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Indigenous peoples, local communities unite to demand action on finance, rights at COP30

Michael Simire
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Indigenous peoples, local communities unite to demand action on finance, rights at COP30

From May 26 to 30, 2025, Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities from the world’s largest and most vital tropical forest basins – the Amazon, Congo, Southeast Asia and Latin America – will gather in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, for the First Global Congress of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities from the Forest Basin with the goal of defining the outcomes COP30 should deliver on to protect the territories they guard.

Brazzaville
Brazzaville, Republic of Congo

The landmark global event will bring together over 400 participants, with Indigenous and local community leaders and government representatives – from around the world – including Norway’s Special Envoy for the Ministry of Climate and Environment, Hans Brattskar, and Harlem Siu Mariño Saavedra with the Ministry of Environment of Peru.

As discussions on COP30 continue to focus on logistics aspects of the conference, the congress hopes to bring depth and urgency to the protection of indigenous territories, with a focus on land titling and direct financing to their communities. 

“Our forests are not just carbon sinks or resources – they are our homes, our histories, and our futures. As the world prepares for COP30, it must centre on the most effective climate solutions: securing Indigenous land rights and enabling us to protect our own territories. This convening will harness the power of the world’s largest rainforests, bringing together governments and our organisations to advance land rights and secure direct funding to defend our lands from growing threats,” said Joseph Itongwa, Indigenous leader from the Democratic Republic of Congo and member of REPALEAC, and Co-chair of the GATC.

Hosted jointly by the Global Alliance for Territorial Communities and its member organisations, along with the Rights and Resources Initiative (RRI), the Congress builds on major international milestones, from COP26 in Glasgow and COP15 in Montreal to COP29 in Baku, where Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities gained unprecedented visibility.

The focus, according to the organisers, is now on translating pledges into concrete policies, direct financing mechanisms, and legal protections.

Global forest ecosystems are said to be at a critical tipping point. At a time when deforestation is accelerating and biodiversity is collapsing, evidence shows that deforestation rates are significantly lower in territories managed by Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities.

“Recent geo-political setbacks, including the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and suspension of international climate finance, have only intensified the urgency to amplify the leadership of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities in climate and biodiversity action,” submitted the promoters, adding that Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities play a vital role in slowing deforestation and protecting forests.

Nigeria reaffirms commitment to global peace, security at UN

Michael Simire
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Nigeria reaffirms commitment to global peace, security at UN

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the United Nations (UN) and the global community in promoting peace and security.

Mohammed Badaru
Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru

A statement from the Ministry of Defence on Thursday, May 15, said that Badaru gave the commitment during the second day of the Plenary High-Level Pledging Session of the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial 2025 in Berlin, Germany.

He highlighted Nigeria’s active participation in international peacekeeping efforts, with the country’s rotation of the Base Protection Force deployed with the UN Interim Security Force in Abyei.

Badaru also underscored the nation’s role in the Formed Police Unit at the United Nations Transition Mission in Somalia.

The minister emphasised Nigeria’s leadership role in sub-regional peace initiatives under the auspices of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU).

He cited Nigeria’s significant contributions to peacekeeping missions in Sierra Leone and Liberia, and more recently engagements in The Gambia and Guinea Bissau.

Badaru announced Nigeria’s renewed pledges to the Peacekeeping Capability Readiness System, adding five additional commitments aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s readiness to support global peacekeeping efforts.

He further reiterated Nigeria’s dedication to fostering stability and security, both regionally and globally.

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Morocco on the frontlines of climate extremes, experts warn

Michael Simire
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Morocco on the frontlines of climate extremes, experts warn

Morocco has emerged as one of North Africa’s most climate-vulnerable countries, according to the World Meteorological Organisation’s 2024 “State of the Climate in Africa” report. 

Drought
Morocco has experienced seven consecutive years of drought and destructive floods

The kingdom faces escalating threats, including prolonged droughts, rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and flash floods that have caused heavy human and material losses.

Environmental expert, Mostapha Aissat, described recent climate events in Morocco as “unprecedented in the country’s history,” citing seven consecutive years of drought and destructive floods across the south and southeast, he told Hespress EN.

