PPDF Bids Farewell to Ikot Abasi Communities on Climate Justice/ Sustainable Environment Project
By Ekemini Simon
It was a moment of mixed feelings for the people of Uta Ewa, Opukalama and Ikpetim communities on Thursday, November 3, 2022 as Peace Point Development Foundation (PPDF) project on Promoting Climate Justice and Sustainable Environmental Practice in select oil communities in Akwa Ibom State came to an end.
Peace Point Development Foundation, PPDF since December 2021 has been working to promote climate justice and sustainable environmental practices in oil producing communities of Ikot Abasi and Ibeno local government area.
Speaking at the close out and handing over meeting, the Coordinator of PPDF, Mr. Umo Isua-ikoh said PPDF is delighted over the support received from the three communities to successfully implement all the activities they had in the project.
Umo who charged the communities to take responsibility in driving the environmental clubs established by the organisation noted that PPDF will always be available to give technical support whenever there is need.
He added ” We are very happy that we have seen the tremendous impact of this project in your communities. We hope that you will build on it and sustain it thus protecting your environment.”
Earlier, the Program Officer of PPDF, Okoho Ene highlighted the activities implemented in the project to include; 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 and media engagement: radio discussion and jingles.
Ene noted that there has been a 1-day training of media/Civil Society Organisations on reporting on environmental protection and climate change, coupled with convergence of State level multi-stakeholder platform meeting, and quiz competition and award.
She added ” Still on this project, we have designed and printed IECs materials; posters, stickers, T-shirts and newsletters which is the Community Voice that we have shared to you all.
” Yesterday, we held a community rally to draw attention to important environmental information they need to know.”
In his remarks, the Chairman, Uta Ewa Village Council, Chief Emmanuel Udofia thanked PPDF over the impact they have recorded in the communities through the project.
While calling for the continuation of the project, the Chairman said they will continue to partner with PPDF when they have environmental issues.
He said ” PPDF came late 2021 and we have made significant strides. The trees in our mangroves are gradually preserved. But I must confess that leaving now that we have started making progress is not adequate. We earnestly desire for extension because we haven’t become very advanced yet on environmental issues.
“It is continuous training from PPDF that will help us to grow and make us stand on our own. Even after you leave, we will continue to partner with you.”.
On his part, the Youth Leader of Ikpetim Community while thanking PPDF for the training called on the government to take up from where PPDF has stopped.
He said ” We have been taught how to make a fuel wood efficient stove. But the truth is that since we are a fishing community, we will need to dry our fishes. This implies that if our trees must be preserved, then the government must come in to assist to produce the stove in a commercial size and quantity.
Also speaking, the Youth Leader of Opukalama Community, Sylvanus Jaja said ” Although we are sad that you will be leaving our communities, we are glad that you have done your best for us. You have dropped a legacy. You have established a path that is very impactful. We assure you that we will elevate what you have established”.
Meanwhile, the event witnessed cultural dances in celebration of PPDF’s impact in the community.
