CategoriesClimate change

Niger Delta Oil Pollution: Over 60% Suffers Negative Health Effects, Biodiversity – HEDA Reports

— Suraju Charges Government, IOCs on Ecological and Economic Sustainability for the Region A recent research and data-driven report by the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has shed light on the devastating impact of oil and environmental pollution in the Niger Delta region. The report, titled “Leadership Approval Rating: Impact of Oil and Gas Exploration Activities in Six Oil-Producing States in Nigeria,” reveals that an alarming 60% of the population in the region suffers from health problems caused by oil pollution, while 75% of respondents reported negative impacts on local biodiversity. The survey, which sampled 1,074 people across six states, including Akwa-Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Rivers, found that 70% of respondents believe oil and gas activities have significantly contributed to environmental pollution. Water pollution, in particular, was cited as the most common type of pollution, with an average of 41% of respondents witnessing it firsthand. The comprehensive research findings also discovered that 61% of respondents reported negative health effects due to oil pollution, highlighting a pressing need for health interventions and environmental remediation. On the biodiversity loss, 75% of respondents reported that environmental pollution has affected local biodiversity, including animals, fish, and birds. Meanwhile, on the Government Accountability, 45% of respondents do not believe their state government holds oil and gas companies accountable for environmental damage, while 76% expressed dissatisfaction with the federal government’s responsiveness to environmental concerns.   Speaking about the findings of the report, HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, emphasized the need for urgent action, stating, “The call for action is clear; for oil companies and government agencies to engage more proactively with communities, protect the environment, and the people who depend on it, and pave the way for a future that is both economically and ecologically sustainable.” The report’s findings are a stark reminder of the ecological and economic sustainability challenges facing the Niger Delta region. As Suraju noted, “The ratings are crucial for evaluating the effectiveness and impact of leases in various capacities and guiding development, enhancing accountability, and informing stakeholders.” The full report of the Leadership Approval Rating is available on the HEDA website and can be downloaded here (https://hedang.org/leadership-approval-rating-impact-of-oil-and-gas-exploration-activities-in-six-oil-producing-states-in-nigeria/). It is valuable resource, offering insights that can inform discussions, policies, and decisions that shape the nation’s future.

CategoriesClimate change

We’re Hiring: Social Media Manager/Content Creator

Job Role: Social Media Manager/Content Creator Employment Type: Full-time Job Description: We are seeking a highly creative and dynamic Corp member to join our team as a Social Media Specialist/Content Creator. This role involves managing our social media platforms, creating engaging content, and enhancing our online presence. Key Responsibilities: Manage and grow our social media presence across platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Create engaging and high-quality content for our various platforms (graphics, videos, posts, and memes). Collaborate with the Communications and social media team to develop and implement content marketing campaigns that drive the organisation’s awareness and engagement. Engage with followers and respond to inquiries. Track and analyze social media performance. Assist in managing sponsored ads to increase reach. Qualifications: ·         Excellent writing and editing skills ·         Proficiency in video editing software. ·         Strong understanding of social media management and content strategies. ·         Ability to create engaging and high quality content ·         Creative mindset with attention to detail. ·         Good communication and collaboration skills. ·         Ability to work independently. Preferred: Corps Members with relevant skills are encouraged to apply. How to Apply: Submit your resume, Social media handles, and portfolio (social media campaigns content, and videos) to humanresources@hedang.org.

