Telling our own story: Anambra Network on 2024 WikiForHumanRights in Nigeria

The 2024 WikiForHumanRights campaign opened new knowledge and spaces for more learning in Wikimedia User Group Nigeria/Anambra Network.

Introduction

It all started with Anambra Network collaborating with other six communities in Nigeria making them seven partners in 2024 WFHR in Nigeria. Interestingly, the communities were drawn from all parts of Nigeria representing every region and group that have interest in climate change and environmental sustainability. The communities are: Anambra, Imo, Rivers, Kaduna, Gombe, Osun and Igala/Kogi. The campaign was organized by Bukola James and Kemi Makinde with reviewers, trainers and co-facilitators in all the collaborating communities.

Our story and interest in WFHR

In 2012, a whole local government comprising seven communities was submerged in water. The whole of Anambra North Senatorial Zone was deeply affected that internal displaced persons camps (IDPs) were set up in schools, churches, local government Secretariat, abandoned buildings to shelter the flood victims for months until the water receded. The incident occurred again and again over the years, coupled with other forms of climate change and environmental degradation. Lives were lost, property damaged, farmlands and crops destroyed, churches and schools shut down in the affected communities with hunger driving the whole confusion. Conversely, women and children suffered greatly as pregnant women delivered their babies in the IDP camps with little medical care.

Thus, it was not surprising that Anambra Network joined the 2024 WFHR in Nigeria to participate and contribute to sharing open knowledge in matters that affect them. As the SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities are threatened with SDGs 3, 4, 5, 1 & 2 respectively, it becomes clear that human dignity is affected and needs to be restored with the rights to life and security.

Our activities for the 2024 WFHR

The Anambra Network focused on three Wikimedia projects during the 2024 WFHR in Nigeria. These were: Wikipedia, Wikidata, and Wikivoyage. The facilitations were carried out at the Network level by the President of Anambra Network who is also the Coordinator for the WFHR in Anambra – Dr. Ngozi Perpetua Osuchukwu. The co-facilitator was Bibiana Chioma Okeke. The participants learned the basics of editing Wikipedia, creating and improving Wikidata items, and improving Wikivoyage. The participants also translated articles and items into Igbo.

To have a deep understanding and in-depth knowledge of WFHR, the Anambra Network partnered with Justice Development and Peace and Caritas (JDPC) Onitsha – a Faith-based non-government organisation; Climate Action Africa (CAA) – a non-government organisation and Nigerian Library Association Anambra State Chapter. The activities were held over two physical panel sessions at Kodex Hub Awka and Book Foundations, Awka. There were also two online training.

Spotlight on partners and learning sessions

The CAA was spotlighted and featured in the National online training for information on its activities on climate change. Their Senior Partnership Officer, Precious Kenechukwu, narrated their activities and involvement in managing climate change in Africa.

The JDPC Onitsha was spotlighted at the WFHR physical event of the Anambra Network at Kodex Africa Awka. The program Officers of the organizations – Ohahia Christiana-Edith and Anikpe Chioma Judith were the panellists and talked about their sanitation projects, proper waste enlightenment and other involvements in climate change activities.

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Outputs from 2024 WFHR in Anambra Network

• Our Network admitted over 15 new editors.  
• We reached our targets of Wikipedia articles, Wikidata and Wikivoyage, respectively.
• We translated over 200 articles and items in Wikipedia articles, Wikidata and Wikivoyage.
• Improved knowledge and free learning on climate change.
• Participants learned how to edit and create articles in Wikipedia, Wikidata and Wikivoyage.
• For the first time, Anambra Network worked on Wikivoyage since two years of its inception.
• Anambra Network produced the top contributors throughout the campaign reviews 2024WFH in Nigeria.
• Inclusive participation of women with toddlers

Lessons from the 2024 WFHR

• The collaboration with the other communities created a bond and networking among the leaders.
• The collaboration with the non-government organizations widens our horizon and knowledge.
• All Wikimedia projects can be learned and contributed on easily.
• Every campaign has its unique strategies and tools.
• Human rights transcends to all sectors and to all humans irrespective of location, tribe, status and gender.
• Nursing women are willing to contribute to Wikimedia

Conclusion

Participating in the 2024 WFHR in Nigeria brought wealth of knowledge, learning experiences, collaboration, mutual relationship and respect. It widens our scope of Wikimedia activities and defines our well-being in Wikimedia User Group Nigeria. We appreciate our organizers, trainers and reviewers for their expertise.