By Uko Okon
Peace Point Development Foundation (PPDF) in collaboration with Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) has taken a significant step towards promoting environmental sustainability by equipping Opolom Community in Ibeno LGA with skills for environmental advocacy.
Opolum is one of the communities in Ibeno local government area playing host to several multinational oil companies including, Seplat energy, and have been greatly impacted by decades of oil explorations.
The one-day workshop took place at the Opolom Village hall on Friday with the theme, ‘Building Niger Delta Community Champions for Environmental Justice’.
Speaking, the Coordinator of PPDF, Mr Isua-Ikor Umoh, said the initiative was particularly crucial given the environmental challenges faced by the Opolom community including toxic discharges, oil spills and gas flare.
According to Umoh, “The big gap I discovered from the community people is that they do not have a platform that can be used to advocate for environmental and climate justice within their area.”
The Coordinator emphasised that the project has provided the community members with the necessary orientation and platform to engage strategically with government, regulators, and companies.
“We are trying to raise community youths, women, and men who can stand up for the restoration of the ecosystem in the Niger Delta.
“The project is centered in two states: Cross River and Akwa Ibom States, and has already shown promising results, with community members demonstrating great interest and enthusiasm for environmental advocacy.
“By empowering local communities, this initiative has the potential to drive meaningful change and promote sustainable development in the Niger Delta region.
“However, I am happy that this project has given them the primary orientation, and they have promised to utilize the platform to know how to engage strategically, especially with the government, regulators, and companies within their domain,” he added.
Mr. Ekemini Simon, an Environmental Activist, noted that “communities, especially sacrificed zones like Opolom, have challenges, but the attention of relevant authorities is often not drawn to address their challenges.”
In his paper presentation titled “Communication, Storytelling, and Sustainable Alternatives for Change,” Simon highlighted several communication channels that community members can leverage to express their concerns.
He expressed optimism that the workshop would enable community champions to emerge, who can speak about their challenges, propose solutions, and make demands
Our correspondent reports that the event also featured a paper presentation on the topic “Grassroots Organizing and Advocacy for Environmental Justice” by Mrs Helen Eyo, and the inauguration of the Fishnet Alliance.
