Why We Thumbs-Up PPDF on Project Implementation – Ikot Abasi Communities

 Uta Ewa and Opukalama communities in Ikot Abasi local government area have lauded Peace Point Development Foundation (PPDF) over the activities they have so far Implemented in the half part of their project in the communities.

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.

The communities say PPDF has kept faith with the activities they outlined to execute and their environmental consciousness has heightened due to the project implemented in their domain.

The eulogies were poured at the mid project review meeting held at Uta Ewa on Tuesday, July 26, 2022.

The Chairman, Uta Ewa Village Council, Chief Emmanuel Udofia said after experiencing the training, workshops among other environmental interventions courtesy of PPDF, they have had reason to thank the organization for bringing the project to their area.

” Having analyzed the activities you promised to implement in our community, we have seen that you have done over half of it. We have benefited from the quality training and we now teach others.

” Of greater interest is the passion your organization exudes. You take this as your home and you answer our distress calls anytime we have environmental issues. We assure you of our continuous support”.

The Deputy Chief, Opukalama community, Gibson Jaja noted that their community are now more environmentally conscious and are determined to engage in activities that will sustain the environment to future generations.

In a goodwill message, the Zonal Coordinator, National Oil Spill Detection & Response Agency (NOSDRA), Melvis Odobo thanked PPDF over the opportunity extended to them to partner with the community.

He said he is impressed over the consciousness the community has in raising alarm about the oil spill reported to have taken place in Ikot Abasi waters.

The Zonal coordinator 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.

On his part, the Director of Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Nnimmo Bassey commended the community for their consciousness to environmental issues evidenced in their recent report of oil spill in their environment.

Represented by Project Lead of HOMEF, Cadmus Atake-Enade, recommended for the communities whose main source of livelihood is fishing to join the fishnet Alliance thus protect their environment against the hazards of the 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 meagre 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 not let up in supporting 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 pointed out that the project will climax with a community rally/close out meeting.