He also recalled the 2022 wildfires that devoured over 20,000 hectares of forest, severely impacting biodiversity and agriculture.

Aissat warned that two global indicators suggest worsening conditions: global warming and the continued failure of major polluting nations to halve CO₂ emissions by 2030, as outlined in the Paris Agreement. 

He also noted the rising risk of natural disasters beyond climate change, such as earthquakes,  referencing Morocco’s 2023 Al Haouz quake.

He praised Morocco’s strategic move to create regional stockpile platforms as a “preventive and effective” response to recurring disasters. “Recovery from one catastrophe often begins under the shadow of the next,” he said.

Climate expert, Ali Cherroud, added that Morocco’s geography, from mountains to coasts to deserts, makes it uniquely exposed to a wide spectrum of seasonal and non-seasonal disasters. The country’s position at the intersection of cold, humid northern currents and hot, dry southern flows intensifies its susceptibility to extremes.

Cherroud welcomed the newly announced National Natural Disaster Centre in the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region, calling it a “proactive shift” in disaster management and urging its replication across Morocco.

 He emphasised the need for a national roadmap based on early warning, rapid response, and risk forecasting to shield lives and assets.

With converging international assessments and on-the-ground observations, experts say climate preparedness is no longer optional – it is Morocco’s new strategic imperative.

Gloria Bulus: Urgent action needed to tackle Kaduna pollution crisis in Gujeni community

Michael Simire
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Gloria Bulus: Urgent action needed to tackle Kaduna pollution crisis in Gujeni community

The Gujeni community in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State, situated along the busy Kaduna-Abuja Expressway, is facing a severe pollution crisis that threatens the health and livelihoods of its residents. This urgent public health and environmental issue has garnered the attention of local authorities, yet immediate action is necessary to address the ongoing challenges.

Gloria Bulus
Executive Director of Bridge That Gap Initiative, Gloria Kasang Bulus, led the delegation of Network of Civil Society in Environment to the Kaduna State House of Assembly to support a petition as it relates to the environmental and health hazard faced by Gujeni community, Kagarko LGA, host community of Kaduna Steel Plant

The Source of Pollution

The primary culprits behind this environmental disaster are emissions from a nearby steel company, along with black soot from a quarry site in Gujeni and an iron smelting factory in neighboring Sabon-Wuse, Niger State. The result has been alarming levels of soot accumulation, which not only tarnishes the community’s aesthetic but also poses significant health risks.

Health Risks and Environmental Degradation

Residents have reported increasing respiratory issues and other health complications, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. The continuous emission of pollutants has led to a blackening of the environment, indicating excessive pollution and degradation of local ecosystems.

The local flora and fauna are also suffering, with biodiversity at risk due to the harmful effects of soot and emissions. Moreover, the economic impact on local agriculture and livestock farming threatens the livelihoods of community members who depend on these activities.

Advocacy Efforts and Legislative Response

In response to this crisis, the Network of Civil Society in Environment, led by its coordinator, Gloria Kasang Bulus, reached out to the Kaduna State House of Assembly. Henry Zachariah Marah, representing Jaba Constituency, presented a petition tagged as “Motion of urgent public importance” calling on the House to take immediate action to address the plight of the people of Gujeni.

Recognising the urgency of the situation, the Speaker of the House constituted a joint committee, which comprises the House Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, led by Danlami Stingo Usman (member representing Kajuru LGA), and the House Committee on Health, led by Barnabas Haruna (member representing Kauru LGA). The committee is tasked with investigating the pollution levels and is expected to report back to the House within one week.

Call for Immediate Action

The proposed actions include:

  1. Investigation: Initiating an investigation into pollution levels and the compliance of the steel company with environmental regulations.
  2. Environmental Assessments: Conducting thorough environmental assessments to evaluate the extent of pollution and its impacts on health and the ecosystem.
  3. Collaboration: Engaging with the Kaduna State Environmental Protection Agency and other stakeholders to develop a comprehensive remediation plan.
  4. Health Assessments: Conducting health assessments for residents to address pollution-related health concerns.
  5. Policy Reforms: Advocating for stricter regulations on industrial emissions to prevent future environmental crises.
  6. Community Engagement: Organising visits to Gujeni for lawmakers, civil society organisations (CSOs), and media to gain firsthand insight into the community’s struggles and to involve residents in the decision-making process.

