FORCED EVICTION AND ARBITRARY DEMOLITION OF HUMAN SETTLEMENT IN NIGERIA

There have been several forceful evictions in Nigeria through demolition of human settlements in different parts of the country both by the federal and state authorities respectively. Communities affected by the most recent instances of demolitions include those in the waterside in Port Harcourt, Rivers, State; Mpape in the Federal Capital Territory; and Makoko in the Lagos waterfront. Cumulatively, the numbers of people estimated to be affected are said to be in the hundreds of thousands or more. The Makoko forceful evictions drew my attention to writing on this piece for the sake of interventions from young people, concerned authorities and the international community at large. Makoko community according to a resident, it has been in existence for more than 100 years and the people have been living in these shanties for these long years. The demolition which takes violent dimension commenced on Monday 16th July, 2012 after barely 72 hours short quit notice had one shot dead and many wounded. Over 30,000 people including women, children and the elderly have lost their homes. These evictees are further endangered as many of them are now forced to live and sleep in their canoes not only do they lost their homes, their livelihoods were also truncated as 99% of these people are involved in catching and selling fish. According to Social and Economic Rights Centre (SERAC), is currently investigating reports of a drowning of 3 children from a family when their boat capsized as they slept during the night on Wednesday two days after demolition takes place. Picture Credit; Muritala Ayinla of National Mirror Newspaper. MAKOKO COMMUNITY BEFORE DEMOLITION In the case of Makoko, as gathered from the community there have been allegations that due process was not followed; that there was no adequate notice to the affected community; that there was no thought given to the provision of alternative accommodation or resettlement of the affected community. The government explained that the exercise was carried out as said by the commissioner for water front and infrastructure Development, Prince Adesegun Oniru, while addressing the journalists at the state house that “the decision to pull down structures erected on the makoko water front was to avert danger lurking around the residents, owing to the negative impact of the climate change”. He also explained that “the rise in the water level, persistent thunderstorm, occasioned by the climate change and the electrical pilot across the shanties are posing serious threats to the lives of the habitants”. He concluded that “ the reason for our action is to clear the environment and the entire vicinity of the danger that is looming in that area as the state is experiencing rise in water level and heavy rainfall as a result of global warming. “. Yes, governments action was in no doubt, well-intended, having regard to the climatic and environmental danger to which the community had been exposed but the government should have been more compassionate and humanitarian in evacuating the people from their community by providing an alternative settlement for the people the absence of which naturally aggravated the pain and discomfort of the evacuation process. Shelter is both a human needs and a basic right as guaranteed in section 16(2,d) of the 1999 constitution of Nigeria, “mandates government to ensure that suitable and adequate shelters ..... are provided for all citizens.” Also guaranteed under the international covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the African Charter on Human and People`s Right both of which have been voluntarily accepted by Nigeria and are binding on public institutions and government in Nigeria. There have been several calls to action on this matter as regards to human rights, the people of the community made a peaceful protest to the state house for governments intervention, journalists have been writing articles and human rights activists have also write and release press statement in this regard. I therefore, call on the international community including the youth to amplify the voices of these indigenous and marginalize people to ensure justice is done. KAZEEM AISHA TITILOLA ACTION PARTNER, NIGERIA.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/oiyp/sets/72157630040563212/

COP Experience!!!!!

