Abuja, Nigeria Blessing Akan, representing Ecosteward and Humanitarian Foundation (EHF), joined civil society leaders, advocates, and stakeholders at a multi-stakeholder workshop held at Broadfield Hotel, Abuja. The event was convened by HOMEF, Environmental Rights Action, World Animal Protection, YARN, and HEDA Resource Centre to examine the implications of industrial animal farming in Nigeria. The dialogue centred on the activities of JBS S.A., a Brazilian multinational and the world’s largest meat processing corporation, which recently signed a $2.5 billion investment deal with the Nigerian government to establish six large-scale facilities across the country. From expert presentations and case studies, participants raised concerns about the negative consequences of industrial animal farming. While the project promises investment and infrastructure, experiences from Brazil, where JBS originated, reveal troubling realities, widespread deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss, public health risks, and exploitation of workers. “Industrial animal farming may look attractive in the short term, but in the long run, it does more harm than good,” participants noted, highlighting that such projects often fail to employ local labour and instead displace communities, forests, and farmlands. The Director for Africa, World Animal Protection, emphasized that animal welfare and freedom must not be sacrificed in pursuit of profit. At the close of deliberations, the workshop produced key recommendations: Civil society organisations, including Ecosteward Foundation, also committed to: Speaking on behalf of EHF, Blessing Akan reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment: “At Ecosteward and Humanitarian Foundation, we strongly believe Nigeria’s future lies in sustainable, community-driven agriculture—not industrial farming. We will continue to stand with people, protect the planet, and defend food sovereignty.” The event marks an important step in uniting voices across sectors to push for a more equitable and environmentally responsible agricultural system in Nigeria.

On 11th August 2025, EcoSteward and Humanitarian Foundation (EHF) joined other youth-led organizations at the UN House Auditorium, Abuja, for a high-level Youth Dialogue Forum with the United Nations Nigeria Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Mohammed Fall, and the Honourable Minister for Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande. The event, organized by the United Nations Inter-Agency Group on Youth (UNIAGY) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, formed part of activities marking International Youth Day 2025 under the theme “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond.” The dialogue created a platform for intergenerational engagement on youth inclusion, climate action, economic empowerment, digital innovation, and civic participation. Representing EHF, Nweze Emmanuel Obinna the Program Director, contributed to discussions on strengthening youth-focused interventions, removing barriers to participation, and integrating grassroots perspectives into national SDG localization strategies. Mr. Fall reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to amplifying youth voices in development, while Minister Olawande emphasized the government’s readiness to partner with youth-led initiatives to drive inclusive growth. For EHF, this was a key opportunity to spotlight our climate justice advocacy and ensure that community-driven solutions inform policy and program decisions at both national and international levels

Gallery: overview of stakeholders at the workshop The Ecosteward and Humanitarian Foundation (EHF) joined key stakeholders at the Review and Validation Workshop of the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Framework for Nigeria’s National Climate Change Policy (NCCP) 2021–2030, held under the auspices of the Federal Ministry of Environment’s Department of Climate Change with support from the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project on July 30, 2025 According to Dr. Iniobong Abiola-Awe, Director of the Department of Climate Change, the workshop is part of a broader national process to strengthen climate governance, harmonize institutional efforts, and ensure accountability for Nigeria’s commitments under the Climate Change Act (2021), the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and the Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS). The workshop brought together representatives from government ministries, civil society organizations, academia, development partners, and the private sector. Participants worked collectively to refine the draft M&E Framework designed to track NCCP progress, align with international reporting obligations, and support the mobilization of climate finance. Dr. Pius Agaji OKO, Convener of EHF, noted that EHF’s contributions focused on embedding grassroots realities into national climate policy implementation. “We emphasized the need for inclusive monitoring frameworks that recognize youth, women, and vulnerable communities as essential actors, while also stressing the importance of climate education, decentralized data collection, and public awareness,” he explained. The validated M&E Framework features indicators across mitigation, adaptation, and cross-cutting areas. Mitigation indicators cover greenhouse gas emissions by sector, renewable energy share, and energy efficiency milestones, while adaptation indicators include adoption of climate-smart agriculture, early warning system coverage, and climate-resilient infrastructure. Cross-cutting indicators highlight climate finance mobilization, gender and youth integration, public–private partnerships, and academic research outputs. EHF’s involvement has strategic implications for its future programs, particularly in aligning climate education initiatives with national monitoring indicators, supporting local governments in adaptation planning, and strengthening grassroots participation in national reporting processes. The Foundation’s presence at the workshop reaffirms its role as a key civil society actor advancing transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in Nigeria’s climate governance landscape. The Review and Validation Workshop marked a significant milestone towards operationalizing the NCCP 2021–2030 through a robust and participatory M&E system, positioning Nigeria to better deliver on its climate commitments while ensuring local realities inform national action.

