated the efforts of Shell, they however appealed that rather than bringing occasional medical teams to the community, a standard hospital with trained doctors should be established permanently in Odimodi to attend to emergencies and other unforeseen medical needs of the people.

They also requested for the introduction of adult education for the aged who still value education, and the provision of loans and grants to improve the standard of living in Odimodi.

The highlight of CODAF environmental day action in Forcados and Odimodi were riverside campaigns for the reduction of plastic waste and the need to save the coastal communities.

The 5th and 8th of June are days set aside to celebrate World Environment and World Ocean days respectively.

0

CODAF Organizes Webinar On Human And Ecological Rights

Webinar on Human Rights Abuses Suffered By Communities Playing Host To Oil Multinationals

In promoting the effort of human and environmental rights defense in the Niger Delta oil and gas producing communities, Community Development Advocacy Foundation (CODAF) in collaboration with CHRD and ERA/FoEN organized a webinar on May 23, 2023 on zoom.

The webinar which was organized to examine the human rights abuses caused by oil exploration activities in the Niger Delta, had over 30 participants in attendance, including community representatives, media representatives, Civil Society Organizations and Legal practitioners in attendance.

Speaking at the meeting, the Executive Director of Environmental Rights Action, Barr. Chima Williams spoke on " Trials of Human and Ecological Rights abuses in the Niger Delta" and steps to be taken to achieve successful legal actions against oil multinationals who have defaulted on the required standards of operation.

According to him, the human ecological rights abuses against oil producing communities is an infringement of the laid down standards of operation agreed upon by the oil companies before the commencement of their operations.

He lamented that the pollution of these host communities have deprived them of their sources of livelihood, which is dependent on their fishing and farming activities.

Barr. Williams further stressed that with evidence from the affected communities, legal actions can be taken to stop oil exploration activities if the oil companies cannot meet up to it's obligations owed to host communities.

Also speaking, Tonbra Kasikoro Kilopirete, Executive Director, Women Initiative for Values Empowerment and Sustainability International (WIVES) said the people of the riverine needs enlightenment as many of them do not know their rights, thereby accepting human rights abuses as a normal thing.

On her part, the Program Officer of CODAF, Elvira Jordan stated that Odimodi and other oil host communities have been put through untold hardship as their rights to a safe and healthy environment have been infringed upon, due to oil spills and chemical waste damages that have affected the lands and waters in these areas.

She further stated that these host communities are at the risk of extinction if their environment is not restored.

Highlighting the interventions of CODAF in Odimodi and other oil producing communities in the area, she also revealed that CODAF in collaboration with Environment Rights Action/ Friends Of The Earth Nigeria and the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) in Edo State are putting together legal actions against oil multinationals on the human rights abuses against Odimodi, Gele-gele, Forcados and other communities that have keyed into the initiative.

She called on civil society organizations, media organizations and legal practitioners to key into the initiative and support the fight for the restoration of the rights of host communities in the Niger Delta.

0

CODAF and other CSOs Call on FG to Adopt Zero Waste Plan in Line with UN Plastic Treaty

Plastic Treaty

Civil Society Organisations on the platform of the Global Alliance for Incinerators Alternative (GAIA) Network and Break-Free from Plastics (BFFP) have called on the Nigerian government through various ministries, departments, and agencies to adopt and implement a comprehensive Zero Waste Plan that addresses all forms of waste at source generation and across all value chains.

The Global Plastic Treaty is an instrument that presents the opportunity to reduce plastic production, eradicate toxic substances in plastics, exclude false solutions like incineration, and scale up zero waste solutions such as reuse among others.

Reducing plastic usage in Nigeria will guarantee the true commitment from the Nigerian government to the implementation of its Nationally Determined Contribution NDC) and reduce extractive activities that deliberately create environmental concerns, adding that breaking free from plastics will mark out the country for sustainable environmental advancement and promote the health of citizens.

In a statement jointly read by some of the partners including, Executive Director, Community Development Advocacy Foundation (CODAF) Benin E. Richard, Founder, Centre for Earth Works (CFW) Benson Dotun-Fasanya, Programme Coordinator, Green Knowledge Foundation Bawo Ofere and Program Manager, Environmental Rights Action/ Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN), Maimoni Ubrei-Joe

Executive Director, of Community Development Advocacy Foundation (CODAF) Benin E. Richard said they aligned with the ambitious position of the BFFP Movement/GAIA Network to reduce the trade, production, and use of plastics. Limiting the presence of toxic chemicals in plastics, and prohibiting dangerous practices such as open burning, incineration, and other waste-to-energy processes.

Mr. Richard urged the Nigerian Government to adopt and implement a comprehensive Zero Waste Plan that addresses all forms of waste at the source of generation and across all value chains.

He also called on them to uphold the UN human rights resolution to a safe, clean, and healthy environment that is toxic-free; Make efforts to ban all single-use plastics / establish mechanisms for plastic withdrawal, guarantee the inclusion of just transition and accessibility of waste pickers and frontline communities into waste management policies and the Global Treaty Process.

In his position, Founder, of Centre for Earth Works (CFW) Benson Dotun-Fasanya noted that plastics are a significant challenge in Nigeria as unlike other materials it never really goes away.

Beyond the problems of non-decomposition, and posing as a threat to the planet and biodiversity, plastics pose health challenges to humans, especially to women. He said plastics are also interconnected to the promotion of poverty in Nigeria.

In his words “The Nigeria plastic tsunami has dangerous impacts on the health of Nigerians, especially women who suffer the most effects.

“Women are more affected by plastics than men, this is because biologically, their bodies react in different ways to toxins, and the hygiene products that women use are often contaminated, for instance, tampons which may comprise up to six percent plastic and sanitary pads consist of up to 90 percent petroleum-based plastic.

