Past Project
Samples of Our Success Stories
Climate Change/ Environment
Strategic Needs Assessment and Mapping Mission on the impact of land grabbing and Climate Change on Women Farmers in Ologbo Dukedom in Edo State
The International Day of Rural Women offered a renewed opportunity to commit to a different way of organizing our world, so that they benefit equally from their productivity, with good food enjoyed by all. KIJED in marking the IDRW creates an opportune moment to amplify rural women’s voices and experiences in Ologbo Dukedom. Kadosh Initiative for Justice and Environmental Development (KIJED) with support from FOI Counsel undertook a Strategic needs assessment and Mapping Mission to Ologbo Dukedom to ascertain amongst other things
- The health conditions of female farmers in Ologbo
- The girl child education and the state of educational facilities for the girl child in Ologbo,
- Cultural barriers militating against the livelihood of women and girls in Ologbo?
- The land tenure system, and its impact on women and girls?
- Impact of Land Grabbing by the government and multinationals such as NPDC, Presco and Osiomo Power Plant, on the earning power of local women farmers
Findings
- During the town hall meeting, it was discovered that basic amenities like electricity, school and hospital were for a privileged few. Specifically, the KIJED team noticed that a large part of the community was in darkness due to the exorbitant price of electricity by the Osiomo Power Company.
- The activities of multinational companies in the community are creating untold hardship for the community as most of their farmlands have been forcefully taken and handed over to Presco Oil and other companies in the community without notice or compensation.. The few available farmlands in the exterior have been overrun by herdsmen who destroy their crops leaving them in extreme poverty.
- Lack of access to maternal and child health.pregnant women would travel from Ologbo to Oghara in Delta to access health care because the available health centre is poorly funded and managed and open a few days a week.
- There are no incentives for girl child education by implication no facility and motivation for the girl child enrollment and retention in school
Outcome
The outcome of the strategic mapping and town hall meeting led to the Formation of the RUDILAC Women Forum (RWF), a press release published in several national dailies, drafting support proposals for funding for agriculture, health and legal reform for women farmers in the community, drafting of FOI letters to Edo state government on the land lease agreement with Preco Oil and Osiomo Power Plant among.
Integrating Gender-Responsive REDD+ Initiative for Sustainable Natural Carbon Sink Conservation in Nigeria
The main goal of the project was to promote sustainable forest management and carbon sink conservation by integrating a gender-responsive approach into the REDD+ initiative. This involves empowering women and indigenous communities to play a leading role in forest conservation, recognizing their traditional knowledge and addressing gender disparities in natural resource management. The project also aims to mitigate climate change through improved conservation practices while promoting the economic and social well-being of local communities.
Project Outcome
- The project successfully trained 150 women in five communities on sustainable forest management, carbon sequestration, and the role of gender-responsive policies in environmental conservation. This training empowered women to become active contributors to forest management strategies and decision-making processes.
- Indigenous practices related to forest conservation were incorporated into the REDD+ framework, recognizing the importance of traditional knowledge systems in sustaining natural carbon sinks. This has led to stronger community ownership of conservation efforts.
- The project facilitated the formation of two community-led conservation committees, with 50% female representation. These committees are now actively involved in monitoring and managing forest resources, contributing to a significant reduction in deforestation rates within their areas.
- The initiative successfully raised awareness of the importance of REDD+ and carbon sink conservation within local communities, leading to a marked improvement in community engagement with forest protection and climate change mitigation efforts.
Niaja CAP Project Nigeria Clean Air Project
the 10,000 Trees Campaign (PHASE ONE)
The Naija Clean Air Project (Naija CAP), which began in May 2024, is a regional initiative aimed at addressing air pollution and promoting environmental sustainability in the South-South of Nigeria. The project focuses on raising awareness about the dangers of air pollution, advocating for clean energy alternatives, and implementing practical solutions such as tree planting and community engagement. Through a combination of outreach programs, environmental education, and stakeholder collaboration, Naija CAP seeks to improve air quality and mitigate the health and environmental risks associated with pollution.
Phase One of the Project which ended December 2024 the project has reached over 14,000 people across four communities through six separate outreach programs. These engagements have included public awareness campaigns, school-based environmental education, and community discussions on reducing air pollution. Participants have been educated on the importance of adopting cleaner cooking methods, reducing waste burning, and supporting policies that promote renewable energy and green transportation. Naija CAP has also worked closely with local leaders and organizations to ensure the sustainability of its impact in each community.