Connecting Local Agroecology Voices to National Dialogue Written by Nweze Emmanuel Obinna Abuja, Nigeria – July 2025 EcoSteward Foundation, under the auspices of the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA), proudly participated in the recently launched Youth Engagement in Food Systems Mapping Report, unveiled at the inaugural Youth in Food Systems Convening held in Abuja. The event brought together policymakers, civil society, and over 100 youth representatives to discuss the central role of young people in transforming Nigeria’s food systems. Organized by the National Food Systems Task Team, the convening themed “Empowering the Future: Unleashing Youth Potential for Resilient and Sustainable Food Systems” showcased the findings of Nigeria’s first comprehensive youth food systems report. The mapping captured insights from over 6,000 young Nigerians working across agriculture, processing, food innovation, climate advocacy, and community organizing. “This report marks a turning point for youth-led food systems change in Nigeria,” said Azeez Salawu, National Youth Lead of the UN Food Systems Summit Nigeria team. 🌾 Why It Matters to Our Work For EcoSteward Foundation, this engagement directly supports our ongoing initiative:“Connecting Young Agroecologists and Climate Advocates for Transformative Food Systems.” Our involvement ensured that agroecological youth voices and community-level innovations were represented in the national conversation. We contributed practical data and ideas from young farmers and climate advocates in crossriver and surrounding states, spotlighting solutions rooted in ecological farming, soil regeneration, and sustainable land use. 🔍 Relevance to Our Current Project The mapping exercise provides valuable input to our project by: 🌍 Looking Ahead This national platform strengthens our commitment to building a resilient, youth-led agroecology movement in Nigeria. As we continue implementing our project, we will leverage insights from the youth mapping report to design more responsive mentorship, advocacy, and policy engagement pathways. We thank AFSA and the Food Systems Task Team for the opportunity to contribute to this milestone effort. Together, we are sowing the seeds of transformation from the ground up 📣 Stay Connected Follow our project updates at [EcoSteward Foundation’s Website]Email: [info@ecostewardafrica.org] | Social Media: X: @ecosteward1Hashtags: #Agroecology4Nigeria #YouthInFoodSystems #ClimateJusticeNow

