The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has projected that 2025 is on track to become Nigeria’s second hottest year on record, with average temperatures about 1.42°C higher than pre-industrial levels. This stark revelation comes amid ongoing discussions at COP30, where global leaders are gathered to review progress on climate commitments and chart new pathways for adaptation and resilience. Earlier this week, I joined RadioNow 93.5 FM Lagos to discuss this urgent issue and what it means for Nigerians. The message is clear, the heat crisis is no longer a future threat; it is our present reality. Rising Heat, Real Impacts Across Nigeria, rising temperatures are intensifying heatwaves, droughts, and erratic rainfall. These conditions are already taking a toll on human health, agriculture, and the economy. Outdoor workers face greater risks of heat stress, crop yields are declining, and power demand continues to rise as more people rely on cooling appliances. Global Drivers, Local Realities The WMO’s findings point to rising greenhouse gas concentrations and record-high ocean heat content as major contributors to global warming. In Nigeria, local drivers such as deforestation, gas flaring, poor waste management, and urban heat islands make matters worse. These interconnected factors amplify the climate crisis and demand urgent, coordinated responses. Turning Awareness into Adaptation While global conversations at COP30 focus on emissions reduction, developing nations like Nigeria must equally emphasize adaptation. Communities need early warning systems, climate-resilient infrastructure, sustainable agriculture, and urban greening to withstand extreme heat. Public awareness also plays a crucial role, knowing how to stay safe during heatwaves, manage water use, and protect vulnerable populations can save lives. At Ecosteward Foundation, we continue to advocate for community-led adaptation and youth engagement as core strategies for local resilience. Youth Leadership and Climate Justice Young people remain at the forefront of climate advocacy and innovation. From green entrepreneurship to digital climate activism, Nigerian youth are developing local solutions that can be scaled nationally. As COP30 unfolds, youth voices must be central in shaping decisions on adaptation finance and implementation. Climate justice demands that those most affected, yet least responsible, are supported and empowered to drive change. From Commitments to Action Nigeria’s climate commitments, as captured in its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), are ambitious. However, translating these into real action requires stronger coordination among federal, state, and local governments, increased climate financing, and transparent monitoring of progress. As I noted on RadioNow 93.5 FM, “Climate change is not an environmental issue alone, it’s an economic, health, and social development challenge.” To respond effectively, we must integrate climate resilience into every sector, from education and energy to agriculture and urban planning. A Collective Call to Action The WMO’s report is not just a warning; it’s a wake-up call. Nigerians, individuals, communities, private sector actors, and government agencies must all play their part:             •          Plant trees and expand green spaces to cool our environments.             •          Reduce emissions by promoting clean energy and sustainable transport.             •          Support local climate initiatives and hold leaders accountable for promises  made.             •          Educate and engage others — awareness is the first step toward resilience. As the global community deliberates at COP30, Nigeria must seize this moment to accelerate local adaptation and lead with innovation. About the Author Nweze Emmanuel Obinna is a Director at Ecosteward Foundation in charge of programs. A youth-led organization advancing environmental sustainability, climate education, and community resilience across Nigeria.

