Imo State, a tropical region in southeastern Nigeria, is known for its abundant water bodies. From the famous Imo River to Otammiri, Onu Ukwu in Owerri North, Njaba River, Orashi River, and Oguta Lake, these natural blessings have long set the state apart from neighboring Enugu and Anambra, where access to water can be as difficult as climbing onto a camel’s back without help. For years, these rivers and streams have been the lifeline of farmers in Imo State. Many cultivate their farmlands near these water sources, ensuring they can grow crops in and out of season. Unlike their counterparts who rely solely on rainfall, these riverside farmers enjoy year-round farming. Corn, a crop typically associated with the rainy season, thrives even in the dry season, thanks to the consistent water supply. The farmers, a mix of full-time agriculturalists, retirees, and pensioners, depend entirely on their harvests for survival. Some specialize in growing lush, green curry leaves, which th...

  From March 1 st to 7 th, 2025, the world celebrates Open Data Day, a week dedicated to recognizing the power of accessible information in solving global challenges. T oday in Owerri, journalists and media practitioners gathered for a transformative one-day workshop on leveraging open data for climate and agricultural reporting, giving this global occasion a special local significance.   Behind this initiative is Harriet Ijeomah, a passionate journalist in her 20s, driven by a love for development and social change storytelling. This passion led her to establish Harsco Medicomm, a media platform dedicated to development and solution-based journalism. With support from the Open Knowledge Foundation (OKFN) and DATAOPIAN, she brought together data experts and media professionals for an eye-opening session on how open data can revolutionize climate and agricultural reporting. The training kicked off with Mr. Udochukwu Chukwu, a research and data expert, who shed light on j...

Hey Dear Friend, Let’s talk about something that’s been staring us right in the face and sadly affecting our mental health without our consent 🥺 No, I’m not here to drown you in scary facts or guilt trips about saving the planet. We’ve heard enough of that. Instead, let’s talk about how it’s messing with our heads, shall we? You see, when we talk about climate change, we often focus on rising sea levels, melting glaciers, or heatwaves that feel like the sun decided to move a little too close to Earth. But do we ever stop to think about how all this chaos affects us mentally? Imagine watching your favorite childhood beach disappear under water or seeing once-green farmlands turn into dust bowls. It’s heartbreaking, right? That’s what some folks call “climate grief.” It’s this deep sadness and sense of loss knowing that the Earth we knew is changing and not for the better. Then there’s “eco-anxiety,” which is just a fancy term for the nagging worry about the fut...