Beyond Survival: Delta Communities Forge Path to Resilience, Dignity – Expert

From: Femi Oyelola in Kaduna

The Program/ICT Officer of the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), Erhisohwode Assurance Ovie, has said communities in Delta State are taking steps to overcome the intertwined challenges of poverty, environmental degradation, and weak governance that plague them.

In a statement made available to the media in Kaduna yesterday, Ovie disclosed that ANEEJ, with funding support from Bread for the World, is working with communities to address these issues through a comprehensive initiative that links livelihood support, social protection advocacy, climate justice, and anti-corruption efforts.

Ovie emphasized that the project recognizes that poverty cannot be addressed in isolation. “Economic vulnerability, environmental injustice, and weak accountability systems are deeply connected, and addressing them together provides communities with a stronger chance to build sustainable livelihoods,” he said.

Ovie, who is currently enrolled in a postgraduate program in Germany, disclosed that many households in Delta State depend on fishing, small-scale trading, and other livelihoods. Still, these are threatened by environmental degradation, oil pollution, and climate change.

He highlighted that flooding has become more frequent, destroying crops and homes, while pollution has reduced fishing yields. ANEEJ is empowering communities through sustainable livelihood support, promoting climate justice, and advocating for social protection systems.

“When women gain access to income-generating opportunities, they are better able to support their families, invest in their children’s education, and contribute to local development,” Ovie explained.

“The initiative also promotes transparent and accountable governance, encouraging citizens to participate in monitoring public programs and promoting responsible governance.’

Ovie stressed that the Delta State Government plays a crucial role in strengthening social protection systems, promoting climate-resilient development policies, and improving transparency in governance.

ANEEJ urges the government to expand social protection programs, integrate climate adaptation strategies, and promote transparent budgeting processes.

Through this initiative, ANEEJ contributes to a coordinated approach that addresses economic vulnerability, environmental sustainability, and governance challenges simultaneously.

“By empowering communities, advocating for inclusive policies, and promoting transparency and accountability, we offer a practical pathway toward sustainable development,” Ovie said.

The project recognizes that poverty cannot be addressed in isolation. “Economic vulnerability, environmental injustice, and weak accountability systems are deeply connected, and addressing them together provides communities with a stronger chance to build sustainable livelihoods,” he reiterated.

In Delta State, many households depend on agriculture, fishing, and small-scale trading, yet these livelihoods face threats from environmental degradation, oil pollution, and climate change.

Flooding has become more frequent, destroying crops and homes; pollution has also reduced fishing yields.

ANEEJ is empowering communities through sustainable livelihood support, promoting climate justice, and advocating for social protection systems.

“When women gain access to income-generating opportunities, they are better able to support their families, invest in their children’s education, and contribute to local development,” Ovie explained.

The initiative further promotes transparent and accountable governance, encouraging citizens to participate in public oversight and to hold public officials accountable.

The Delta State Government plays a vital role in strengthening social protection, adopting climate-resilient policies, and improving transparency in governance. ANEEJ urges the government to expand social protection programs, incorporate climate adaptation strategies, and ensure transparent budgeting.

Through this comprehensive approach, ANEEJ is working toward solutions that address economic vulnerability, environmental sustainability, and governance issues simultaneously.

“By empowering communities, advocating for inclusive policies, and promoting transparency and accountability, we offer a practical pathway toward sustainable development,” Ovie concluded.