In a bold move to address the growing environmental and food system challenges in Nigeria, EcoSteward and Humanitarian Foundation under the auspice of Alliance for food sovereignty in Africa (AFSA), in collaboration with local civil society partners, have launched an innovative school-based program titled “Agroecology in Action: Growing Young Eco-Champions.” The initiative is already gaining ground with its pilot launch at Primark International School, Jikwoyi, Abuja. Nigeria’s agricultural landscape is under increasing pressure from land degradation, biodiversity loss, climate change, and food insecurity. Yet, in the face of these challenges, one crucial group has often been overlooked—young people. The Agroecology Club project seeks to change that by empowering students at the secondary school level with the knowledge, skills, and values to become environmental stewards and food system changemakers. Mr Nweze Emmanuel Obinna, The Program Director Ecosteward and Humanitarian Foundation stated that the project introduces Agroecology and Food System Clubs in secondary schools, transforming them into vibrant learning hubs where students explore sustainable farming, climate action, and food justice through hands-on activities and peer-led projects. The clubs are not just about theory they come to life with demonstration gardens, eco-literacy training, and student-led campaigns, linking classroom education with real-world solutions. Under the theme “Eco-Champions for Agroecology,” the program aims to foster environmental leadership and inspire youth-driven innovation. It promotes a practical understanding of how agroecological practices—such as composting, crop rotation, organic pest control, and rainwater harvesting—can improve food security and restore ecosystems. Speaking at the launch event, project leads emphasized the urgent need to reconnect young people with the land and equip them for the green careers of the future. “We believe schools are the seedbeds of transformation,” said one facilitator. “By investing in students today, we are growing tomorrow’s climate leaders.” Beyond awareness, the project’s vision is firmly rooted in sustainability. Each club is integrated into the school’s extracurricular structure, supported by trained teachers and local partners, ensuring it remains active and relevant long after the pilot phase. As the project moves forward, the next steps include expanding to more schools, strengthening partnerships, and documenting impact stories to inspire wider policy integration of agroecology into Nigeria’s education and agricultural development strategies. In a time when climate action can feel overwhelming, this project offers a refreshing model of hope—one where young people are not just part of the future but are actively building it.

In commemoration of World Environment Day 2025 themed “Ending Global Plastic Pollution”, EcoSteward and Humanitarian Foundation proudly co-partnered in a transformative one-day event held on 22nd June 2025 at Uke Community, Nasarawa State. The program, titled “Plastics to Creative Crafts in Communities (P3C)”, with support from France Embassy in Nigeria, was led by Ecocykle Development Foundation, an NGO championing circular economy solutions across vulnerable communities in Nigeria, With plastic pollution increasingly threatening both ecosystems and livelihoods, the P3C initiative tackled the problem from both an environmental and economic lens. The program specifically targeted 70 women and girls from vulnerable backgrounds, equipping them with practical skills to convert plastic waste into eco-friendly crafts such as artistic jewelry and sustainable paper packaging. Participants engaged in hands-on workshops, sustainability education sessions, and interactive dialogues with community leaders and waste management authorities. The training not only introduced them to income-generating green skills but also sparked behavioral change around single-use plastic consumption in the community. EcoSteward and Humanitarian Foundation, represented by Program Director Mr. Nweze Emmanuel Obinna, emphasized the need for inclusive environmental education and green entrepreneurship as tools for grassroots resilience. “This initiative represents exactly the kind of people-powered, planet-first approach we believe in,” Mr. Obinna stated during his address. With over 70 women trained and many already exploring business ideas around upcycling, the P3C project is expected to catalyze small-scale eco-enterprises across Nasarawa State. Beyond its immediate impact, the program sends a powerful message: communities especially women can lead the fight against plastic pollution when equipped with knowledge, skills, and opportunity. This collaboration is a testament to what’s possible when civil society organizations unite to drive local solutions for global challenges. As EcoSteward continues to champion sustainability and empowerment, programs like P3C reflect the growing shift towards green, inclusive development in Nigeria.

