{"type": "project", "title": "Simon and Adaeze (ReFi Lagos)", "logoImg": "bafkreia2grqp7o7wkikgihhriubimqspqgisqw7o72ne6h2d37hnqe237y", "website": "https://osisi.earth", "bannerImg": "bafkreifgvurgbw7sdv6a5h6hmsfzxgb4tvfzrsoknxshvgja7lmhqxvrza", "createdAt": 1729701108641, "credentials": {"twitter": {"type": ["VerifiableCredential"], "proof": {"jws": "eyJhbGciOiJFZERTQSIsImNyaXQiOlsiYjY0Il0sImI2NCI6ZmFsc2V9..CbjMPzvPVaT80gH53ac9PetIaXEZuxBa9nsovojbbrQ39dSxJk27URLZJLyWsvRYBery1ECi9wIpvnOAZuiTCA", "type": "Ed25519Signature2018", "created": "2024-10-23T16:26:17.749Z", "proofPurpose": "assertionMethod", "verificationMethod": "did:key:z6MkghvGHLobLEdj1bgRLhS4LPGJAvbMA1tn2zcRyqmYU5LC#z6MkghvGHLobLEdj1bgRLhS4LPGJAvbMA1tn2zcRyqmYU5LC"}, "issuer": "did:key:z6MkghvGHLobLEdj1bgRLhS4LPGJAvbMA1tn2zcRyqmYU5LC", "@context": ["https://www.w3.org/2018/credentials/v1"], "issuanceDate": "2024-10-23T16:26:17.749Z", "expirationDate": "2025-01-21T16:26:17.749Z", "credentialSubject": {"id": "did:pkh:eip155:1:0xC117d2f70BE4A766e7F3e055547E7C5403D447BC", "hash": "v0.0.0:UIY1PPzDE3cB5yIbMAE2DjAxciavmDWt3qYDCyKSRe0=", "@context": [{"hash": "https://schema.org/Text", "provider": "https://schema.org/Text"}], "provider": "ClearTextTwitter#ezeugosimon"}}}, "description": "**About Us** \n**Simon Eze** is a ReFi DAO contributor and the founder of ReFi Lagos. He explores the intersection of climate, Web3, and ReFi in Africa. He has over a decade of experience in agribusiness and solar equipment distribution in the frontier market.  Simon is an alumni of the Climate Leadership Fellowship (CLF), the Tsinghua University IEDE Program, and ReFi Talents by  Frankfurt School Blockchain Centre in partnership with ECOTA and Climate Collective. **Simon is combating deforestation by developing Project Osisi, a platform rewarding farmers and nature lovers to nurse and trade tree seedlings**\n\n**Adaeze Okafor** is a dedicated soil scientist passionate about sustainability and innovative climate solutions. She leads AfriLearn, where she trains and onboards a new generation of climate-smart ambassadors who are passionate about sustainability across Africa. **Her work blends research, education, and hands-on climate action.** Adaeze is also the co-founder of ReFiLagos, alumni of SheFi Cohort 10, and ReFi Talents. Adaeze aims to create a meaningful impact in local and global communities\n\n**Project Overview** \n**[ReFi Lagos](https://x.com/ReFiLagos01)** is a grassroot initiative and regenerative hub combating deforestation and climate change in Nigeria. By organizing tree-planting events and raising climate change awareness, we aim to restore ecosystems, support biodiversity, and empower farmers. **ReFi Lagos is supported by ReFi DAO, Gitcoin,  Celo Public Goods, and Silvi Protocol**\n**Why Does It Matter?**\nDeforestation in Nigeria, mostly driven by logging, urbanization, and agriculture, has led to the [loss of 96% of Nigeria\u2019s primary forest](https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/09/deforestation-nigeria-has-lost-96-of-its-forest-ncf/). This has exacerbated climate change impacts, including biodiversity loss and [severe coastal erosion in the Niger Delta region](https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2022/6/1/in-oil-rich-niger-delta-coastal-erosion-is-outliving-residents) and other coastal communities.\n![Deforestation in Nigeria](https://i.ibb.co/yRPM3DG/Gitcoin.png) \n\nAddressing this issue is crucial for environmental sustainability and community well-being, and we are passionate about solving this problem. \n\n**Our Solution:** \n**Scaling Tree Planting With [Project Osisi](http://osisi.earth/)**\nOsisi (or tree) is a platform empowering local farmers to nurse and trade seedlings for tree-planting projects in Africa. We\u2019ve set up a 1040-square-meter pilot tree garden in Badagry where we are currently collecting and nursing coconut seedlings. We\u2019ve also [installed water access](https://youtu.be/rTLRypDf9s4), funded by [Gitcoin Grant 21\u2014 Climate Coordination Network](https://climatecoordination.org/datatabase/climate-round-portal/climate-round-results-gg21)  \n**Why Badagry?** \nBadagry is a coastal community and border town famous for nursing and growing coconuts using indigenous farming methods. With the global coconut products market expected to reach $38.58 billion by 2030, fuelled by  popularity in food and cosmetics industries, Lagos State government is  encouraging the [establishment  of more  seed farms to boost production for local consumption and for export](https://thenationonlineng.net/lagos-eyes-38-58b-coconut-market-with-increased-production/). Badagry is also home to the largest coconut market in Nigeria, [supplying coconut across Nigeria](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXX9TbUe28c), **a market of over 230 million people.** \n![Jegeme Island](https://i.ibb.co/cL7vtj5/Whats-App-Image-2024-10-23-at-14-20-04-7b0d0b3e.jpg) \n\nWith its strategic location and proximity to the border, the pilot garden will serve as both a nursing home and a collection point for tree seedlings from other West African nations.  We are currently nursing 100 coconut tree seedlings and aim to collect and nurse over 10,000 tree seedlings during the pilot phase. Our garden also grows bananas, palm trees, and vegetables\u2014 Nigerian pumpkin leaves (Telfairia occidentalis).   