Ismail PODONU: CAEI
About the CAEI Initiative and the Founder.
Padonu Ismail Sewedo hails from Ajido community in Badagry Local Govt. Area of Lagos State. I was born into the family of Late Pa Muktair Dele-Olaiya and Mrs Esther Ajoke Dele-Olaiya Padonu. I am the fourth of six children.
I attended Muslim Mission Community Primary School Iworo and Iworo Ajido High School now Iworo Ajido Model College both in Badagry LGA of Lagos State, Nigeria. Ismail is a thirty year old Economics graduate from Social Science Faculty of the Lagos State University (LASU) Ojo. I am passionate about Proper Waste Management and Nature Conservation and the Founder and Programme Coordinator of the CAMPAIGN AGAINST ENVIRONMENTAL INDISCIPLINE. (CAEI NIGERIA).
Tell us about CAEI Nigeria,
CAMPAIGN AGAINST ENVIRONMENTAL INDISCIPLINE (CAEI NIGERIA) is an initiative committed to the ideal of clean, safe and healthy environment. To us, the environment is a collective resource, whose care; protection, conservation and preservation should be the concern of all and sundry. As a result, there must be a deliberate attempt to halt its degradation, exploitation, pollution and deterioration if mankind is to continue to find somewhere to live, move and have continued existence.
At CAEI Initiative, we believe that, there must be local actions if we
desire global change. This is why; we adopt a bottom to top approach on
the issue of nature conservation and Environmental Management. Our focus
is on young adults particularly secondary school students between the ages
of 10 and 20 years.
What have you done so far, and what are the challenges you have been faced with? Have you recorded any success?
- In March 2006, CAEI initiative pioneering members were students of Iworo Ajido Model College, Badagry. With a member strength of about 120 students, the students met on weekly basis to discuss issues of waste management, which includes:
- SANITATION AND LEGAL REGULATION ON WASTE MANAGEMENT.
- SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL METHODS, ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD AND HEALTH IMPLICATIONS CAEI initiative organized clean up exercises within the school premise and also seeks to partner with Community Based Organizations. CAEI project received total support and partnership from various youth groups and community based organisations in the area.
- On 3rd of June 2006, CAEI initiative joined the Future Builders Club of Badagry to organize a world environment programme with various youth groups, and the topic discussed was: "SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL METHODS, ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD AND HEALTH IMPLICATIONS".
- In June 2006, through online partnership, CAEI initiative enjoyed free exchange of curriculum plan from the china environment market and the topics treated are stated below and is in use presently for CAEI initiative's programmes especially in schools.
Why are you doing what you do? What led you into it?
CAEI Initiative came about in February 2006 as a change project required for graduation at the LEAP Africa's Youth Leadership Programme. Though, I was inspired to do something about the environment in 2005, when I worked with the Lagos State Ministry of Environment's Kick Against Indiscipline section as a KAI Brigade. After considering the way people were arrested and made to pay dearly for not caring for the environment and yet the environment remain uncared for, I then realized that the solution to the problem should be more of a changing mindsets than enforcement. Therefore, instead of Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI), it should be Campaign against Indiscipline (CAI). Then as a KAI brigade working at the Mile2 Bus Stop I started my Campaign Against Indiscipline (CAI) with the pure water sellers at the Bus stop. I soon left the KAI job for my school and was unable to continue with the CAI initiative until I met LEAP Africa's Ifediora at the Rotaract Club Installation Programme, he made me realize that, I can start a change effort with zero naira and will only need to attend the LEAP Africa Youth Leadership Programme.
Presently, my carrier goal is to become an Environmentalist of repute therefore I have chosen to study Environmental Management for my M.Sc. I plan to engage in waste to wealth business, such as recycling, development of alternative energy source BIOGAS etc and Economic of Scope consultancy.
As a Social Entrepreneur, give us your own customized definition.
To me, Social Entrepreneurship is like the missionary work, it can not be done alone and you must not stop. It is a creative way of solving societal pressing problem with innovative ideas, determination and passion. It involves simplifying ones idea in order to make it understandable and generally acceptable. Rather than waiting on the government, a social entrepreneur finds what is not working, identifies a workable solution, spearhead a change effort, then persuade entire society to follow suit.
You had an event recently, what was it all about?