Cross section of participants at Jams Organic Farm As part of its ongoing commitment to promoting sustainable agriculture and ecological food systems, Ecosteward Foundation recently embarked on a field visit to JAMS Agro Organic Farm in Kuje, Abuja, in partnership with the Heinrich Böll Stiftung (HBS) Foundation. The visit forms a crucial component of the Foundation’s collaborative project with the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) titled “Connecting Young Agroecologists and Climate Advocates for Transformative Food Systems in Nigeria.” The engaging field experience brought together young agroecologists, climate advocates, and sustainability enthusiasts who are part of Ecosteward’s youth network championing ecological farming practices and food sovereignty. The visit to JAMS Agro Organic Farm served as both a learning and practical exposure opportunity for participants to deepen their understanding of agroecological farming methods, organic soil management, and nature-based cultivation practices. Mr manasi the farm director teaching on the processes of composting for manure Welcoming the team, Mr. Manasi, the Farm Director, led a guided tour around the farm and shared valuable insights into the farm’s integrated organic system, which harmonizes crop production, soil health, and biodiversity conservation. He elaborated on the use of compost, biological pest control, intercropping, and cover cropping techniques, all designed to enhance soil fertility and ecosystem resilience without reliance on chemical inputs. Mr. Manasi emphasized that agroecology is not just about farming differently, but about redefining our relationship with nature and food systems. He highlighted how JAMS Agro Organic Farm models an environmentally responsible and economically viable approach to food production that supports both farmers and consumers. Mr Emmanuel the director of programs EHF at the green garden section in the farm Speaking during the visit, Program Director at Ecosteward Foundation Mr Emmanuel Nweze, appreciated the partnership with Heinrich Böll Stiftung and reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to advancing agroecology as a pathway to climate resilience, youth empowerment, and food sovereignty. The field visit also reinforced the importance of integrating practical agroecological knowledge into national agricultural discourse and practice. Through the ongoing AFSA-supported project, Ecosteward Foundation continues to connect and build the capacity of young Nigerian agroecologists and climate advocates to drive systemic change toward more equitable, sustainable, and climate-friendly food systems. The visit to JAMS Agro Organic Farm exemplifies the Foundation’s approach of linking learning, practice, and advocacy to achieve long-term transformation in Nigeria’s food and agricultural landscapes. In conclusion, the field visit underscored the vital role of collaboration among civil society organizations, research institutions, and local farmers in scaling up agroecological models across Nigeria. Ecosteward Foundation remains steadfast in fostering a new generation of agroecological champions who will shape the country’s transition toward a sustainable and resilient food future.

The Ecosteward Foundation proudly participated in a three-day Training Workshop on Climate Finance and Green Projects organized by the Heinrich Böll Stiftung (HBS) Nigeria, held from Tuesday, October 28 to Thursday, October 31, 2025, at the Belmont Hotel, Wuye, Abuja. The workshop, which culminated in a field tour on the final day, brought together experts, policymakers, and civil society organizations to deepen understanding of climate finance mechanisms and promote sustainable green investments in Nigeria. Representing the Ecosteward Foundation at the workshop was Mr. Nweze Emmanuel Obinna, the Foundation’s Director of Programs, who actively engaged in the intensive training sessions and was awarded a Certificate of Completion by Heinrich Böll Stiftung for his successful participation. The workshop focused on enhancing institutional capacity in mobilizing and managing climate finance within Nigeria’s evolving green economy landscape. Participants were trained to: Facilitated by LOY SPV Ltd and supported by the German Green Foundation – Heinrich Böll Stiftung, the sessions featured practical exercises, expert presentations, and interactive discussions on how to effectively leverage climate finance to support Nigeria’s just and sustainable transition. Speaking after receiving his certificate, Mr. Nweze Emmanuel reaffirmed Ecosteward Foundation’s commitment to advancing climate action and sustainability in local communities. He emphasized the importance of building knowledge around climate finance access, project design, and accountability to accelerate the country’s green growth agenda. “This training has further strengthened our capacity to mobilize innovative financing and design impactful green projects that deliver tangible benefits to both people and the planet,” he stated. The Ecosteward Foundation views this engagement as a vital step toward scaling up climate-smart initiatives, promoting environmental resilience, and driving community-based green development across Nigeria. About Ecosteward FoundationEcosteward Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to environmental conservation, climate action, and community empowerment. Through research, advocacy, and sustainable development initiatives, the Foundation promotes ecological balance and resilience in line with global climate goals.

Cross-section of participants at the workshop The Ecosteward Foundation joined other key stakeholders at a One-Day Workshop on Stakeholder Engagement on Data Mapping of Climate Actors and Inception Workshop on Methane Emission Reduction in Nigeria, held on Friday, October 24th, 2025, at K-Class Hotel, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja. The event, organized by the Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Climate Change Matters in conjunction with SRADev Nigeria, brought together climate change experts, civil society organizations, policymakers, and development partners to deliberate on Nigeria’s strategy for methane emission reduction and to strengthen the data ecosystem for effective climate action. Ecosteward team with Hon Yusuf Kelani (SA to the president on climate change matters) Ecosteward Foundation was ably represented by Mr. Nweze Emmanuel, the organization’s Director of Programs, who emphasized the need for inclusive climate data management and multi-stakeholder collaboration in achieving Nigeria’s climate goals. He noted that methane, though short-lived, has a significant global warming potential and addressing it offers a quick win in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting communities from escalating climate impacts. During the workshop, participants examined existing data gaps, shared insights on effective methane management strategies, and explored opportunities for synergy among climate actors. The engagement also provided a platform to align national methane reduction efforts with Nigeria’s broader commitments under the Paris Agreement and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Mr. Nweze reaffirmed Ecosteward Foundation’s commitment to promoting environmental sustainability, climate justice, and evidence-based advocacy for a low-carbon future. He stressed that bridging data and policy gaps remains central to achieving meaningful emission reductions and building resilient communities. The workshop concluded with a call for stronger collaboration among government agencies, research institutions, and civil society organizations to enhance data transparency, improve policy coherence, and drive measurable progress toward methane mitigation in Nigeria.

