The Kolo Creek Development Foundation (KCDF) started in 2006 following on from a visit to the 'living university' of Akassa. The 14 communities within Kolo Creek Local Government Development Area in Bayelsa State decided to elect a General Assembly to oversee the establishment of a Community Development Foundation of their own. Based on the 'Akassa model' for whole community development, it was launched to represent the interest of all communities Local Government Area.
The Kolo Creek Development Foundation has been founded on the volunteer efforts of the General Assembly members and particularly that of its founding Executive Chairman, Christopher Ebeleke, a student of the 'living university' of Akassa. Despite the lack of support from Government or the companies operating in the Kolo Creek Development Area, they remain optimistic that the Foundation, with its inclusive approach, is essential for long-term sustainable development. They demonstrate that volunteerism is alive in the Niger Delta, provided that people can be given a vision of a better alternative for the development of their communities. From November 2006 to January 2007, PNI Nigeria facilitated participatory rural appraisal in all communities who are members of the KCDF.
General Assembly members then participated in a series of workhshops during which the process of establishing a CDF and the important roles and responsibilities of members was carefully explained. PNI also assisted them in drafting a constitution and registering with relevant State Government Ministries Early in 2007, the General Assembly, together with representatives from the Local Government and Traditional Rulers council met to review the outcome of the PRA process and to create two documents that will outline the development goals for the Kolo Clan. These are:
- Community Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (CEEDS). CEEDS outlines what development interventions the KCDF are able to facilitate if resources are made available to them.
- Local Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (LEEDS). The LEEDS document shall prioritise the development objectives of the Kolo Clan as a whole. The document shall be handed to the Kolo Creek Local Government as the community input into the development planning process carried out by the local government.
 Outcomes of the Development Planning workshop...
The Kolo Creek Development Foundation and PNI hopes that oil and gas companies operating in the area will support this initiative. Please visit again soon. |