Our most recent event the CAEI CARNIVAL 2008 was organized to join the rest of the world in observing the year 2008 as the United Nations international year for sanitations, and to celebrate the World Environment Day on 5th June, 2008. The programme also included a stakeholders meeting and focused group discussion involving; principal of secondary schools in Badagry, Producers of major wrapped food items (PURE WATER), Community Based Organisations, Government officials from, Local Council Dev. Areas, LAWMA, LASAA and the Lagos State Ministry of Environment
The objectives of the CAEI CARNIVAL 2008 are;- To provide the participants with solid understanding of the Campaign Against Environmental Indiscipline (CAEI Nigeria) and its relevance to their daily life.
- To obtain the idea and insights on issues of waste management, nature conservation and environmental restoration projects.
- To generate practical ideas on how CAEI major elements can become a reality in our schools, local communities and the state in general coupled with the role individuals can play in implementing these ideas.
How do you get funding? How can people support? How can you be contacted?
The Initiative have received financial sponsorship and in-kind donation of some of the items needed from individuals and organisations,
Financial Sponsorship
Just recently, we received financial sponsorship of our World Environment Day Programmes from Hon. Sejoro Whesu Samuel, a Member of the Federal House of Representative, representing Badagry Constituency to support the CAEI CARNIVAL 2008. He is willing to offer more support and ongoing partnership with the initiative. The initiative requires more financial sponsorship and call on people to share our dream of a clean, safe and healthy environment.
Partnership and in-kind donations
We welcome partnership and sponsorship of our programmes from individuals and organisations. More so, in-kind donation of item (particularly waste bin) will be welcome from organisation. The items will be crested with the name and logo of sponsoring organisation; it will be a good contribution as the organisation's corporate social responsibility.
Membership Development
CAEI currently consist of 10 man management team referred to as the CAEI CREW, they are selected carefully from among friends and different background and discipline. More young people are welcomed to join the Crew. Organizations are required to support and sponsor the CAEI Crew members to seminars and workshops to develop and improve their knowledge, skills and capacities for impact.
Active collaborations
There are 3 Community Based Organisations who provide work force at every CAEI programmes presently; other organisations particularly Youth Groups, Student Associations, Government Agencies, Related NGOs as well as Religious and Faith Based Organisations are invited to embrace the CAEI initiative through active collaboration.
CONTACT:
Office Address: 4, Huyon Cmp, Mogoh Qtrs Ajido, Badagry
E-mail: ishpadons@yahoo.com
Web-blog: www.caeinigeria.blogspot.com
Phone: +234-8055003800
Mail: P.O Box 536, Badagry.
Any future plans of expanding? If yes where and how and if no, why?
Definitely YES, CAEI initiative is intended for not just Badagry but Lagos State, Nigeria and indeed African nations in general, this is why we will strive to develop capacities to handle and manage all aspects of waste management and nature conservation particularly in the area of Waste to Wealth initiative. Crew members will invest in acquisition of knowledge and skills as well as research on waste management and nature conservation overtime. CAEI initiative is expected to be at the fore front of the drive for sustainable waste management and optimum nature conservations in Nigeria by the year 2020.
Our plan of action is;- Establishment of CAEI Initiative in all Secondary Schools in Lagos State and advocate for inclusion of proper waste management theories in the education curriculum of the state by the year 2012.
- Erection of signboards in Schools, Major Bus Stops and Public Places; this we already have in place for 10 secondary schools but will need more.
- Donation of Waste bin, Rakes and Waste Bag etc, to School, Major Bus Stops and Public Places; this we already got some, through the support of our partner, Hon. Sejoro Whesu Samuel (Member, Federal House of Representative, Badagry Constituency). But will need more.
- Establish partnership with PSP operators, LASAA and other Environmental Agencies in Badagry and the Lagos State Ministry of Environment, Related NGOs etc. (In progress)
- Meeting with various stakeholders to discuss way forward. The Local Government Chairmen, Participating School Authority as well as producers of Major Wrapped Food items, (e.g. Pure Water Producer) in Lagos. (In progress)
- Development of Curriculum plan and Training Material in form of Work Book for use by students for weekly training sessions and fellowship. (In progress)
- Organize Clean Up Exercise at strategic location within Badagry and Lagos metropolis especially places with urgent needs. (In progress)