And the world met in Dubai to take stock of actions being taken by all entities including states and non state actors to combat climate change by keeping global average temperature below the stipulated 1.5°C and also to help those most affected by the on going impacts of climate change to adapt and thrive better. HEDA Resource Centre, being one of the leading climate justice advocacy organisations in Africa and having an observer status to the United Nation’s Framework Convention on Climate Change, fully participated in the conference. The HEDA delegation followed up on the food systems issues, the just energy transition issues, as well as loss and damage. As a strong advocate for the right to food through climate smart agriculture and the rights of small holder farmers, the organisation hosted an official side event to look at the impact of industrial animal production from the global North and its impact on small holder farmers in Africa. The side event was done in collaboration with Four Paws and World Animal Protection on Saturday, 2nd December 2024, with the title: Unveiling Industrial Animal Farming’s Hidden Climate Destruction in the Global South. The organization also participated in the global stocktake to bring to the conference the issues of small holder farmers from Nigeria and Africa whose voices are often unheard. We launched our project, amplifying the voices of climate frontline communities. The project included study and interaction visits to about 40 communities impacted by the 2022 flooding in Nigeria. We shared the information pack telling the stories of these farmers and their communities done on postcards and with barcodes. These materials were distributed at every event we attended, and we equally took time to explain to people some of the realities of these communities. Through our African Activists for Climate Justice (AACJ) project, the organisation sponsored one young female climate justice activist and gave part sponsorship to a female journalist. HEDA also participated in the People’s Climate march and actively participated in various activities of the climate justice movement at Cop28. In January, HEDA will be doing a review of COP28 with a view to holding duty bearers to account on all commitments, as well as to enlighten citizens on their roles in combating climate change.

In a concerted effort to bolster strategic plans aimed at reducing the impact of floods in Lagos State, The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has urged critical stakeholders to take decisive actions to alleviate the prevailing flood situation in the state. HEDA participated in a stakeholders forum, organized by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), alongside the World Bank team, to evaluate the repercussions of the 2022 Flood disaster in Lagos State and its environs. During the forum, HEDA emphasized the need for grassroots political leaders to actively engage their communities in implementing effective measures to curb the recurring flood disasters. Representing HEDA at the stakeholders forum were Barakah Danmole, the Monitoring and Evaluation and Compliance Officer, and Sakariyah Shakiru, the Program Manager officer for Environmental Justice and Sustainable Development. Dr. Oluwafemi Damilola Oke, the Permanent Secretary/CEO of the Lagos State Emergency Agency (LASEMA), expressed gratitude to the World Bank for its significant and efficient contributions to emergency response efforts in Nigeria. He underscored the importance of collecting and storing data on past flooding events, emphasizing that this approach would provide a comprehensive understanding of such incidents and aid in developing solutions to mitigate their impact in the future. Mr. Ibrahim Farinloye, from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Lagos Territorial Office, highlighted NEMA’s collaboration with Saudi Arabian experts to provide training for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and relevant stakeholders, including the fire service and LASEMA, focused on disaster rescue and saving lives. He acknowledged NEMA’s limited funding as a significant challenge and mentioned that the Lagos State Commissioner of Environment is taking measures to prevent predicted flash flooding in 25 local government areas by demolishing buildings along waterways. During the forum, Mrs. Danmole from HEDA Resource Centre presented the organization’s initiatives in climate justice and its recent flooding response under the African Activists for Climate Justice (AACJ) Project. This project, sponsored by the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) and Oxfam, involved visits to 16 states and approximately 35 communities across Nigeria between September and November 2023.

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), a leading anti-corruption group, has expressed deep concern over the alarming rate at which Nigeria’s wealth is being embezzled by public office holders and politically exposed individuals. Backed by compelling statistics, HEDA called upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to escalate the fight against corruption in the country. This plea was made during the Public Presentation of the Seventh Edition of the Compendium on 100 High Profile Corruption Cases in Nigeria, organized by HEDA to mark the international anti-corruption day. The group emphasized that the prevailing Nigerian system fosters corruption, identifying graft as the primary impediment to national growth. Highlighting the urgency of addressing corruption cases with the same diligence as election petitions, HEDA asserted that failure to do so would result in a continued decline in various aspects of the nation. The event, supported by the MacArthur Foundation, saw the participation of key stakeholders in the anti-graft battle, including senior legal practitioners such as the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN; Mr. Wahab Shittu, SAN; and retired Justice Mojisola Olatoregun; Mr Ibrahim Magu; Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Lagos Zonal Commander, Mr. Michael Wetkas. Chairman of HEDA, Olanrewaju Suraju, stressed the need for a clear and resolute commitment from President Tinubu against corruption beyond mere appointments. In his keynote address, Mr. Shittu urged for a replication of the expeditious handling of election petitions in anti-corruption cases, proposing a legal framework to ensure that no corruption case exceeds six months. Mr. Pedro emphasized the importance of giving corruption cases equal attention as election petitions, calling for a review of laws to align with global practices. He urged citizens to actively contribute to the fight against corruption and emphasized the role of the rule of law in pursuing justice. Justice Mojisola Olatoregun, speaking on the compendium, highlighted the corrosive impact of corruption on society, emphasizing the need for collective efforts in the ongoing battle for justice and accountability. The compendium, representing a repository of factual information on 100 high-profile corruption cases, serves as a testament to the commitment to combat corruption and its detrimental effects on the nation’s development. Meanwhile, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyed, represented by Mr. Michael Wetkas, reiterated the EFCC’s commitment to collaboration, professionalism, and strict adherence to the rule of law in preventing and combating corruption.