Adding his view, the Programme Coordinator, of the Green Knowledge Foundation Bawo Ofere stated that besides health, and poverty, plastic also contributed to climate degradation as transport, energy, and energy are often blamed for climate change.

Stating that plastic production is one of the largest and fastest-growing contributors to climate emissions, especially when improperly disposed of. He quoted the Center for International Environmental Laws which estimates that at the current and projected level of growth, the production of plastics alone could generate 53.5b metric tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions by 2050.

“In addition, the incineration of waste plastic pushes this total to nearly 56 billion metric tonnes.

In other words, plastic alone could consume between 10/13 percent of the Earth’s remaining carbon budget while staying below 1.5 degrees” he said

“Incineration is not a better solution, because burning plastic waste leads to black carbon which has a global warming potential almost 5,000 times greater than carbon dioxide (CO2)”.

Program Manager, Environmental Rights Action/ Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN), Ubrei-Joe Maimoni called on the Nigerian government to adopt the 7rs of environmental sustainability which include Rethink, Refuse, Reduce, Repurpose, Reuse, Recycle, and Rot.

The partners maintained that addressing the plastics production reduction at source remains a fundamental part of the efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, build resilience and solutions to climate change while ensuring justice and equity for all.

This report was written by Ruth Tene Natsa, of Earthnews, Abuja.

0

CODAF Organizes Webinar On Human And Ecological Rights

Webinar on Human Rights Abuses Suffered By Communities Playing Host To Oil Multinationals

He lamented that the pollution of these host communities have deprived them of their sources of livelihood, which is dependent on their fishing and farming activities.

She further stated that these host communities are at the risk of extinction if their environment is not restored.

0

Webinar on Human and Ecological Rights

Looking at Human Rights Abuses caused by oil exploration activities in the Niger Delta.

Join the Webinar on "Human and Ecological Rights" as we look into

👉🏼 Human Rights Abuses caused by oil exploration activities in the Niger Delta: Testimonies from the Communities

Speakers: Barr. Chima Williams

Executive Director,

Environmental Rights Action/ Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN)

Miss Elvira Jordan

Program Officer, Community Development Advocacy Foundation (CODAF)

Date: Tuesday, 23rd of May, 2023

Time: 10:00am (Lagos Nigeria Time)

Join the Zoom Meeting with the link below 👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽

https://infoscert.zoom.us/j/93846231681?pwd=WTJuY1NKRXRhYWt2Qm4vQ25sNHhBQT09

Meeting ID: 938 4623 1681

Passcode: 612482

0

Legal and Strategy meeting for Fisher Folks in the Niger Delta

Community Development Advocacy Foundation - CODAF in collaboration with Environmental Rights Action/ Friends of the Earth, Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) organized a one-day legal and strategy meeting for fisher folks in the Niger Delta. The meeting which held on Thursday, 6th of April, 2023 at the headquarters of ERA/FoEN, had in attendance forty (40) participants drawn from the Federation of Women Lawyers in Edo State, the community representatives, students and other partner organizations.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of CODAF, Benin Richard stated that the program was organized to foster collaborations with capable organizations and agencies to ensure that the communities are protected. He urged FIDA to involve environmental action in their scope as women in the communities are mostly affected by the activities of the oil multinationals.

Representatives from Odimodi, Gele-gele and Forcados gave testimonies on the plight of their people, the level of damages and how it has affected the communities. They stated that the pollution in their communities have destroyed their lands and water, causing ailments that have reduced the life span of the people.

The Executive Director of ERA/FoEN, Barr. Chima Williams assured the communities that they are in full support and will join in the fight to hold the oil and gas companies for their activities against the people. While stating some strategies that should be adhered to in case of litigation, he however urged the community representatives to gather concrete information and evidence, and to collaborate within themselves to mitigate against the divide and rule tactics of the oil multinationals.

On her part, the President of the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) in Edo State, Barr. Violet Olumese stated that the rights to safe environment, education, healthcare and healthy living are right backed by the constitution, of which the people in the affected communities are being deprived of. She added that any issue affecting community women is an interest point for FIDA, assuring the communities and CODAF of their support.

The community representatives were instructed to gather relevant documents, information and evidence to commence action plans.

0

Niger Delta Legal and Strategy Meeting for Fisher Folks

Communities affected by oil exploration activities

Community Development Advocacy Foundation - CODAF in collaboration with Environmental Rights Action/ Friends Of The Earth, Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) organized a one-day interaction with the theme,

"Niger Delta Legal and Strategy Meeting for Fisher Folk", to help host communities suffering from environmental degradation caused by oil multinationals.

The meeting which held on Thursday, 6th of April, 2023 at the headquarters of ERA/FoEN, had representatives from the International Federation of Women Lawyers in Edo State, the community representatives and other partner organizations.

He urged FIDA to involve environmental action in their scope, as women in the communities are mostly affected by the activities of the oil multinationals.

Representatives from Odimodi, Gele-gele and Forcados gave testimonies on the plight of their people, the level of damages and how it has affected the communities.

They stated that the pollution in their communities have destroyed their lands and water, causing ailments that have reduced the life span of the people.

The Executive Director of ERA/FoEN, Barr. Chima Williams assured the communities that they are in full support and will join in the fight to hold the oil and gas companies accountable for their activities against the people.

While stating some strategies that should be adhered to in case of litigation, he however urged the community representatives to gather concrete information and evidence, and to collaborate within themselves to mitigate against the divide and rule tactics of the oil multinationals.

On her part, the President of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) in Edo State, Barr. Violet Olumese stated that the rights to safe environment, education, healthcare and healthy living are right backed by the constitution, of which the people in the affected communities are being deprived of.

