Advocates Redesign

Category: Nigeria

  • The 2025 ACA–PILIWA Moot Court Competition

    Advocates for Community Alternatives (ACA)- Public Interest Lawyering Initiative for West Africa (PILIWA), in collaboration with the Caleb University College of Law, proudly announce the 2025 ACA–PILIWA Moot Court Competition.
    This year’s edition will take place in a hybrid format from November 17 to 28, 2025, bringing together some of the brightest law students across South-West Nigeria. The preliminary rounds will be held virtually, while the semi-final and final rounds will be convened in-person at the College of Law, Caleb University, Magodo City Campus, Lagos State, Nigeria.
    A total of ten universities are confirmed to participate in the preliminary rounds beginning Monday, November 17, 2025.
    The competition provides a unique platform to nurture the next generation of public interest lawyers, deepening their understanding of human rights and environmental law in Africa. It seeks to raise awareness on pressing human rights issues, highlight the relevance of regional and international human rights instruments, and equip students with practical advocacy and legal reasoning skills vital for impactful legal practice.

    Through this initiative, Caleb University, ACA and PILIWA reaffirm their commitment to strengthening public interest lawyering and promoting social justice across the continent.

  • From classroom to community: Delta State University scientists and students take science into the field

    What happens when students leave their lecture halls and step into farms, boreholes, and villages? At Delta State University in Abraka, Nigeria, they found out. A community science training workshop, led by Dr. Ibrahim, the main resource person, moved science beyond theory—teaching lecturers, researchers, and students how to practice science with communities, not just for them. The aim was to build a pipeline of local expertise that listens first, tests carefully, and turns results into action.

    Supported by Advocates for Community Alternatives (ACA), the sessions blended short lectures with hands-on practicums. Dr. Ibrahim guided participants through the fundamentals of community science, using manuals specially prepared for the training. These manuals covered practical steps—from sampling protocols to interpreting results—and became take-home references for participants, ensuring the learning wouldn’t end with the workshop.

    Student teams worked alongside faculty to design simple, rigorous protocols: how to plan a sampling route, label and store samples, document field conditions, and present results in plain language. For many, it was the first time method met real-world urgency.

    Paul Adjekota, an ACA Science Fellow, mentored mixed groups of students and staff, emphasizing how data should drive decisions. “It’s not just the number,” he reminded them. “It’s what the number makes you do next.”

    Professor Oghenero Ohwoghere-Asuma deepened the water-quality module, showing students how to evaluate borehole placement and interpret coliform results without jargon. In field drills, students practiced pumping and purging, sterile collection, and chain-of-custody steps—then presented what those results would mean to a village committee.

    Dr. (Mrs.) Abushe led the organic manure exercise, turning a patch of ground into a living lab. Students laid out small plots, applied manure at different rates, and logged changes in soil structure and crop vigor. Back in the lab, they compared soil pH, organic matter, and nutrient readings, linking them directly to what they had seen in the field.

    Students’ voices shaped the week. A final-year student admitted: “I used to think statistics ended at the spreadsheet. Now I see how a clear chart can change how a farmer spends money.” A master’s candidate added: “Designing a protocol with the community made me tighten my methods—and my explanations.”

    By the end, the cohort co-authored mini briefs pairing data with action points: move boreholes away from septic systems; lime acidic soils using affordable local materials; combine organic manure with targeted fertilizer only where tests show a gap. Lecturers committed to embedding these modules in their teaching, and students proposed capstones that would return to partner communities to track outcomes in the next farming season.

    The impact is already visible. Equipped with manuals and new skills, small mixed teams of students and staff are ready to support water testing in Igbogidi, soil clinics in DSC and Orhuwhorun, and follow-up trials on organic amendments.

    Delta State University’s lesson is clear: when scientists and students learn to listen, test, and explain, knowledge flows in both ways. Community gains practical tools; the university gains relevance; and a new generation leaves campus ready to turn evidence into healthier water, stronger soils, and better harvests.

  • Can Organic Manure Feed Us? Lessons from a Pilot in DSC

    Across Nigeria, farmers face a hard choice. Chemical fertilizers boost yields quickly, but they are expensive and damage the soil over time. Organic manure is cheaper, safer, and eco-friendly—but many farmers doubt whether it can produce enough food. At the Delta Steel Company (DSC) estate, located at Ovwian-Aladja in the Western Niger Delta, a group of farmers set out to find answers for themselves.

