By Dr Bala Emmanuel
Bauchi, Nigeria — 15 August 2025:
The Kolmani River Environmental Youth Network (KolNet) has successfully wrapped up a comprehensive public awareness campaign aimed at educating residents of Bauchi and Gombe States on the environmental and socio-economic implications of crude oil extraction in the Kolmani Basin.
The initiative, funded by the Global Greengrants Fund, reached more than 120 community members and focused on increasing grassroots understanding of potential threats such as oil spills, gas flaring, water contamination, and mismanagement of natural resources.
KolNet said the campaign was prompted by the recent discovery of crude oil in the Kolmani region a development widely celebrated for its economic prospects but equally concerning due to the decades-long experience of pollution, displacement, and environmental decline in the Niger Delta.
Over a series of town hall meetings, radio programs, capacity-building workshops, and community dialogues, KolNet sensitized traditional leaders, women’s associations, youth groups, and civil society partners on how to identify environmental risks early and demand accountability from authorities and oil operators.
“Our focus is prevention,” said Dr. Baba Emmanuel, Program Lead for KolNet. “We want to ensure that communities do not suffer the same environmental disasters witnessed in the Niger Delta. Early action and strong public awareness are essential.”
Women and youth were major beneficiaries of the project. More than 70 women took part in training sessions on environmental rights, leading to the formation of a women-led monitoring group. Two women were subsequently selected to join the newly established Community Environmental Monitoring Committee, marking a significant milestone for gender inclusion in local governance.
Additionally, over 25 young people were inducted into the new Kolmani Youth Climate Watch Network, where they received training on environmental reporting and community-based monitoring.
According to KolNet’s Media Officer, Lois Bisho, communities have become more proactive, with several now insisting on comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) before drilling activities expand. “Environmental consciousness is truly taking root in these communities,” she noted.
KolNet announced that it will build on the momentum by strengthening women’s leadership initiatives, expanding its radio outreach, and deepening long-term environmental monitoring efforts across northern Nigeria.
