Ikot Abasi Communities Applaud PPDF over Impact of Environmental Projects

…As NOSDRA assure of Partnership 

By Imo Etim

Oil and gas Communities of Opukalama and Uta Ewa in Ikot Abasi local government area have applauded Peace Point Development Foundation (PPDF) over its initiative to mobilize the communities towards best environmental practices.

The commendations came on the heels of a mid project review meeting held at Uta Ewa on Tuesday, July 26, 2022. 

Peace Point Development Foundation, PPDF with support from Energy Transition Fund (ETF) is working to promote climate justice and sustainable environmental practices in oil producing communities in Ibeno and Ikot Abasi local government area.

In their respective remarks, members of the communities said since the project berthed their communities in December 2021, their insight and approach to environmental issues have changed positively.

The Chairman, Uta Ewa Village Council, Chief Emmanuel Udofia noted that he is delighted over the fact that at the midterm period of the project, they have recorded impact especially through the use of fuel efficient stove and alertness to environmental issues around them. 

He added ” We can feel the impact of PPDF. We experience PPDF early this year but lessons we have gotten will remain a long time in our hearts. 

” Personally, the training on Peace Building has helped my leadership and many of us. We appreciate your team. You are a round peck in a round hole. The environmental club inaugurated recently has started working. We assure you that you will see results soon”.

The Village Council Chairman used the occasion to charge community members on the need to be creative in taking ownership of the projects through new ideas that will foster environmental justice in the area.

On his part, the Deputy Chief, Opukalama community, Gibson Jaja said PPDF deserve commendation over the fact that they have kept to their word to implement the activities they outlined during the first held with the community. He assured his community’s support and initiatives in their environment club. 

In a goodwill message, the Zonal Cordinator of National Oil Spill Detection & Response Agency (NOSDRA), Melvis Odobo applauded PPDF over consciousness to raise alarm about an oil spill reported to have taken place in Ikot Abasi waters. He called on cooperation from the community and the use of modern technology in reporting oil spills within the environment.

Odobo noted ” Going forward, let’s have robust exchange of information. Please, when reporting oil spillage, endeavor to use a Global Positioning System (GPS) camera to take pictures so that people will not doubt or argue. There is so much mistrust between the operators and other stakeholders.” 

” Let’s work together and protect our environment with the hope that this will be the beginning of robust engagement so that we begin to see action.

Also, the Director of Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Nnimmo Bassey lauded the community for their alertness to environmental issues evidenced in their recent report of oil spill in their environment.

Represented by Project Lead of HOMEF, Cadmus Atake-Enade, said there is need for the communities whose main source of livelihood is fishing to join the fishnet Alliance in order to protect their environment against the ills of extractive industries. 

” Let’s come together and speak in one voice. Devoid of the pollution of our waters, fishing provides more food on the table than the extractive industry. Even when they employ our children, they give them meager jobs. 

“It is sad that the extractive industry has tampered with our environment. When there is destruction of the environment, please document them and use that for reporting. Through fishnet Alliance, we will join other coastal communities with similar issues around the world and our voices will be amplified.

Also speaking, the Director, Climate Change, Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Environment and Solid Mineral, Mrs. Ini Umoh assured that the Ministry will continue to support PPDF to help the communities promote environmental justice in their domain.

Earlier, the Coordinator of Peace Point Development Foundation, PPDF, Mr Umo Isua-ikoh, highlighted the activities so far Implemented in the communities since the commencement of the project in December 2021.

The implemented activities outlined are; advocacy to leaders of the communities, advocacy to school authorities, community mobilization/town hall, establishment of environmental clubs in the community, establishment of environmental clubs in schools, and training community environmental clubs.

Others are a 3-Day training on sustainable environmental protection education, climate change mitigation, construction of fuel wood efficient stove and conflict management. Members of the two communities ratified the activities outlined as implemented.

Isua-ikoh noted that PPDF as part of its activities in the project will hold a 1-day training of media/CSO on reporting on environmental protection and climate change, convene State level multi-stakeholder platform meeting, and quiz competition and award.

Other proposed activities include design and printing of IECs materials; posters, stickers, T-shirts and newsletters (Community Voice). The Coordinator intimated that the project will climax with a community rally/close out meeting.