By Nnasom David

In a landmark step toward climate justice and women’s empowerment, GreenFaith Nigeria has officially launched the Africa Grassroots Women of Faith in Energy (AWFE) project in Bodo, Rivers State, a community long plagued by oil spills, environmental degradation, and chronic energy poverty.

The AWFE initiative, supported by Bread for the World, places grassroots women of faith at the center of Nigeria’s energy transition movement.

It aims to end the harmful legacy of fossil fuel extraction and promote clean, just & locally-owned renewable energy transition.

Dr. Pius Oko, Regional Program Manager for GreenFaith Africa, described the launch as a turning point for Bodo: A Community Scarred by Fossil Fuels, Now Rising for Change. Once a vital contributor to Nigeria’s oil wealth, Bodo has suffered decades of oil spills, polluted waters, and lost livelihoods while remaining energy-poor. “The AWFE initiative seeks to equip women with the tools, voice, and leadership to champion a just energy transition, starting right here in Bodo,” he said.

In her remarks, Maryne Warah, Global Director of Programs and Director of GreenFaith Africa, emphasized the significance of a faith-rooted, women-led approach. “Nigeria is battling climate shocks; flooding, drought, energy scarcity that deepen poverty and hunger,” she said. “Women of faith are rising to demand real solutions that are locally owned, inclusive, and sustainable.”

The Bodo launch builds on the momentum of a historic Pan-African Multi-Faith Women’s Conference held in Accra in 2024 by GreenFaith Africa. The AWFE campaign, now active in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, calls for a halt to fossil fuel expansion, corporate accountability, and the prioritization of women’s leadership in renewable energy solutions.

Speaking on behalf of the Bodo women, Mrs. Baalor Rose Baribeop issued a clear call to action: “We demand an immediate stop to all new fossil fuel exploration and extraction in Ogoni & Nigeria. Oil companies must clean up their mess, pay reparations, and vacate our communities. We call for investment in women-led, community-based renewable energy solutions, climate financing, and green jobs.”

Rev. Sister Lilian Chibiko, the Women’s Focal Person for the AWFE project, underscored the injustice: “While over 85% of Africa’s fossil fuels are exported, communities like Bodo are left without energy, drowning in pollution and poverty.” Following the launch, the AWFE project will:

“Establishing grassroots energy circles to advocate for equitable clean energy access.

“Training faith-based women leaders to deploy clean energy in homes, and community centers. Demand reparations from oil companies, cleanup of Ogoni land, mangrove restoration, and support for women-led economic initiatives. Empowering women of faith with skills and mentorship in the renewable sector. Advance advocacy for gender-responsive and inclusive national and state energy policies.”

At the close of the workshop, the grassroots women of faith presented a joint appeal to the Nigerian government and international stakeholders, urging the following:

“Immediate halt to new fossil fuel projects and related financing, in favor of a scaled-up, just energy transition that is affordable, accessible and locally owned.

“Increased funding and financial mechanisms to support women-led renewable energy initiatives.

“Policy reform to ensure women of faith are central to energy decision-making processes at all governance levels. Moral responsibility and climate reparations for communities affected by oil spills, displacement, floods and environmental degradation.

“Support for community-led green job creation that aligns with cultural and religious values and meets local needs.”