Mr. President, distinguished delegates, I am here today to discuss a prevalent issue that afflicts societies worldwide – corruption. Corruption doesn’t merely blemish the fabric of our communities; it stands as a formidable obstacle to progress, justice, and equality. It corrodes the very pillars of trust upon which our institutions rest and subverts the principles of fairness and integrity. Corruption, in its various guises, emerges in every nook of our world, impacting global north and south nations alike. It knows no boundaries of industry, sector, or profession. Expanding  in the shadows, it drains the life force from our shared aspirations for a fair and just society. One of the most pernicious facets of corruption is its capacity to perpetuate a cycle of poverty and inequality. As resources are diverted from essential public services, the most vulnerable members of society bear the brunt. However, let us not surrender to a sense of despair. The fight against corruption is a crusade for justice, transparency, and the greater good. It necessitates a collective endeavor, with each of us contributing to the cultivation of a culture of accountability. Above all, we must insist on accountability from governments. Essential to this cause are transparency in governance, open access to information, and stringent anti-corruption measures. Civil society plays a vital and indispensable role in the sustenance and enhancement of democracy. At its core, civil society encompasses a diverse array of non-governmental organizations, advocacy groups, community-based organizations, and engaged citizens who collectively contribute to shaping the democratic landscape Coming from the unpalatable personal experience of persecution in a case of corruption fighting back myself, I would like to draw attention to the plight of Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu, renowned academic whose extensive research has always aimed at contributing to socioeconomic progress. He has also long advocated against corruption and is esteemed for his positive demeanor. His contributions to the UNCAC Coalition on issues such as asset recovery are noteworthy. He was expected to attend this Conference. Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu has been incarcerated for the past 142 days, facing health challenges and denied essential medications. ICRC repeatedly have been denied from seeing him including international doctors. It is disheartening to convene this Conference without his presence. His wife has also endured brutality at the hands of authorities, with eight police officers attacking her, leaving her with injuries and suffering from PTSD. Being subject to massive human right abuses, we should point out the fake investigation on him. The investigation which carries no basis and only started because of Gubad Ibadoghlu’s life work on covering anti-corruption. Dr. Ibadoghlu has committed his life to education and is beloved by his students. He has established a scholarship fund to educate youth. His place is at University, in the classroom, carrying out research, exchanging with fellow academics. Mr. President, we note and commend the progressive achievement of the Conference of State Parties in the experience graduation of its decision making process from consensus to voting. This must be sustained going forward. Kleptocrats, corrupts and despots must have sleepless nights with every conference of the UNCAC and this should be the foundation for such repositioning of the CoSP.

In  a concerted effort to combat Illicit Financial Flows (IFF), HEDA Resource Centre, the Anti Corruption Bureau of Malawi, and Civil Forum for Asset Recovery (CiFAR) collaborated to lead an international conference event titled “Enhancing Accountability: A Call for Collaborative Efforts in Addressing Illicit Financial Flows and Asset Recovery.” Co-organized by the African Union Advisory Board Against Corruption, African Union Working Group on the Common African Position on Asset Recovery, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission of Nigeria, the event aimed to address the challenges posed by high-profile corruption cases and the proliferation of IFF. The side event sought to explore the effectiveness of both local and international mechanisms in addressing IFF and advancing asset recovery. The primary objective was to foster collaboration and bolster accountability, particularly in countries serving as destinations for illicit financial flows. The event showcased the Common African Position on Asset Recovery (CAPAR) as a pivotal instrument for curbing illicit financial flows from Africa and aiding the identification, repatriation, recovery, and return of assets. Conducted in person, the event featured esteemed speakers, including Mr. Ola Olukoyede, Executive Chairperson of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Nigeria; Hon. Ms. Seynabou Ndiaye Diakhate, Chairperson of the African Union Advisory Board against Corruption (AUABC); Mr. Donald Deya, Chief Executive Officer of the Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU); and Mr. Lewis Kundai, Research Officer at CiFAR. Structured around thematic tracks such as Collaborative Governance for Asset Recovery, Corruption and Human Rights: Regional Mandates, Empowering Professional Associations: Civil Sanctions, and Sanctions Framework for Illicit Financial Flows, the event followed a detailed timetable. The event aimed at achieving increased collaboration, actionable policy recommendations, heightened awareness and advocacy, enhanced accountability, and the establishment of a framework for future collaboration. Through this side event, the international community sought to escalate efforts in addressing the challenges posed by IFF, promoting greater accountability and transparency in the global fight against corruption, and ensuring the timely return of recovered stolen assets.