She added that any issue affecting community women is an interest point for FIDA, assuring the communities and CODAF of their support.

The community representatives were instructed to gather relevant documents, information and evidence to commence action plans.

0

STAKEHOLDERS ENGAGEMENT ON THE COST OF CORRUPTION IN THE EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRIES

Enlightenment, Fact Sharing and Action Planning

Community Development Advocacy Foundation - CODAF (CODAF) and BudgIT has called on the stakeholders of host communities to pay attention to issues surrounding the extractive industries, in order to ensure the compliance of the extractive industries to benefit schemes that concerns their various communities.

This was made known in a 1-Day "Stakeholders Engagement on The Cost of Corruption in The Extractive Industry", which held on the 22nd of March, 2023 at Agbarha-otor in Delta State.

The first presentation was delivered by Elvira Jordan who spoke on "Protecting Beneficial Owners Against Corruption in The Extractive Industry. She highlighted the issues of State Capture and how an Open Contracting system can checkmate developmental projects in their various communities.

The second presentation on "The Cost of Corruption in The Extractive Industry" was presented by Fred Nohwo . He enlightened participants on the factors aiding corruption in our society and the effects of corruption on the common people.

In his rounding remarks, the Executive Director of CODAF, Richard Benin admonished the people to fight against corruption by being champions of selflessness in their respective offices.

The participants also made recommendations based on the program. They demanded for the full implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act and for the document to be made available in all Primary and Secondary schools for ease of information.

#Codaf

0

THE DYING CREEKS OF ODIMODI

A documentary

This documentary is about the people of Odimodi Community in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State who have been forced to live with the after effect of oil exploration activities and spills that have destroyed the lands and water surrounding the Odimodi people.

0

"Oil Spills Have Brought Poverty And Hardship To Our Community" - Odimodi People Cry out to CODAF

Environmental Pollution in Odimodi Community

"Oil Spills Have Brought Poverty And Hardship To Our Community" - Odimodi People Cry out to CODAF

The people of Odimodi Community in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State have reiterated their resolve to speak against the environmental damages and resultant poverty caused by the activities of Shell in their community.

This was made known during a Capacity Building Program and Media Tour by a non governmental organization under the aegis of Community Development Advocacy Foundation (CODAF), organized to equip the community members, especially the women, with the requisite knowledge of their environmental rights and how to communicate their advocacy message to the world.

While introducing the CODAF team to the leadership of the community, the Executive Director of CODAF, Richard Benin stated that the international community is interested in the story of Odimodi people and how the oil activities of multi nationals have negatively affected their land, adding that the best way to tell the stories of the oil spills, chemical damages and environmental degradation is through the eyes of the people who have directly suffered the consequences of crude oil activities.

The Vice Chairman of Odimodi Community, Chief Isepagha Willie who received the CODAF delegation, appreciated the organization for it's concerns and efforts to help the people of Odimodi.

He lamented that the activities of Shell have destroyed both land and aquatic life, which are the life source of Odimodi people.

Also speaking to the CODAF media team, the Chairperson of Odimodi women, Mrs. Silver Michael stated that despite the destruction of their environment, Shell has done very little to help the people who have lost their sources of livelihood.

Mrs. Micheal said: "Their oil is a suffering to us. We are suffering. We can no longer fish to train our children because the oil has destroyed everything. We are dying of hunger. We can no longer pick periwinkles. We cannot fish or farm to train our children. We do not have portable drinking water ..."

She further revealed that the community had registered it's concerns with Shell, without any response. She called on the government, the media and other NGOs to join voices and save the people of Odimodi.

A cross section of the Odimodi women who also spoke to the CODAF media team, lamented over the effects of the oil activities. Some of the women had contracted ailments and infractions due to the high level of crude oil in their farm lands, their waters and all over their environment.

Further expressing the damages of oil spills. the former Public Relations Officer of Odimodi Community, Mr. Godwin Awese took the CODAF team to his farm lands to give visual descriptions of what the people are facing.

Mr. Awese lamented that his farmlands which used to produce large quantities of plantain, cassava and water melon had become unproductive after the oil spill, as stunted plantain and cassava stems were all that could be found on the farm land.

While speaking on Shell Compensation to the community after the spills, Mr. Awese said:

"How can I feed my family with one basket of rice and one basket of beans? Shell came and took pictures of our farmlands and left without taking any action. Sharing rice and beans is not enough compensation. We want shell to provide us with fertilizer for our farms and also clean up the oil from our lands".

Odimodi is a community in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, with an estimated population of five thousand (5000) people whose basic source of livelihood is fishing, farming and petty trading.

0

CODAF ORGANIZES CAPACITY BUILDING PROGRAM FOR THE WOMEN OF ODIMODI

Capacity Building Program on Human Rights Defence, Advocacy and Communication Skills

In continuation of the implementation of the Community Resource Exchange (CRE) project in Odimodi Community in Burutu Local Government Area in Delta State, Community Development Advocacy Foundation (CODAF) (also known as Rural Community Empowerment Initiative) has organized a Capacity Building Program to train the women of Odimodi on Human Rights, Advocacy and Communication Skills.

Introducing the training to the women of Odimodi, the Executive Director of CODAF, Richard Benin stated that the oil spills by multi nationals the consequent pollution of the waters and lands of Odimodi, and the suffering it has caused the people is a story that the people of Odimodi need to tell to the world.

He further stated that the training was organized for the women who are a powerful part of their community, to expose the women on their rights and how to advocate against the issue of environmental degradation in Odimodi.

Presenting a lecture at the training, tye Executive Director of Africa Center for Environmental and Rural Development (ACERD), Nohwoh Fred spoke on fundamental human right, environmental rights, how the rights of the people can be violated and how the people can defend their rights.

