HEDA Resource Centre, in collaboration with Hawkmoth and supported by the MacArthur Foundation, is proud to announce the 1st International Anti-Corruption and Climate Change Conference. 🗓 Date: September 3-4, 2024 📍 Venue: FCT, Abuja This landmark event will convene national and international stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions on transparency, accountability, and sustainable development, focusing on climate change, energy transition, and oil licensing. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the conversation shaping our future! Scan the barcode to register now for the event.

In celebration of International Youth Day (IYD), HEDA Resource Centre hosted an enlightening X-space session, spotlighting youth-led campaigns for social and environmental justice under the theme “From Clicks to Action.” The session brought together leading voices in climate justice, human rights, and youth advocacy. Dr. Azeezat Yishawu, Speaker of the Nigeria Youth Parliament, emphasized the youth’s critical role in policy-making and the power of digital platforms in promoting environmental awareness and accountability. She noted the challenges of misinformation, accessibility, and data privacy in digital advocacy, calling for strategic solutions to enhance the impact of online campaigns. Climate Justice activist Olumide Idowu underscored the necessity of addressing climate change across sectors, highlighting digital platforms’ role in combating plastic pollution, advancing climate justice, and promoting renewable energy solutions like solar power. He also discussed the importance of innovative policies, such as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), to drive sustainable climate action and the potential of transforming waste into wealth. Human Rights advocate Barrister Inibehe Effiong passionately addressed the balance between citizens’ rights to protest and the government’s duty to protect public safety. He criticized the Nigerian government’s human rights record, advocating for peaceful protests as a vital tool for civic engagement and accountability. Journalist AbdulKareem Mojeed of Premium Times shed light on how digital innovation is reshaping climate change narratives in Africa. He stressed the disproportionate impact of climate change on Africa and the need for better journalism to inform policy, raise public awareness, and amplify marginalized voices. Mojeed called for bridging the digital divide to ensure climate resilience initiatives reach vulnerable communities. The session underscored the power of youth-driven digital campaigns in addressing climate change and human rights issues, urging stakeholders to leverage digital platforms for meaningful, lasting change.  

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has expressed strong support and commendation for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) commitment to ensure transparency and accountability in the utilization of N50billion allocated to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). This substantial amount, as clarified by EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, is not a donation but a part of recovered proceeds of crime, which the government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has wisely directed towards the student loan scheme to benefit indigent Nigerian youths. In a statement signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the civil society group commended the EFCC’s proactive stance in overseeing the disbursement and utilization of these funds, ensuring they achieve their intended purpose and impact. Suraju noted, “As a civil society organization dedicated to promoting accountability and good governance, we recognize the critical role of oversight in guaranteeing that public resources are effectively utilized for the benefit of society’s most vulnerable segments.” He added, “the dedication of #50billion to student loan support is in tandem with the UNCAC provision on the utilization of recovered proceeds of corruption to the direct benefit of “victims of corruption. The EFCC’s initiative to monitor these funds is a commendable step towards fulfilling the objectives of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund. With proper oversight, this initiative has the potential to significantly enhance educational opportunities for Nigerian youths, and contribute to national development.” HEDA remains committed to collaborating with the EFCC and other stakeholders to promote transparency, accountability, and the responsible use of public funds. The organization will continue to support efforts aimed at building a more equitable and just society.    

In a proactive move to enhance staff well-being and personal development, Kingsworth Consult Limited, a leading corporate training firm and consultant to the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Center), conducted a comprehensive workshop on work-life balance and strategies to prevent mental and emotional burnout for staff of the organisation The four-hour training, held on Monday, August 12, 2024, at HEDA’s Training Room, was facilitated by Ademola Danmole (MD, Kingsworth Consult),  Kelani Mustapha, a certified Human Resource expert with over a decade of experience. Mustapha delved into the causes and stages of burnout, highlighting the critical distinctions between stress and burnout. He emphasised the importance of self-awareness and self-regulation, underscoring how these skills enable employees remain composed in challenging situations, manage their emotions effectively, and adapt to their environments. A key takeaway from the workshop was the debunking of the “Myth of Multi-tasking.” Citing research, Mustapha pointed out that multitasking is a significant contributor to stress, advising employees to prioritise themselves by establishing clear boundaries. He stressed the importance of scheduling personal time, guarding it diligently, and ensuring adequate sleep to maintain overall well-being. The session was highly interactive, with staff sharing personal experiences and engaging in exercises designed to reinforce the training’s key messages. The workshop’s success reflects HEDA’s commitment to upskilling its staff and ensuring their mental and psychological well-being. This initiative marks a bold step by HEDA’s management in fostering a supportive work environment where staff are equipped to manage stress effectively and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the missing of ₦500 million from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). This demand follows a recent disclosure by NAFDAC’s Director General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, who revealed on Channels Television that upon taking office, she inherited a staggering ₦3.2 billion debt and found an additional ₦500 million missing and unaccounted for. HEDA, In a press statement signed by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, expressed deep concern over the financial mismanagement within NAFDAC, particularly in light of Nigeria’s current economic difficulties. The organization stressed that the loss of such a significant sum of public funds is unacceptable and requires immediate action. “With the nation facing severe economic challenges, it is crucial that every naira is accounted for,” Suraju stated. “The Federal Government must ensure that those responsible for this financial misconduct are held accountable. Transparency and accountability are non-negotiable, especially in critical agencies like NAFDAC.” The anti-corruption advocacy group also urged the relevant authorities to expedite the investigation, recover the missing funds, and prosecute those involved. The organization also called on the Federal Government to strengthen its anti-corruption measures to prevent similar incidents in the future, warning that corruption continues to pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s development and the well-being of its citizens.  