At the just concluded tenth Conference of States Parties (CoSP10) to the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) in Atlanta, U.S.A, HEDA Resource Centre and Club de Madrid orchestrated a collaborative effort to address the intricate challenges posed by global grand corruption. Focused on exploring mechanisms to combat impunity for corruption crimes, the event provided a comprehensive overview of potential solutions in the UNCAC framework. The UNCAC, binding 189 parties, mandates the criminalization of bribery, embezzlement, misappropriation of public funds, money laundering, and obstruction of justice related to these offenses. Despite these mandates, the prevailing issue remains the inadequate enforcement of these laws across jurisdictions. The special event tagged “Addressing the Enforcement Gap” delved into diverse potential solutions, encompassing specialized national anti-corruption agencies and courts, hybrid institutions like the former International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG), regional anti-corruption instruments such as the African Union Malabo Protocol, and the proposed International Anti-Corruption Court (IACC) alongside incremental steps toward its establishment. Highlighted during the event was the proliferation of specialized national anti-corruption courts, particularly in regions where judicial corruption impedes effective enforcement. Success stories were shared, notably by hybrid institutions like CICIG, which extends international support to domestic anti-corruption entities, yielding positive outcomes in select states. Further discussions covered the proposal for regional anti-corruption courts, exemplified by CAPPA, and the escalating advocacy for the creation of an IACC as a complementary court of last resort. The expert panel explored the potential and shortcomings of each mechanism. The distinguished panel of speakers featured Dr. Kole Shettima, Director, MacArthur Foundation, Africa; Justin Snyder, Chief of Party, USAID Integritas for Partnership for Governance Reform in Indonesia (KEMITRAAN); Hon. Mark Wolf, Senior U.S. District Court Judge and Chair of Integrity Initiatives International; Simon Taylor, Co-Founder, Global Witness; and Olanrewaju Suraju, Chair, HEDA Resource Centre. Key focus areas included exploring success factors for national anti-corruption institutions, analyzing the contribution of hybrid institutions like CICIG to the enforcement of anti-corruption laws, examining the potential of an IACC in addressing the global enforcement gap, discussing strategies to mobilize civil society for building coalitions in support of accountability mechanisms, exploring avenues to build international political will for the creation of regional and international courts to combat corruption, and collaborative efforts in the fight against corruption. The event concluded with a resonating call for united international efforts and the adoption of effective mechanisms to combat corruption on a global scale.

In a compelling ceremony, the 2023 Gani Fawehinmi Impact and Integrity Awards (GFIIA), orchestrated by the Human and Environmental Developmental Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) with generous support from the MacArthur Foundation, placed a significant emphasis on the need to dismantle the foundational structures of the globalized political economy perpetuating corruption. The distinguished Award Lecture, titled “Corruption, Transparency, Accountability, and Good Governance: A Review of the Current Socio-Economic Challenges and Reality in Nigeria,” delivered by Emeritus Professor of Biology, Omotoye Olorode, a Member of the Secretariat Collective at the Movement for Socialist Transformation (MOST), underscored the critical importance of comprehending these structures. Professor Olorode stressed that such understanding is pivotal for professionals, patriots, and intellectuals, empowering them to bolster their capacity in supporting resistance organizations against corruption. A highlight of the event was the conferral of the Outstanding Integrity Award upon Dr. Tajudeen Odetayo, the former Rector of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree. Dr. Odetayo expressed joy and used the platform to call for sustained support for the youth, emphasizing their crucial role in the fight against corruption. The Valuable Whistleblower category witnessed the triumph of investigative journalist David Hundeyin over his sole contender, Comrade Ibrahim Ali, showcasing the pivotal role of media in uncovering corruption. In the Nigeria in Diaspora award category, Dr. Oludare David Adetoro was recognized, while James Chijioke Ume, the publisher of TheWhistler.ng, received the Outstanding Impact Award for his noteworthy philanthropic contributions. The ceremony extended special recognition awards to eminent figures who have made outstanding contributions to HEDA’s objectives. Legal luminary Mr. Femi Falana SAN, Human Rights Activist Dr. Muiz Banire SAN, Former EFCC Chairman Mr. Ibrahim Magu, Comrade Femi Aborisade, Prof. Shehu Abdullah, Dr. Tunde Akanni of LASU, and Mr. Wale Adeoye were acknowledged for their unwavering support in promoting good governance, transparency, and the relentless fight against corruption in Nigeria. These accolades resonated as a collective call for systemic change, echoing throughout the event, urging a unified effort to eradicate corruption at its roots and foster a more transparent and accountable society.