Also speaking at the training, the Creative Director of Bryter Brand Resources, Elvira Jordan highlighted the importance of Advocacy and how best the women can Communicate their advocacy agenda to the world through the use of social media, conventional media and the community radio.

The women appreciated the knowledge they have received, pledging to remain relentless in their fight against the harmful activities of the oil multinationals in their community.

0

CODAF ORGANIZES VILLAGE SQUARE MEETING WITH THE PEOPLE OF ODIMODI

The women of Odimodi Community

The CODAF team engaged the women of Odimodi Community in a village square meeting to inform the people of the community on the CRE project and the mission of CODAF in the community.

Speaking at the meeting which held at the Odimodi community town hall, the Executive Director of CODAF, Richard Benin who addressed the women, expressed the need for the people of the community, especially the women to speak up on environmental issues affecting them.

He pointed out yo them that women are a powerful part of any society and have the power to effect positive change. He admonished them to strive for a clean environment for their community and their people.

The women also affirmed their willingness to participate in the needed change.

0

CRE PROJECT IN ODIMODI: COMMUNITY ENTRY

Courtesy Visit to the Vice Chairman of Odimodi COmmunity

As a beginner to the implementation of the Community Resource Exchange (CRE) Project in Odimodi community in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, CODAF team led by the Executive Director of CODAF, Richard Benin and other collaborating organizations, paid a courtesy visit to the Vice Chairman of Odimodi Community, Chief Isepagha Willie on Monday, the 16th of January 2023, to introduce the CRE project and the implementing team. 

While receiving the delegation, Chief Willie assured the team of the community's support and collaboration in the implementation of the project. 

0

Climate Action: We are in danger of extinction, Delta communities cry out for justice

The condition of life for members of Odimodi and Okuntu communities in Delta State has gone south after decades of climate and environmental crisis bedeviling the area.

Members of the communities are still licking the wounds of the oil spill that occurred in their area in 2018 as evidence on ground reveal that Shell is yet to carry out a proper cleanup of the oil spill caused by their operations.

Members of these communities report that their livelihood and health is seriously challenged as their waters neither give good fishes nor can they access clean drinking water. This revelation came to the fore on November 6, 2021 when Community Development Advocacy Foundation (CODAF) and African Centre for Environmental and Rural Development (ACERD) marked the day for global climate action in the Communities.

The Organisations embarked on a sea-side action to monitor, report, engage and expose (MORE-E) decades of climate and environmental crisis committed against the indigenous people of the Niger Delta (especially those living in the creeks) by Shell, AGIP, Chevron and a host of other extractive industries.

The action which kicked off at Odimodi community terminated at the sea-side of Okuntu and Ibabebe communities with a rally.

Feedback from the action revealed that Shell is yet to carry out a proper cleanup of the oil spill that occurred in 2018 at Odimodi as the oil is still visible in the community. Shells effluent discharge point was discovered at Okuntu community.

Flagging off the action the Executive Director, Benin Richard informed the community that the aim of the action was to strengthen the resilience of the suffering host communities in the Niger Delta and to also propagate their demands to concerned bodies.

Richard noted that the effects of climate change could be devastating to vulnerable coastal and marine areas as well as to the function and structure of their ecosystems.

He said the increasing sea level changes the shape of coastlines, contributes to coastal erosion and leads to flooding and more underground salt-water intrusion and wiping out of communities by the sea side like what we are already seeing at Forcados and Okuntu communities.

Receiving the team, the Vice chairman of Odimodi Community Godgift Egberibo said the meeting was very significant to their plight while the Secretary of Okuntu community Mr Monfort Mebilanje said the engagement became an eye opener and an opportunity for them to tell their stories to the world.

Lamenting, Mrs Monday Alagoa said “crude oil spillage has polluted their lands and water bodies affecting fishing and farming activities”.

Other respondents in Odimodi community also confirmed that Oil and Gas activities over the years have created astronomical depletion in the regenerative biodiversity of the ecosystem.

They said a single farming venture of periwinkle which would have yielded about 600kg per household a decade ago yields less than 50kg.

Also the same depletion has affected crop farming in the communities. This was brought about by lack of proper remediation of the spill impacted environment in the communities.

While both communities share the same environmental and ecological crises, Okuntu is situated along the Atlantic shore line with the entire community being threatened by coastal erosion.

According to the fisher folks in Okuntu community, fishing activities has been made difficult due to the regular discharge of effluent from Shell’s facility into the ocean and the industrial fishing activity by unidentified companies.

The fisher folks complained that the effluent discharge alters the natural water chemistry of the ocean which affect fishing activities and the destruction of fishing gears by unidentified fishing industries.

The Okuntu community is gradually disappearing due to rising coastal erosion that had in the past washed off part of the community.

Both Odimodi and Okuntu communities affirmed that there is a lack of government presence in the community as all the promises made by the government to them as way of cushioning the effects of the oil pollution on the livelihoods and the health of the members of the communities have not been kept.

Fred Nohwo of ACERD warned that if offshore oil drilling activity is not discouraged, owing to the numerous environmental crimes being committed that are often covered up by the oil industries like Shell as most spills by the oil industries are immediately dispersed without recovery and cleanup.

CODAF team and the communities demanded that the oil industry should commit to real zero and not net zero which they said is the foundation in addressing all the climate and ecological crisis globally.

They urged Nigerian government and the oil industries to clean up the Niger Delta and Restore the mangrove ecosystem, government declare a state of emergency in the fishing sector. And that the Niger Delta oil should be left in the soil, while shunning offshore oil drilling.