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), a leading civil society organization committed to promoting anti-corruption, good governance, and human rights, has called on President Tinubu’s administration to take decisive action in response to the recent nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests. These demonstrations, which have drawn widespread attention, underscore the urgent need for governments to enhance accountability and drastically reduce the cost of governance at all levels. HEDA, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, stressed that the 10-day protests have amplified the voices of millions of Nigerians demanding transparency, accountability, and truly representative and accountable governments. Suraju stated, “These widespread protests call for reform and present a unique opportunity for the Governments to make meaningful changes that will not only address the immediate concerns of the protesters but also lay the foundation for sustainable development and good governance in Nigeria.” The anti-corruption group also urged President Tinubu to seize this moment to implement measures that will curb wasteful spending and ensure that public resources are managed with the utmost integrity in administering interventions. “The excessive cost of governance has long been a burden on the nation’s economy, diverting much-needed resources from critical sectors such as education, agriculture, healthcare, and infrastructure. Now is the time for the governments at all levels to demonstrate commitments to the people by adopting policies that promote transparency, reduce waste, and prioritize the welfare of all Nigerians,” Suraju maintained. In the same vein, HEDA further called on State Governors to take similar steps at the states and local governments’ levels, noting that it is imperative for state government to review their budgets, eliminate unnecessary expenditures, and establish mechanisms that will hold public officials accountable. He added, “The demand for good governance is not limited to the federal level; it is a nationwide call that requires a unified response from all tiers and levels of government.” As a civil society organization, HEDA Resource Centre remains committed to monitoring the actions of the governments and advocating for the rights of citizens. The anti-corruption advocacy group will continue to hold public officials accountable and support initiatives that promote transparency and good governance.

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has issued a strong call to the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON) for immediate action regarding the officials implicated in the collapse of a 6-storey building within Lekki Gardens Estate, Ikate, Elegushi, Lekki. The organization expressed its frustration over the lack of feedback from CORBON, despite assurances of commitment to addressing the issue. In a letter signed by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, addressed to CORBON’s Registrar and CEO, Bldr. Adetunji Adeniran, the civil society organisation highlighted the urgent need for accountability and enforcement of building regulations to prevent further tragedies. The letter follows up on a previous correspondence dated February 23, 2024, where CORBON assured HEDA of its commitment to addressing any infractions in line with the Builders (Registration, etc) Act, Cap B.13 LFN 2004. Suraju emphasized in the letter that it has been over four months without any feedback from CORBON regarding actions taken or outcomes of their complaint. HEDA is demanding that CORBON, in line with Section 16(3) of the CORBON Act, adopt the report of the investigation conducted by the technical committee set up by the Lagos State Government. The committee’s report indicted officials of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA). HEDA specifically calls for the Registered Builders Investigating Panel to refer Engr. Adeigbe Olushola, Bldr. Adeoye Thomas Adeyemi, Bldr. Dosunmu Gbadebo, and Tpl. Mrs. Akinde Adenike Sherifat to the Registered Disciplinary Tribunal for appropriate sanctions in accordance with Section 16(1) of the CORBON Act. Adding to the urgency, Suraju said, “It is also disheartening that during the four months that HEDA did not receive a response from CORBON, there have been other reported cases of buildings collapse in Delta and Lagos States. In Lagos, a 3-storey building at Arowojobe Estate, Maryland, collapsed, with allegations that the building materials were substandard, causing it to sink and tilt. He added, “Last week in Asaba, the capital city of Delta State, a section of a 9-storey building under construction collapsed, killing one person and injuring several others. The Delta State government has since sealed the site and ordered an investigation into the incident. The letter underscores HEDA’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of citizens and the nation, urging CORBON to expedite their actions and provide feedback on the petition.

Nigeria Delegation at the 21st International Anti-Corruption Conference (IACC) 2024, themed “Confronting Global Threats: Standing Up for Integrity” hosted in Vilnius, Lithuania from 18-21 June, issued a comprehensive observations, resolution and recommendations/call to action for Nigerian Government. Download the full-text of the Nigerian Delegation Communique here