Conclusion

The plight of the Gujeni community cannot be overlooked. We must ensure the health and the environment of the people are protected. Therefore, urgent intervention is needed to address this critical issue and restore the well-being of the Gujeni community.

Gloria Kasang Bulus is the Executive Director of Bridge That Gap Initiative and Coordinator, Network of Civil Society in Environment

NEMA unveils grassroots disaster preparedness for 2025 flooding

Michael Simire
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NEMA unveils grassroots disaster preparedness for 2025 flooding

The Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar, has announced a nationwide awareness and grassroots engagement campaigns reoccurring of disasters in the country

Zubaida Umar
Director-General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar

Umar announced this at a stakeholder’s workshop on the 2025 National Preparedness and Response Campaign (NPRC) on Flood Disaster and Related Hazards in Abuja on Thursday, May 15.

She said that downscaling the prediction to the grassroots was necessary.

The DG stressed that disaster response should not be seen solely as NEMA’s responsibility but should be seen as everybody’s business.

“All disaster is local. We should be able to say that when there is a disaster in a particular place, the community should be able to take charge.

“NEMA is deploying teams to all states to take the early warning message to the grassroots.

“I call for the support of traditional institutions, religious groups, women, youth, and the media in spreading awareness. Ensure that no one is left behind in the campaign against floods,” she said.

Umar painted a vivid picture of the devastating impact of annual floods in Nigeria –loss of lives, destruction of infrastructure worth billions, and shattered livelihoods.

She emphasised that these recurring disasters were a wake-up call for collective action.

The NEMA boss detailed the disaster risk management implications for 2025 to include unpredictable rainfall patterns, severe dry spells, and above-average temperatures.

She said that they all threatened key sectors from agriculture and healthcare to transportation and energy.

On the latest rainfall and flood forecasts from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), Umar outlined NEMA’s comprehensive preparedness plan.

This, according to her, includes vulnerability mapping, early warning systems, and targeted communication to at-risk communities.

“We have produced vulnerability maps for all communities at risk to guide governments at all levels.

“NEMA is rolling out mitigation strategies such as capacity building for local responders, rainwater harvesting, infrastructure integrity tests, and community-based information sharing.”

The D-G expressed hope that the collaborative efforts launched would help reduce the impact of annual floods and safeguard the livelihoods of millions.

She said that these would align with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda under President Bola Tinubu

Responding to questions by participants, Umar emphasised that NEMA’s relationship with NiMet was not just about following directives but about a robust, collaborative partnership.

She explained that preparations for potential disasters didn’t begin with the recent report from the Nigerian Space Agency (NISA), but rather, it had been ongoing since NiMet’s early warnings.

“The agency has translated emergency messages into various local languages and, in partnership with the National Orientation Agency (NOA), has broadcasted jingles on local radio stations to raise awareness and preparedness.

Umar also highlighted recent successes, such as the establishment of functional local emergency management committees in Kaduna State, with plans to replicate this model nationwide.

She called on the media and state governments to play active roles in disaster preparedness.

This, she said, would be by ensuring that communities were not left waiting for national intervention but ready to respond effectively at the grassroots level.

Mr. Idris Mohammed, Director, Disaster Risk Reduction Department, NEMA, said the occasion, was not just a meeting but a call to action.

He added that it was a call to collective effort to address one of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges, the threat of flood disasters and related hazards.

Mohammed highlighted the critical need for effective preparedness and response strategies to safeguard communities, livelihoods, and infrastructure from the devastating impacts of floods.

“The focus today is clear. It is to enhance Nigeria’s flood preparedness and response capabilities through collaboration and innovation.

“The room echoed with ideas and experiences, as experts and stakeholders worked together to develop a roadmap for reducing risks and building resilience,” he said.

Mohammed expressed deep gratitude to all participants for their expertise and commitment.

“Your contributions to disaster risk reduction and the building of national resilience in the face of multi-hazard outlook in Nigeria are extremely invaluable,” he added.

