Surprised by the Storm
Changes get accepted as normal occurrences when they are uninterrogated. We hear talks of the new normal which could mean that unpredictable change is the norm. We could also take the new normal to creep in when things t…
Struggle, Freedom and Change
As one year draws to a close and another one unfolds, it is always a time for reflection, introspection, and resolutions. Many persons resolve to leave bad habits and to assume acceptable modes of behaviour. Heads of gov…
A Dose of Needless Medicine
A Dose of Needless Medicine. In this reflection we are looking at genetically modified cotton (GM) in the light of the Tortoise Principle. There is a folktale about a time a Lion was sick and declared that all the anima…
We can plant a seed
We can plant a seed Way back yesterday In the glow of nighttime fires We sat around steamy bowls Carving up mounds of foo foo Then dipping our hands in hot soups Mouths long open awaited the feast With every bite our ton…
Systemic Betrayal of Farmers (and Consumers)
Systemic betrayal of farmers. Applications for the introduction of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) into Nigeria started flowing literally before the ink with which the bill was signed into law had dried. Promoters …
Is There Biosafety in Nigeria?
Is There Biosafety in Nigeria? At a recent HOMEF dialogue with farmers, most of the participants declared that they have never heard of anything called genetically modified organisms (GMOs). When they got to know what G…
Small-scale Farmers Feed the World
Small-scale or family farmers feed the world. This is an incontrovertible fact. This fact is unfortunately often overlooked. The willful rejection of the truth that small-scale farmers feed the world has persisted becaus…
We Rise for Climate Justice
We Rise for Climate Justice. The floods are coming. Our coastlines are receding. Our creeks, streams and rivers are polluted by oil spills, produced water, toxic wastes and an assortment of wastes including plastics. Def…
Extractives and the Privatization of Oceans
Extractives and the Privatizing the Oceans. It has become common knowledge that by 2050 there will be more plastic in the oceans than fish. That is quite alarming. More alarming, however, should be the fact that we are a…
Fish is More Valuable than Crude
Fish is More Valuable Than Oil. When we say that fish is more valuable than oil, we are staying a plain fact. Fish are living organisms whereas crude oil comes from fossils or long dead matter. Fish support our li…
Introducing FishNet Alliance
Introducing FishNet Alliance, a network of fishers engaged in and promoting sustainable fishing in line with ecosystem limits. We stand in solidarity against extractive activities in water bodies – including rivers…
Court Decides on GMO Case: The Struggle to safeguard our food Continues
The Federal High Court of Justice, sitting in Abuja on the 15th August, struck out the Plaintiffs suit the GMO case with suit No: FHC/ABJ/C5/846/2017 due to technicalities. The Judge in delivering his judgment said that …
Beyond Fossil Fuels
Beyond Fossil Fuels – OILWATCH AFRICA’s LAMU DECLARATION Oilwatch Africa network members, Lamu community representatives, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), community-based organisations (CBOs) met in Lam…
Re-Connecting to Mother Earth
Thinking about re-connecting to Mother Earth brings up one of my fondest memories of my late father. Those were moments moments when we stood at the back of our home and gazed at the verdant valley rolling off our garden…
Down to Earth
Humans are rapidly losing a sense of being, of being human beings, of being just one of the beings among other beings on Planet Earth. Our inventiveness has radically changed our relationship with Nature and we give litt…