On 17th September 2025, community leaders, policymakers, and advocates for sustainable agriculture gathered at the Karu Local Government Secretariat, Nasarawa State, for a high-level dialogue on “Agroecology, Climate Resilience, and Local Environmental Policy Opportunities.” The event, convened by Ecosteward Foundation under the auspices of the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA), in partnership with EnviroNews Network, Ecocykle Foundation, GIFSEP, GreenFaith Nigeria, and Community Action for Food Sovereignty (CAFS), brought together a coalition of civil society organizations and grassroots movements committed to advancing agroecological development and environmental justice in Nigeria. Agroecology as a Solution to Climate and Food Challenges Discussions underscored the urgency of addressing climate change, soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and rising food insecurity challenges that disproportionately affect rural communities. Speakers emphasized that agroecology, rooted in indigenous knowledge and ecological science, provides a people-centered and sustainable pathway to tackle these crises. By promoting organic farming, waste-to-resource models, seed preservation, and community-led conservation, agroecology strengthens food sovereignty while building resilient local economies. Participants highlighted successful field-based examples from across Africa, demonstrating how agroecology can reduce dependence on fossil-fuel-driven agriculture and empower vulnerable populations. Local Policy Integration for Long-Term Impact A major focus of the dialogue was the need to integrate agroecology into local governance frameworks. The coalition called for legislative support, particularly through local bye-laws, to institutionalize practices such as land restoration, sustainable land use, and seed sovereignty. Without enabling policies, participants warned, grassroots innovations risk remaining isolated and unsustained. Embedding climate-smart agriculture into Karu’s local government agenda was seen as a vital step toward securing the legal and institutional backing necessary for long-term transformation. Building Partnerships for Inclusive Governance Mr. Nweze Emmanuel, Program Director of Ecosteward Foundation, alongside coalition partners, reaffirmed their commitment to co-creating sustainable initiatives with Karu Local Government. The courtesy visit served not only as an advocacy milestone but also as a platform for building stronger partnerships that align community-led innovations with government priorities. The dialogue emphasized that inclusive governance where communities, policymakers, and civil society collaborate, remains central to achieving climate resilience and environmental justice. A Replicable Model for Climate Action in Nigeria As the engagement concluded, participants reaffirmed the urgency of scaling up community innovations, strengthening local environmental governance, and ensuring that Nigeria’s youth and rural communities remain at the heart of climate action. However, a critical gap identified was the limited capacity of local legislators and policymakers to design, adopt, and enforce frameworks that support agroecology and climate resilience. While communities are innovating at the grassroots, these efforts often remain fragmented without strong institutional and legal backing. Capacity building for legislators is therefore essential. Equipping them with knowledge on agroecology, sustainable land use, seed sovereignty, and climate-smart agriculture will not only improve policy formulation but also ensure that bye-laws and local regulations are evidence-based, inclusive, and future-oriented. By empowering lawmakers with the right tools, training, and exposure to best practices, Nigeria can bridge the gap between community-driven solutions and institutional support systems. This alignment is crucial for creating an enabling environment where policies reinforce grassroots innovations, making climate action replicable and sustainable across all local governments. Ultimately, strengthening legislative capacity is not just about governance it is about ensuring that the fight against climate change is inclusive, science-informed, and resilient enough to secure food sovereignty and ecological justice for generations to come. This initiative in New Karu sets a replicable model for other local governments, paving the way for a climate-resilient Nigeria where people, policies, and the planet thrive together. www.ecostewardafrica.org