0

Communique Issued at the end of the School of Governance organized by CODAF with focus on Waste Governance at Ughelli, Delta State

Waste Management

The Community Development Advocacy Foundation (CODAF), also known as Rural Community Empowerment Initiative (RUCEi) organized the second edition of its School of Governance (SoG) on May 24, 2021 in Ughelli, Delta State. The SoG that had as it theme: "Waste Governance" was aimed at creating the opportunities for all members of the society to make meaningful contributions to decision-making in the waste management sector and seek to broaden the range of people who have access to such opportunities. And to avail stakeholders the opportunity to interact, learn and proffer measures to strengthen political systems, government mechanisms and legal systems in which democracy and respect of human rights are secured through effective waste management.

Approaches used throughout the training involved a combination of plenary and small group activities, presentations, discussion and experiential learning. A course advisor, Fred Nohwo, often generated discussions and led in presentations and providing guidance to facilitators and clarifications to participants. Participants were therefore treated to insightful presentations by Dr. Zibima Denyefa, Senior Lecturer, Niger Delta University, Bayelsa - Waste Governance: Concept and misconceptions in waste, Fred Nohwo, ACERD - Achieving Zero Waste: Challenges and opportunities, Babawale Obayanju, ERA/FoEN, Benin City - Waste to Wealth: How much efforts is being made and what impacts? Others were from Benson Dotun Fasanya, Centre for Earth Work, Jos - Achieving Zero Waste: False Solutions Vs Real Solutions, SACHI STAFF - Risk and Health Challenges associated with Waste Management and Titigbe Onyekachi, National Volunteer Lead, CODAF, Lagos - X-raying the Lagos Waste Management Strategy.

Participants were selected from among Environmental Health Officers attached to the Ughelli North Local Government, Civil Society Organizations, Students and environmental activists. The Participants saluted the idea of the School of Governance by CODAF while noting that it has some unique human rights tools and relevant social models which can help to improve the health, environment, economic and social activity of indigenous people and beyond through community-focused and participatory initiatives.

At the end of the engaging discussions, Participants observed thus:

That the volume of waste generated in the society does not actually constitute the problem but the inability of governments and waste-disposal firms to keep up with their mandates and full responsibility towards ensuring zero waste,
The main causes of the poor waste management practice in Nigeria can be linked to a failure in governance (lack of technical know-how, insufficient budgets; weak legislation; low public awareness; corruption, conflict; political instability; and lack of political will to enforce waste management guidelines),
In states in Nigeria with effective waste management policies, it remains uncertain how such policies are being translated into action and what progress, if any, has been made towards achieving zero waste,
Waste management practices in Nigeria results in the indiscriminate dumping and leakage of waste into the environment, thereby creating the risks of disease burden, flooding and environmental pollution,
People are willing to pay for waste management system if it is well coordinated,
Most of the litters we see in the environment today are mainly from passengers who dispose their waste while on transit,
Zero waste is a revolution in the relationship between waste and people and a new way of thinking that aims to safeguard the health and improve the lives of everyone who produces, handles, works with, or is affected by waste-in other words, all of us.

Recommendations

The needs for governments to establish a functional partnerships across waste actors and creating synergy between public and private actors and the layered roles in ensuring effective waste management,
Developing policy instruments for waste prevention and reduction by keeping pace with growing and emerging waste streams and innovating strategies to deal with them,
All business owners must engage in environmental cleanup exercise as a way if taking responsibility to ensure that their immediate environment is clean and this must be supported by law enforcement agents,
There is need to inculcate waste management in school curriculums as a way of raising awareness from the grassroots,
Government should press for Public Private Partnerships Laws on packaging and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and public private partnerships as solutions as well to zero waste,

Signed by:

Benin Richard Ubrei-Joe, M. Mariere

Executive Director, CODAF Course Coordinator

Nohwo Fred

Course Advisor

0

CODAF Established A Million Tree School Club at Sonnicity Universal School Ughelli , Delta State

One of the commitments made during the second flag off of the A Million Tree Project which took place at the Ughelli North Local Government Secretariats on October 5, 2020 was to scale up the project to secondary schools. On the 4th of May, 2021, CODAF team led by its Executive Director, Benin Richard, visited Sonnicity Universal School Ughelli, Delta State for the establishment of the A Million Tree School Club (AMTSC) and the flagging off of the project in the school. The presence of the CODAF team was well greeted by the teachers present who were already inquisitive about knowing what the "A Million Tree Project" was all about.

In a sequential order according to their class, the students assembled at the assembly ground. Addressing the students on the importance of the project, Benin Richard started with the need to preserve the environment and the role of trees in this regard. To test the understanding of the students of the importance of trees, the students were made to list some tree species known to them. Miss Bella, a primary three pupil, made a mind-blowing presentation on the importance of trees to our environment. CODAF team and the entire school management were amazed at how an eight-year old girl could demonstrate why the trees in the forest must be preserved. This singular action of Miss Bella earned her a scholarship from the management of CODAF.

Miss. Bella receiving a Scholarship from CODAF Executive Director

All the students were satisfied with the lecture, and this resulted in a voluntary request from both the schoolchildren and teachers to join the A Million Tree school club, which was confirmed to be the first club in the school. Membership forms were distributed to teachers at the school who were assigned to mentor the students regarding the club's activities. CODAF further made a commitment to monitor and evaluate the progress of the club and to give room for support when it is needed, especially in production, planting and nurturing the growth of trees.

Names of teachers to supervise the A Million Tree School Club:

1. Okpolua Benedict

2. Bini Onome Jacqueline

3. Oluegba Joy

4. Obukohwo Rita.

Concluding the engagement, tree seedlings were presented to the school management which were received by Mr. Benedict Okpolua, one of the staff advisers of the AMTSC. According to Benedict, the planting of the tree will mark a new dawn of environmental consciousness in the school.