In a resounding celebration of unwavering integrity and anti-corruption advocacy, the HEDA Resource Centre marked the sixth edition of the Gani Fawehinmi Impact and Integrity Awards (GFIIA) in Lagos. The awards, supported by the MacArthur Foundation, aimed to commend individuals and entities championing principles of openness, honesty, probity, accountability, transparency, and whistleblowing in both public and private domains. The event commenced with a thought-provoking lecture titled “Corruption, Transparency, Accountability, and Good Governance: A Review of the Current Socio-Economic Challenges and Reality in Nigeria,” delivered by Professor Omotoye Olorode. Renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana lauded HEDA for its steadfast commitment to the annual awards, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and challenging awardees, especially amid the current economic challenges. Distinguished figures present included Dr. Muiz Banire SAN, Mr. Femi Aborisade, Wahab Shittu SAN, Dr. Tunde Akanni, and Mr. Wale Adeoye, among others. The Outstanding Integrity Award was secured by Dr. Tajudeen Odetayo, former Rector of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, who expressed joy and urged continued support for the youth. In the Valuable Whistleblower category, investigative journalist David Hundeyin triumphed over his sole contender, Comrade Ibrahim Ali. Dr. Oludare David Adetoro clinched the Nigeria in Diaspora award, while the Outstanding Impact Award recognized James Chijioke Ume, publisher of TheWhistler.ng, for his philanthropic contributions. Elated by his win, Ume emphasized, “The award stands for so many things to me, including a call for service. It shows that, no matter the small contributions to humanity, people are watching and recognizing our efforts.” Michael Awo Ejeh, an awardee in the Outstanding Impact category, expressed gratitude and urged organizers to sustain the momentum, seeking more partnerships for a broader impact. The event also featured special recognition awards for personalities such as Mr. Femi Falana SAN, Dr. Muiz Banire SAN, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, Comrade Femi Aborisade, Prof. Shehu Abdullah, Dr. Tunde Akanni, Mr. Wale Adeoye, and others. These awards acknowledged their outstanding support and significant contributions to HEDA’s objectives and their commitment to promoting good governance, transparency, and the relentless fight against corruption in Nigeria. The awards ceremony underscored the vital role of fostering integrity, impact, and accountability in society, serving as a beacon of recognition for those making significant contributions to these noble causes.

Stakeholders in the fight against corruption have expressed grave concerns over prolonged delays in the justice administration system, citing these delays as a contributing factor to the worsening corruption situation in the country. The unanimous consensus among these stakeholders is a plea for a comprehensive review of existing laws to bring them in line with contemporary global trends. This resolution was pronounced during the public presentation of the 7th edition of the Compendium of 100 High-Profile Corruption Cases in Nigeria. The event, orchestrated by the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) and backed by the MacArthur Foundation, unfolded in Lagos to mark International Anti-Corruption Day. Justice Mojisola Olatoregun (rtd), Chairperson of the Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission in Lagos State, stressed the imperative for corruption cases to be treated with the same level of attention as election petition matters. She underscored the urgency of prompt action, emphasizing that delays could potentially enable wrongdoers to escape justice with the support of sympathetic administrations. Olatoregun asserted, “Corruption undermines the very fabric of our society, eroding trust, hampering economic development, and obstructing the path to justice and equality. Transparency, accountability, and the dispensation of justice play pivotal roles in fostering a fair and equitable society.” Lawal Pedro (SAN), the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos, also underscored the significance of combating corruption in the state through the enactment of laws governing public complaints and anti-corruption commissions. He highlighted this legislative framework as a powerful tool for investigating and prosecuting corruption cases within the state. Pedro urged sustained efforts to establish a fair and efficient system that holds individuals accountable for corrupt practices. In his keynote address on the rule of law, effective administration of criminal justice, and good governance in the prosecution of corruption cases in Nigeria, Wahab Shittu (SAN) emphasized the critical nature of these elements for societal survival. Shittu proposed measures to restore public confidence in the justice delivery system, including preventing delays, enhancing appointment procedures for judicial officers, and improving court infrastructure and information technology. HEDA Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, issued a call to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to demonstrate unwavering commitment in the fight against corruption. Suraju urged for a resounding statement from Tinubu, conveying a dedicated interest in the anti-corruption cause and emphasizing the importance of reminding Nigerians about past corruption incidents.