Agroecology is more than farming it’s about justice, dignity, and sovereignty Addis Ababa, Ethiopia  At Kotebe University of Education / 10th September 2025, youth voices rang clear and strong as organizations headed by Ecosteward Foundation and Humanitarian Foundation (EHF) with support from the Global Alliance for the Future of Food, in partnership with Frontline Food Leaders (FFL), the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA), Jeunes Volontaires pour I’Environnement (JVE), GreenFaith Africa, GreenFaith Nigeria, HBCU GreenFund, and Community Action for Food Security came together to mobilize young people around agroecology as a transformative solution to Africa’s climate and food crises. Agroecology rooted in Africa’s indigenous knowledge, biodiversity, and cultural heritage is rapidly emerging as the continent’s frontline strategy for sustainable food systems. For young people, it offers more than a farming approach: it represents a pathway to food sovereignty, climate resilience, and economic empowerment. Why Youth and Agroecology Matter Africa is the world’s youngest continent, with over 60% of its population under 25 years old. At the same time, the continent is disproportionately vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, from droughts and desertification in the Sahel to floods and cyclones in East and Southern Africa. By advancing agroecology, African youth are stepping into leadership at a time when traditional industrial agriculture heavily dependent on fossil fuels, chemical inputs, and export-driven models is proving unsustainable. Agroecology, by contrast, strengthens: Youth at the Heart of Change The gathering at Kotebe University highlighted how young people are not only beneficiaries of agroecology but drivers of innovation and advocacy. Through training, research, and community mobilization, youth networks are reclaiming ancestral knowledge while integrating modern ecological science. “Agroecology is more than farming it’s about justice, dignity, and sovereignty,” Lucky Abeng Frontline Food Leader at the event affirmed. “We are building a future where Africa can feed itself without destroying its lands or relying on exploitative systems.” Global Implications This youth-led momentum aligns with global climate goals. Recent UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports emphasize agroecology as a critical tool to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Zero Hunger (SDG 2) and Climate Action (SDG 13). Moreover, agroecology addresses the intersections of food, energy, and climate justice, which are increasingly recognized as inseparable in achieving a just transition. Looking Forward As the Africa Climate Summit 2 (ACS2) concluded in Addis Ababa with multi-billion-dollar commitments for African-led climate solutions, youth coalitions like those represented at Kotebe University are insisting that resources flow to grassroots initiatives. For them, agroecology is not just a strategy it is the heartbeat of Africa’s climate resilience. www.ecostewardafrica.org

Addis Ababa Declaration unlocks billions for African-led climate solutions, but grassroots resilience must remain at the heart of implementation Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | 11 September 2025 — At the close of the Africa Climate Summit 2 (ACS2), Ecosteward Foundation reaffirmed Africa’s historic emergence as a global climate leader, while urging governments and partners to prioritize agroecology as the backbone of resilience, food sovereignty, and climate justice across the continent. This call was made during the side event, “Advancing Food Justice & Energy Just Transition: Multistakeholder Actions on Climate and Food Systems,” held on 9 September 2025 at the Agriculture & Food Systems Pavilion, AICC, Addis Ababa. The event was convened by Ecosteward Foundation and Humanitarian Foundation (EHF) with support from the Global Alliance for the Future of Food, in partnership with Frontline Food Leaders (FFL), the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA), Jeunes Volontaires pour I’Environnement (JVE), GreenFaith Africa, GreenFaith Nigeria, HBCU GreenFund, and Community Action for Food Security. The summit, which brought together heads of state, international organizations, private sector leaders, and grassroots movements, concluded with the landmark Addis Ababa Declaration and a wave of unprecedented financial pledges, including: While welcoming these commitments, Ecosteward Foundation, through its Convener, Dr. Pius Oko, emphasized that it is time to move “From Declarations to Action”. Climate finance he insisted, must flow directly to smallholder farmers, women, and youth who are powering grassroots solutions, not stop at governments and institutions. “Agroecology is not a fallback option. It is Africa’s original climate pathway; restoring degraded lands, securing food sovereignty, and building resilience to climate shocks,” said Dr. Pius Oko, in his closing remarks. “If global finance fails to reach the grassroots, these promises will remain empty headlines.” Why Agroecology Matters Now Across Africa, over 600 million Africans lack access to electricity, and over 900 million lack clean cooking solutions; Fossil fuel driven agriculture erodes soil health, deepens inequality, and undermines food systems and Climate shocks from prolonged droughts in the Horn of Africa to devastating