In a bid to mitigate the severe impacts of floods on smallholder farmers and local communities in Nigeria, HEDA Resource Centre has urged the Federal Government to prioritize early warning systems and farmer education. This appeal was made during a high-level advocacy dialogue in Abuja, which focused on proactive climate action. The event, titled “Protecting Smallholder Farmers and Vulnerable Communities from Climate-Related Shocks,” featured the launch of two pivotal reports on flood impacts and access to climate information. Organized with support from OXFAM under the African Activists for Climate Justice (AACJ) Project, the dialogue underscored the need for equipping vulnerable communities with the tools and knowledge necessary to respond effectively to climate-induced disasters. Sulaimon Arigbabu, Executive Secretary of HEDA Resource Centre, highlighted that early warning systems (EWS) are crucial for mitigating climate change risks. “Timely and actionable information enables farmers and communities to prepare, adapt, and protect their livelihoods from floods and droughts,” Arigbabu stated. He emphasized that despite Nigeria’s substantial infrastructure for EWS, a lack of political will remains a significant barrier. “We have the information, the agencies, and the technology; what’s missing is the commitment to ensure that this information reaches those at risk in time,” he explained. Moses Ogbaji, Benue State’s Commissioner for Agriculture, echoed the call for climate-resilient farming practices. He shared Benue State’s success with smart agriculture, using early-maturing, drought-resistant crops to mitigate the risks of erratic weather patterns. “Benue is leading by example, demonstrating how smart agriculture can ensure food security and resilience,” Ogbaji said, encouraging other states to adopt similar practices. Stakeholders agreed on the urgent need for early warnings and proactive measures to be central to Nigeria’s climate resilience strategy. They advocated for the adoption of smart agricultural practices, community-based early warning systems, and enhanced preparedness to protect farmers and secure food resources. HEDA Resource Centre remains dedicated to advocating for these changes, ensuring that vulnerable communities are equipped to thrive amidst climate challenges.

As climate-related disasters such as floods and droughts continue to disrupt farming communities in Nigeria, stakeholders and experts at the recent HEDA Resource Centre’s high-level advocacy dialogue in Abuja have urged the agricultural sector to embrace mobile technology and media as vital tools for building climate resilience. Stakeholders in the agriculture sector gathered through the theme, “Protecting Smallholder Farmers and Vulnerable Communities from Climate-Related Shocks: Implementing Early Warning Systems for Food Security and Livelihood Resilience in Nigeria,” to discuss how mobile technology and media platforms can deliver timely, climate-smart information to farmers, enabling them to mitigate climate risks effectively. The event brought together agricultural and climate change experts from both the private and public sectors. Farmers, researchers, and development partners examined strategies for safeguarding smallholder farmers and vulnerable communities from the increasingly frequent climate-induced shocks. HEDA Resource Centre’s Executive Secretary, Sulaimon Arigbabu, highlighted the urgent need for Early Warning Systems (EWS) that can proactively provide farmers with actionable information, emphasizing the importance of anticipating climate-related disasters before they happen. Yusuf Kelani, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Climate Change Matters, assured stakeholders that the government is also making strides toward enhancing climate resilience. He revealed plans to develop a climate alert system that will send early warning messages to all citizens via their mobile phones, ensuring that even the most vulnerable communities are better prepared for climate-induced hazards. Similarly, Rahmah Aderinoye, CEO of Rashak Farms Agri-Allied Limited, addressed the cultural barriers that prevent women farmers from accessing climate risk information. She advocated for targeted outreach that includes women and People Living with Disabilities (PWDs) to ensure inclusivity. As the dialogue concluded, participants reaffirmed the need for collaboration across sectors to make climate-resilient agriculture a reality. From integrating mobile technology into farming practices to overcoming cultural barriers that hinder the inclusion of women farmers, the experts agreed that timely, accessible information is the key to safeguarding livelihoods and ensuring food security amidst growing climate threats.

Stakeholders at the 1st International Anti-Corruption and Climate Change Conference, organized by HEDA Resource Centre in partnership with Hawkmoth and supported by the MacArthur Foundation, called for a people-driven energy transition and divestment proposal, prioritizing the public good and holding International Oil Companies (IOCs) accountable. The two-day event brought together government officials, anti-graft agencies, civil society organizations, international partners, media to discuss corruption, climate change, and sustainable development in Nigeria and West Africa. The conference featured keynote speakers including the Minister of Environment, Dr Ishaq Salako represented by Director of Climate Change at the Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Iniobong Abiola-Awe, Mr Femi Falana (SAN), Chairman, House of Representative Committee on Information, Hon Akin Rotimi, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, among others with several panel discussions, and extensive recommendations. Participants commended HEDA’s leadership in advocating for transparency in the oil and gas sector and stressed the urgency of the event’s agenda. Key highlights included calls for legal reforms, institutional strengthening, raising public awareness, and international cooperation to combat corruption and climate change. The participants also emphasized the need for greater transparency and accountability in the oil and gas sector, with particular attention to reviewing the Petroleum Industry Act. Discussions focused on the detrimental effects of corruption and environmental degradation on local communities, especially in the Niger Delta. Stakeholders underscored the importance of diversifying Nigeria’s economy and transitioning to renewable energy sources. The event concluded with several key recommendations, including promoting a people-driven energy transition, enhancing corporate accountability for environmental damage, retrieving stolen public funds, and empowering communities through inclusion and sustainable development initiatives. The conference were graced by the United States Embassy, Abrahamian Andray,  Director National Human Rights Institute, Mrs. Agharese Arase, Faith Nwadishi, Executive Director, CTA, Isac Botti, Social Action, Founder/Publisher, Premium Times, Mr Dapo Olorunyomi. Others are NEITI Executive Secretary, Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, Country Director, Stakeholders Development Network, (SDN), Mr Gbenga Komolafe, Commission Chief Executive, NUPRIC, Executive Director, Ms Emem Okonm, Director, CDD, Dr. Dauda Garba, Deputy Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Environment, Hon Terser Ugbor. Also,  Rev. Nimmo Bassey, Member, HYPREP, Mr Celestine AkpoBari, CEO, Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre, Bankole Oloruntoba, MD/CEO Rural Electrification Agency, Mr Abba Aliyu, Senior Officer Natural Resource Governance Institute, Tengi George Ikoli, Co-founder, Cornerhouse, Mr Nicholas Hildyard, CEO, Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre, Mr Bankole Oloruntoba. It also includes the Kano Anti-Corruption Commission, Barr Muhyi Magaji, ED, ANEEJ, Rev David Ugolor, ED African Centre for Governance Asset Recovery and Sustainable Development, Juliet Ibekaku-Nwagwu, Transparency International, USA, Ms Annalise Burkhart, Recommon, Antonio Tricarico, Hawkmoth co-Founder, Simon Taylor, the media, labour, Civil Society Organisations from Nigeria and Africa among many others. The international conference reinforced HEDA’s commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and sustainable development across Nigeria and West Africa. You can download the communique of the International Anti-Corruption and Climate Change Here

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.