The event concluded with the inauguration of the FishNet Alliance, a network promoting sustainable fishing practices and environmental justice across the Niger Delta communities.
By TheInvestigator
A one-day training workshop aimed at strengthening grassroots movements for environmental and climate justice was recently held at the Palace of the Village Head, Eserebom Community, Calabar South Local Government Area, Cross River State.
Organised by the Peace Point Development Foundation (PPDF) with support from Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), the training brought together community leaders, activists, and youth advocates to deepen their understanding of environmental rights, sustainable livelihoods, and community-based advocacy.
Themed “Strengthening Grassroots Movements for Environmental and Climate Justice in the Niger Delta,” the workshop focused on empowering participants to engage meaningfully with environmental and social accountability processes, particularly through the Niger Delta Alternatives Convergence (NDAC) and Niger Delta Alternatives Space Convergence (NSAC) frameworks.
Facilitators, including Umo Isua-Ikoh, Agba Agbor, and Ekemini Simon, led sessions on topics such as “Understanding Environmental and Climate Justice: Niger Delta Alternatives Convergence (NDAC) and the Nigeria Socio-Ecological Alternatives Charter,” “Grassroots Organising and Advocacy for Environmental Justice,” and “Communication, Storytelling and Sustainable Alternatives for Change.”
Participants also learned practical tools for advocacy, including the use of digital media, participatory monitoring, and community storytelling. The sessions emphasised rights-based approaches, inclusive organising, and sustainable livelihood options such as fishing and agroecology.
The Village Head of Eserebom Community, Her Highness Obonganwan Elizabeth Akami-Eyo, expressed deep appreciation for the training, describing it as both timely and transformative for her people. “I am very happy. My community members are happy too over this timely exposure. May the Lord bless Peace Point and HOMEF,” she said, noting that the session on ecosystem protection resonated strongly with her. “I was touched when we were taught not to cut down our mangroves, because they protect our fish and our land.”
She assured that the lessons learned would not end in the meeting hall but translate into concrete action. According to her, the community is already preparing to intensify engagement with relevant government agencies to secure better protection for their waterways. “We will mobilise our people to engage with the government and demand implementation of regulations to make our waters safe,” she stated.
Her Highness emphasised that the decline in fish population affects not only fishers but the wider society, including policymakers. “When there is no fish, it will affect everyone, including our politicians,” she warned.
She reaffirmed her community’s commitment to sustainable practices, pledging responsible fishing and renewed efforts to safeguard their environment. “On our part, we will fish responsibly and protect our environment,” she concluded.
The event concluded with the inauguration of the FishNet Alliance, a network promoting sustainable fishing practices and environmental justice across the Niger Delta communities.
