Article
LOOK BEYOND OIL (Conference Overview)
Look Beyond Oil: A Path to Sustainable Future for the Niger Delta
The Niger Delta region of Nigeria has long been at the forefront of the country's oil production, significantly contributing to the national economy. However, this wealth has come at a tremendous cost to the environment and the livelihoods of local communities. Decades of oil exploration and extraction have led to severe environmental pollution, including oil spills, gas flaring, and deforestation. These activities have devastated marine and terrestrial ecosystems, destroyed farmlands, and displaced numerous communities, plunging them into economic and social instability. Recognizing the urgent need for a sustainable future, Lincgreen Prospects and Janikoba Lifetouching Foundation organized the Look Beyond Oil Conference on June 5, 2024, coinciding with World Environment Day.
The conference, a hybrid event hosted by Lincgreen Prospects and Janikoba Lifetouching Foundation with
https://wedonthavetime.org
as the major media partner, aimed to address the pressing environmental challenges in the Niger Delta, explore alternative economic opportunities, and engage stakeholders in meaningful dialogue. The full video of the event is available on the We Don't Have Time YouTube channel.
The Urgency of Action
The conference was driven by the escalating climate crises affecting coastal communities in the Niger Delta. Rising sea levels, intensified flooding, and unpredictable weather patterns have further exacerbated the region's vulnerability. Lincgreen Prospects, having been at the forefront of community engagements, has witnessed firsthand the displacement of people, destruction of farmlands, and loss of livelihoods. These challenges underscore the need for an urgent and coordinated response to adapt to climate change and build sustainable cities.
Lincgreen and Janikoba Foundation's efforts in community engagement, research, and development have been instrumental in initiating this dialogue. By collaborating with stakeholders, these organizations aim to develop frameworks for climate adaptation and resilience, ensuring that the Niger Delta can transition to a sustainable and diversified economy. Thus, the Look Beyond Oil movement was started—a crucial advocacy platform for stakeholders to discuss and strategize the transition beyond oil in the Niger Delta.
Keynote Speakers and Addresses
Parvana Valiyeva
Parvana Valiyeva, Executive Director of “Support to Health” Public Union (SK PU) in Azerbaijan, emphasized the critical importance of global climate negotiations and their profound implications for vulnerable communities. She highlighted the necessity of crafting inclusive climate policies that address the unique challenges faced by regions like the Niger Delta. Valiyeva underscored the concept of climate justice, advocating for the protection of developing countries and marginalized communities, and called for a global conversation on climate justice, stressing the responsibility of industrialized nations to take accountability for their contributions to climate change.
Dr. Renuka Thakore
Dr. Renuka Thakore, Founder of the Global Sustainable Futures: Progress through Partnership Network (GSFN) in the UK, highlighted the importance of stakeholder engagement in driving climate adaptation and resilience, particularly in regions like the Niger Delta. Through her leadership with GSFN, she demonstrated how to effectively gather stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and sectors towards a common goal of sustainable development. Dr. Thakore also emphasized the need for comprehensive carbon knowledge and climate education to achieve these goals, providing practical examples and methods for integrating climate education into various levels of society.
Engr. Olu Andah Wai-Ogosu FNES
Engr. Olu Andah Wai-Ogosu FNES, President of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), addressed the transformative potential of entrepreneurship beyond oil dependency. He highlighted the environmental degradation caused by decades of oil exploration in Ogoni land and across the Niger Delta region. Wai-Ogosu denounced oil as a form of irresponsible entrepreneurship and advocated for a shift towards a green economy, stressing the urgency of investing in sustainable alternatives like biomass, hydropower, and solar energy to mitigate environmental harm and promote planetary survival.
Dr. Obuzor Mezewo
Dr. Obuzor Mezewo, Founder of the Janikoba Lifetouching Foundation, emphasized the critical importance of education, skills development, and hard work in empowering youth to explore alternative economic opportunities beyond the oil industry. Her speech served as a powerful call to action, inspiring a renewed commitment to youth engagement and development. Dr. Mezewo highlighted the need for young people to prioritize education and personal development as foundational elements for building a sustainable future, stressing the necessity of creating models and frameworks that enable adaptation to climate change through economic diversification and knowledge-based interventions.
Ingmar Rentzhog
Serial Entrepreneur and Environmental Advocate
Ingmar Rentzhog delivered a compelling speech urging a fundamental shift in financial investments from the oil industry to renewable energy sectors. He emphasized the imperative of financial transparency and accountability in promoting environmental sustainability. Rentzhog highlighted the severe global climate crisis exacerbated by fossil fuel dependence, stressing the urgent need for countries to accelerate their transition to clean energy sources. He highlighted the role of financial incentives and policy frameworks in redirecting investments towards sustainable solutions, calling for decisive action to mitigate climate impacts and secure a resilient future for generations to come.
Faisal Al-Fadl
Secretary General, Saudi Green Building Forum
Faisal Al-Fadl emphasized the critical importance of global energy transition towards renewable sources in the context of sustainable development goals (SDGs). He emphasized the role of sustainable practices and environmental responsibility in shifting away from oil dependency. Al-Fadl highlighted initiatives such as the B20 Brazil taskforce, which focuses on policy recommendations to accelerate green technology investments and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. He showcased the Saudi Green Building Forum's commitment to achieving carbon-neutral buildings by 2030 through innovative green building practices and sustainable behaviors. Al-Fadl stressed the need for collaborative efforts across governments, businesses, and civil society to implement robust policies and advance clean energy technologies for a sustainable future
Goodwill Messages
Justice Ihemnacho Wilfred Obuzor
President, Customary Court of Appeal Rivers State
Justice Obuzor's keynote address resonated deeply with personal reflections on the profound impact of climate change and environmental issues in the Niger Delta. He emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive educational reforms to equip youth with relevant skills for sustainable livelihoods beyond oil dependency. Justice Obuzor passionately advocated for proactive measures to foster educational excellence and moral uprightness among the youth, stressing the role of updated curricula and inclusive educational frameworks in shaping a prosperous and inclusive future for the region.