I applied to be a youth delegate at the UNFCCC COP 17 through Centre for 21st Century Issues, C21st is a non-governmental organization based in Lagos which respond to the emergent key issues of the 21st century. C21st work on several development issues, climate change issues, being one of the burning ones requesting urgent action . I work as a Program Assistant with C21st in their youth projects on climate change. Few weeks back, I was in Durban at the United Nations Climate Talks, South Africa, the two weeks at the conference was the best of my life, though challenging and disheartening but it was glorious. I`d spent two weeks with a clear aim, working with groups of peers with a shared goal and more than enough enthusiasm to make up for our lack of resources. I arrived in Durban with a naive mind and ready to make a change on a truly daunting scale being my first time at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of Parties (UNFCCC COP). I was highly proactive and really want to learn much about the COP. I participated in the UNFCCCC conference of Youths (COY), COY is gathering of young people to share their prospects and also learn more about the issues, share experience and build capacities. I also participated in the following UNFCCC Youth non- governmental daily meetings (YOUNGO), Nigerian Youth at COP meeting, African Youth Initiative on Climate Change (AYICC) activities, side events, actions and demonstrations, interviews, lobbying etc. The prominent amongst my activities at the COP was the organization of the first of its kind the teleconference with the Nigerian youth residing in Lagos who are unable to be present in Durban. The teleconference was organized by myself, Zaid Shopeju and Issiah Oluwatobi in partnership with CISCO. This was a very successful one as we were able to bring on board one of the experienced Nigerian delegates to discuss with Nigerian youths at home. The bizarre experiences are what convey the wonder of it best. I participated in the campaign to demonstrate our support for Africa to extend the Kyoto Protocol in Durban and not allow it to die on the African soil. After all the conference did not deliver a solution but the way the decisions were made was fast, closed and undemocratic. Documents were released and agreed faster than we could get to the documents counter to collects them, let alone read them. This was not the open, consensus process the UNFCCC likes to claim it is. This was old- fashioned, closed door diplomacy. If that was an effective, way of delivering solution, I`d be happy, but it isn’t. It left decisions till the eleventh (if only it was that early) and gave poorer nations no input whatsoever. I have met people of character, sharing common goals as I do and full of energy to help change the world. I have emerged from what i can only define as a great struggle to stronger emergence. It is now 2012. As i start a new year, it is not about finding a new challenge, but about finding a way to continue the old one, and use the skills, connections and experience i have built. For me, this year is about action at home, using knowledge from outside in the context i know best.

TITILOLA KAZEEM PARTICIPATION AT UNFCCC COP17 IN DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA

I applied to be a youth delegate at the UNFCCC COP 17 through Centre for 21st Century Issues, C21st is a non-governmental organization based in Lagos which responds to the emergent key issues of the 21st century and one of their thematic focuses is on climate change. I work as a Program Assistant with C21st in their youth projects on climate change. Few weeks back, I was in Durban at the United Nations Climate Talks, South Africa, the two weeks at the conference was the best weeks of my life, though challenging and disheartening but it was glorious. I`d spent two weeks with a clear aim, working with groups of peers with a shared goal and more than enough enthusiasm to make up for our lack of resources. I arrived in Durban with a naive mind and ready to make a change on a truly daunting scale being my first time at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of Parties (UNFCCC COP). I was highly proactive and really want to learn much about the COP. I participated in the UNFCCCC conference of Youths (COY), COY is conference of young people where they gather to submit their prospects and also learn more about the issues, share experience and build capacities. I also participated in the following UNFCCC Youth non- governmental daily meetings (YOUNGO), Nigerian Youth at COP meeting, African Youth Initiative on Climate Change (AYICC), side events, actions and demonstrations, interviews, lobbying etc. The prominent amongst my activities at the COP was the organization of the first of its kind the teleconference with the Nigerian youth residing in Lagos who are unable to be present in Durban. The teleconference was organized by 3 passionate young Nigerians with the interest of inclusive participation with people back home (Titilola Kazeem, Zaid Shopeju and Issiah Oluwatobi) in partnership with CISCO. This was a very successful one as we were able to bring on board one of the experienced Nigerian delegates, renowned Nigerian Social activists, and passionate young environmentalists from other parts of the world to discuss with Nigerian youths at home. The bizarre experiences are what convey the wonder of it best. I participated in the campaign to demonstrate our support for Africa to extend the Kyoto Protocol in Durban and not allow it to die on the African soil. After all the conference did not deliver a solution but the way the decisions were made was fast, closed and undemocratic. Documents were released and agreed faster than we could get to the documents counter to collects them, let alone read them. This was not the open, consensus process the UNFCCC likes to claim it is. This was old- fashioned, closed door diplomacy. If that was an effective, way of delivering solution, I`d be happy, but it isn’t. It left decisions till the eleventh (if only it was that early) and gave poorer nations no input whatsoever. I have met people of character, sharing common goals as I do and full of energy to help change the world. I have emerged from what I can only define as a great struggle to stronger emergence. It is now 2012. As I start a new year, it is not about finding a new challenge, but about finding a way to continue the old one, and use the skills, connections and experience I have built. For me, this year is about action at home, using knowledge from outside in the context I know best.

