I will start with a quote from Mahatma Gandhi: “To forget how to tame the soil and nurture the land is to forget yourself.” This profound statement serves as a reminder of our connection to the land we live in and the responsibilities that come with it.
In the past few decades, the global community has been advocating through the United Nations Conference of Parties (COP) for better land use and management. The primary focus of these discussions has been to mitigate climate change by preserving the rainforest, introducing clean and green energy, and continuously researching solar and wind power to lower global temperatures.
We don’t have to go very far to see the effects of climate change on our land, which provides us with the three most important components of life: the food we eat, the air we breathe, and the water we drink. Failure to adhere to a number of United Nations protocols on all these aspects will bring about unimaginable consequences, making it increasingly difficult to adapt, especially here in Nigeria, where there is very little or no adaptation infrastructure.
We’ve seen bushfires burning down cities, destroying lands and properties not too far away from us. These fires not only devastate the physical landscape but also lead to significant economic loss and displacement of communities. We have also experienced unprecedented floods in some parts of the country, especially in the low-lying areas, resulting in the destruction of homes and livelihoods.
Furthermore, we have witnessed the encroachment of the Sahara Desert, which continues to claim lands and grazing fields, further exacerbating the plight of farmers and pastoralists. The gradual loss of arable land due to desertification poses a long-term threat to food security in the region. We have seen the crisis that we have brought upon ourselves with the herdsmen migration, which has led to violent conflicts between farmers and herders, fueled by competition over dwindling resources.
Additionally, we have observed heatwaves in some countries not too far from us, claiming lives and leading to severe health issues. These events serve as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of climate change and human survival.
I have visited erosion sites in some parts of the South East and Gombe States, where community lands have been reduced to dust. The erosion not only destroys the physical landscape but also erodes the cultural heritage tied to the land, leaving communities disoriented and displaced. In my capacity as someone who has attended fifteen of the twenty-nine United Nations Conference of Parties (COP) meetings all over the world, and as one of the oldest and globally acclaimed figures with national and international honors, so much is expected of me by my community.
Therefore, I have dedicated a significant amount of my time and resources to address the issues of land development, land sales, and illegal land speculation in our various communities. This commitment stems from a deep understanding of the consequences that arise from the mismanagement of our land. People are being killed on a weekly basis despite our collective efforts, including the involvement of various organizations and notable individuals. Yet, a certain cartel operating within the communities has consistently demonstrated a blatant disregard for and disrespect towards our attempts to regulate land transactions.
Our forests have been depleted by 60% since independence, with most areas now becoming savannah. In the South West, for instance, the forest reserves and the “evil forests” that were strategically located in the then Western Nigeria have been bastardized and depleted, taken over by land speculators and land grabbers. These “evil forests,” traditionally regarded as sacred, have been crucial for biodiversity conservation and climate regulation. Their degradation not only threatens local ecosystems but also contributes to climate change, further worsening the challenges we face.
The cultural taboos surrounding the evil forests have effectively prevented deforestation in these areas. In a country where deforestation is a significant issue due to logging, agriculture, and urban expansion, these “evil forests” serve as protected areas. Their preservation is vital for maintaining ecological balance, and since these forests remain largely untouched, they continue to sequester carbon, contributing to the fight against climate change.
The actions of these land speculators and grabbers have not only terrorized the indigenous population but have also posed threats to local farmers, thereby causing food insecurity. As agricultural land diminishes, the ability of communities to feed themselves is increasingly compromised. Regrettably, their intimidation tactics have extended to include personal threats directed at my own safety because of my campaign, which I have named “Little Gardens Today, Little Forest Tomorrow.” This initiative aims to inspire communities to engage in sustainable land practices and is part of FADE Africa’s (Fight against Desert Encroachment) advocacy to restore depleted forests, combat desertification, and check erosion.
The late Asagba of Asaba, Professor Chike Edozien, commemorated his 99th birthday by planting 99 trees. Similarly, the Iyase (The Prime Minister), Pius Onyeobi celebrated his 90th birthday with the planting of 90 trees. In a personal tribute, I planted 85 trees for my 85th birthday, creating a beautiful garden of 85 trees. Together, we also planted 95 trees in honor of the late iconic Nelson Mandela, establishing the Mandela Garden of 95 trees.
These initiatives were pioneered by FADE Africa, an organization at the forefront of climate change awareness and mitigation. Through these actions, we are not only raising awareness but also making a tangible impact in our community.
To confront this crisis, it is important that we prioritize education and awareness around sustainable land practices. Communities must be empowered to recognize the value of their land and the importance of preserving it for future generations. We must also advocate for stronger legal protections against land grabbing and illegal speculation, ensuring that the rights of indigenous peoples are upheld.
Therefore, I urge all relevant agencies to take immediate action to safeguard the well-being of community members who are at risk due to this land speculation. It is crucial that their safety be prioritized, and I call on these agencies to intervene promptly to address the growing concerns and prevent any further harm.
In conclusion, the crisis in Anioma, Delta State, serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for sustainable land management and the protection of our natural resources. The fight against land grabbing and the threats posed by climate change are intertwined, requiring a collective response that involves communities, governments, and international organizations. Together, we can foster a deeper understanding of our relationship with the land, promote conservation efforts, and ensure a sustainable future for all.