Report on Advocacy Visit to Bureau of Community Communication, Ekiti State.

Date: March 12, 2024

Venue: Bureau of Community Communication Office, Governor’s house, Ado-Ekiti.

Purpose: Partnership and Collaboration on Environmental Sustainability.

Attendees:

TGED Foundation Team: Ms Oluwaseyi Ebenezer [CEO]

Adeleye Adeola [Program Manager]

Koiki Nimota Adunola [Program Officer]

Com. Communication Team: Mrs Mary Oso Omotoso [Director General]

Hon Moshood Lawal [SAA Grassroot Communication]

Hon. Andero Oluwafemi [SA Town union and Association]

Mr Femi Esan [Senior Technical Assistance]

Introduction: 

In a recent meeting between the TGED Foundation and the Bureau of Community Communication, a powerful synergy emerged, underscoring the transformative potential of unified action. Led by Ms. Oluwaseyi Ebenezer and Mrs. Mary Oso Omotoso respectively, both organizations shared a common commitment to community empowerment and environmental advocacy. Through the exchange of ideas, they recognized the pressing need for collaboration in addressing complex challenges, such as open defecation and inadequate sanitation facilities in communities like Irasa. Emphasizing the importance of grassroots engagement, they pledged to work together to effect positive change, leveraging their collective strengths and resources. This introduction sets the stage for a collaborative partnership rooted in shared values and a shared vision for a more sustainable future.

On the 12^th of March 2024, TGED Foundation team led by the Chief Executive Officer [CEO] Ms Oluwaseyi Ebenezer embarked on an advocacy visits to the office of the Director General Bureau of Community Communication Ado-Ekiti, Mrs Mary Oso Omotoso and her esteemed team.  The primary goal was to establish collaboration for the numerous upcoming Community projects especially the World Water Day celebration themed “Water for Peace” on the 2^nd March, 2024.

Key points discussed

During the meeting, Ms. Oluwaseyi Ebenezer, the CEO of TGED Foundation introduced her dedicated team. With a sense of passion and purpose, she delved into an enlightening overview of the foundation’s core mission and ongoing activities. Central to their ethos was the commitment to reaching grassroots levels, recognizing the profound impact community education can have. Ms. Ebenezer underscored a recent initiative undertaken by her team, focusing on a pressing issue in Irasa community: open defecation. She elucidated that Irasa was emblematic of numerous communities grappling with inadequate sanitation facilities. In highlighting the absence of toilets in Irasa, she shed light on the grim reality faced by its residents in managing human waste.

The research conducted in Irasa aimed not only to understand the community’s coping mechanisms but also to draw attention to a widespread issue affecting countless communities. Ms. Ebenezer emphasized that while Irasa was a poignant example, similar or different challenges existed elsewhere, demanding urgent attention and collaborative solutions. In addressing these challenges, Ms. Ebenezer stressed the imperative for collaboration with appropriate agencies. She underscored the significance of forging partnerships to implement sustainable interventions, ensuring access to basic sanitation for all. By uniting efforts and resources, she believed, they could effect meaningful change and uplift communities burdened by such pressing issues.

During her address, Mrs. Mary Oso Omotoso, the Director General of the Bureau of Community Communication, extended a warm welcome to the TGED Foundation team and commended them for their commendable efforts. She expressed her steadfast commitment to embracing NGOs working within the environmental sphere, recognizing the indispensable role of collaboration in achieving tangible results. Mrs. Omotoso articulated that community work, sensitization, and other environmental endeavors could not be solely shouldered by the government. She emphasized the necessity of welcoming NGOs and individuals passionate about environmental causes to join forces. Reflecting on the Irasa research conducted by the TGED Foundation, she lauded their initiative and dedication. Mrs. Omotoso drew from the Bureau’s experiences, witnessing similar challenges across different communities. She underscored the power of sensitization and advocacy in fostering understanding among people regarding the risks associated with environmental issues.

Mrs. Omotoso inquired about the upcoming World Water Day commemoration, inquiring about potential 

areas of collaboration. In response, Ms. Oluwaseyi Ebenezer outlined the Foundation’s plans for an “End

 Open Defecation Campaign” to commemorate World Water Day 2024, themed “Water for Peace.” In a harmonious agreement, Mrs. Omotoso pledged the Bureau’s support and collaboration with the TGED Foundation on any program they embarked upon. This mutual commitment to partnership and shared objectives underscored their collective determination to effect positive change within communities, particularly in addressing critical environmental challenges. 

Concluding Remarks:

 In conclusion, the discussion held between TGED Foundation and the Bureau of Community Communication represent a significant step towards fostering collaboration and advancing environmental sustainability. The agreement to participate in the upcoming World Water Day program symbolizes a shared commitment to raising awareness, mobilizing resources, and inspiring collective action towards a greener and more sustainable future.