Highlighting Changemakers: Ifeoma Chibiko

Briefly introduce yourself. My name is Rev. Sr. Lilian Ifeoma Chibiko. I am a native of Umuekwule Ugwaku in Okigwe local government area of Imo State Nigeria. In 2007 I was sent on mission to Sweden. The mission work lasted till end of 2016 when I decided to come back. I learnt a lot in the mission and that was one of the reasons that made me move back to my country to give back. I was very active in youth work and community work; I have a passion for the youth ministry and community work. Presently, I am the Principal of Mercy Technical High School Nbawsi Isiala Ngwa North LGA Abia State. I engage a lot in community, youth work and climate change awareness. 

Solar kits supplied to 200 house holds

In 2018, I succeeded in powering 200 households with solar energy. Each family got a solar kit of 3 bulbs and where to charge their phones. This project was a success through support from UNDP. Solar training is done in 3 stages - Production of solar panels using solar cells, silicon gum, angle bar, tempered glass, scrolls, cardboard papers and evostic gum; installation which uses the electrical tool box; maintenance. The training can take 2-3 months 2 times a week. Some of my trainees have developed their own business and they are doing fine. They are spread all over the country.

Solar Energy training with the community before installation of the kits.

Why did you choose to become a community activist? I am a community activist because of the passion I have for community development, youth work and climate change awareness. The knowledge of this kind of global issues is still very minimal in my area. Due to the high youth unemployment in Nigeria, it is the duty of every concerned citizen to do something however small. I engage because I have passion.

Teaching the community how to construct biogas. Biogas digester is constructed with a 200 litre drum, you use PVC pipes and make it air tight, allow it to rest for about a week with animal waste filled in the tank. It will decay and start producing gas for cooking.

What kind of community work are you involved in? I am involved in many things like women’s soft micro loans, youth activities, climate change awareness and community development work.

What inspires your work? I am inspired because I see positive results of my work. I touch lives and it makes me happy.

Are there some success stories that you can share from your work? There are success stories like the community I equipped with solar kits to. Instead of going to charge their phones with more than $1 twice daily, they charge their phones at home, save transport and charging cost. Now they make some money from charging phones for people in the community.

Teaching women how they can use energy stove to cook and save nature by avoiding use of wood

Also, my students are increasingly aware of climate change; they have learnt to be careful with water wastage, they have learnt about solar energy as an alternative to generators that use fossil fuel and they have taken the message back home. This way, they have become agents of change.

Any key lessons that you’ve learnt throughout your community work? The key lessons I have learnt is to start no matter how small, not to give up and to remember that there is a lot that can be achieved even with minimal money.

Tree planting in my school when CYNESA director visited

What are the main challenges that you encounter? Funding, mobility and access roads to rural communities. Also, connecting with youth and a team that has the right passion and mindset.

How can other youth interested in being active in their communities start? Youth interested in community work should start no matter how difficult they think it might be. They should not give up but keep pushing till they get a clear direction. Through this process they can meet people that will be interested to collaborate and offer support.

Solar Energy training

What do you think is the most important SDG and why? I think poverty is the most important because if people are not poor, their health will improve, they will feed well, exercise, take care of their families, and engage in income generating activities.

Any final remarks? I need support in networking and funding.

For more information about Ifeoma and her community development activities please contact her via email at srchibikolilian@gmail.com and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ifeoma.chibiko.

a community cycling initiative to encourage people to cycle rather than drive

(All pictures & video courtesy of Ifeoma Chibiko)