Written by Nweze Emmanuel Obinna For decades, the people of Ogoni land in Nigeria’s Niger Delta have borne the brunt of environmental degradation caused by incessant oil spills. Once lush and fertile, the land has become a toxic shadow of itself. Rivers that once teemed with life are now blackened with crude oil, and the air is heavy with the stench of pollution. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report of 2011 laid bare the scale of devastation, describing it as one of the world’s worst oil pollution disasters. Yet, more than a decade later, the cleanup process has been slow, marred by bureaucracy, and insufficient political will. The consequences are dire: contaminated drinking water, loss of livelihoods, rising health problems, and the erosion of cultural identity tied to the land. Communities feel abandoned, their cries drowned out by economic interests and political silence. In the face of such injustice, there is an urgent need for moral voices to rise—and faith leaders can no longer remain on the sidelines. Faith leaders wield immense influence in communities across Nigeria. They are trusted voices who provide hope, direction, and a sense of justice to their congregants. Their intervention is crucial not only in advocating for environmental justice but also in holding government and corporate actors accountable. By framing the oil spill crisis as not just an environmental or political issue, but a moral and spiritual one, faith leaders can stir conscience and drive collective action. Islamic, Christian, and traditional religious leaders must unite to demand a comprehensive and transparent cleanup of Ogoni land, reparations for affected communities, and long-term sustainable development. They can also lead in healing the land—mobilizing communities around conservation, environmental awareness, and resilience through faith-inspired initiatives. The suffering in Ogoni land is not just a regional tragedy—it is a stain on our shared humanity. Now is the time for faith to meet action, for pulpits to echo the cry of the Earth and the poor, and for spiritual leaders to champion the cause of justice for Ogoni and all marginalized communities affected by environmental abuse.

written by Nweze Emmanuel Obinna and Nsikak On Tuesday and Wednesday, April 8 and 9th, 2025, the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat (NCCCS) convened a technical working group workshop with key Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), and development partners. The workshop marked the official launch of Nigeria’s preparation of its Second Biennial Transparency Report (BTR2) and Fourth National Communication (NC4) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This initiative follows a review of the First Biennial Transparency Report (BTR1) and an assessment of Nigeria’s compliance with key outcomes from the UNFCCC Conferences of the Parties (COPs). Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, Director General and CEO of the NCCCS and Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Change, was represented by the Assistant Director, Dr. Chukwuemeka Okebugwu, who welcomed stakeholders and partners. He reiterated Nigeria’s ongoing commitment to the Paris Agreement and the importance of transparency in national climate efforts. In her opening remarks (delivered by Dr. Okebugwu), Dr. Maduekwe highlighted that Nigeria has so far submitted three National Communications, two Biennial Update Reports, and, most recently, its First Biennial Transparency Report (BTR1) in December 2024. “Today, we gather to initiate the next cycle of reporting—BTR2 and NC4—as a combined exercise under the Enhanced Transparency Framework of the Paris Agreement,” she stated. “This process is critical for building mutual trust and confidence through transparent, participatory, and inclusive reporting. It also aims to establish a robust institutional system for consistent data flow and high-quality climate reporting.” She emphasized that these reports are vital to tracking national progress on climate commitments and aligning policy efforts with data-driven action. The technical sessions, supported by the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), aim to coordinate stakeholders and develop robust reporting mechanisms. The sessions will also address data needs and compliance requirements to strengthen the quality of the BTR2/NC4. Following Nigeria’s ratification of the Convention in August 2024, and in line with COP decisions, stakeholders were reminded of the country’s medium ranking on the 2025 Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI), where it outperformed South Africa. While Nigeria has remained consistent in reporting, experts noted that more robust policy backing is required to support implementation efforts. During discussions, participants reflected on lessons from BTR1, identifying challenges such as fragmented data across institutions, the need for an updated greenhouse gas inventory, quantifying progress in climate resilience especially in access to clean electricity over the past four years and strengthening public climate literacy through reliable communication channels. The event, which runs from April 8 to 15, 2025, includes consultations with MDAs and stakeholders across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. It also covers the updating of the Additional Common Reporting Table (ADCOM) and components such as education, training, public awareness, research, and systematic observation.