Check out the [timeline and images of Project Osisi](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1X6_lOVv9FuXELViUp9S4Btg7A_7E1zWI-K6hzcXFZ54/edit?tab=t.0) \n![tree nursing](https://i.ibb.co/GPC6sgX/coconut.jpg) \n\n**Scaling Climate Education With [Project Afrilearn](https://x.com/Afrilearn1)**\n *Onboarding Climate-Smart  Ambassadors* \n![Onboarding](https://i.ibb.co/JHTq7V5/onboading.jpg) \nWe believe global climate change requires decentralized climate solutions. At [AfriLearn](https://x.com/Afrilearn1), we're nurturing a new generation of [climate-smart ambassadors](https://x.com/Afrilearn1/status/1829152906622447714) and nature lovers passionate about sustainability. Young climate leaders will take on pivotal roles within their communities, fostering climate change awareness and actions in Africa. Our inaugural cohort successfully onboarded and trained 60 participants across Africa. Participants, mostly youth, will engage in tree-planting efforts in local communities\u2014schools, villages, churches, etc\n![certificate](https://i.ibb.co/nBDNbbq/cert-2.jpg) \n\n**Previous Projects** \n*Project Ol\u00f3kun:* coastal erosion awareness and tree planting event at Mopo Akinlade community, Ajah, Lagos State. This event was supported by Silvi Protocol, ReFi DAO, and CeloPG (gitcoin grant 19).  [Check out the Twitter (X) thread](https://x.com/ReFiLagos01/status/1773343168278183995?s=20)\n*Project Omole:* a climate change awareness and tree planting event at Omole Junior/Senior Grammar School, Ikeja, Lagos State. This event was supported by CeloPG and gitcoin grant 21-Climate Coordination Network (CCN). [check out the video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSgIWhB4TDA) and [Twitter (X) threa](https://x.com/ReFiLagos01/status/1806721313458843865)\n*Project Ikole:*  community cleanup and climate awareness campaign at Ikole-Ekiti State. This event was led by 10 young ambassadors.  [Here\u2019s the Twitter(x) thread of the event](https://tinyurl.com/Ikole-Community-cleanup) \n\n*Project Ikole 2:* climate awareness at Ikole, Ekiti State, conducted across three different community schools and led by climate ambassadors. This initiative was supported by the gitcoin grant 21-Climate Coordination Network (CCN).  [Here\u2019s the Twitter (X) thread of the event](https://tinyurl.com/Outreach-Ikole-community) \n![Tree Planting](https://i.ibb.co/Bs8Pw2R/action.jpg) \n\n\n**Impact Metrics** \n*Promoting carbon removal:* planted  over **200 native trees** in rural communities and schools \n*Rural economy:* empowering indigenous farmers to grow seedlings, we are currently **nursing 100 seedlings** for climate projects \n*Promoting ReFi in Africa:* onboarded and **trained 60 ambassadors** on climate /  Web3 Skill \n*Leadership skill:* empowering ambassadors to independently lead climate projects in their local villages \n*Climate education:* impacted **over 4000 students and youth** on climate awareness & action.\n*Collaborative spaces:* hosted 10 virtual and in-real-life community events with **over 5000 attendees.** \n\n**Media blogs:** Here are some engaging climate/Web3 educational contents, with over 1,000 ReFi/Web3  subscribers. \n*[Combating plastic waste in Nigeria](https://blog.refidao.com/combating-plastic-waste-in-nigeria-exploring-challenges-and-opportunities-with-web3-2/)*\n*[Unlocking Africa\u2019s Agricultural Real Estate With Web3](https://blog.refidao.com/web3-and-regenerative-finance-unlocking-africas-agricultural-potential/)*\n*[Regenerating The Sahel Region](https://blog.refidao.com/regenerating-the-sahel-healing-the-soil/)*\n*[Scaling Natural Capital With ReFi](https://blog.refidao.com/refi-roundup-50/)*\n\n**Challenges**\n*Lack of climate change awareness, particularly in rural and underserved communities, with low climate advocacy. [As of 2020, more than six Nigerians out of 10 never heard about climate change](https://www.statista.com/statistics/1269701/knowledge-of-climate-change-topic-in-nigeria-by-area/)*\n*Environmental conservation can be difficult, especially in rural communities that rely on firewood and charcoal to cook their everyday meals*\n*Navigating the complexities of Climate science and  Web3 concept could be challenging for rural communities*\n\n**Opportunities**\nClimate is a multitrillion-dollar opportunity. The global carbon market is estimated at $272 billion, with a 20% annual growth rate. The voluntary carbon market is anticipated to be worth more than $1 billion, growing at 50% annually. [The global impact investing market is estimated at $1.164 trillion](https://www.impactinvest.org.uk/learning-hub/the-impact-investing-market/) \nExpanding our impact by onboarding more farmers, environmentalists, and nature lovers to learn about Web3 and ReFi could increase financial opportunities and scale nature-based solutions in Africa\n\n**Support Our Project**\nWallet address: 0xC117d2f70BE4A766e7F3e055547E7C5403D447BC\n\n**Uses of Fund**\n*To source  and nurse 5,000 native coconut tree seedlings*\n*Organize climate-smart ambassador program Cohort-2*\n\n**Join Our Community** \n[Join ReFi Lagos telegram group](https://t.me/+zGhwit24SUNkZWJh) to collaborate and share ideas \n\n\n", "logoImgData": {}, "bannerImgData": {}, "projectTwitter": "ezeugosimon"}
Simon and Adaeze (ReFi Lagos)
**About Us** 
**Simon Eze** is a ReFi DAO contributor and the founder of ReFi Lagos. He explores the intersection of climate, Web3, and ReFi in Africa. He has over a decade of experience in agribusiness and solar equipment distribution in the frontier market.  Simon is an alumni of the Climate Leadership Fellowship (CLF), the Tsinghua University IEDE Program, and ReFi Talents by  Frankfurt School Blockchain Centre in partnership with ECOTA and Climate Collective. **Simon is combating deforestation by developing Project Osisi, a platform rewarding farmers and nature lovers to nurse and trade tree seedlings**