The senior prefects (head of the school) of Sonnicity Universal School, gave a vote of thanks to the CODAF team on behalf of the management, staff and students of the school. He promised that the school club would do well in representing the mission and vision of the organization well.

0

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

This report is the fall out of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence implemented by Community Development Advocacy Foundation (CODAF)/Rural Community Empowerment Initiative (RUCEi) with the funding support from the Government of Delta State from December 4-9, 2020. CODAF adopted a participatory research documentation, interview, gathering of testimonies and sensitization in the implementation of the 16 days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). CODAF invested time and resources into gathering of evidence-based data on the level of awareness of the criminality of GBV, its causes and impacts in Ughelli North. The research made use of a review of secondary materials, interviews with key stakeholders, primary data through surveys and focus group discussions. The intentions of this methodology were to help CODAF to understand the local context of GBV and to harness local available solutions to the problem of GBV and to develop advocacy and campaign guides towards creating awareness for the eradication of GBV in the area. A total of 200 persons were engaged in an interview session in line with structured questionnaire and 10 testimonies were collected but only 4 quality testimonies and quotes were documented in this report. Feedback from the research were used as advocacy and sensitization messages to engage women, men, children and youths. But because of the nature of the campaign and because the outcome of the research showed that women are the main victims of GBV, more females were engaged in the campaign. In the sensitization programmes organized by CODAF, we were able to track about 300 persons engaged directly during the different sensitization programmes. The activity was conducted in 10 communities in Ughelli North LGA. The team had access to victims of GBV, the team visited hospitals, markets, base of sex workers, schools and churches. In these places, testimonies were collected from victims and relative of victims and also perpetrators of GBV.

The sensitization was very interactive because it was used to validate the feedback from the field. Apart from gathering a sizable number of persons together in line with COVID 19 protocols, our team further engaged with individuals and families separately. Our target was to reach out to about 500 persons which was achieved following our adopted methodology of carrying evangelism against GBV. We also spoke to some prominent individuals in the society to get their buying into the campaign. Some Pastors ensured that our team had access to their members and they went as far as making the campaign a sermon in their churches thereby increasing the number of people reached.

Download to Read Full Report

0

Delta State Government Commends CODAF on Tree Planting Campaign

The Delta State Government has applauded the Community Development Advocacy Foundation (CODAF)/Rural Community Empowerment Initiative (RUCEi) on the lunch of the phase 2 of her ‘A Million Tree Project’ saying the project was well timed.

The Executive Assistant to the State Governor, Dr. Evelyn Aluta gave the commendation on behalf of the state government yesterday during the official flag off of the project at the Ughelli Council Secretariat, noting that in the phase of perennial flooding ravaging communities, there was no better time to flag off such project that is aimed at salvaging the environment.

She maintained that saving the environment from destruction was a collective responsibility for all well-meaning Nigerians and not just government alone, calling on Nigerians and indeed Deltans to imbibe the culture of tree planting and positive environmental consciousness.

Also speaking during the event, the Executive Chairman of Ughelli North local government area, Hon. Godwin Adode, promised to provide all necessary support for CODAF/RUCEi, to ensure the success of the project.

Adode who was represented at the event by the Council’s Vice Chairman, Victor Uyoh said that outside partnering with CODAF in the project, the council will as a matter of urgency initiate a bill in the Local government Legislature that will make tree planting a compulsory requirement for any land development. He said, “We are very happy with this project because it is what we have been looking forward to. Tree planting has been one of our major concern in the local government and having an NGO that is already embarking on a project of this kind, we are ready to give them our full support. “

In his remarks, the Executive Director of CODAF, Mr. Benin Richard, said the aim of the A Million Tree Project was to improve the environment and impact life, adding that the target was to mobilize one million persons to plant a tree in their domain.

According to him, “our forest is shrinking in size and the world loses close to 3.0689 million hectares of land yearly. Nigeria’s total land area equates to 94,780,000 million hectares. Forest covers 10 percent of the total land area, with over 4,600 plant species identified, making Nigeria 11th most bio-diverse country in Africa.

“Ironically, Nigeria loses approximately 350,000 – 400,000 hectares of forest land per year which represents about four percent of forest cover. The A Million tree project, is a tree planting campaign to protect the environment and improve the quality of our environment and people’s livelihood.

Also speaking, the Executive Director of African Center for Environmental and Rural Development, ACERD, Fred Nohwo, appeal to the local government chairman to ensure that the habit of tree planting is imbibed on the people.

“If possible, politicians, corporate bodies should celebrate their birthdays and anniversaries with tree planting, as it will reduce the stress of the ozone layer”.

0

Community Organizing against Land Grabbing” in Akwukwu-Igbo community

Community Action

Community Development Advocacy Foundation (CODAF)/Rural Community Empowerment Initiative (RUCEi) organized a training on “Community Organizing against Land Grabbing” in Akwukwu-Igbo community, held on October 4, 2020. This training which is being funded by the Global Greengrants Fund, had in attendance 20 participants from 10 selected community based associations/local groups. The trust of the training was to enhance the understanding of the local communities in Akwukwu-Igbo, on the tricks and tactics Industrial Oil Palm Companies, employ to grab land in local communities.

A customized training manual was designed for this training. The manual provides a set of advocacy strategies and tools for Advocates in developing countries as well as rural communities in the Niger Delta, whose lands have been captured for palm oil plantations or for agro-commodities. Taking learners through the manual, Mr. Ubrei-Joe, M. Mariere of CODAF engaged learners to understand the meaning of land grabbing, why Africa and rural communities are usually the target of land grabbers and the Impacts of Land grabbing on indigenous people. He further examined the tactics Palm Oil Companies use to Grab community Lands and gave account of the lessons from other impacts in the Niger Delta, according to him, though these stories are not documented in the training manual but they are part of the trainers guide specially designed for the training.