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of Parties 17 Climate Change Studio Interviews

Interviews at the Climate Change Conference in Durban, South Africa.

NATIONAL YOUTH CLIMATE CHANGE SEMINAR -

NATIONAL YOUTH CLIMATE CHANGE SEMINAR -
Understanding Climate Change and What Youth Can Do.
Organised by WORLD BANK INSTITUTE on the 23rd of November, 2009 @ New Chelsea Hotel, 123 Cadastral Zone, Central Business District Abuja.
MINUTES
Introductions:
“Today, climate change is no longer a theory or a meteorological model that interests only a few people. In view of this reality, ensuring the participation of the greatest possible swath of the population – women, men, young people, boys and girls – in developed and less developed countries alike is not only a matter of social justice and respect for human rights in the present, but also one of great significance for future generations”
The National Youth Climate Change Seminar which kicked off on a spirited note focused on enhancing practical knowledge of climate change (CC) its relevance, actions and reactions to Nigeria as a developing country, skills that were needed for youths to take reasonable and responsible mitigative and adaptive measures to better manage the effects of climate change, reduce GHG emissions and move towards sustainable development.
The one-day seminar brought together knowledge and experience from other parts of the world and from various youths from varying ethnic backgrounds, organisational framework, intellectual exposures and political frontiers. Through interactive sessions, the seasoned facilitators encouraged participants to build on their knowledge, explore their innovative minds and discuss ways they can move forward on climate action within their own communities and organisations.
Sessions:
The following topics were considered during the seminar: Climate Change – Building on Participants Knowledge; Effective Skills for Action on Climate Change: PART ONE - Communications, Use of Social Media and Innovations for Climate Action; Effective Skills for Action on Climate Change: PART TWO – Community Based Action, development and Climate Change; Concluding Session – way forward, feedback and concluding comments.
Comments:
“…to meet the challenges of the changing climate, we need to ACT NOW, ACT TOGETHER and ACT DIFFERENTLY”
Youths have a major role to play in all three ways stated above. Climate Change is not just a scientific issue…although it is a scientifically proven phenomenon which arises as a result of natural variability or human activity.
Well thought out awareness programs and aggressive climate change advocacy and campaign should be embarked on.
Grass root knowledge impartation could be characterized under the following headings: effects of climate change, evidences of climate change and examples relevant to situations in the community in order to make it more applicable and attractive to the “common mind”.
Our present and future organisational projects, goals, aspirations, visions, missions must be environment friendly, less – energy consuming.
In order to fight climate change as effectively as possible, considerations must be given to the gender – specific effects of climate change.
Today, climate change is no longer a theory or a meteorological model that interests only a few people. In view of this reality, ensuring the participation of the greatest possible swath of the population – women, men, young people, boys and girls – in developed and less developed countries alike is not only a matter of social justice and respect for human rights in the present, but also one of great significance for future generations.
Development and environment conservation strategies to deal with climate change have been suggested in two areas: adaptation to extreme climate events and mitigation of the causes of climate change.
Adaptation strategies for climate change will be more effective if made with a participatory decision – making process. Adaptation refers to changes in processes, practices, and structure to moderate potential damages to or benefit from opportunities with climate change.
In the context of climate change, mitigation is “an anthropogenic intervention to reduce the sources of greenhouse gases or enhance their sinks.
Conclusion and Recommendations:
Although climate change was initially conceived as a scientific and technical issue, expanding bases of knowledge have made it clear that the impacts are much broader; climate change is, in actuality, a socioeconomic problem. Thus, in order to fully understand and deal with climate change, it is imperative to consider the related social, economic and political aspects. Poverty and development, and the associated gender implications, for example, must be taken into account when determining appropriate responses.
WHAT WE CAN DO and SHOULD DO…
 Improve understanding and analysis of gender and climate change.
 Gather, produce and document information.
 Invest in effective communication, capacity building and development.
 Influence international and national policies
 Plan and develop gender- responsive policies and strategies
 Strengthen National and Local Capacities
To Summarize:
Climate Change poses potentially unprecedented threats to human development and well being. Much of that threat consists inter alia in changes to hydrological cycles and rain regimes, in the effect of temperature increases on evaporation, and in the worsening severity of extreme climate events. Therefore, measures have been adopted on sustainable development, climate change, biodiversity conservation, the combat against desertification, and risk reduction, among others.

