Shantytown Empowerment Foundation

Shantytown Empowerment Foundation ShHEF works to empower the marginalized/deprived communities on social and economic transformation

SHEF, together with the Nigeria Federation as the SDI Nigeria affiliate, had the privilege of participating as panelists...
16/07/2026

SHEF, together with the Nigeria Federation as the SDI Nigeria affiliate, had the privilege of participating as panelists at the Roundtable Discussion on "Housing Africans in the Informal Sector" during the 20th Anniversary of the Africa International Housing Show (AIHS) in Abuja.
The discussion, themed "Housing Solutions for Low-Income and Informal Workers in Africa," brought together policymakers, housing professionals, development partners, and community representatives to explore practical pathways toward inclusive and affordable housing.
During the session, we emphasized that sustainable housing solutions must be built on meaningful community participation, secure land tenure, access to basic services, and partnerships that recognize the knowledge and contributions of residents of informal settlements.
We appreciate the organizers for creating this important platform and look forward to continued collaboration in advancing housing policies and investments that leave no one behind.

"Unity remains our strength, and our data remains our power."SHEF and the Federation Leaders as SDI Nigeria affiliate he...
24/06/2026

"Unity remains our strength, and our data remains our power."

SHEF and the Federation Leaders as SDI Nigeria affiliate held a meeting with the ACRC CK Director and SDI global Network Director for a productive dialogue on the future of community-led development in Nigeria.

The meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on federation growth, lessons from past experiences, access to community data, climate resilience opportunities, housing and sanitation challenges, and strategies for strengthening collaboration between the federation and supporting organization.

Participants emphasized the need for continued community mobilization, stronger partnerships, knowledge exchange, and collective action to improve the lives of residents in informal settlements.

We remain committed to supporting organized communities to lead change, influence decision-making, and build more inclusive and resilient cities.

Strengthening Community Leadership Through Co-Learning and PartnershipOn 12 June 2026, SHEF and the Federation held a pr...
22/06/2026

Strengthening Community Leadership Through Co-Learning and Partnership

On 12 June 2026, SHEF and the Federation held a productive engagement session with ACRC CEO Diana and Dr. Temilade ACRC city manager to reflect on the progress of community-led development initiatives, savings group strengthening, and future collaboration.
The discussion highlighted the Federation's key strengths, including unity of purpose, knowledge sharing, community mobilization, and capacity building. Members shared experiences from savings activities, community organizing efforts, data collection, and partnerships that continue to support grassroots development across Lagos communities.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to explore ways of strengthening outreach and mobilization, improving community-led data systems, enhancing documentation and accountability, and identifying practical approaches for scaling successful community initiatives.
Participants reaffirmed the importance of collaboration, transparency, and collective action in addressing community priorities and advancing inclusive urban development.
We appreciate ACRC's continued support and commitment to learning alongside communities as we work together to build stronger, more resilient settlements.
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The ACRC Chief Executive Officer in the person of Professor Diana and Irene visited Okerube Community in Lagos as part o...
17/06/2026

The ACRC Chief Executive Officer in the person of Professor Diana and Irene visited Okerube Community in Lagos as part of their engagement with local stakeholders and ongoing action research project.
The visit provided an opportunity to meet with community members, reflect on key learnings emerging from the ongoing action research process, and discuss progress made to date. Community representatives shared insights on community-led organising, women’s participation, engagement with government institutions, and the collective efforts being undertaken to advance locally identified priorities.
The delegation also visited the proposed WASH projects land site and received updates on the progress made towards securing and acquiring the land for the planned WASH infrastructure. Discussions focused on the steps taken so far, stakeholder engagement efforts, and the importance of community ownership in driving sustainable development outcomes.
The visit reinforced the importance of community leadership, collaboration with government institutions, and partnerships that place residents at the centre of urban development. Community members reaffirmed their commitment to working collectively towards improved services and a more resilient future for Okerube.
SHEF remain committed to supporting community-driven approaches that strengthen local leadership, promote inclusive decision-making, and contribute to sustainable urban development.