As part of its efforts to combat air pollution, the project has successfully planted 480 trees, contributing to carbon sequestration and improved air quality in the targeted communities. These trees serve as natural air filters, reducing the concentration of harmful pollutants while promoting biodiversity and climate resilience. Moving forward, Naija CAP aims to expand its reach to more communities, increase tree-planting efforts, and advocate for stronger environmental policies to ensure cleaner air and a healthier environment for all Nigerians.
Protection of Female Environmental Rights Activists/Journalists and Enhancing Youths Voices and Media Freedom In The South-South Of Nigeria
Partners: National Union of Journalists, Amnesty International (Nigeria). NNGO
Project location: Okomu, Odiguetue, Ologbo
The project was focused on safeguarding the rights and safety of young female environmental rights activists and journalists who are at the forefront of exposing environmental injustices, particularly those related to oil spills and environmental degradation in the region. This initiative aims to strengthen media freedom and create a safe environment for journalists and activists to carry out their work without fear of harassment, threats, or violence. 150 Individuals were trained from 5 law firms, 15 media houses and Civil Society organizations, 7 CSOs and Three Media Houses held supported step-down training to 10 members per organisation surpassing the initiative target of 100 trainees.
Project Activities
- Identification of 52 Environmental Rights Activist and Journalist partners
- Training of frontline responders on mitigating the impact of climate change and the activities of Multinationals in environmental degradation and displacement strategies included guidelines, risk assessment, case management, basic surveillance, case studies
- Spillover training in local organizations with at least 20 participants, under the co-facilitation of KIJED and NUJ.
- Duty of care hotline for Journalist and Environmental rights activists who want to consult remotely or make inquiries about legal assistance
- Continuous coaching and accompaniment of Journalist and Environmental rights Activist
Outcome
- Training and Capacity Building: 150 individuals, including environmental rights activists and journalists, completed the training. The participants acquired critical skills in personal safety, digital security, and legal rights awareness, enabling them to better protect themselves and continue their advocacy work with greater confidence. 5 law firms, 15 media organizations and civil society groups participated, improving their organizational capacity to support frontline activists and journalists facing challenges.
- Legal and Advocacy Support: 12 activists and journalists received legal assistance to combat harassment, threats, or legal actions initiated against them due to their advocacy efforts. This legal support contributed to preventing wrongful convictions and reducing the intimidation they faced in their work. The project initiated 3 major advocacy campaigns, raising awareness about the importance of media freedom and the protection of environmental rights defenders.
Engagement with Security Agencies
STRATEGIC ENGAGEMENT WITH THE NIGERIA POLICE FORCE (NPF) ON GENDER AND HUMAN RIGHTS
In 2024, KIJED deepened its collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force through strategic engagement with top management and targeted advocacy for institutional reforms. These efforts focused on fostering a more gender-sensitive and rights-based approach to policing. Meetings with senior officials highlighted the urgent need to address systemic gaps in protecting vulnerable populations, particularly women and marginalized groups. This engagement culminated in the endorsement of reforms aimed at enhancing accountability, inclusivity, and adherence to human rights standards within the force. The strategic engagements were focus on gender equity and human rights practices within the force. It Highlight the need to equipped officers with practical skills to identify, address,and prevent gender-based violence and human rights violations in their communities. It also emphasized the importance of community trust and collaboration in effective law enforcement. By embedding these principles into policing practices, KIJED hope to create a safer and more equitable environment for all citizens through the training of 900 Police Officers in in Edo and Delta State by 2025
Drug and Substance Abuse
WORKSHOP ON DRUG AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE FOR IN-SCHOOL YOUTH
A one-day Sensitization workshop on drug and substance abuse for in-school youths held at the Imaguero hall in Benin City. Sponsored by the Edo State Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues, the event brought together over 500 students from various secondary schools to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and promote healthier lifestyle choices. The workshop equipped youths with the knowledge and tools to resist peer pressure, understand the consequences of substance abuse, and become advocates for a drug-free community.The workshop featured interactive sessions, including engaging presentations, and real-life testimonials, all designed to resonate with the youth. The Executive Director of Smile Africa International provided expert insights on the psychological, social, and health impacts of substance abuse, while the Executive Director of KIJED who anchored the event underscored the importance of early intervention and community support. Participants left the workshop empowered with practical strategies to combat drug-related challenges and pledged to champion a culture of responsibility and self-discipline in their schools and communities.