**Adaeze Okafor** is a dedicated soil scientist passionate about sustainability and innovative climate solutions. She leads AfriLearn, where she trains and onboards a new generation of climate-smart ambassadors who are passionate about sustainability across Africa. **Her work blends research, education, and hands-on climate action.** Adaeze is also the co-founder of ReFiLagos, alumni of SheFi Cohort 10, and ReFi Talents. Adaeze aims to create a meaningful impact in local and global communities

**Project Overview** 
**[ReFi Lagos](https://x.com/ReFiLagos01)** is a grassroot initiative and regenerative hub combating deforestation and climate change in Nigeria. By organizing tree-planting events and raising climate change awareness, we aim to restore ecosystems, support biodiversity, and empower farmers. **ReFi Lagos is supported by ReFi DAO, Gitcoin,  Celo Public Goods, and Silvi Protocol**
**Why Does It Matter?**
Deforestation in Nigeria, mostly driven by logging, urbanization, and agriculture, has led to the [loss of 96% of Nigeria’s primary forest](https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/09/deforestation-nigeria-has-lost-96-of-its-forest-ncf/). This has exacerbated climate change impacts, including biodiversity loss and [severe coastal erosion in the Niger Delta region](https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2022/6/1/in-oil-rich-niger-delta-coastal-erosion-is-outliving-residents) and other coastal communities.
![Deforestation in Nigeria](https://i.ibb.co/yRPM3DG/Gitcoin.png) 

Addressing this issue is crucial for environmental sustainability and community well-being, and we are passionate about solving this problem. 

