In a significant move to empower communities bearing the brunt of environmental degradation, the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD) is set to launch its Intersectional Leadership Incubator (ILI) Fellowship next week. This pioneering program will equip 24 grassroots advocates from across the 10 states of Nigeria’s oil-rich and ecologically sensitive Niger Delta region to spearhead local and national climate justice agendas.
The Niger Delta, a region critical to Nigeria’s economy due to vast oil and gas reserves, has long been plagued by severe environmental challenges. Communities in Abia, Anambra, Edo, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ondo, Imo, Bayelsa, and Delta states frequently contend with the devastating impacts of oil spills, gas flaring, deforestation, and the consequences of mining activities. These issues have led to widespread pollution, loss of livelihoods, particularly in fishing and farming, and significant health concerns, contributing to a cycle of socio-economic hardship.1 A recent policy brief by Centre LSD in April 2025 reiterated the urgent need for comprehensive clean-up and accountability in the region, particularly in areas like Ogoniland.
The ILI Fellowship, according to Centre LSD, aims to bring the voices of these directly impacted communities to the forefront of policy-making and climate finance discussions. The 24 fellows were selected through a highly competitive process, which saw 479 applications. The cohort intentionally prioritizes the inclusion of women, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and youth – groups often disproportionately affected by environmental and climate crises yet underrepresented in decision-making processes.
Mr. Vincent Dania, Programme Coordinator at Centre LSD, emphasized the critical need for such an initiative. “Those who suffer the most from the devastating impacts of climate change, mining, and oil and gas exploration must be at the forefront of the solutions,” Dania stated. “The ILI Fellowship exists to support these individuals to not only lead local advocacy efforts but also influence national and international policies that affect their futures.” Dania has been actively involved in projects focusing on how impoverished and rural African communities can benefit from natural resource extraction and tackling norms that support violence while promoting women’s economic opportunities and participation.
The fellowship will kick off with a week-long intensive training programme scheduled for May 19 – 23, 2025, in Awka, the capital of Anambra State. The curriculum is designed to be comprehensive, covering vital areas such as strategic leadership and organisation, a rights-based approach to advocacy, gender equality and social inclusion, and effective project management. This training is crucial for building the capacity of local leaders to navigate complex legal and policy landscapes and to manage community-based projects effectively.
A key component of the fellowship will see participants develop innovative community project ideas. Centre LSD will then provide support for the implementation of these projects within their respective communities throughout the fellowship period. This hands-on approach aims to ensure that the training translates into tangible, positive change at the grassroots level.
By investing in the skills and leadership of advocates from impacted communities, the ILI Fellowship is poised to significantly enhance their ability to drive transformative change. The programme aims to foster more equitable and sustainable natural resource governance and advance the cause of climate justice across the Niger Delta. Furthermore, it will create structured platforms for these emerging leaders to engage directly with policymakers and other key stakeholders, ensuring their participation in critical national and global conversations on environmental policy and resource management. This initiative represents a crucial step towards ensuring that the development of the Niger Delta is not only economically viable but also environmentally sustainable and socially just.
Credit: Publiceyenews.ng