By Philomina Attah

Govt to harness ACReSAL for national food security drive

Michael Simire
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0
Govt to harness ACReSAL for national food security drive

The Federal Government has announced its intention to leverage the World Bank-supported Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape (ACReSAL) Project as a key strategy to increase food security across Nigeria. 

Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal
Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, Minister of Environment

This declaration was made in Lagos on Thursday, May 15, 2025, by Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, the Minister of Environment, during the week-long ACReSAL Project-Wide Retreat for Steering and Technical Committees.

Lawal emphasised that the ACReSAL initiative directly addresses the severe impacts of climate change, particularly desert encroachment and land degradation prevalent in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). 

He highlighted a potential expansion of the project’s scope, stating, “We believe that rainwater harvesting is a significant area where ACReSAL could expand its efforts by promoting all-season farming, reducing reliance on rain-fed agriculture and consistent water availability to benefit the restoration of forests.”

The Minister acknowledged ACRESAL’s existing successes in enhancing food security and restoring degraded land. However, he further suggested that a stronger focus on rainwater harvesting could transform the challenge of devastating floods into a valuable resource for both agriculture and environmental sustainability.

ACReSAL
Participants at the ACReSAL Project-Wide Retreat for Steering and Technical Committees in Lagos

Also speaking at the retreat, Senator Dr. Sabi Aliyu Abdullahi, the Minister of State for Agriculture & Food Security, lauded the significant progress made by the ACReSAL Project in promoting sustainable agriculture and food security in Northern Nigeria.

“Through collective efforts, we have empowered communities to adopt climate-resilient practices, revitalized degraded lands, and strengthened food systems in 19 states and the FCT,” he affirmed.

Senator Abdullahi underscored the alignment of the ACReSAL initiative with the current administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises agricultural transformation and food security as crucial elements of national development.

“By tackling land degradation and climate challenges, we are not only securing livelihoods but also building a foundation for a more prosperous and resilient Nigeria,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Dr. Joy Iganya Agene, Task Team Leader for ACReSAL and Senior Environmental Specialist at the World Bank, conveyed her positive assessment of the ACReSAL Project, stating that its performance in the initial two years has been satisfactory, with tangible benefits already being felt across participating states.

In her welcome remarks, Dr. Agene highlighted the project’s success in healing the land using the Halfmoon regenerative agriculture approach in Adamawa State, mitigating flooding challenges in several states, including Katsina and Kaduna. She emphasised that ACReSAL’s interventions have demonstrably prevented the tragic loss of lives previously experienced due to severe flooding in these regions.

“Today we can say, after two years, the ship has sailed that we have delivered almost 200,000 degraded landscapes out of 1 million Project target,” Dr. Agene stated. 

During the just concluded ACReSAL’s Project-Wide Stakeholders Retreat in Lagos, a key activity was the validation of the Rima, Sokoto-Zamfara, and Gulbin-Ka strategic catchment management plans. 

This milestone was achieved through collaborative efforts under the leadership of Senator Dr. Sabi Aliyu Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, and Babarinde Segun Mukaila, Director of Water Supply, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, representing the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation.

Strategic catchment management plans offer a unified framework for sustainable land and water resource use, focusing on climate resilience, ecological restoration, and livelihood development. These plans prioritize community participation, gender and social inclusion, and multi-level governance to ensure ownership and accountability.

The implementation of these plans under the ACReSAL project serves as a scalable model for integrated watershed planning across Nigeria. Specifically, the project is developing 20 Strategic Catchment Management Plans at the macro level across the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, with nine already completed. 

Additionally, 200 plans will be developed at the micro-catchment level.

These initiatives underscore the ACReSAL project’s innovative approach to promoting sustainable land and water resource management, climate resilience, and livelihood development through unified planning frameworks.

ACReSAL is a multi-faceted interventionist initiative championed by the Federal Government, under the leadership of the Ministers of Environment, Agriculture, and Water Resources, and with the active participation of the 19 state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. 

The project components encompass dryland management, community climate resilience, institutional strengthening and project management. 

The retreat offered a valuable opportunity for stakeholders to discuss strategies for enhancing coordination, fostering collaboration, and ensuring the sustainability of ACReSAL project gains and resources.

