The
Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) has named
the Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi as recipient of the maiden ERA/FoEN
Social Security Award for his administration’s contributions to environmental
protection and local economies through the empowerment of Community Development
Associations (CDAs) and vulnerable groups.
The group in a statement issued in Lagos, said the
award is a unique recognition given by ERA which is the Nigerian Chapter
of the Friends of the Earth International (FoEI), an international
federation of diverse grassroots-based environmental organizations in 76
countries working in solidarity for sustainable, equitable and just societies.
ERA/FoEN said the Ekiti State government model of engaging local
communities is particularly unique, because of its similarity to ERA/FoEN
Community Resource Centers that have become space for communities to engage on
matters relating to their environment, livelihoods, conflict and
development.
“The Board and Management of ERA/FoEN feel that Governor Fayemi
deserves the Social Security Award for his doggedness in taking up the cause of
local communities. Our firm belief is that this recognition will ginger him to
do more in this regard,” said ERA/FoEN Executive Director, Godwin Ojo.
Ojo pointed out that Dr. Fayemi’s support for the National Minimum
Wage, the payment of monthly stipend for the aged, and his views on Basic
Income Scheme for the poor, are particularly commendable and made him
outstanding in the quest for protection of local economies and defense of
rights of the voiceless and marginalised in society.
In his acceptance speech, Fayemi said that: “this recognition
being given to our modest contribution to the wellbeing of our people will
further challenge us not to waiver in our determination to make poverty history
in Ekiti State”
The award will be formally announced at ERA/FoEN National
Environmental Consultation (NEC) which will be holding on November 28 and
29, in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State.
The NEC which has as theme: Our Forest, Our Life, will
interrogate issues of deforestation and forest degradation with a view to
sharpening focus on capacities and infrastructure that directly
provide support to alternative, rights-based, community-driven forms of forest
conservation, sustainable management as well as ecosystem restoration.
Dignitaries and CSOs expected at the meeting include, Prof
Margaret Fubara- Okorodudu of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-
Ife who will deliver the Keynote address, community folks, journalists,
captains of industries and the academia, etc.
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