Ibeno Oil and Gas Communities Pour Encomiums on PPDF over Impact of Project 

Peace Point Development Foundation (PPDF) has been commended for the impact of its environmental works in the oil and gas communities of Okoroutip, Iwokpom and Opolom in Ibeno local government area of Akwa Ibom State.

The communities poured the praises on the Non-governmental organisation owing to the benefit they reported to have enjoyed by the project implemented by PPDF within the six months period of their work in the communities.

This was made known during the mid project review meeting held at Okoroutip Community Hall in Ibeno local government area on Saturday, July 2, 2022, the organization.

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

The members of the communities noted that since December 2021 the project kick-started, they have been trained on better technology that help sustain their environment coupled with training that influences their behavioral change.

According to the Village President of Okoroutip, Chief Thomas Atanwa ” You came in December and in six months, your advocacy has yielded results in our communities. Our people are now very conscious of their environment.

” We have PPDF to thank for the environmental consciousness we now have in our community. We are poised to continue giving you the needed support because of the impact we have seen.”

For the Youth Secretary of Opolom, Ibanga Daniel, his family and some members of the community have replaced the old method of cooking which he said consumes more wood fuel to the use of an efficient wood fuel stove.

He noted that the new technology transferred to them by PPDF has minimized the cost of cooking and has reduced their consumption of wood thus preserving trees in their environment.

Aniebet Ekong, a member of Iwokpom community said that owing to the training they have so far received from PPDF, the community has taken conscious effort not to dispose of waste especially plastics in their water bodies. ” Now, we no longer litter the environment, especially our water bodies. We now manage our plastic waste. Because of our behavioral change, others in the community now imitate us.”

Another beneficiary of the project, Akpanika Felix, said “I never knew that we could use mud and sawdust to make a fuel efficient stove. PPDF brought that technology to us and now, that is what our families are using. Many in the community are copying it. This gives hope that trees in our forest will survive.”

 For the Woman Leader of Okoroutip, Mary Williams, the training on relevant laws needed for environmental monitors has equipped the oil and gas communities with relevant tools on how best to hold the multinational corporations operating in their environment accountable. She assured that she will work together with other members of the environment club to see how to take actions in conformity with the laws.

Earlier, the Program Officer of PPDF, Okoho Ene offered insight to the activities so far Implemented in the communities since the commencement of the project in December 2021.

Some of the activities outlined as implemented so far 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 and media engagement: radio discussion and jingles. Members of the community ratified that the activities outlined were implemented.

Ene further 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 Program Officer added that the project will climax with a community rally/close out meeting.

Earlier, the Coordinator of Peace Point Development Foundation, PPDF, Mr Umo Isua-ikoh thanked the communities for their support in the project which he said is the basis for the success recorded so far.

He assured that PPDF is determined to implement all the activities they promised the communities thus help them to be deeply rooted in issues of environmental justice.

On her part, 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.

She added ” If there are discoveries that need the attention of the State Government, draw our attention and we will take it from there. We hope that you all will benefit from the intervention PPDF has offered so far and then take positive action.”