SHEF and the Nigeria Federation as SDI Nigeria affiliate participated in the ACRC Cross-Project Learning Workshop held i...
12/06/2026

SHEF and the Nigeria Federation as SDI Nigeria affiliate participated in the ACRC Cross-Project Learning Workshop held in Lagos, bringing together project teams, researchers, community knowledge researchers, and uptake officers from across the ACRC network.
The workshop provided an opportunity to reflect on project experiences, share lessons from different cities, and explore practical approaches for strengthening research uptake, community engagement, policy influence, and systems change.
SHEF shared experiences from its community-led work in informal settlements, including the Okerube WASH Action Research Project, highlighting the importance of community governance structures, collaborative partnerships, and sustained engagement with government institutions in improving access to essential services.
The discussions reinforced the value of cross-city learning and collective reflection in advancing inclusive urban development and ensuring that research contributes to meaningful change for residents of informal settlements.
We appreciate ACRC and all participating teams for creating a valuable space for learning, exchange, and collaboration.

Day 3 of the Global Zero Waste Forum in Istanbul, Türkiye! 🇹🇷🌍It has been an intense, inspiring three days for our SDI d...
08/06/2026

Day 3 of the Global Zero Waste Forum in Istanbul, Türkiye! 🇹🇷🌍
It has been an intense, inspiring three days for our SDI delegation representing Benin, Brazil, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Togo, the Philippines, Uganda, and the Secretariat. As the forum concluded, our final sessions drove home a powerful message: zero waste is the ultimate bridge to effective climate action.
💼 **From Dialogue to Action:** Our delegation leaves Istanbul with newly forged partnerships, fresh technical insights into circular economy models, and a unified strategy. We are fully prepared to take these global insights back to our informal settlement communities, transforming high-level policies into grassroots realities.
🌱 As the network looks ahead on the road to COP31 in Antalya, we stand ready to show the world that local, community-led initiatives are the backbone of global urban resilience.
Thank you to everyone who engaged with us over the last three days! 🤝✨
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Day 2 at the Global Zero Waste Forum in Istanbul, Türkiye! 🌍The SDI delegation—with representatives from Benin, Brazil, ...
06/06/2026

Day 2 at the Global Zero Waste Forum in Istanbul, Türkiye! 🌍
The SDI delegation—with representatives from Benin, Brazil, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Togo, the Philippines, Uganda, and the Secretariat—has been fully immersed in the forum's high-level panels and technical sessions. Our focus remains sharp: championing Zero Waste as Climate Action and exploring new partnerships to scale up initiatives across our network.
From the Forum to the Grassroots: We commenced the day with an early morning intensive delegation debrief right here at the venue. Representatives from all 9 countries came together to unpack the day’s policy discussions, mapping global climate rhetoric directly onto the practical realities faced by our urban poor federations back home.
We are turning these global insights into a unified, actionable roadmap for the network!

🌍 *Global Zero Waste Forum* _Istanbul, Türkiye | 5–7 June 2026_The SDI delegation meeting on the sidelines of the *Globa...
05/06/2026

🌍 *Global Zero Waste Forum* _Istanbul, Türkiye | 5–7 June 2026_

The SDI delegation meeting on the sidelines of the *Global Zero Waste Forum* in Istanbul, Türkiye. 🇹🇷

🗑️We are championing the theme _Zero Waste as Climate Action_

💡 The next three days promises to be an opportunity for learning exchanges and to build new partnerships as we explore opportunities to scale up waste management initiatives across the network.

The SDI delegation includes representation from *Benin, Brazil, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Togo, the Philippines, Uganda and the SDI Secretariat.*

05/06/2026

🌍 *Global Zero Waste Forum* _Istanbul, Türkiye | 5–7 June 2026_

The SDI delegation meeting on the sidelines of the *Global Zero Waste Forum* in Istanbul, Türkiye. 🇹🇷

🗑️We are championing the theme _Zero Waste as Climate Action_

💡 The next three days promises to be an opportunity for learning exchanges and to build new partnerships as we explore opportunities to scale up waste management initiatives across the network.

The SDI delegation includes representation from *Benin, Brazil, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Togo, the Philippines, Uganda and the SDI Secretariat.*

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