The Advocate of Peace Nature and Gender Justice (APNAG) organized a one-day rally in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State, to shed light on the devastating impact of climate change in Eastern Obolo Local Government.
Led by Executive Director Barrister Ekaette Awanna, the rally saw the participation of over 70 women, with support from dignitaries including Mrs. Glory Bill, wife of the Eastern Obolo LG Chairman, and Hon. Selina Ukpatu, House of Assembly Member representing Ikot Abasi and Eastern Obolo Local Governments.
The procession, which commenced at the Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat gate, culminated at the Women Affairs Ministries. The rally aimed to draw the government’s attention to the dire situation in Eastern Obolo, particularly in the Emereoke Kingdom, where communities, especially women, have lost their livelihoods due to the ravages of climate change.
Mrs. Glory Bill emphasized the urgency of the situation, highlighting how floods in November and December submerged homes, claiming lives, and destroying farmlands and fishing businesses, exacerbating poverty in the region.
“An aged man was trapped in one of the affected buildings and he died. And a lot of women have been affected because they lost their farmlands and fishing business to the flood. That is why we are here to solicit government help and support.
“I have not been able to sleep because of the level of poverty in Eastern Obolo and it has been aggravated by climate change,” she said during the rally.
Hon. Selina Ukpatu echoed the sentiments, stressing the environmental injustice faced by the people of Emereoke due to climate change and the activities of oil companies in the region. She called for concerted efforts from the government and stakeholders to address the plight of women and children, who are disproportionately affected.
In response to the rally, Mrs. Nkechi Udo, representing the Commissioner for Women Affairs, assured the community of the government’s commitment to addressing environmental issues and protecting the rights of women and children. She pledged collaboration with stakeholders to ensure the implementation of climate change adaptation projects and the enforcement of impact assessments on oil companies to prevent further harm to host communities.
“Let me stress that all companies operating in the state are compelled by law to conduct impact assessment. This government is committed to making sure that they do so to ensure that their activities does not bring disadvantage to their host communities,’ Mr Udoh said.
She assured that the Ministry of Women Affairs was ready to partner with APNAG and other stakeholders to ensure that issues of environmental injustice are addressed and the rights of women and children are protected.
She urged APNAG and other stakeholders to be steadfast in their pursuit of environmental justice in a bid to safeguarding the future of Eastern Obolo and other parts of Akwa Ibom State.
About APNAG:
The Advocate of Peace Nature and Gender Justice (APNAG) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting peace, environmental sustainability, and gender equality in communities across Akwa Ibom State. Through advocacy, education, and grassroots initiatives, APNAG strives to address environmental injustices and empower marginalized groups to build a more equitable and sustainable future.