By Ajibola Adedoye

Renaissance exceeds target in first month of operations

Michael Simire
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Renaissance exceeds target in first month of operations

In its first month of operating the former SPDC Joint Venture assets, Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited has demonstrated immediate impact by surpassing production targets by 40 percent. This early success above set target by the JV signals a positive trajectory for Nigeria’s oil output growth and economic prosperity.

Tony Atah
Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Mr. Tony Atah

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited with 55 percent interest in the JV described Renaissance’s operations as “sterling and remarkable”.

“This is to commend Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, your esteemed leadership team and staff for exceeding the production target in your JV assets for April 2025,” the national oil company said in a letter to Renaissance, signed by its Executive Vice President, Upstream, Mr. Udobong Ntia.

NNPC said It hoped that the April performance would spur the company on “towards accelerating the realisation of the initiatives for incremental production volumes while protecting the base.”

NNPC stated that it was committed to supporting the JV operator “to explore collaborative opportunities, not only for production growth, but also for cost discipline given the current realities of our price environment.”

It reiterated its ambition to work with its partners to grow crude oil production to 2+ million barrels per day by 2025, sustained through 2027 and 3 million by 2030.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Renaissance, Tony Attah, described the recognition from NNPC as encouraging and motivating, noting that Renaissance would continue to push the boundaries of operational excellence in Nigeria’s energy landscape.

“For us, it is a taste of the new beginning we have promised,” he stated.

Attah said the Renaissance team was “already assessing additional high-impact initiatives and operational enablers capable of unlocking incremental production volumes while ensuring the integrity and protection of our existing base production.”

He described the early success of the operations of Renaissance as a product of strong collaboration with key community and government stakeholders, the JV partners and the resilience and commitment of the workforce.

Indigenes lament as Trans Niger Pipeline erupts in B-Dere community in Ogoniland

Michael Simire
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Indigenes lament as Trans Niger Pipeline erupts in B-Dere community in Ogoniland

On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, the Trans Niger Pipeline erupted and triggered streams of crude oil flowing through B-Dere community, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State. The cause of the explosion is said to be equipment failure.

Ogoniland
Executive Director of HOMEF, Dr. Nnimmo Bassey (right), on a visit to the spill site

A similar explosion occurred in the Bodo community on Monday, March 17, 2025, which caused a massive fire that spread through the mangroves. 

According to observers, the spills show the risks the communities will be exposed to if the desire of the federal government to resume oil extraction in Ogoniland materialises. They added that many of the B-Dere community people have been internally displaced while those already impacted by the spill are living in fear over the health and safety.

On a visit by Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) team along with other CSOs to the spill site, officials met distressed indigenes of the community who expressed the high level of pain and a sense of exposure and abandonment.

The woman leader of the community, Chief Mrs Augustina Biebie, stated that the level of restlessness in the community has only worsened.

“The spill brought crude oil into houses of many of our people. The thick smell of crude oil has affected our health. Breathing has become a problem, and it has become difficult to even feed because some of us cannot light fires in our kitchens.”

Pastor Kpobari Bani, whose house was affected, stated: “Since this incident started, I have not been able to cook for fear of explosion. My mother has been displaced and has moved to a neighbour’s house for fear of the explosion. Shell said it has sold to Renaissance Oil, who now owns the pipeline. So, we call on them to come and stop the spill. We also call on the government and other relevant authorities to come to our aid and bring remedy to the land.”

The Executive Director of HOMEF, Dr. Nnimmo Bassey, expressed disappointment over the level of neglect to communities. 

“We are in a disaster zone and further disasters can erupt from even an accidental a spark of fire. The slow response of government and oil companies underscores the lack of care for the people and the environment. This level of laxity is absolutely unconscionable. The fact that this spill that happened a week ago is yet to be stopped sends a very strong point to why government should focus on cleaning up Ogoniland and not seek to open new oil wells. The old wells should be shut down, and decommissioned. Our communities must not continue to be sacrificed on the altar of petrodollars,” he said. 

Bassey further called on all relevant authorities to move into action to curtail the spread of the flowing crude. 