Women Empowerment
IDRC-WOMEN RISE: RESEARCH TO SUPPORT WOMEN’S HEALTH AND ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT FOR ACOVID-19 RECOVERY
IDRC-Women RISE: Research to support Women’s health and economic empowerment for a COVID-19 Recovery being was Implemented by Kadosh Initiative for Justice and Environmental Development research consultant for the Center for Population and Environmental Development in Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State The Women Rise: Research to support Women’s health and economic empowerment for a COVID-19 Recovery was born out of the realization that women and girls in rural communities has been disproportionately disadvantaged and the need to examine women’s paid and unpaid work, health and hygiene post Covid 19. The project is aimed at knowledge generation, stakeholders’ capacity building as well as intervention in pilot communities. The five communities featured in the administration of household questionnaire all had several things in common one of which is lack of access to clean drinking water and water for household use. Lack of water also means very poor hygiene as well as poor sexual and reproductive health care for girls particularly in-school girls. However the team also noted some peculiarities in the various communities IDRC
Access to Information
A One-Day Colloquium to Mark the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) in Benin City
The IDUAI colloquium was organized with support from FOI Counsel and was Co-hosted by the Edo State Ministry of Communication and Orientation and RUDILAC. The event was held at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy, GRA, Benin City The event had both virtual and in-person participants. The in-person attendance had about Hundred and fourteen (114) participants representing 42 organizations and institutions including Edo State Ministry of Communication and Orientation, Ministry of Science and Technology, EDO GIS, John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy, UBTH, Nigeria Police Force, Vigilante Corp of Nigeria, Vanguard Newspaper, The Sun, Leadership Newspaper, Independent, Environmental Right Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN), African Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ),
Foundation for Good Governance and Social Change (FFGGSC), Conference of NGOs in Edo State (CONGOs), Edo Civil Society Organizations (EDOSCO), Network of Civil Society Organizations (NOCSON), Freedom Ambassadors among others. The event was also streamed live via zoom and Facebook
Sustainable Governance
Grassroots Sensitization for Continuous Voters Registration and PVC Collection
The Kadosh Initiative for Justice and Environmental Development (KIJED), in collaboration with the Initiative for Gender Equality and Advancement, recently organized a grassroots sensitization program on Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) and Permanent Voters Card (PVC) collection. This initiative, aimed at promoting civic awareness, targeted the Edo South Senatorial District, focusing specifically on Ikpoba Okha and Egor Local Government Areas. The campaign, scheduled from May 27th to June 5th, 2024, sought to educate and mobilize residents to actively participate in the ongoing electoral registration processes.
The sensitization exercise emphasized the importance of voter registration and PVC
collection as essential steps for individuals to exercise their voting rights. By engaging local communities, the program addressed potential barriers such as lack of awareness, misinformation, and accessibility issues. Special attention was given to encouraging
underrepresented groups, including women and youths, to participate in the electoral process, aligning with the broader goal of promoting gender equality and inclusive governance.
With the theme “Your Vote Na Your Right,” the campaign highlighted the significance of civic participation in shaping governance and democracy. The initiative utilized various outreach strategies, including community forums, door-to-door campaigns, and informational materials, to ensure widespread dissemination of key messages. Through this effort, KIJED and its partners aim to strengthen voter turnout in Edo State and foster a more participatory and informed electorate ahead of upcoming elections.
Street to Star Project
15-year-old John Okungbowa from Benin City, had spent much of his young life on the streets after losing his parents. Forced to fend for himself, John faced daily struggles, including hunger, exposure to violence, and lack of access to education. His potential remained hidden under the weight of his circumstance until staff of KIJED met him under the UNIBEN flyover and he became a beneficiary of KIJED’s Street to Star Project test run in 2024.As part of the Street to Star Project, John was assigned to a counselor. Now he attends life skills vocational training in Dance and Coding classes, an area where he showed immense interest. The project also paired John with a mentor who is guiding him through personal development and helped him build confidence in his talents.
Past Campaigns
Campaign against Land Grabbing and Deforestation by multinationals in Edo State
From November 2022 to December 2023, the Kadosh Initiative for Justice and Environmental Development (KIJED) campaigned against land grabbing and deforestation by multinational corporations in Edo State, Nigeria, focusing on protecting indigenous rights and local livelihoods. KIJED engaged in community sensitization, policy advocacy, and stakeholder engagement to raise awareness about the impacts of corporate land acquisitions, empowering communities with knowledge of their rights and pressuring policymakers for stricter environmental protections. A major highlight was a mass rally organized by Environmental Rights Action (ERA), where KIJED mobilized affected communities and amplified their voices. The campaign resulted in increased public awareness, influenced policy discussions leading to tighter land-use regulations, initiated legal actions against corporations, and established community-led land rights coalitions, reinforcing KIJED’s commitment to environmental justice and sustainable development.