This month, we've been active across various fronts, from engaging in crucial discussions on food systems to environmental education in schools, cultural preservation, and judicial empowerment. Dive into our latest initiatives, including the launch of HOMEF TV and the release of a comprehensive dossier on pesticides in Nigeria.

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Hello there,

Welcome to April. Before we get into our activities in March, please sign and share the petition to stop the Ororo well fire at Awoye if you haven’t. 

Activities 

Off to Entebbe

We were in Entebbe, Uganda for the AFSA project inception meeting convened to promote behavioural change and favourable policies supporting indigenous healthy foods. We discussed food system narratives, traditional knowledge of food, agroecology, biosafety and rallying against GMOs amongst other things.

AfriTap steering committee meeting

We held focus group discussions with senior secondary school students in 3 schools in Ogun state to enlighten them about Nigeria’s environmental issues, as part of a larger project aimed at centring young people in climate action. The students learned about the environment and their role in protecting it.

Cultural survival in Gelegele

We were in Gelegele community, Edo state to document their resilience in the face of the severe challenges posed by oil spills and gas flaring. We also trained community members in building community solidarity, integration and responsibility; and taught them to organize for the enthronement of the change and justice they yearn for.

Should we be worried about our food?

We held an X Space conversation to discuss the state of our food and matters relating to food systems, food security, agroecology and everything in between. The Space was moderated by Esele Ojeanelo in conversation with Ikenna Donald Ofoegbu, Cadmus Atake-Enade and Joyce Brown. Catch the replay on our X page @ecohomef.

At the C7 West African Conference

School of Ecology

Our first School of Ecology for 2024 held on March 20 & 21 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state. Titled “Weaning From Fossil and Healing Territories”, the school gathered scholars and community members to build knowledge and create a platform for traumatized community people to identify their traumas and link it to ever changing climatic conditions. The School also paved the way for healing already traumatized people and territories through arts.

Judicial Training Workshop in Abuja

On March 22nd, we organised a workshop to equip judiciary officials with a comprehensive grasp of GMOs and the state of biosafety in Nigeria. We armed lawyers and judges with knowledge to interpret and apply biosafety laws in legal matters. Empowering our judiciary ensures decisions that uphold both legal standards and public welfare.

Media and Publications

Announcing HOMEF TV!

HOMEF TV is our new way to reach you with news about the environment. We'll be delving into topical issues, exposing false solutions and platforming conversations to restore the health of Mother Earth. Engage with our first episode here and don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss a thing.

Recap: The launch of “I See the Invisible”

We were in Makoko on the 28th of February to launch Nnimmo Bassey’s latest book, “I See the Invisible”.  Watch a video with all the highlights here and revisit the live stream here.

New! Dossier on pesticides

The dossier provides up-to-date information on registered, traded, and used pesticides in Nigeria. It categorizes pesticides, analyzes active ingredients, showcases potential effects on human health and biodiversity, highlights the local and international regulatory status of the pesticides, and presents recommendations to mitigate associated risks. Get a free copy here.

Another oil spill!

Communities continue to bear the brunt of pollution and abandonment, and Bane community is no exception. Bane community in Ogoni recently suffered water pollution caused by an oil spill. Listen to community members share their story here.

Wondering what we’ll be doing this month? Follow us on social media @ecohomef.