By Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA – Stakeholders Democracy Network (SDN) has reaffirmed its commitment to combating oil spills and pollution in the Niger Delta region.

SDN’s Executive Director, Adam Heal, highlighted the organization’s achievements since 2004, including the development of tools to monitor oil spills and gas flares, now utilized by the federal government.

Heal spoke during an event in Abuja commemorating SDN’s 20th anniversary, acknowledging the persistence of severe oil spill issues in the Niger Delta, with little improvement over the past decade.

He stated, “Since our founding in 2004, we’ve evolved to address economic diversification, climate change, governance, elections, and human rights.

“We’ve developed tools like an oil spill monitor and a gas flare tracker, now used by the federal government. We’ve also trained over 1,000 women in digital skills to help them succeed in the digital economy.

“Despite efforts, oil spill issues in the Niger Delta remain severe, with no significant improvement over the past decade, which is disappointing.

“As international oil companies consider selling their assets, we advocate for the remediation of pollution and addressing the legacy of oil spills. Funds directed to the Niger Delta must be used effectively for community development and economic opportunities.

“The Petroleum Industry Act’s Community Development Trusts could be a significant funding source if managed transparently and accountably, benefiting the communities in the long term.

“Environmental pollution from the oil and gas industry is regrettably still prevalent, but there are new environmental challenges like climate change, which the region faces and needs to adapt to.

“SDN is not standing still. We’re positioning ourselves to respond to these new challenges. Earlier this year, we launched our new five-year strategic plan to take us up to 2029.

“SDN remains open to new partnerships, ideas, and opportunities, and we hope to celebrate another two decades of achievement with you in 20 years.”

Despite progress, SDN has trained over 1,000 women in digital skills to enhance their economic empowerment and is partnering with Youth Alive Foundation to bridge the digital gender gap in Akwa Ibom State. The partnership aims to train 500 females in digital skills, focusing on those aged 18-35.

Also speaking at the event, Youth Alive Foundation’s Operations and Development Manager, Kingsley Atang, explained that the initiative has two components: advocacy and practical plans for digital skills training.

He said, “Our goal is to train over 500 females to help close the digital gender gap in the state.

“This initiative has two main components: advocacy and establishing practical plans to provide digital skills training. We are training 500 women aged 13 to 50, focusing on those between 18 and 35, in areas like data analysis, videography, and Google Analytics.

“We aim to equip them with digital skills to enhance their economic empowerment and income-generating opportunities. Our efforts have already yielded significant results over the past year.

“The second component involves collaborating with key stakeholders and policymakers to enact policies that close this gap. We have influenced a bill to establish an ICT bureau in Akwa Ibom State, currently in the committee stage after a public hearing.

“Addressing unemployment is critical. Partnerships like those with SDN and the Youth Alive Foundation are creating economic opportunities for young people. By providing skills, we hope to reduce the risk of youth engaging in violence or being exploited by politicians during elections.”