CategoriesClimate change HEDA News

We are Hiring – Environmental Justice and Sustainable Development (EJSD) Officer

POSITION OVERVIEW: We are seeking a passionate and dedicated person to join our Environmental Justice and Sustainable development team. The successful candidate will be pivotal in advancing our mission by implementing strategies, programs, and policies that address environmental injustices, food security, climate justice and promote sustainable development practices within our organisation and our partner communities. Additionally, this role will involve utilizing research and report-writing tools to support evidence-based decision-making and advocacy efforts. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Develop and implement programs and projects that promote environmental equity, access to environmental resources, and sustainable development practices such as community-based initiatives, advocacy campaigns and policy reforms. Be in charge of HEDA’s EJSD program, which involves refining and developing indicators, establishing targets, monitoring project advancement, ensuring prompt data collection, compiling and submitting periodic reports, and collaborating with project teams on all project results and outcomes. Conduct Research and analysis on environmental justice issues, including environmental health disparities, community impacts of environmental degradation and opportunities for sustainable development at local, regional, and national levels. Conduct workshops, training sessions, and educational outreach programs to raise awareness about environmental justice issues and promote sustainable practices within the organization and the community. Develop reports, publications, and other materials to communicate the organisation’s work on environmental justice and sustainable development. Develop detailed budgets and budget narratives, ensuring accuracy and alignment with proposed activities. Develop and maintain relationships with external partners, including government agencies, non-profit organisations and private sector companies to advance our organisation’s goals in environmental justice and sustainable development. Write clear, concise, and persuasive grant proposals to secure funding by tailoring proposals to meet the specific requirements and priorities of funding agencies. Represent the organisation at various stakeholder events, workshops, meetings, and conferences as may be assigned. Perform any other tasks as assigned by your line manager QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Environmental studies, Sociology, Sustainable development, public health, or a related field. Proven experience (minimum of 3 years) working in related field. Strong understanding of environmental justice principles, food security challenges, climate justice issues, and sustainable development practices. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders. Proficiency in research methodologies, data analysis, proposals and report writing tools. Ability to work independently, take initiative, and manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Commitment to social justice, equity, and environmental sustainability. How to Apply: To apply, email your letter of interest, and current CV to humanresources@hedang.org with the subject: “Environmental Justice and Sustainable Development Officer (insert your name).” Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. No phone inquiries. HEDA Resource Centre will contact shortlisted candidates. To learn more about the HEDA Resource Centre, please visit our website: HEDA Resource Centre – Human and Environmental Development Angenda (hedang.org)

CategoriesClimate change

Community Outreach Hausa Translated Script – Bridging Cultures and Connecting Communities

Unlock the power of communication with our Community Outreach Hausa Translated Script, a dynamic resource designed to break language barriers and foster inclusivity. At the heart of community engagement is the ability to connect, and with this translated script, we aim to bring vital information to every corner of our diverse society. Key Features: 1. Cultural Inclusivity: Our Hausa Translated Script ensures that essential messages reach communities that may not be proficient in English, fostering a sense of belonging and understanding. 2. Empowering Communities: By providing information in the native language, we empower individuals with knowledge that can enhance their lives, health, and overall well-being. 3. Education and Awareness: Whether it’s health guidelines, educational materials, or community initiatives, this translated script serves as a bridge, ensuring that no community is left behind. 4. Linguistic Accessibility: In our commitment to inclusivity, we recognize the importance of linguistic accessibility. The Hausa Translated Script enables us to communicate effectively with a broader audience. Download the PDF Now: Community Outreach Radi Nigeria Hausa Translated Script](Here) Join us in the journey towards a more connected and informed society. Together, let’s build bridges that transcend language, creating a world where every voice is heard and understood. #CommunityOutreach #HausaTranslation #BridgingCultures #InclusivityMatters #EmpowerCommunities #DownloadNow

CategoriesClimate change

Community Outreach Table Calendar: Nurturing Resilience in Every Page

Embark on a visual journey with our meticulously crafted Community Outreach Table Calendar, a powerful fusion of art and education designed to empower communities in the face of environmental challenges. Each month unfolds a captivating narrative, illustrating the dual forces of adversity and solution, meticulously handcrafted to raise awareness and foster resilience. Artful Reflections on Flooding: Dive into the immersive illustrations capturing the harsh reality of flooding. Witness the depth of the challenge and open your eyes to the consequences, fostering a collective understanding of the issue. Drought Chronicles Unveiled: Turn the pages to witness the intricate portrayal of drought, unraveling the silent struggles faced by communities. Our calendar delicately articulates the urgency of water conservation and sustainable practices. Climate Change in Brushstrokes: The calendar transcends time with its depiction of climate change. Artistic strokes mirror the evolving landscapes, serving as a call to action against the looming threat. Guardians of Prevention:** As the calendar progresses, discover the artistic revelations of solutions that stand as guardians against environmental adversities. From community-led initiatives to sustainable practices, each illustration sparks hope and resilience. This Community Outreach Table Calendar isn’t just a timekeeping tool; it’s a beacon of awareness and a guide toward sustainable living. Let its pages inspire and empower, nurturing a shared commitment to safeguard our communities against the challenges of flooding, drought, and climate change. Together, let’s turn the tide towards a resilient and sustainable future. Click the link below to download the Community Outreach Table Calendar Here Ignite Change, One Month at a Time!  