floods in West Africa are displacing millions, with up to 118 million Africans projected to migrate due to climate impacts by 2030 if urgent action is not taken. Agroecology provides integrated solutions: blending indigenous knowledge, low-carbon farming, renewable energy, and gender-responsive practices. According to recent FAO reports, agroecology strengthens food security while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, positioning it as one of the most viable pathways toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). From Declarations to Action Ecosteward Foundation is urging African leaders and international partners to prioritize: Grants, not loans, to prevent deepening Africa’s debt burden. Locally led solutions, treating farmers, women, and youth as equal partners, not passive beneficiaries. And Integrated investments in renewable energy and sustainable agriculture, bridging food sovereignty with energy justice. A Turning Point for Africa’s Climate Leadership ACS2 marks a critical shift: Africa is no longer on the sidelines but at the heart of global climate negotiations. With the Addis Ababa Declaration, Africa has spoken with one voice. The challenge now, Ecosteward Foundation insists, is for the world to listen and act. About Ecosteward Foundation: EcoSteward Foundation is a grassroots nonprofit advancing climate justice; agroecology, energy just transition and sustainable development across Africa. Through advocacy, research, and community-led initiatives, it empowers smallholder farmers, women, faith and youth groups to lead in building climate-resilient futures. Learn more at www.ecostewardafrica.org.

Abuja, Nigeria – September 1, 2025 – The EcoSteward and Humanitarian Foundation (EHF), represented by its Program Director Nweze Emmanuel Obinna, stood alongside farmers, scientists, women, youth, and civil society groups at the National Symposium on GMOs – Charting the Way Forward for Food Sovereignty in Nigeria. The event, convened by Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Environmental Rights Action (ERA), and the GMO-Free Nigeria Alliance, created a powerful space to interrogate Nigeria’s increasing embrace of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and to champion agroecology as a sustainable alternative. The GMO Debate in Nigeria Nigeria has become one of Africa’s fastest adopters of GMOs, with the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) Act of 2015, and its 2019 amendment, paving the way for approvals. By 2025, more than 20 genetically modified crops had been cleared for food, feed, and commercial planting. The approval of Tela Maize in 2024 ignited widespread opposition, sparking protests from farmers, civil society, and consumer rights advocates. Critics argue that: These concerns were echoed at the symposium, where participants demanded answers to fundamental questions: In whose interest are GMOs approved? Do they truly solve food insecurity? And what alternatives exist for Nigeria’s food sovereignty? Voices from the Symposium Experts and activists presented powerful arguments against GMOs: Ecosteward Foundation’s Intervention Representing EcoSteward Foundation, Nweze Emmanuel Obinna brought a youth-driven and community-based perspective to the debate. Drawing from EHF’s ongoing projects, he showcased how agroecology is already working across Nigeria: “Agroecology is not just a farming practice,” Obinna stressed. “It is a movement for justice, resilience, and sovereignty. It connects the health of our soils with the dignity of our farmers and the future of our children.” The Broader Picture Globally, the debate around GMOs is intensifying. While multinational corporations promote genetic engineering as a solution to hunger and climate change, independent studies and international bodies like IPES-Food and FAO highlight agroecology as a superior long-term strategy. Agroecology enhances biodiversity, strengthens rural economies, and offers climate resilience without the ecological costs of industrial agriculture. Across Africa, organizations like the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) are advancing agroecology as the continent’s pathway to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially on hunger, climate action, and life on land. Charting the Way Forward The symposium closed with a united call to action: Conclusion The National GMO Symposium was more than a debate—it was a declaration of intent. Nigerian farmers, youth, researchers, and civil society are determined to resist the unchecked spread of GMOs and to uphold food sovereignty through agroecology. By standing alongside these voices, EcoSteward Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to advancing community-led, climate-resilient, and justice-driven agriculture. The path ahead is clear: Nigeria’s food future must be built not on corporate-controlled technologies, but on the wisdom of its people and the resilience of its ecosystems.