    With support from Advocates for Community Alternatives (ACA), they designed a simple experiment. Crops were grown with different amounts of organic manure—5, 10, and 15 tons per hectare—and compared with crops grown using chemical fertilizers alone. For the farmers, it was a chance not just to be taught, but to see and measure the difference with their own eyes.

    The results were clear. Crops treated with well-prepared organic manure produced stronger yields than those grown with chemicals alone. The soil also showed signs of recovery: better structure, improved fertility, and more resilience against erosion. For farmers used to watching their land grow weaker year after year, the change was encouraging.

    Still, the experiment revealed an important lesson—balance matters. Too much manure could cause odor or waterlogging, while too little would not make a difference. The key was to know the right type, the right amount, and the right timing. As one participant put it: “Before, I thought only the fertilizer in the white bag could make crops grow. Now I see that what comes from our animals can feed the soil too.”

    For the DSC farmers, this small pilot was more than a test of manure. It was a glimpse of a future where farming is affordable, sustainable, and healthier for the land. By embracing organic methods, they can reduce dependence on costly chemicals, protect their environment, and still feed their families.

    The lesson is simple but powerful: what we once saw as waste can become a resource. And when farmers themselves lead the way, the solutions are not only practical—they are lasting.

  • Farming under pressure: How Orhuwhorun farmers discovered the secrets of their soil

    In Orhuwhorun, urbanization is closing in fast. Farmland is shrinking, but families still need to eat. To survive, farmers plant the same plots repeatedly, pouring on fertilizer in the hope of rescuing their crops. The result has been rising costs, declining yields, and growing frustration.

    In December 2024, twelve farmers came together to try something different in the town, located in the north-eastern part of the Udu Local Government Area of Delta State in Nigeria. With the support of Advocates for Community Alternatives (ACA), they turned to community science—a way to put scientific tools in the hands of ordinary people. For many, it was the first time they heard that soil itself could be tested, and that its hidden properties could reveal why crops were struggling.

    The training was simple but powerful. Farmers learned how to collect soil samples properly, drying and sieving them before sending them to the lab. They asked questions, shared doubts, and slowly began to see the soil not as a mystery, but as something that could be understood.

    When the results arrived, the findings spoke volumes. Nitrogen levels were acceptable, but phosphorus and potassium—the nutrients plants need most—were often low. Some soils were highly acidic, while others had very high conductivity, meaning valuable nutrients could easily wash away. Suddenly, the yellowing cassava leaves, and stunted maize crops made sense.

    The farmers also discovered that solutions were within reach. They could neutralize acidity by using locally available materials such as burnt palm bunch stems or dolomitic lime. They could restore fertility with organic manure and protect the soil by planting cover crops like melon or ground nuts. One farmer said: “I used to think fertilizer is fertilizer. Now I know the soil tells me which one to use and how much.” Another added: “I finally understand why my cassava kept failing—it wasn’t bad luck; it was the soil.”

    What began as a small workshop became a turning point. The farmers left with confidence, knowing that science was not beyond their reach. They understood that farming smarter—not harder—was the way forward, even on shrinking land.

    The lesson from Orhuwhorun is clear: when communities are empowered with knowledge, they can protect their soil, reduce waste, and secure food for their families. Science, once distant and abstract, has become a tool in their hands—a tool they can use to farm with hope instead of despair.

  • Reviving the Soil: Farmers in DSC take science into their own hands

    On the farmlands of the Delta Steel Company (DSC) estate, harvests were shrinking year after year. Farmers tried everything they knew—chemical fertilizers, poultry droppings, even crop rotation—but the land seemed exhausted. Fertilizer costs rose while yields fell, and frustration grew.

    In late 2024, a group of farmers decided to confront the problem differently. With support from Advocates for Community Alternatives (ACA), they were introduced to community science—an approach that puts scientific tools directly in the hands of local people. They learned that soil could be tested just like water, and that understanding its “health” could explain why crops were failing.

    The training was practical. Farmers were shown how to clear a patch, dig to 30 cm, collect soil from corners and the base, mix it, dry it in the shade, sieve it, and package it for testing. For many, it was the first time they realized the soil itself could speak—if only someone asked it the right questions.

    When the results came back, the findings made sense of their struggles. The soil was acidic, organic matter was very low, and nutrients like phosphorus and potassium were severely deficient. No wonder crops were yellowing, stunted, or yielding poorly—fertilizers were being applied blindly, sometimes making the situation worse.

    But the story didn’t end with problems. Together, the farmers explored solutions: liming with affordable local materials such as wood ash, periwinkle shells, or ground eggshells; adding fermented cow dung to boost organic matter; and applying fertilizers only when and where the soil demanded it. One farmer reflected: “Before, I thought if harvest was poor, I should just add more fertilizer. Now I know the soil must be tested first.”