CategoriesClimate change

What is the Global Stock take at COP28 Dubai? Decoding the Key Climate Assessment Tool of 2023

Dive into the pivotal moments at the UN Climate Change Conference #cop28 as leaders worldwide converge to shape the future through the #global stocktake. Explore the comprehensive high-level #events where 29 Heads of State, 21 ministers, and global organizations shared their views, setting the stage for transformative decisions. Discover the urgency emphasized by the Global Stocktake High-Level Committee’s summary, highlighting critical points on #mitigation, adaptation, and means of implementation. Leaders underscored the need for deep greenhouse gas reductions, urgent adaptation actions, and enhanced means of implementation to align with the #paris Agreement’s ambitious goals. Delve into the implications of the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) science, stressing the importance of peaking emissions by #2025 and achieving a 43% reduction by 2030. Uncover the adaptation finance gaps, estimated between USD 194-366 billion yearly, and the call to scale up support for adaptation, loss and damage, and technology development. Join the global momentum at #cop28 as governments decide on the global stocktake, a critical step toward increased ambition and collective climate action in this decisive decade. Don’t miss this comprehensive overview of the key events shaping the world’s response to the #climate crisis. Subscribe now for in-depth insights and stay informed on the path to a sustainable future. #cop28 #cop28summit #cop28uae #cop28dubai #climatechangeawareness #parisagreement #climatechangesolutions

CategoriesClimate change

Community Resilience Training Manual: Empowering Communities Against Climate Challenges

In the face of escalating environmental threats, our Community Resilience Training Manual serves as a beacon, guiding communities toward a proactive stance against flooding, drought, and the pervasive impacts of climate change. This comprehensive guide is meticulously designed to foster knowledge, collaboration, and action, ensuring that communities not only understand the challenges but also possess the tools to mitigate and adapt. Within these pages, communities will discover insights into the intricacies of climate-related challenges, equipping them with the understanding needed to formulate localized strategies. From flood prevention techniques to sustainable water management practices, the manual delves into actionable steps, empowering community leaders and residents. Our approach fosters a sense of shared responsibility and collaborative action. Engaging modules cover everything from early warning systems and emergency preparedness to sustainable agricultural practices that withstand changing climate patterns. By instilling a deep sense of environmental stewardship, we aim to cultivate resilient communities that can weather the storms figuratively and literally. The Community Resilience Training Manual is not merely a document; it is a dynamic resource that evolves with the community’s needs. Interactive workshops, case studies, and real-world examples facilitate a hands-on learning experience, ensuring that every community, regardless of size or location, can adapt the manual to its unique circumstances. In the quest for a sustainable future, this manual stands as a cornerstone, providing communities with the knowledge, skills, and motivation needed to be proactive agents of change. Let’s fortify our communities together against the challenges of tomorrow. Click the link below to download here

