By Ebuwa Choice
The Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), in conjunction with Environmental Rights Action, Friends Of The Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) has organised a one-day eco-comedy programme aimed at promoting socio-economic well-being and raising awareness about environmental challenges in Nigeria.
Tagged Eco-Comedy, the programme focuses on using humour as a tool to tell stories in a way that encourages engagement, allowing people to laugh while reflecting on serious environmental issues.
Dignitaries present at the event included the Executive Director of HOMEF, Dr. Nnimmo Bassey, Deputy Director of ERA/FoEN, Barrister Marriann Bassey-Olsson, the Executive Director of Gbolekekro Women Empowerment and Development Organization (GWEDO), Comrade Cynthia Buluebiere Bright, amongst others.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Bassey noted that environmental challenges in Nigeria have become overwhelming, to the extent that many citizens feel discouraged. He explained that the Eco-Comedy initiative was designed to address these issues through humour.
“Eco-comedy allows us to use creative individuals who are conscious of societal realities to speak about environmental challenges, propose solutions, and share their stories in an engaging way,” he said.
Dr. Bassey further described eco-comedy as an effective advocacy tool for creating awareness and inspiring action.
Also speaking, Barrister Bassey-Olsson emphasised that eco-comedy goes beyond entertainment, describing it as a tool for survival and resistance. “Eco-comedy is not just about laughter or play; it is about survival. Humour allows us to tell the truth and expose societal issues in a lighter way. It helps us hold struggles without being overwhelmed. One good joke can achieve what a 40-page report may not,” she said.
She added that many activists are fatigued by the numerous crises in the country, but initiatives like Eco-Comedy provide a platform to express concerns constructively. “Eco-comedy is not a distraction; it is resistance. A movement that can laugh is a movement that cannot be easily broken,” she added.
In her remarks, The Executive Director of Gbolekekro Women Empowerment and Development Organization (GWEDO), Comrade Cynthia Buluebiere Bright, expressed appreciation for the initiative, noting that it provides relief for activists dealing with stress, trauma, and mental health challenges.
“As activists, we face a lot of stress and emotional burden due to the realities we encounter. Platforms like Eco-Comedy help us heal. Without such outlets, some activists may burn out too quickly,” she said.
An attendee, Osayomore Omorogieva, who spoke with Newsnowng, said the programme was both refreshing and necessary.
Highlights of the event included the Eco-Comedy short film competition, where Comrade Cynthia Buluebiere Bright emerged winner, receiving a cash prize of ₦250,000, while Divine Ogbeide, a comedian, emerged as the first runner-up, receiving ₦150,000.
The organisers expressed optimism that the initiative would contribute to broader awareness and inspire collective action towards addressing environmental challenges in Nigeria.
