The Small Grants Programme (SGP) of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) implemented by United Nations Development Programme has reaffirmed its commitment to women-led innovation and environmental sustainability.
The National Coordinator of UNDP GEF-SGP Nigeria, Dr. Mrs. Ibironke Olubamise, gave the assurance during the Knowledge Sharing and Launch of the Jackfruit Cottage Industry at Eket Offiong Community in Esit Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
Describing the project as unique, she commended the Women in Nature Conservation Organisation (WINCO) for going beyond conservation to empower the people through environmental education, climate action, and ecopreneurial development via the jackfruit value chain. She noted that GEF, the largest funder of environmental projects worldwide, supports environmental initiatives that must bring positive impacts on the livelihoods of the people.
"The project is so unique that we set out to do environmental conservation at the Stubbs Creek, but now we are going global with jackfruit. I am so happy that the awareness has been created and the environment, as well as capacity building, is harnessed. You cannot tell them to stop cutting the trees and using them as firewood without bringing positive alternatives. This is why we set out to support positive environmental initiatives, and you cannot separate development from environmental management. Communities are the closest to the natural resources; they are the first culprits of environmental degradation as well as the first victims of environmental issues," she said.
While urging the Eket Offiong community to take ownership of the project for sustainability, the National Coordinator commended WINCO for securing NAFDAC certification for five jackfruit products and decried the high rate at which Nigerian products are rejected in international markets despite being 90% nature-based.
"90% of Nigerian products are nature-based but are often rejected at the international markets because of lack of proper certification. Please take ownership of this project, especially as it has translated into a business venture," she added.
In his speech, the Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources, Hon. Nsikak Ekong, represented by the Director of Climate Change, Mrs. Ini Umoh, reiterated the State Government's commitment and continuous support for sustainable environmental initiatives, creativity, and community impacts initiated by WINCO at the grassroots.
Highlighting the impacts of the project, the CEO/Founder of WINCO, Mrs. Emem Umoh, appreciated UNDP GEF-SGP, the National Coordinator and her team for their support. She noted that the cottage industry will focus on the production of jackfruit chips, flour, juice, and snacks, and will double as a training and knowledge-sharing centre for women and youth on sustainable processing and green business practices.
She further stated that the cottage industry will help address two critical challenges of unemployment and environmental waste by converting abundant jackfruits that would have rotted away into wealth, and appealed for more support for the scaling and replication of the project in neighbouring communities and other states.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Occasion and former Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Dr. Ini Adiakpan, harped on the need for more support for women-led NGOs for greater impact.
On his part, the Clan Head of Eket Offiong Community, Nsuduok Eteudo Ikot, appreciated UNDP GEF-SGP and WINCO for bringing the project to his community and pledged that the community will take ownership of the project for sustainable impacts.
The event, which attracted stakeholders from government, civil society, and the host community, featured the exhibition of the five NAFDAC-certified jackfruit products and a tour of the cottage industry facility, marking a significant milestone in community-based conservation and women economic empowerment in Akwa Ibom State.
By Uwem Hezekiah