Going further, he provided a background information on the use of advocacy as a tool against land grabbing, with a broad definition of advocacy, its purpose, strategies and tools. The participants were introduced to several advocacy questions community can ask to know more about the company in their communities were also documented. Concluding the training, the participants were exposed to selected human rights tools in advocating against land grabbing. The selected tools are Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Health Impact Assessment, Social Impact Assessment, Community Needs Assessment.

Different reactions were received by the trainers and an Action plan was developed to attend to some of the reactions as documented below.

Reactions

The communities confirmed that they woke up one morning to see bulldozers and the presence of Military Officers in their farmlands and community forest to their shock they had lost their land to Norsworthy Investment Limited, a private firm prominent in Agro-business,
Women are generally seen as enemy of progress as they continued to resist all forms of human rights violation hence, they are seen as enemy of progress in the community by community leaders. They are however constantly being marginalized,
There was no Free Prior and Informed Consent and Environmental Impact Assessment conducted before the company took over their land,
The activities of Norsworthy Investment Limited has sown seed of discord among the communities as they remain divided while the company continue to reap more profit,
Individuals from different quarters in Akwukwu-Igbo that secured employment with the company, were only employed as casuals and non-professionals,
Since the arrival of Norsworthy Investment Limited in Akwukwu-Igbo, the community have not known peace amongst themselves due to the seed of discord that have been planted by the company,
Of what use is Norsworthy Investment Limited in Akwukwu-Igbo when the communities are devoid of development?
Since the existence of Norsworthy Investment Limited in Akwukwu-Igbo, the people have not positively felt their presence as they have not carried out a single cooperate social responsibility,
The marginalize groups (women, youth and excluded men) in the community are yet to know the content of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) the leadership of the community and Delta State Government entered into with Norsworthy Investment Limited,

Action Plan

The 10 Associations mobilized to form an Umbrella body to be saddled with the responsibility of carrying out advocacy to protecting the rights of the Akwukwu-Igbo people and the environment before the end of October 2020,
Youth to organized an advocacy visit to key community leaders and the King in a bid to discussing and inquiry about their level of commitment and MOU the community entered with the Company to enable them to develop key demands which they would use to engage the company in their advocacy. This action is to be completed by early November 2020,
Leaders of the association trained to do step down training for their members within one week after the completion of the training and learning process.

0

School of Governance’s Report on development governance training held on September 28, 2019

1.0 Introduction

The school of governance, apart from striving to create opportunities for all members of a population to make meaningful contributions to decision-making and seek to broaden the range of people who have access to such opportunities, it also aimed at educating and preparing the next generation of researchers, teachers, and practitioners to effectively promote a participatory decision making.

In realizing the stated objectives, Community Development Advocacy Foundation (CODAF) with the support of the Emerhana Foundation (EF), African Centre for Environmental and Rural Development (ACERD) and Yasuni Association (YA) organized training on “Development Governance”. Selection of participants was carefully done to reflect a wide range of actors which include journalists, development workers and entrepreneurs. There were about 20 participants in the training, with an overwhelming majority coming from a youthful background. In the trainings, women participants were fewer than men, the gender imbalance might be related to the fact that women generally feel withdrawn in actively participating voluntarily unless they are properly informed. Experience shows that gender balance and cultural heterogeneity can positively impact discussions on discrimination and exclusion.

2.0 Methodology

Approaches used throughout the training involved a combination of plenary and small group activities, presentations, discussion and experiential learning. The course advisor, Paul Emerhana, often generated discussions and led in presentations and providing guidance to facilitators and clarifications to participants.

Aside from discussing the purpose of the school of governance, Uruemu Judith, CODAF’s Project Officer, facilitated and led a conversation on the Poverty Tree. The poverty tree was designed to get the understanding of participants on how they view poverty. Their feedback exposes the political, social, economic and cultural dimensions of poverty and the ways out of poverty were also analyzed. This discussion flowed into describing the concept of “development governance”. The facilitator hinted that development can mainly be understood from the perspective of addressing poverty and human needs, that human needs are the elements required for survival and normal mental and physical health. She said, Maslow had stated that, people are motivated to achieve certain needs and that some needs take precedence over others. “Our most basic need is for physical survival, and this will be the first thing that motivates our behavior”. In a quick intervention by the Course Advisor, Paul Emerhana, he opined that Maslow classified basic human needs into five levels which are represented with a triangle, noting that the primary need of man is the physiological needs (Food, air, water, oxygen, shelter, sleep, sex, warmth, good health etc). According to him, “man can survive with these needs, but man is not satisfied until he gets to the pick of the triangle classified by Maslow as the needs of self-actualization”. The understanding of development governance became clearer after the poverty tree and the concept of basic human needs were analyzed. A conclusion was drawn to state that development governance is a concept that is not in existence in literature but for the purpose of the course “development governance was defined as a process of making a collective decision by all stakeholders in order to bring about fundamental and substantial changes in the society that meets a people’s need(s)”’.

In further broadening the understanding of trainees, the Advisor trained them on the concept of Human Rights-Based Approach to development and the global Sustainable Development Goals. He said no one should talk about development without analyzing its implication and therefore assess the understanding of participants on what human rights are all about. Continuing, he said that “the central dynamics of a right-based approach is about identifying root causes of poverty, empowering rights-holders to claim their rights and enabling duty-bearers to meet their obligations”. The HRBA is also a tool to reach people who are the poorest and most vulnerable. It allows the views of the people (rights-holders) to be considered in such communities through active engagement and participation, providing a comprehensive understanding of the problems at hand and their causes and consequences. The HRBA ensures that projects aren’t planned in isolation from reality and without an understanding of the concerns of the perspective of rights-holders and duty-bearers. The approach enables ordinary people to decide the paths of development with the tools of community needs assessment, which is a combination of information gathering, community engagements and focused action with the goal of community improvement.