    The experience transformed how the community thought about farming. They learned that soil testing not only improves yields but also saves money, prevents waste, and protects health. Instead of relying on guesswork, they now have the knowledge to farm smarter and restore the land.

    The message from DSC is powerful: even “tired” soil can be revived when farmers are empowered with science. And when communities can diagnose their land for themselves, they no longer wait helplessly; they act, protect their livelihoods, and secure their future.

  • ACA-PILIWA Moot Court Competition 2025 Kicks off

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    Advocates for Community Alternatives (ACA), in partnership with the Public Interest Lawyering Initiative West Africa (PILIWA), is pleased to announce the inaugural edition of the ACA-PILIWA Moot Court Competition—open exclusively to law students from universities in South-West Nigeria.

    The competition will take place in a hybrid format from 17th to 28th November 2025. The preliminary and the quarter-final rounds will be held virtually while the semi-finals and the final rounds will take place in-person at the College of Law, Caleb University, Magodo City Campus, Lagos State, Nigeria.

    This landmark event aims to inspire the next generation of public interest lawyers by engaging undergraduate law students in critical issues surrounding human rights and environmental justice in Africa.

    Participants will explore the application of regional and international human rights instruments, strengthen their legal research and oral advocacy skills, and deepen their understanding of public interest litigation in contemporary legal and social contexts.

    Interested qualified applicants are to reach out to the organizers via this e-mail address for further information: piliwamoot@advocatesforalternatives.org

    About the Organizers

    Advocates for Community Alternatives (ACA)

    Founded in 2016 and incorporated in both the United States and Ghana, ACA is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting West African communities threatened by harmful external development projects. ACA helps communities define and pursue their own vision for sustainable development and actively engages in grassroots activism. The organization also offers legal, technical, and moral support to public interest lawyers advocating human rights, environmental justice, and community land rights.

    Public Interest Lawyering Initiative West Africa (PILIWA)

    The Public Interest Lawyering Initiative for West Africa (PILIWA) is a regional movement of lawyers driven by social justice to serve threatened communities. ACA is the coordinating body for PILIWA, which aims to inspire and train a movement of lawyers that serve communities and assist them to fight for their own vision of the future in the face of pressure from powerful political and economic actors. PILIWA members include individuals and organizations on the front lines of the fight for justice and sustainable development in eight West African countries.

    Kindly visit https://acaredesign.allmediagh.online/ or follow us on our social media handles for updates and announcements:

     

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  • Igbogidi community takes action to protect their water

    When Paul Adjekota, a Science Fellow with Advocates for Community Alternatives (ACA), first visited Igbogidi in southern Nigeria, he noticed something alarming: boreholes drilled just a few feet from septic systems.

    Concerned about possible contamination, Paul shared his observation with local leaders. The community agreed — something had to be done.

    The Power of Participation

    Over a dozen community members — including farmers, traders, youth, and elderly people, stepped up to be part of the solution. Under the guidance of Professor Oghenero Asuma, a hydrogeologist from Delta State University, they began learning how to collect and test water samples themselves.

    “I don’t have much schooling,” one mother said during their first meeting, “but I know this is important for our children.”

    What the tests revealed

    Water samples from six sources — four boreholes and two wells — revealed some serious concerns:

    • pH levels ranged from 3.8 to 5.3, meaning the water was acidic and unsafe to drink.
    • Coliform bacteria (1–7 cfu/ml) were present in all samples, indicating contamination likely from nearby septic systems.
    • No heavy metals were found, offering some reassurance that there was no dangerous presence of lead, chromium, or nickel.

    From information to action

    Instead of creating fear, the test results sparked a wave of positive change:

    • Families have begun boiling their water or using chlorine drops to make it safer for drinking.
    • Some households have also started experimenting with periwinkle shells, a local resource, to help reduce acidity in their water.
    • The community made a firm decision to enforce safe distances and proper depth when siting in new boreholes.

    One youth leader shared, “If someone wants to drill a borehole tomorrow, I now know the right depth and distance to insist on.” Another added, “Before, I just fetched water. Now, I understand what makes water safe or dangerous.”

    Planning for the future

    Igbogidi isn’t stopping here. The community has committed to:

    • Repeat water testing every three years
    • Share their knowledge with neighboring villages
    • Monitor future water projects closely

    Already, nearby communities are starting to ask questions about their own water sources — a ripple effect of awareness and empowerment.