Mrs. Juliana Masi
Head of Press Unit, Office of the Secretary to the Rivers State Governor
Mrs. Masi delivered a compelling goodwill message that underscored the importance of current actions in shaping future generations' prospects. She passionately advocated for embracing innovation and moving beyond oil dependency, emphasizing the conference's opportunity to redefine the region's narrative and align with global sustainability goals. Mrs. Masi highlighted the transformative potential of transitioning to a circular economy, urging inclusive practices and collective efforts to achieve sustainable development that harmonizes economic prosperity with environmental stewardship.
Prof. Nedie P. Akani
Lecturer, Department of Microbiology, Rivers State University
Professor Akani's address focused on the critical role of policy frameworks in guiding the transition towards sustainable practices in the Niger Delta. She emphasized the importance of robust policies in reducing carbon footprints and promoting green initiatives. Professor Akani underscored the intersection of policy, innovation, and collaboration in fostering a future where renewable energy sources and green technologies drive economic progress while safeguarding the environment for future generations. Her insights highlighted the necessity of comprehensive policy enforcement and collaborative governance to ensure sustainable development and equitable decision-making processes.
Panel Sessions
The conference featured two key panel sessions:
Social and Environmental Impacts of Oil Exploration in the Niger Delta
Moderated by Diolu Tobechukwu, Co-founder of Lincgreen Prospect, this session included experts like Olalade Babajide-Suleiman, Engr. Danagogo Wenike Briggs, Johnson Igweh, Morgan Menegbo, and Dr. Nemi Tamuno. The panelists discussed the extensive crises propagated by oil exploration, placing significant emphasis on the accompanying social issues. They highlighted the need for stricter measures to ensure that International Oil Companies (IOCs) adhere to Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) policies. They also explored sustainable practices and alternative revenue sources, particularly focusing on agriculture as a viable alternative.
The Way Forward: Looking Beyond Oil
This session, moderated by Diolu Tobechukwu, featured young entrepreneurs like Kennedy Chinonso Iwuh, Abiye Tara, and Tonye Briggs. The panelists shared their personal journeys and successes, showcasing resilience and innovation in overcoming regional challenges. They highlighted the potential of the Niger Delta to diversify its economy and transition beyond oil dependence by exploring alternative areas of growth and converting waste to wealth. Their stories demonstrated how innovative and sustainable practices can lead to economic resilience and community development.
Key Findings and Recommendations
Key Findings:
1. Environmental Impact of Oil Exploration: Significant environmental degradation and social upheaval necessitate stricter enforcement of EIAs and ESG policies.
2. Neglected Agriculture: Revitalizing agricultural practices is crucial for diversifying economies and enhancing food security.
3. Urgency of Energy Transition: Innovative solutions and robust policy frameworks are needed to expedite the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.
4. Role of Education and Awareness: Education is pivotal in empowering youth and communities to adopt sustainable practices.
5. Community Engagement and Inclusivity: Inclusive decision-making processes involving local communities, NGOs, governments, and international partners are critical.
6. Impact on Youth and Social Stability: Addressing the challenges posed by oil dependency on youth is essential for providing alternative livelihoods and promoting stability.
7. Global Implications of Climate Justice: Industrialized nations must support developing countries in their transition to sustainable practices.
Recommendations:
1. Enhanced Policy Enforcement:*Strengthen regulatory frameworks to ensure rigorous adherence to EIAs and ESG standards by IOCs.
2. Promotion of Sustainable Agriculture: Invest in climate-smart agricultural practices and provide incentives for farmers in oil-dependent regions.
3. Accelerated Energy Transition: Prioritize investments in renewable energy infrastructure and technologies.
4. Education Reform: Update educational curricula to integrate environmental sustainability and launch comprehensive awareness campaigns.
5. Collaborative Governance: Foster multi-stakeholder collaboration involving governments, businesses, NGOs, and local communities.
6. Youth Empowerment Programs: Implement targeted programs to empower youth with skills and opportunities in sectors beyond oil.
7. International Support for Climate Justice: Advocate for increased support from industrialized nations to assist developing countries in their transition to sustainable development.
Conclusion
The Look Beyond Oil Conference brought together diverse stakeholders to address the urgent environmental challenges in the Niger Delta and explore sustainable economic opportunities. By fostering dialogue and collaboration, the event laid the groundwork for a transition to a sustainable and diversified economy, ensuring a resilient and prosperous future for the Niger Delta and beyond.
LINCGREEN VOLUNTEERS
DIOLU TOBECHUKWU PROSPER (HOST) - CO-FOUNDER LINCGREEN
MEMBERS OF RIVERS STATE JUDICIARY
MEMBERS OF RIVERS STATE GOVERMENT
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24 w
this is the right way to influencing the use of clean energy in Niger
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29 w
The conference covered a crucial topic exceptionally well.
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29 w
@princess_nel_268 rightly so, thank you
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29 w
Great article and inputs. You had great panelists too. Collaboration is key too
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29 w
@patrick_kiash exactly, thank you for your kind words
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29 w
Great report, and a very important topic to host in Nigeria which has such a history of conflict around fossil fuels.
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29 w
This was a great conferece. Thanks for hosting!
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29 w
@Rentzhog thank you for being a part of it
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29 w
Thank you for a great summary of this great conference!
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29 w
It's encouraging to see discussions on moving beyond oil in the Niger Delta to embrace sustainable futures that protect both the environment and local communities.
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30 w
This was a great conference on a crucial topic!