INTRODUCTION
The Nigeria Green Academy is an initiative of the Heinrich Boll Stiftung, which is aimed at rising a new generation, with a trans-generational transfer of knowledge, for development advocates and activists in Nigeria, to effect the much needed change in the society and the world at large.
After a process of application, screening and shortlisting, I was selected, along with 18 other youths from different parts of the country, to be among the 3rd batch of the Green Academy Cohort, 2024. The academy held from the 28th of October to the 1st of November, 2024 at WallGate Apartments, Jahi District, Abuja with 19 participants (fellows) in attendance.
THE ACADEMY
Day 1 of the academy started with a welcome address from the Acting Director of HBS, Abuja, Monika Umunna who spoke about HBS, its objectives and initiatives towards setting up the Green Academy. She welcomed the cohort and admonished participants to be sensitive to the knowledge afforded by the academy. One of the lead facilitators of the academy, Ere Amachree also appreciated and congratulated the participants, explaining that they were selected from a pool of applicants, but were chosen due to the impact we were already creating in our various fields of work. She encouraged participants to not just gain the knowledge but to also develop a network of friends and colleagues in the academy, to aid future projects and endeavors.
The first day of the academy started with The Rivers of Life by Olumide Olaniyan, where participants shared their life trajectories through pictorial presentations. This session enabled participants to interact with each other’s values and narratives, and gained nuanced understanding of their life’s choices. The participants also understood the importance of every one’s individual life journey that led to the Green Academy by seeing similarities in choices and values. Through this lecture, participants built emotional connections with each other. The day’s lectures also featured State of the Nation by Jide Ojo, which looked at Conversations on where Nigeria is today and how we can move forward. The day ended with a Fireside chat with Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan and Ms. Dorathy Njemance, where participants had conversations with the facilitators in an “Ask-everything” conversation about creating change in Nigeria.
Day 2 of the academy opened with a recap of the previous day, followed closely by an Introduction to Gender and Gender Theory to Practice by Dr. Dayil Plangsat which explored the understanding of gender and gender equality, empowerment, social inclusion/ intersectionality, feminism in Nigeria, and how to feature gender aspects in our interventions. The participants also received lectures on Ecological Justice and Just Transition by Ikenna Donald Ofoegbu, which explored the understanding of key subjects and discourse around climate change, sustainable food systems and just energy transition. The session also looked at Advocacy Pathways to Ecological Justice and Just Transition, which helped fellows to develop tools and advocacy strategies on Just Energy transition, climate change and sustainable food systems. The day’s Fireside chat was with Dr. Dauda Garuba and Mrs. Ene Obi, where participants were exposed to the early days of activism from the perspectives of the facilitators, the difficulties involved and how they were able to scale through.
Day 3 of the academy looked at Building Social Movements by Olumide Olaniyan, which looked at Exploring the understanding of participants on the major concepts and methodologies related to social movements and movement building. This also involved a critique of successful and not to successful social movements and lessons learnt from the movements. The lecture also involved a group work where participants designed and presented programs for social change, using creative outlets to gain acceptance and develop tools and strategies for implementation. The day also featured lectures on Digital Advocacy Campaign by Cynthia Anaele, where participants learned and engaged on how to build digital campaigns and effectively raise awareness for interest. The session also had a group work on drafting social media campaigns with strategies learned. The day’s event also featured games and bonding activities for participants.
Day 4 of the academy featured lectures on Understanding Governance, Institutions and the Shrinking Civic Space by Oluseyi Oyebisi. This exposed participants to the governance institutions in Nigeria and how the shrinking civic space due to policies and state actors concerns people working in the development sector. This also involved creating awareness on various laws and policies in existence such as the Cyber crimes act etc. Participants also discussed on developing tools for navigating the narrow civic space and the ability to thrive as activists and advocates; experience sharing ad good practice. The day’s lectres also featured a session on Rethink Democracy in Nigeria by Maryam G. Bagel, where she shared her experiences as an advocate in the Nigerian political system as against political visions. The facilitator also recommended forms of activism and entry points in the political space and system to fellows which might help them make impacts. Another session from day 4 was Story Telling for Transformation by Abubakar Adam Ibrahim, where participants learnt, engaged and gained insight on how to frame narratives in advocacy or activism. There was also a session for advocacy discussions facilitated by Ere Amachree, where participants engaged and developed insight on some HBS advocacy initiatives.
The last day of the academy started with a charge by Olmide Olaniyan tagged “Commit to your goal”, where participants were taken through the highlights of the academy and the need for each to uphold their values and objectives in their various areas of expertise. Participats also had a Meet-and-greet session with members of the 2022 and 2023 Green Academy Cohorts, interacting on their activities and network opportunities. The academy ended with Reflections on the program and networks, Evaluation, presentation of certificates and photo session.
CONCLUSION
The Green Academy strategically brought together a well selected representation of different forms of development, advocacy and activism, with a well-defined age map of 20-40. The academy afforded me the opportunity to deepen my knowledge of advocacy and how best to channel my advocacy programs, projects and messages. It has also exposed me on how best to work with policy makers and government institutions, while balancing emotions, logic and magic in the process of achieving the “impossible” especially in the current political climes of Nigeria. Asides the knowledge gained, the Green Academy Cohort was structured to build a bond of friendship among the fellow, which will be instrumental in future programs and activities.
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