“The government cannot be silent at a time as this. This is a time when all agencies should be here to stop halting the shit down the pipeline, stop the pollution and carry out urgent clean up and remediation. We call on NOSDRA, NESREA, MENA and HYPREP to move into swift action to stem the unfolding ecological and human crises.” 

Also, Celestine Akpobari, an environmental activist, stated: “This is one of the reasons why we have rejected the idea of restarting oil exploitation in Ogoni. The exploitation has not started, but the situation is becoming more volatile with spills of this nature. This is supposed to be a remediation site, but as you can see it is an ecological crime scene. We are afraid that if this is not properly contained, the damage will be far worse than what we see.” 

HOMEF calls for a swift action to plug the leakage, remediate the land and carry out a thorough health audit on the exposed people of the community.

“Government must show that they care for the people and the environment. Aged oil facilities should be decommissioned and retired, and all alleged divestments should be nullified to ensure that those who have made our communities literal land mines do not walk away from accountability,” declared the group.

PAVE engages waste pickers on sustainable circular economy

Michael Simire
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0
PAVE engages waste pickers on sustainable circular economy

The Pan African Vision for the Environment (PAVE) has hosted a two-day capacity building workshop designed specifically for waste pickers in Lagos State. 

PAVE
Participants at the PAVE Capacity Building Workshop in Lagos

The workshop, which held from Wednesday, May 14 to Thursday, May 15, 2025, is described as a key activity of the Zero Waste Ambassadors Project and Capacity Building for Actors in the Waste Management Sector in Lagos State, which forms an integral part of the Multi-solving Action to Methane Reduction in Nigeria (MAMRN) Project.

Mr. Anthony Akpan, President of PAVE, opined that the workshop seeks to raise awareness and build the capacity of waste pickers to better understand organic waste and how it can be transformed into valuable resources such as compost and bio-inputs. 

He said: “By improving organic waste management, participants are empowered to take concrete actions that support climate change mitigation, enhance their income opportunities, and promote a cleaner and healthier Lagos.”

Akpan added that PAVE is working in collaboration with the Association of Scraps and Waste-Pickers of Lagos State (ASWOL) to establish a case for proper recognition of the role that waste pickers play in urban management and the need to safeguard their livelihoods. 

“We seek to address questions that are critical to understanding the role of waste pickers in the waste management ecosystem of Lagos, the institutional frameworks guiding their activities, their lived experiences and livelihood challenges, as well as the innovative practices that emerge in response to these challenges. Waste pickers are a visible, yet unrecognised workforce in Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city. 

“They perform tasks associated with the well-being of city dwellers while contributing to aesthetics, cleanliness and optimal functioning of the city itself. They are indispensable actors in municipal waste management. However, in-spite of their obvious importance, they are often unrecognised informal workers lacking the social and economic opportunities required for a decent life. Minimal recognition has been accorded to them or their work in both research and policy circles in Lagos.”

The Project Facilitator, Aghaji Ujunwa Victoria, in her presentation, outlined how best to waste manage which encompass a range for handling unwanted materials, prioritising prevention, minimisation, reuse, recycling, and disposal. 

In her presentation titled “Training for Waste-Pickers on Organic Waste Management to Reduce Methane Emission”, the facilitator identified waste sorting, waste selection and waste segregation as the best waste management techniques as, according to her, this goes a long way to reduce the environmental impact of waste, conserve resources, and recover value from discarded materials.

In his submission, Philip Jakpor, Executive Director of Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI), advised the waste pickers to always engage in trainings and workshops in order to have a better perspective on how to do things in the sector. 

He charged the waste pickers not to shy away from networking with people from all works of life.

“Networking will also enable the waste-pickers to build confidence which will enable them to learn and share with like-minded groups and access to knowledge and expertise which will enhance creative mindset,” Jakpor said.

Speaking on the workshop, Dr. Leslie Adogame, Executive Director, Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADev Nigeria) applauded PAVE for embarking on such a laudable project.

Adogame, who classified waste pickers as the most important stakeholder in the entire waste management value chain, also appealed to the government to encourage more stakeholders and investors to come into the waste management, saying: “This will go a long way in benefiting the society at large.”

