CODE Trains Journalists, CBOs in Akwa Ibom on inclusive policies for climate Justice, Tracking of Climate Intervention Funds
By Ekemini Simon
Connected Development, a non-governmental organization with a mission to empower marginalized communities in Africa has trained journalists and Community Based Organisations (CBOs) working in Akwa Ibom State on inclusive policies for climate Justice.
The one-day training workshop tagged Community Media Collaboration for Climate Justice (CMCCJ) with support from Oxfam held on Friday, May 12, 2023 in Uyo also sought to train the beneficiaries on the need for increased awareness on climate change, it’s impacts and how to seek responsive, equitable and inclusive policies for climate Justice.
According to the Program Officer of Connected Development, Nkem Ibeh the training was designed to train the trainers who will cascade the learnings to the larger society for efforts that will promote practices which will contribute to climate justice and stop negative practices that accelerate climate change.
Ibeh noted that with the increasing effect of climate change in the country especially through recent flooding, it was urgent for the citizens to be more interested in practices that will mitigate climate change.
The Program Officer who offered insight to the fact that there were climate resilience funds such as ecological funds shared from the federation account to the federal government, states and local government areas charged the trainees on the need to push for the accountable utilisation of the funds.
She added ” We look forward to increased climate education and better partnership between government, Private companies and other stakeholders on climate change and protecting the rights of front-line communities who suffer its impacts the most”.
On his part, the State Team Lead of Connected Development, Ubong Ekpe said accountable utilisation of climate intervention funds can be achieved when the media and community based organisations work together to track how these funds are used.
Ekpe who recommended Follow-The -Money module of CODE for the tracking of ecological funds from the federation account and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) outlined tracking steps to include data mining, community outreach, town hall meeting, advocacy visit and media engagement.
Another session on using social media/radio for effective advocacy was also facilitated by CODE’s Digital Media Associate Nabo Msen, to ensure these messages not only go back to the communities but they also deploy the use of digital media to amplify the conversation and create more awareness on climate challenges in their communities.
Earlier, participants at the event had shared stories of the devastating impact of climate change on wildlife, animals, plants and erosion in their communities.
The community members who noted that most riverine communities have been sacked by flooding like Ibeno called for urgent ecological interventions in the area.