He went further to say that “the year 2015 marked the deadline for MDGs and the world moved to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Sustainable Development Goals are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. The Goals are a new, universal set of goals, targets and indicators that 193 countries in the world have jointly set under the leadership of the United Nations”. There are 169 targets for the 17 goals. Each target has between 1 and 3 indicators used to measure progress toward reaching the targets. In total, there are 232 approved indicators that will measure compliance. For the purpose of the training, he laid special emphasis on goal 1-5 which are: No Poverty (1), Zero Hunger (2), Good Health and Wellbeing (3), Quality Education (4) and Gender Equality (5). The most important goal among the 17 goals is education. Education is the tools needed to create jobs to eradicate global poverty, achieving zero hunger, good health and environmental sustainability. All that is required by governments, industries, philanthropists and individuals is to do all they can to contribute to the realization of the first five goals which is the foundation of all the other goals. The approaches needed to achieve the set goals are not as complex as people perceive, because the targets, indicators and strategies are clearly stated. What is needed is the political will by all nations to reflect the desire needs of their nations on the global agenda.

Participants were given a task to solve some basic problems putting the concept of human rights-based approaches into practice. One of the problems they proffered solution to, is the case of oil spill which ravaged K-Dere community, Ogoniland, River State in 2007, from Shell’s facility. Participants were further tasked to create local solutions to the SDGs on their own.

Because of time constraints, participants were made to vote for one out of the remaining three topics left in the manual to be treated. From the votes it showed that participants preferred the “ecological debt” over development politics and tools for development advocacy since they can read them up on their own.

Fred Nohwo, Executive Director of ACERD, initiated a conversation with the participants on what they feel ecological debt stands for. Their responses confirmed the reason they voted for the topic. Fred, continued by saying “the ecological debt concept is ecological damage caused over time by a country in one or other countries or to ecosystems beyond national jurisdiction through its production and consumption patterns and the exploitation or use of ecosystems over time by a country at the expense of the equitable rights to these ecosystems by other countries. The concept casts a new light on our understanding of ‘sustainable development’, not just by adding a historical dimension but by bringing power and justice to center stage, to reveal control over resources and pollution burdens as an issue of power relations. The point is not to exchange external debt for protection of nature (e.g. debt for nature swaps) but to emphasize that the external debt from South to North has already been paid on account of the ecological debt the North owes to the South, and to stop the ecological debt from increasing any further. The concept has the potential to help the implementation of sustainability and to fight environmental injustices.” Concluding the presentation, he engaged with participants using a simple formula in calculating ecological debt. This exercise helped to broaden the understanding of the trainees on the elements they should look out for when they want to make claims for an ecological debt own them and real negotiation skills.

3.0 Outcome

Before the training, participants expressed concerns over the choice of the topics through a pre-training survey carried out to check how familiar they were with the chosen topics. They said the topics were very ambiguous and they feared if they would understand anything at the end of the training. The post-training evaluation carried out showed how excited the participants were to have taken part in the training. They confirmed that the choice of topics for the training was very relevant to the work they do, while noting that they have leant so many tools and skills that can add value to the course they pursue. Some of the topics that were highly rated by the participants as topics they never thought would be relevant to them were the concept of a human rights-based approach to development; community needs assessments and ecological debts. Development politics which focused on the implication of neoliberalism and the growing cases of land grabbing in Nigeria and advocacy tools for development such as Free Prior and Informed Concept (FPIC), Environmental Impacts Assessment (EIA) and the Global Memorandum of Understanding were also in the manual to help enhance their understanding.

A WhatsApp group which was canvassed for as one of the post-training outputs has been created to receive post-training feedback and outcome harvesting. This is also important to clarify issues in the training manual that are difficult for participants to understand most especially in the topics that were not treated.

4.0 Resolution

At the end of the training participants, therefore resolved that:

Development should not be seen only as a tool to addressing poverty and human needs but a tool to reverse the ecological damages that it has created,
Government should always fulfill her obligation or responsibility to respect and protect the rights of the poorest, weakest, most marginalized and vulnerable, and to comply with these obligations and duties,
Governments and the private sectors should make it a point of duty to always conduct a community need assessment before carrying out development projects in communities,
Government at all levels should commit to prioritizing where necessary the implementation of the global sustainable development goals to ensure that the 2030 targets are met in all key sectors,
Rich countries’ Corporations making disproportionate use of environmental space or services without payment (for instance, to dump carbon dioxide and pollution) should be made to pay and replenish the environment,
The Land Use Act remains the most controversial legislation act in Nigeria which the Federal Government as a matter of urgency, should do away with,
The Nigerian government should stop aiding land grabbing and desist from providing more land to agribusiness companies,
Governments and the private sector should ensure the adequate implementation of Article 19 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples which states that duty bearers shall “consult and cooperate in good faith with Indigenous Peoples concerned through their representative institutions in order to obtain their free, prior and informed consent before adopting and implementing legislative or administrative measures and project that may affect them”.

WHAT'S CODAF

CODAF also known as Rural Community Empowerment Initiative (RUCEi) works to bridge the communication gap between policy makers and the grassroots AND raise awareness of rural dwellers and empowering them to be active players in environmental decision making.

This mandate is anchored on article 24 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights which states that “All peoples shall have the right to a general satisfactory environment favourable to their development

OurGoal

To engage in intervention projects that builds the capacity and empowers rural community people to defend their collective rights to participating in natural resource governance through a right-based approach

OurMission

OurVision

We envision a self-sufficient community in the management of their environment and resources without any form of marginalization.

Defending Nature