HOFTI Centre Hosts Capacity-Building Workshop for Community Actors and Environmental Defenders in ONELGA

The Hope for Tomorrow Initiative (HOFTI Centre) successfully hosted a Capacity-Building Workshop and Training for Community Actors, Climate Change, and Environmental Defenders on Friday, 31st October 2025, at the Omoku-Town Hall, ONELGA, Rivers State, Nigeria. The event brought together community leaders, civil society representatives, government officials, environmental advocates, and members of the press to strengthen knowledge, skills, and collaboration in addressing climate change and environmental challenges in the Niger Delta region.

The workshop, funded by the Global Greengrants Fund (GGF), focused on empowering local actors to address environmental degradation, climate change impacts, and pollution caused by oil extraction activities in ONELGA and surrounding areas. It also aimed to provide participants with actionable strategies for promoting environmental justice and sustainable livelihoods in their communities.

In his welcome address, Dr. Prince Eze, Coordinator of HOFTI Centre, emphasized the critical importance of education, collective action, and knowledge sharing in building community resilience. He remarked, “Through events of this nature, we can empower communities to tackle the climate crisis and environmental pollution that threaten our very existence. This workshop is a step toward equipping environmental defenders with the tools they need to drive change.”

The workshop featured interactive sessions, policy brief presentations, and practical exercises to enhance participants’ understanding of environmental monitoring, advocacy, and community-based interventions. Participants also had the opportunity to engage in discussions around climate adaptation strategies, pollution management, and the integration of gender-responsive approaches in environmental action.

Distinguished guests at the workshop included the Omoku Youth President, Morgan Destiny, representatives from local government agencies, civil society organisations, and members of the media. Their presence underscored the collaborative spirit required to achieve sustainable environmental solutions in the Niger Delta.

Speaking on the significance of the event, Dr. Eze added, “Climate change and environmental degradation are not distant issues, they affect our health, livelihoods, and the future of our children. By equipping community actors and environmental defenders with the right knowledge and skills, we are building a generation of leaders who can champion environmental justice and sustainable development.”

The policy brief presented at the workshop is intended to serve as a roadmap for environmental action, providing evidence-based recommendations and practical strategies for community engagement and advocacy. HOFTI Centre welcomed feedback from participants to refine and strengthen the document for broader dissemination.

The workshop concluded with a strong call for continued collaboration among government agencies, civil society, and community actors to ensure that climate action and environmental protection in ONELGA and the wider Niger Delta region are effective, inclusive, and sustainable.

About HOFTI Centre
The Hope for Tomorrow Initiative (HOFTI Centre) is a non-profit organisation committed to promoting environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and social justice through research, advocacy, and capacity development programs in Nigeria and across Africa.

About Global Greengrants Fund (GGF)
GGF supports grassroots initiatives worldwide, providing small grants to local organisations and community leaders who are working to protect the environment, address climate change, and promote sustainable livelihoods.