    A Model for West Africa

    Igbogidi’s experience is a powerful example of what can happen when science meets community action. In many parts of West Africa, poor borehole placement still threatens public health. But by combining expert guidance with local involvement, communities can take control — ensuring clean, safe water for generations to come.

  • PILEX rescues of a Nigerian widow

    A member of ACA’s Public Interest Lawyering Initiative for West Africa (PILIWA), Courage Nsirimovu, has initiated pro bono legal steps to retrieve a car for a Nigerian widow, Pleasure Amadi, whose husband passed away on August 28, 2022, after a short illness.

    Madam Amadi’s late husband is said to have parked the car in his brother’s residence shortly before his demise, but the brother has refused to surrender the property to the widow despite various attempts to retrieve it.

    The widow says she badly needs the car for commercial use to enable her to fend for herself and her only child.

    Lawyer Courage Nsirimovu, who is also the Coordinator of PILEX Centre For Civic Education Initiative-The Peoples Advocates, says he, together with his team, will leave no stone unturned to secure justice for the widow.

    According to him, efforts will be made to ensure that all other properties that are supposed to be given to Madam Amadi and her child will be retrieved through the legal process that has been initiated.

  • PILIWA and PILEX Centre support three Nigerian communities threatened by pollution

    Two human rights groups, the Public Interest Lawyering Initiative for West Africa (PILIWA) and PILEX Centre For Civic Education Initiative-The Peoples Advocates, are embarking on health, social and environmental impact assessment of unchecked pollution in three communities in Rivers State, Nigeria.

    This is because of the continuous cases of pollution and the accompanying negative impact on these three communities namely: Ibaa, Rukpokwu and Rumuekpe located in Emohua and Obio Akpor local government areas of Rivers State.

    PILIWA is a wing of Advocates for Community Alternatives (ACA), a non-profit-making organisation that helps West African communities threatened by the destructive impacts of extractives-led development to take control of their own futures.

    PILIWA is a regional movement of lawyers driven by social justice and a host of self-motivated and human rights-driven lawyers who serve threatened communities and assist them to fight for their own vision of the future in the face of pressure from powerful political and economic actors.

    PILEX Centre For Civic Education Initiative-The Peoples Advocates, on the other hand, is a public interest advocacy organization working on public interest matters related to the environment and human rights. One of its key focuses is geared towards making the world a just environment for humans to live in dignity and love.

    Under the RIV 3 Project, PILEX Centre is partnering PILIWA to engage public health and environmental experts to investigate the extent of the negative impact of extractive activities on the people and their environment.

    According to the coordinator of PILEX Center, Courage Nsirimovu, the outcome of the investigation will serve as a “veritable tool for advocacy and litigations where necessary in view of securing justice for impacted communities and setting a new standard for future engagement.”

    “For over 70 years, Shell, Total Agip and other multinational oil companies have exploited the crude oil and gas resources of the people of Niger Delta in a rather crude manner which has oppressively polluted and spoilt the environment, killing many species of plants and animals and chasing the survivors away.”

    Lawyer Nsirimovu stated that community dwellers have lost much of their fishing and farming livelihoods and the hydrocarbon poisoning in their foods, soil, water, air and body from the pollution, has led to sicknesses, diseases and deaths.

    He insisted that PILIWA and PILEX Centre shall be demanding that Multi-National Oil Companies (MNOCs) clean up the polluted environment to restore it to its original state while defaulting MNOCs will be required to build health centers in all polluted environments to treat affected persons without any charge or whatsoever.

  • PILIWA, Caleb College of Law partner to groom students in public interest lawyering

    The College of Law, Caleb University, Lagos, is collaborating with the Public Interest Lawyering Initiative for West Africa (PILIWA) to groom its students in the act of public interest lawyering.

    As part of the grooming process PILIWA will facilitate the process to ensure that the students will have field experience that will broaden their horizon and encourage them to render free services to communities upon completion.

    “We hope they will be able to imbibe that culture when they leave the university,” the South-south Coordinator of PILIWA Nigeria, Mr. Courage Nsirimovu, said.

    According to him, the knowledge of public interest lawyering would enable the students upon graduation to stand up for social rights, especially for indigent and disadvantaged people who cannot stand up for their rights.

    Mr. Courage Nsirimovu was speaking to the media on the sidelines of the signing of a linkage agreement between the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN), to equip students at the university with multiple disciplines, and make them future-ready upon graduation.

    In addition to the dual qualifications for students at the university, the linkage would enable members of the institute to mentor them to know the practical aspects of what they are taught in school.