Celebrating a Champion of Justice and Transparency: A Tribute to Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri.

By

Orji Ogbonnaya Orji,PhD

 Executive Secretary/CEO  Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI),   

A Goodwill Message at the 13th Anniversary of Spaces For Change (S4C), Lagos Sheraton,  March, 13th, 2025

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

On behalf of the Board, Management and Staff of Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), I am honored to extend our warmest congratulations to Spaces for Change (S4C) on the occasion of your 13th anniversary. This remarkable milestone reflects not only your resilience and commitment to social justice but also the profound impact of your work in promoting research, policy advocacy, and citizen engagement across Nigeria.

Today, we gather to celebrate a true trailblazer, Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri, whose visionary leadership and relentless advocacy have transformed the landscape of host community engagement in the Niger Delta. Through your pioneering efforts, Victoria, Spaces for Change has championed the cause of communities long neglected by environmental and social injustices resulting from oil exploration. You have empowered these communities with the tools and platforms needed to assert their rights, demand accountability, and participate meaningfully in shaping policies that affect their well-being and livelihoods.

As a dedicated member of the Publish What You Pay (PWYP) network and an influential contributor to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), Spaces for Change has played a pivotal role in advancing the principles of transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness within Nigeria’s extractive sector. NEITI values your contributions to our joint efforts to bridge the gap between policy reforms and community empowerment, recognizing that sustainable development can only be achieved when the voices of host communities are heard and their interests protected.

Our partnership with Spaces for Change has yielded remarkable progress. Your engagement with NEITI’s Host Communities’ Consultative Forums, which provided vital platforms for stakeholders to dialogue on the findings of NEITI’s oil and gas audits, stands as a testament to your commitment to fostering transparency and accountability. These forums have empowered host communities to actively participate in discussions surrounding environmental degradation, revenue allocation, and corporate social responsibility.

Furthermore, we commend your leadership in the development of advocacy tools and reports that have enhanced the capacity of local communities to hold duty bearers accountable and demand better governance. Your collaborative efforts with NEITI have enriched our understanding of the realities faced by host communities and strengthened our resolve to champion reforms that address their concerns.

As we look to the future, NEITI reaffirms its commitment to deepening our partnership with Spaces for Change. We will continue to work together to address the legitimate concerns of host communities by advocating for governance frameworks that prioritize environmental justice, equitable revenue distribution, and genuine community inclusion in extractive sector reforms. Our shared goals will remain centered on ensuring that transparency and accountability translate into concrete benefits for those most affected by extractive activities.

Victoria, as we celebrate you today, we also celebrate the inspiring legacy you continue to build through your leadership, courage, and dedication. We wish Spaces for Change many more years of groundbreaking advocacy, positive impact, and unwavering commitment to social justice.

Congratulations once again, and thank you for being a shining light in the quest for a more transparent, accountable, and inclusive Nigeria.