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HOMEF’s School of Ecology Empowers Young Activists with Environmental Knowledge

Published

5 months ago

March 29, 2025

Editor

The Executive Director of the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Dr. Nnimmo Bassey, expressed his organization’s commitment to nurturing young activists through its School of Ecology.

The initiative aims to equip these activists with a deep understanding of the environmental challenges facing society today.

Speaking at the closing session of the March series of the School of Ecology, themed “Ecology Justice and Resilience,” which took place from March 24 to 28 in Benin, Bassey emphasized the importance of educating young people about environmental issues.

“The idea behind the School of Ecology is to cultivate a group of activists who possess real knowledge about the challenges confronting us and our environment.

“We are dedicating time to teach not only the issues but also the underlying reasons for these challenges,” he stated.

Bassey highlighted the significance of understanding the root causes of environmental crises, asserting that this knowledge empowers individuals to address the manifestations of these problems effectively.

“In this series, we focused on building resilience, enhancing community capacity, and fostering the strength needed to tackle these issues,” he added.

During the training, Bassey introduced the concept of ‘Eti-Uwem,’ an Ibio phrase meaning “good life,” which advocates for a harmonious relationship among individuals and with the environment.

“Eti-Uwem is a concept we have been sharing for some time, and we want to continue promoting it. When people embrace this idea, it positively influences their relationship with the environment,” he explained.

Babawale Obayanju, who taught the sub-topic “Uniting Our Common Struggle,” emphasized the necessity of collaboration in activism.

“We can’t live in isolation; no man is an island. In the face of oppression, working solo increases the risk of being overwhelmed. We must unite in our common struggle, as climate justice is intertwined with social justice,” he stated.

Cadmus Atake-Enade, who discussed “Radical Socio-Economic Transformation through Culture,” urged stakeholders to collaborate in promoting policies that empower cultural industries while protecting natural resources.

“By doing so, we ensure that economic transformation is not only radical but also deeply rooted in the values, identity, heritage, and ecological well-being of the communities it aims to uplift,” he said.

Participants expressed their gratitude for the training, which spanned five days.

Mbalisi Onyeka Festus, a Professor of Environmental Education at the University of Port Harcourt, remarked, “I have learned valuable insights that will contribute to environmental justice.”

Praise Omu, a lecturer in Environmental Management at Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Amassoma, Bayelsa State noted, “We were inspired to take informed actions and recognize that everything on earth, both living and non-living, has rights that deserve respect.”

Evelyn Eyo from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, thanked HOMEF for the enlightening training and pledged to share her newfound knowledge with others.

“The school has opened my mind to many misconceptions. I will return to my organization and conduct programme to educate the younger generation about the impacts of environmental pollution,” she promised.

The five-day training attracted participants from northern Nigeria and the South-South geopolitical zone, culminating in the issuance of certificates to all attendees.

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DSS Issues Warning, Arrests Man For Circulating Fake Recruitment Materials

Published

8 hours ago

August 24, 2025

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The Department of State Services (DSS) has disclosed the arrest of one Mr. Eze Ezenwa Benard, who was recently apprehended for circulating fake DSS recruitment past questions and answers on Facebook.

The agency, while warning the public in a statement on Saturday, said the suspect operated through a page known as “Jobs and Education”, where he advertised the fraudulent materials and charged unsuspecting members of the public one thousand naira (N1,000) for access.

“The public is hereby cautioned to disregard any materials, as the DSS does not sell or distribute recruitment questions, answers, or examination guides through private individuals or social media pages. Recruitment into the Service, when necessary, follows specialised procedure in accordance with extant laws and due process,” the statement reads.

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‘Na Only People You Gave Work Love You,’ Singer Speed Darlington Tells Tinubu

Published

8 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

Singer Speed Darlington has told President Bola Tinubu that public admiration cannot be bought, warning that only those who received appointments or jobs from the government truly support him.

In a video posted on Saturday, August 23, the singer said, “Everything isn’t about the economy! There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you.”

Darlington, an Igbo man, urged Tinubu to focus on police reform and respect for human rights. “The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.

“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate. Please, before you leave office, please speak to your Yoruba brother IGP man,” he added.

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Before You Leave Office, Reform The Police — Speed Darlington Urges Tinubu

Published

8 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

Popular controversial singer Speed Darlington has called on President Bola Tinubu to reform the Nigerian Police Force, urging the government to prioritise citizens’ rights alongside economic growth.

In a video posted on Saturday, the entertainer criticised what he described as the police’s systemic human rights violations and oppressive practices.

“Mr President, before you leave office, whether you secure a second term or not, try your best to improve Nigeria. Everything isn’t about the economy!

“There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you,” he said.

The singer, who identifies as Igbo, urged Tinubu to engage with the Inspector-General of Police and implement reforms.

“As an Igbo man, the advice I can give you so people will know your name and remember you for something good is to reform the police. Reform the police.

“The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.

“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate,” he added.

Darlington also recounted his personal ordeal with law enforcement, highlighting the system’s abuse of power.

“I was held for two months after the judge had ordered my release. FID held me for two months. According to my lawyer, the Nigerian law gives only 28 days for investigation.

“They held me for two months. What is the extra month for? Because they can. If you give them money, they oppress your enemy. I have experienced it,” he said.