Climate Change and Lagos.

City Profile 4 - Lagos
In the past two decades Lagos has been one of fastest growing cities in the world, rising from a population of two million inhabitants in the mid-1770s to some 15 million today. Lagos is the economic hub of west Africa, but the rapid growth in the size of the city has occurred largely in the absence of an associated infrastructure development.
Today the city in many ways epitomizes the problems faced by developing world mega-cities. The traffic problems in the city mean that it can sometimes take 8-hours to cross the city by car and commuters regularly need to set out at 4.30am to reach their offices. One of the first sights that greets the visitor arriving in Lagos after dark is that of fumes and smoke swirling around the headlights of grid locked traffic on the miles-long Third Mainland Bridge. The acrid smell of exhaust fumes stings the nose and mingles with the overpowering smells from the city’s largest slum town, consisting of rudimentary shacks built on stilts above the water. The slum area is situated next to a modern urban development of skyscrapers and high-walled fortified compounds in the richer neighbourhoods.
In the past a combination of official neglect and corruption, extreme poverty and rapid population growth through migration and immigration has made Lagos one of the world’s fastest growing and most disturbing examples of urbanisation. The basic problem is that the influx of new residents is largely uncontrolled and is completely exceeding the capacity of existing infrastructures.
Climate change will exacerbate the problems of especially the most vulnerable citizens. Increasing temperatures will confound the problems associated with local air pollution in the city and increase the risk of heat stress related deaths. Water supplies may be disrupted in the city and the impacts of climate change on rural areas may further increase the pressures causing the rural poor to migrate to the cities.
Some projects are now underway to tackle the infrastructure challenges of Lagos. For example, a new project initiated in 2007 by the Lagos Metropolitan Transport is aiming to put in place an improved transport infrastructure. The five billion US dollar project, supported by the World Bank, is aiming to radically improve the transport infrastructure through seven linked transport channels including, hundreds of new buses, new rail links and a radical expansion of the water taxi (or water bus) services.
The future challenge will be to continue to improve the transport system while also addressing carbon emissions and developing responses to increasingly high oil costs. Cities such as Lagos may eventually be able to benefit from using renewable energy technologies being developed in the western countries, for example solar photovoltaics and electric vehicles. The success of mobile phones in Africa suggests that decentralized solutions that do not have huge infrastructure costs may be especially suitable, but they need to be both economically and culturally attractive to consumers. International agreements on climate change in the future increasingly need to provide financial and technical assistance to enable cities such as Lagos to achieve a cleaner development.
The 21st century will increasingly witness the phenomena of the developing-world mega-city. Rural poverty is one of the main drivers of a rapid expansion of Africa’s large cities, which the United Nations says are undergoing a process of “over-urbanisation” in which they are unable to support their growing populations. A shortage of jobs and infrastructure investments means that they cannot meet even people’s most minimal needs. Climate change will need to be framed in the context of achieving a sustainable development pathway that combines economic growth, poverty reductio