In his submission, Friday Oku, President, Association of Scraps and Waste Pickers of Lagos (ASWOL), highlighted the challenges faced by waste-pickers on a daily basis. He said his members are faced with health, social and financial risks.

While urging the government to consider provision of incentives to stakeholders in the waste management sector, Mr. Oku also advised that waste pickers should be involved in policies that have to do with waste management in the country.

Part of the activities on the first day of the session was a paper presentation on “Organic Waste Management Through Black Soldier Fly (BSF)” by Abiola Adegoke Saheed.

This presentation offered an effective solution for managing organic waste by converting it into valuable resources. 

Saheed stated that the larvae of Black Soldier Fly are known for their rapid digestion of food scraps, manure, and other organic materials, producing protein-rich biomass and nutrient-rich frass (excrement) that can be used as fertiliser. He, however, urged members of ASWOL to tap into this opportunity.

The workshop was graced by dignitaries such as Adenaike Olabimpe, Controller, Federal Ministry of Environment, Lagos, represented by Mrs. Bernardine Ejiogu; members of ASWOL; and many other stakeholders in the waste management sector.

The MAMRN Project aims to reduce and mitigate methane emissions from the waste sector by promoting sustainable, inclusive, and low-emission practices. 

By Ajibola Adedoye

Abi Daré wins inaugural Climate Fiction Prize for ‘And So I Roar’

Michael Simire
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0
Abi Daré wins inaugural Climate Fiction Prize for ‘And So I Roar’

Nigerian author, Abi Daré, has been named the first-ever winner of the Climate Fiction Prize, a new literary award honouring the best UK-published novel-length fiction engaging with the climate crisis. The announcement was made during a ceremony in London on Wednesday, May 14, 2025.

Abi Daré
Abi Daré

Daré’s novel, “And So I Roar”, was selected from an all-female shortlist unveiled in March, following a year-long judging process led by a panel of literary and climate experts. The debut edition of the prize sparked lively debate on the definition of climate fiction and showcased the breadth of stories and genres now emerging under the climate fiction umbrella.

Set between urban Lagos and a rural Nigerian village, “And So I Roar” tells the story of 14-year-old Adunni, whose hopes of education are upended when she is summoned to face charges rooted in climate-induced crises. Witty and deeply moving, the novel highlights the disproportionate impact of climate change on women and girls, especially in regions least responsible for global emissions. It interweaves themes of environmental degradation, social injustice, and resilience in the face of overlapping crises.

Chair of Judges, Madeleine Bunting, praised the book as “a story of real energy and passion, which both horrifies and entertains.” She added: “Abi Daré holds faith in the strength of individuals and relationships, and her hopefulness leaves us inspired.”

In her acceptance remarks, Daré said: “I’m truly honoured to see ‘And So I Roar’ recognised in this way. Climate fiction is often rooted in the Global North, so having a story set in Africa acknowledged like this means a great deal. Africa accounts for just four per cent of global carbon emissions yet faces some of the harshest effects of the climate crisis. A prize like these matters because it creates space for stories that show how deeply connected, we all are and how fiction can open hearts where data alone might struggle.”

Lucy Stone, Executive Director of Climate Spring, which co-founded the prize, called climate fiction “one of the most vibrant and necessary spaces in contemporary storytelling.” She described Daré’s work as “a powerful illumination of environmental and social injustice – and a courageous invitation to imagine a better future.”

Abi Daré was born in Lagos, Nigeria, and holds degrees in law, international project management, and creative writing. Her debut novel, “The Girl with the Louding Voice”, was a New York Times bestseller and shortlisted for several international awards. In 2023, she launched The Louding Voice Foundation, providing scholarships and empowerment programmes for women and girls in underserved Nigerian communities. She lives in Essex.

The Climate Fiction Prize challenges traditional notions of what constitutes climate fiction. While dystopian futures and climate science narratives have long dominated the genre, this year’s shortlisted titles reflected a growing diversity in voice, style and setting from time travelling thrillers and philosophical meditations to folklore-infused family dramas.

The judging panel praised “And So I Roar” as a novel that “exemplifies this evolution spectacularly.”

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