Written by Nweze Emmanuel Obinna and Asiegbule Esther Amarachi Ecosteward and Humanitarian Foundation, a youth platform for the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) has taken a significant step in advocating for sustainable food systems by launching a ground breaking project aimed at strengthening agroecology across Nigeria. The official launch, held on 18th  March 2025 at faculty of agriculture, university of Calabar, brought together key stakeholders, policymakers, and grassroots organizations committed to fostering resilient and sustainable food production systems. A Commitment to Agroecology The newly launched initiative underscores Ecosteward and AFSA’s dedication to promoting agroecology as a sustainable solution to food insecurity, climate change, and biodiversity loss. Agroecology, a holistic approach to agriculture, integrates ecological principles into farming practices while ensuring economic and social sustainability. This project seeks to empower smallholder farmers, amplify indigenous knowledge, and advocate for policies that support sustainable agricultural practices. Key Objectives and Expected Impact The project is designed to: By addressing these key areas, Ecosteward and AFSA aims to create a resilient food system that prioritizes the needs of farmers and local communities while mitigating the adverse effects of industrial agriculture. Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration The launch event saw the participation of diverse stakeholders, including representatives from farmers’ organizations, research institutions, development partners, and government agencies. Discussions emphasized the urgent need for a shift towards agroecological farming methods that prioritize environmental sustainability and social equity. Participants expressed strong support for the initiative, recognizing agroecology as a critical solution to food sovereignty and sustainable development in Africa. Through this project, Ecosteward will facilitate knowledge exchange, amplify local voices, and build a strong coalition advocating for policies that protect traditional farming systems and promote food sovereignty. Looking Ahead Ecosteward and AFSA’s project launch marks the beginning of a concerted effort to mainstream agroecology across Africa. Moving forward, the alliance will implement strategic interventions that ensure farmers have the necessary tools, knowledge, and policy support to transition towards sustainable agricultural practices. This initiative is not just about transforming food systems—it is about empowering communities, preserving biodiversity, and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come. As AFSA and its partners embark on this journey, their collective commitment to agroecology will pave the way for a resilient and sovereign food system in Africa.

Written by Ifebuchechukwu Francisca Edeh and Nweze Emmanuel Obinna In a bid to raise awareness about climate change and the importance of recycling, the Eco-steward and Humanitarian Foundation (EHF), in collaboration with Ecocyckle and the Women Environmental Programme (WEP), commemorated World Recycling Day 2025 with an inspiring event at the Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa, Nigeria. Under the theme “RecyFlix”, the event aimed to educate and engage young people in sustainable environmental practices. A Call for Environmental Action World Recycling Day is an annual global event dedicated to promoting recycling as a crucial strategy in tackling environmental challenges. According to the World Bank, without urgent intervention, global waste could increase by 70% by 2050. Recognizing this pressing concern, the 2025 theme, #RecyclingForTheFuture, emphasized the role of young people in driving a sustainable planet. A Thought-Provoking Movie Screening One of the highlights of the event was the screening of two compelling environmental documentaries, “Drowning in Plastic” and “The Storm Rages On”. These films provided eye-opening insights into the devastating impact of plastic pollution and climate change on ecosystems worldwide. The screenings sparked engaging discussions among participants, who reflected on key takeaways such as: Interactive Sessions and Knowledge Sharing The event also featured a fireside chat with Ifebuchechukwu Francisca Edeh, the Program Assistant at Ecosteward and Humanitarian Foundation. Moderated by Lovelyn Kwaji, the discussion addressed pressing concerns, including: Additionally, students actively participated in the PLAN (Play, Learn, and Act Now) Game, an educational climate action awareness game designed to enhance their understanding of recycling and climate change mitigation. Impact and Key Takeaways By the end of the event, 50 students from the Department of Environmental Science and Management at Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa had significantly improved their knowledge of climate change, recycling, and sustainable waste management. The initiative also: A Step Towards a Greener Tomorrow The success of the RecyFlix event demonstrates the power of education and community engagement in fostering climate action. As young minds embrace sustainable practices, they become catalysts for a greener, more resilient future. Moving forward, stakeholders must continue to advocate for environmental sustainability, ensuring that recycling remains a key strategy in the fight against climate change. Conclusion By merging entertainment with education, the Global Recycling Day 2025 Movie Screening not only informed but also inspired young participants to take an active role in environmental conservation. As the world grapples with the impacts of climate change, initiatives like these serve as vital stepping stones towards a more sustainable and eco-conscious society.