On 15 October, 2024, the Nigerian Blue Community Ecumenical Water Network Africa EWNA organised a hybrid workshop for African Blue Communities and organisations interested in joining the Blue Community network (see Blue News here and here). The workshop was organised by Reverend Kolade Fadahunsi, coordinator of EWNA and for the Blue Community Africa Chapter. Here is his report on the event:
Report of the Principles and Application Process, Nigeria Country Workshop organized by the Ecumenical Water Network Africa, at the Institute of Church & Society, Samonda, Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria.
Workshop Title: “Principles and Application Process, Nigeria Country Workshop” A Pre-Project Activity of the ‘Project for Advocacy program for water and sanitation rights in selected countries in Africa
Date & Venue: The workshop took place on October 15, 2024, at the Institute of Church and Society, Samonda, Ibadan, Oyo state. Attendees included 22 participants in-person and 17 online.
1. Workshop Objectives:
- Educate local communities on Blue Communities principles.
- Guide participants through the application process.
- Foster engagement and identify potential communities in Nigeria for future Blue Communities projects.
Participants: To help in fostering the actualization of establishment of Blue communities in Nigeria, Participants were representatives from the following organizations:
- Christian Rural and Urban Development Association of Nigeria (CRUDAN)
- Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), South west zone
- Student Christian Movement (University of Ibadan branch)
- Immanuel College of Theology & Education, Ibadan
- Dominican University, Samonda, Ibadan.
- Media personnel
- Oyo State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources
2. Workshop Overview:
The Nigeria Country Workshop on Blue Communities, organized by the Africa Water Justice Network and the Ecumenical Water Network (EWN), focused on sustainable water management, the dangers of water privatization, addressed water justice issues, focusing on combating water privatization and ensuring access to water as a human right. Emphasis was placed on sustainable water management, establishing Blue communities and the need for community involvement in governance of provision of Water. Discussions emphasized the risks of water grabbing and the role of communities and faith-based organizations in advocating for water as a public trust, not a commodity.
Topics such as establishing a Blue Community, water grabbing, pollution, and unjust laws threatening water access were extensively discussed.
3. Speakers:
- Very Rev’d. Kolade Fadahunsi (Coordinator, Ecumenical Water Network Africa): He highlighted the Blue Communities’ initiative and its relevance to protecting the human right to water. Discussing the significance of the Blue Communities initiative.
- Mr. Dinesh Suna (Programme Executive, Ecumenical Water Network, World Council of Churches [WCC]): stressed the global importance of the Blue Community initiative, encouraging collaboration between cities, universities, NGOs, and faith-based organizations. He also highlighted the global effort to preserve water as a fundamental right.
- Mr. Philip Jakpor (Executive Director, Renevlyn Development Initiative): emphasized the risks of water grabs in Nigeria and the role of public advocacy in resisting privatization efforts.
- Professor Jacinta A. Opara (Vice Chancellor, Dominican University): discussed the critical importance of water for life and sustainability, especially amid Nigeria’s growing population and climate challenges with strategies for preservation.
Outcome: The workshop increased awareness about Blue Communities by educating participants and identifying potential communities for project inclusion. It fostered collaboration among stakeholders and identified potential communities for future projects, increased collaborations between NGOs, government bodies, and faith-based groups and provided strategies for protecting water resources.
Next Steps: This workshop is a Pre-project activity for the proposed Advocacy Programs for Water and Sanitation Rights in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, and Sierra Leone project in 2025. The next phase will include advocacy visits, consultations and assessment as well organizing of mini- workshops to enhance the establishment of Blue communities in the selected communities.
Conclusion: The workshop was a crucial step in introducing the Blue Communities initiative in Nigeria, laying the groundwork for future activities that aim to promote equitable and sustainable water management.
Acknowledgments: Thanks to our partners, speakers, and participants for their efforts in advancing the Blue Communities project.
See the article on EnviroNews Nigeria and here in the Vanguard