CategoriesClimate change

Tsiee-Buruku Community Benue state

Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Buruku Local Government Area in Nigeria lies the Tsiee community, a place once known for its tranquil existence and warm hospitality. But in recent years, a dark cloud has loomed over Tsiee, casting a pall of fear and uncertainty over its inhabitants. The once peaceful community has become a battleground disrupted by conflicts leaving a trail of destruction and despair in their wake. Terese Torkor, a resident of Tsiee, bears the grim scars of this violence. Recounting his harrowing ordeal, Terese narrates how he was ambushed by herdsmen, his fingers severed in a vicious attack. Terese’s story is not an isolated one. Countless others in Tsiee have suffered similar atrocities, their bodies bearing the marks of brutality. Homes have been reduced to ashes, farmlands ravaged, and livestock stolen, leaving the community teetering on the brink of collapse. The physical wounds inflicted by the herdsmen are compounded by the emotional trauma that has gripped the community. Fear has become a constant companion, casting a shadow over every aspect of life. The once vibrant community spirit has been replaced by a palpable sense of dread. As if the threat of violence weren’t enough, the community has also been grappling with the devastating effects of recurrent floods. The once fertile lands are now inundated, destroying crops and homes, and leaving the villagers with little means of sustenance. Terese’s voice cracks with emotion as he describes the plight of his community. “We have begged for clothes to wear, for food to eat, for a place to sleep,” he laments. “But there is no respite, no escape from the misery that engulfs us.” The story of Tsiee is a heart-wrenching reminder of the human cost of conflict and environmental degradation. It is a stark call to action, urging us to address the root causes of violence and climate change that threaten communities like Tsiee worldwide, illuminating the urgent need for sustainable solutions that protect the lives and livelihoods of vulnerable communities. Let us work together to create a world where peace and harmony prevail.

CategoriesClimate change

Iwofin Community Oyo State

In the midst of lush fields and industrious farmers in the Iwofin community, Awoniyi Abayomi, commonly known as Apase, serves as a symbol of resilience in the face of challenges. For years, Apase has poured his heart and soul into cultivating potatoes on his 5.5-acre farm, nurturing the land with unwavering dedication. However, despite his unwavering commitment, the path to prosperity has been fraught with challenges. In the past, the cost of planting potatoes was a manageable burden. But today, the financial landscape has shifted dramatically, with expenses soaring to unprecedented heights. Where once Apase could invest less than 500,000 Naira, today’s costs have skyrocketed, casting a shadow over his farming operations. The trials extend beyond the financial realm. Apase and his fellow farmers grapple with the disheartening reality of finding buyers for their produce. Often, traders propose transporting the potatoes to Lagos before making payment, only to disappear into thin air, leaving the farmers empty-handed. Driven by a collective desire to break free from this cycle of exploitation, Apase and his fellow farmers formed a united front, establishing a farmer’s society. Their aim: to take control of their destiny, selling their potatoes independently and reclaiming their rightful share of the profits. Yet, even their combined efforts have not been immune to the whims of nature. Climate change has cast its long shadow over Iwofin, disrupting the delicate balance of the seasons. The delayed harvest, resulting from insufficient rainfall, has wreaked havoc on the growth of potatoes, extending the cultivation period by three agonizing months. Apase’s five months of unwavering care for his potato crop have been met with frustration. The once-promising plants remain stubbornly immature, delaying the much-anticipated harvest and further straining the farmers’ financial resources. As if drought and delayed harvests were not enough, the relentless onslaught of insects has added another layer of hardship to Apase’s farming endeavors. Despite employing chemicals to fend off these unwanted guests, the insects continue their destructive march, leaving behind a trail of damaged crops and ravaged seeds. The weight of these setbacks bears heavily on Apase’s shoulders, prompting him to question his future in the farming industry. The allure of alternative business ventures beckons, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the prevailing despair. Farming has been Apase’s livelihood since completing secondary school. The lack of opportunities for further education has confined him to the fields, where he has poured his heart and soul into cultivating the land. In addition to potatoes, Apase has also ventured into growing cassava, peppers, and tomatoes. Yet, each venture has been met with similar challenges, with buyers proving scarce and prices plummeting. Amidst these trials and tribulations, Apase turns to the government, seeking a lifeline to alleviate the burdens that weigh him down. A simple plea echoes through his words: assistance to facilitate the easy selling of their crops. This simple request carries the weight of survival, a beacon of hope amidst the gathering shadows of uncertainty. Apase’s story is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Iwofin farmers, a community bound together by their shared struggle and their unwavering determination to overcome adversity. Their resilience serves as an inspiration, a reminder that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, the human spirit can endure and prevail.