Nation

Group Commits To Climate Change Awareness Programmes

Published

1 year ago

March 8, 2023

Mushin To The World (MTTW), an environmentally friendly non-governmental organisation, has reiterated its plan to embark on continued climate change awareness programmes to achieve environmental sustainability.
The Founder, MTTW, Mr Babatunde Enitan, stated this recently in an interview with The Tide source in Lagos.
Speaking against the backdrop of the build-up of activities to mark the sixth anniversary of the foundation, he said the foundation had been involved in cleanup activities within the Mushin locality, adding that the trend would continue in the nearest future.
Enitan, an environmental changemaker who grew up at Mushin, a suburb of Lagos, said his journey into climate change activism bagan when he realised that the practice of people within his community was inimical to environmental sustainability.
He said activities such as charcoal burning, burning of wastes, open defecation and improper waste disposal were rampant in his community.
Enitan said the foundation would continue to educate Mushin residents on the implications of these activities on environment sustainability.
He noted that his basic knowledge of environmental sustainability and preservation arbored unwholesome practices leading to harmful effects of climate change such as flooding and rising temperatures.
“These and many other activities spurred me into climate change advocacy.
“I volunteered for different locally-led initiatives where I was exposed to the various causes, effects, and simple solutions that are peculiar to different communities like Mushin”, Enitan said.
He said his environmental and grassroots activism as a volunteer started at ICCDI Africa – 2016, a climate-smart, youth focused organisation.
He stated that the volunteering experience changed his passion, and drive for more actions to be carried out in his community, with over 900,000 residents.
Enitan continued that with the growing population in Mushin his interest grew over time which led to his efforts on campaigning, creating awareness and strategic partnerships, and simple locally-led adaptation solutions tailored to meet the needs and priorities of many of the people in his community.
He said MTTW was established in July 2017 with the aim of transforming lives, re-engineering the mindset of its citizenry and with particular focus on the youth.
Enitan said the foundation would to present solutions to social problems by its own indigenous youth, thereby taking the community to a whole new height of a 21st century sustainable society driven by peaceful living and development.
According to him, after his tutelage on climate action, he founded MTTW with a mission to nurture new breed of innovative change makers.
Enitan said MTTW faced daunting barriers at the onset due to funding.

“We are usually faced with community-related barriers. They have slowed down the process of carrying out some of our community outreaches to build climate resilience.

“However, we overcome them by applying community related solutions, using our networks of partners, such as the Community Development Association, Community Development Committee, different units of our local authorities offices, and government representatives,” Enitan said.

Nation

VCDF in Partnership with LDSVA Sensitise Women on Gender Equality, Financial Literacy & Entrepreneurship

Published

1 day ago

May 3, 2024

The Tide

Women, the pillars of our society, are resilient and determined as they play essential roles in nurturing families and leading businesses. Despite facing challenges like limited financial resources and unequal opportunities, they persist, inspiring generations and driving positive change.

In honour of Women’s History Month, Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF), in collaboration with Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Co. Ltd. (SEEPCO) and the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (LDSVA), embarked on a transformative journey to empower 100 community women, focusing on sexual and domestic violence prevention, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship, on March 27, 2024, in Eti-Osa LGA, Lagos State.

When women are empowered, they become catalysts for progress, influencing not only their own lives but also the lives of their families and those around them. The programme gave the women the opportunity to acquire knowledge on tools that can help their businesses grow, also providing a safe space for women to learn and connect with others, making them feel more confident and capable in making decisions for their businesses.

Distinguished guests present at the event were Mrs. Bello Oluwakemi, Head of the Field Operations Department, Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (LDSVA), Chief Mrs. Eletu-Odibo Wasilat, Community Development Committee Chairman of Eti-Osa LGA, Lagos State, and Mrs. Adenike Akintoye, Head of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Unit, Eti Osa LGA.

While giving her feedback, Chief Mrs. Eletu-Odibo Wasilat said, “community-driven efforts like this initiative are instrumental in driving sustainable change and enabling women to realise their full potential.”

Mrs. Bello Oluwakemi noted during her closing remark, “training women in our communities will improve their livelihoods and contribute to household income, thereby leading to better standards of living.”

This collaborative initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – Gender Equality (SDG 5) and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), which aim to ensure everyone is treated equally and reduce differences between people.

VCDF will continue to educate and empower women for a greater inclusion in society, supporting their advancement and ensuring their meaningful participation in all spheres of life. Together, let us continue to champion the cause of women, celebrate their achievements, and pave the way for a brighter and more equitable future for all.

Nation

Ibom Developers Supports 160 Women with Skill Acquisition Training in Akwa Ibom

Published

1 day ago

May 3, 2024

The Tide

Empowering women with vocational skills is a vital step towards fostering gender equality and inclusive growth in society. This effort involves equipping women with practical expertise that can be applied across various aspects of life, including professional, personal, and entrepreneurial settings. Ibom Developers’ recent initiatives to provide skill acquisition training to women in its host communities aim to help them thrive in society.

On April 8, 2024, Ibom Developers commenced its ongoing skill acquisition training programme, themed ‘Virtuous Women’ in Egwenwe and Okoroinyong communities.
Dignitaries, including His Royal Highness Chief Johnson J. Osiba (Ijongo IV), the Okaama of Egwenwe Community; Mr. Warribo Isaiah, Community Development Chairman, Egwenwe Community; Pastor Johnson Christian Ubulom, Youth President, Egwenwe Community; Mrs. Catherine Monday Ogbofork, Women Leader of Egwenwe Community; Mrs. Sarah Evans Nfeija, Health Officer, Egwenwe Community; and representatives from Okoroinyong community, were present at the inaugural event.

This skill acquisition programme aims to empower 160 women in these communities with expertise in catering, packaging, hairdressing, wigging, ventilation, and styling. The program took place from April 8 to April 20, 2024, at Egwenwe Town Hall and Okoroinyong Town Hall in Eastern Obolo LGA, Akwa Ibom State, imparting essential entrepreneurial skills to the women in the communities.

During the inaugural event, Chief Johnson J. Osiba (Ijongo IV), the Okaama of Egwenwe Community, expressed, ‘‘This empowerment initiative will provide our women with the autonomy and decision-making power they need to become self-sufficient contributors to the growth and development of our community.’’

The participation of women in several economic activities makes their upliftment a potent strategy for economic growth. Their involvement expands the workforce, cultivating heightened innovation and efficiency within the community.

Mrs. Catherine Monday Ogbofork, Women Leader of Egwenwe Community, emphasised, “Access to training tailored to the needs of women allow them to develop specialised skills. I am glad that this programme has offered options that suit our women’s preferences and goals.’’

Acquiring skills for livelihood elevates family status and unlocks entrepreneurial avenues. Ibom Developers is dedicated to promoting entrepreneurship among women and supporting socio-economic empowerment in local communities.