From February 12th to February 15th, 2023, I had the opportunity to participate in a grant fundraising training organized by 350 Africa. The training was designed to equip us with the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully raise funds for our organizations and campaigns. One of the most important takeaways from the training was the emphasis on the importance of storytelling, digital campaigns, and fundraising tactics.

Pope Francis visited DRC from 31 Jan to 3 Feb and his visit meant a lot to the people of DRC who have been claiming for peace, stability  and climate justice. Laudato Si Mouvement in collaboration with 350 Africa conducted a series of actions in Kinshasa and a twitterstorm in order to call the attention of Pope Francis on the project of auctioning 27 oil blocs and 3 gas blocs by the DRC government.

Polling carried out before the floods showed that two-thirds of Nigerians had not heard of climate change.

As a precursor to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) COP27, Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP)  in partnership with other Civil Society Organisations convened the Arts for Climate. The Art for Climate was part of activities for the African Climate Caravan taking place in 28 African countries.

Climate change has had a substantial effect on Nigeria over the past few decades. An increase in temperatures, droughts, a reduction in biodiversity, unpredictable rainfall, etc. are examples of present problems. The floods that wreaked havoc on portions of Nigeria this year are the worst in a decade; more than one million people were left homeless, and 600 people died. In addition to other states, the floods in Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta, Edo, Lagos, Kano, Adamawa, Jigawa, Benue, and Borno submerged homes, important roadways, and farms.

Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time. It poses threats to all aspects of life from gender , health, safety to national and global stability of millions of people across the globe. With the just concluded COP27 climate negotiations and it’s cover text on loss and damage fund which leaves activists with uncertainty on when the fund will be put in the basket, activists are back into action for the year 2023.

Today, artists, musicians, poets, community members, and climate activists in Kinshasa, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are joining forces to raise awareness of the dangers of oil exploration in Virunga National park.