**Our Solution:** 
**Scaling Tree Planting With [Project Osisi](http://osisi.earth/)**
Osisi (or tree) is a platform empowering local farmers to nurse and trade seedlings for tree-planting projects in Africa. We’ve set up a 1040-square-meter pilot tree garden in Badagry where we are currently collecting and nursing coconut seedlings. We’ve also [installed water access](https://youtu.be/rTLRypDf9s4), funded by [Gitcoin Grant 21— Climate Coordination Network](https://climatecoordination.org/datatabase/climate-round-portal/climate-round-results-gg21)  
**Why Badagry?** 
Badagry is a coastal community and border town famous for nursing and growing coconuts using indigenous farming methods. With the global coconut products market expected to reach $38.58 billion by 2030, fuelled by  popularity in food and cosmetics industries, Lagos State government is  encouraging the [establishment  of more  seed farms to boost production for local consumption and for export](https://thenationonlineng.net/lagos-eyes-38-58b-coconut-market-with-increased-production/). Badagry is also home to the largest coconut market in Nigeria, [supplying coconut across Nigeria](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXX9TbUe28c), **a market of over 230 million people.** 
![Jegeme Island](https://i.ibb.co/cL7vtj5/Whats-App-Image-2024-10-23-at-14-20-04-7b0d0b3e.jpg) 

With its strategic location and proximity to the border, the pilot garden will serve as both a nursing home and a collection point for tree seedlings from other West African nations.  We are currently nursing 100 coconut tree seedlings and aim to collect and nurse over 10,000 tree seedlings during the pilot phase. Our garden also grows bananas, palm trees, and vegetables— Nigerian pumpkin leaves (Telfairia occidentalis).   Check out the [timeline and images of Project Osisi](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1X6_lOVv9FuXELViUp9S4Btg7A_7E1zWI-K6hzcXFZ54/edit?tab=t.0) 
![tree nursing](https://i.ibb.co/GPC6sgX/coconut.jpg) 

**Scaling Climate Education With [Project Afrilearn](https://x.com/Afrilearn1)**
 *Onboarding Climate-Smart  Ambassadors* 
![Onboarding](https://i.ibb.co/JHTq7V5/onboading.jpg) 
We believe global climate change requires decentralized climate solutions. At [AfriLearn](https://x.com/Afrilearn1), we're nurturing a new generation of [climate-smart ambassadors](https://x.com/Afrilearn1/status/1829152906622447714) and nature lovers passionate about sustainability. Young climate leaders will take on pivotal roles within their communities, fostering climate change awareness and actions in Africa. Our inaugural cohort successfully onboarded and trained 60 participants across Africa. Participants, mostly youth, will engage in tree-planting efforts in local communities—schools, villages, churches, etc
![certificate](https://i.ibb.co/nBDNbbq/cert-2.jpg) 

**Previous Projects** 
*Project Olókun:* coastal erosion awareness and tree planting event at Mopo Akinlade community, Ajah, Lagos State. This event was supported by Silvi Protocol, ReFi DAO, and CeloPG (gitcoin grant 19).  [Check out the Twitter (X) thread](https://x.com/ReFiLagos01/status/1773343168278183995?s=20)
*Project Omole:* a climate change awareness and tree planting event at Omole Junior/Senior Grammar School, Ikeja, Lagos State. This event was supported by CeloPG and gitcoin grant 21-Climate Coordination Network (CCN). [check out the video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSgIWhB4TDA) and [Twitter (X) threa](https://x.com/ReFiLagos01/status/1806721313458843865)
*Project Ikole:*  community cleanup and climate awareness campaign at Ikole-Ekiti State. This event was led by 10 young ambassadors.  [Here’s the Twitter(x) thread of the event](https://tinyurl.com/Ikole-Community-cleanup) 

*Project Ikole 2:* climate awareness at Ikole, Ekiti State, conducted across three different community schools and led by climate ambassadors. This initiative was supported by the gitcoin grant 21-Climate Coordination Network (CCN).  [Here’s the Twitter (X) thread of the event](https://tinyurl.com/Outreach-Ikole-community) 
![Tree Planting](https://i.ibb.co/Bs8Pw2R/action.jpg) 


**Impact Metrics** 
*Promoting carbon removal:* planted  over **200 native trees** in rural communities and schools 
*Rural economy:* empowering indigenous farmers to grow seedlings, we are currently **nursing 100 seedlings** for climate projects 
*Promoting ReFi in Africa:* onboarded and **trained 60 ambassadors** on climate /  Web3 Skill 
*Leadership skill:* empowering ambassadors to independently lead climate projects in their local villages 
*Climate education:* impacted **over 4000 students and youth** on climate awareness & action.
*Collaborative spaces:* hosted 10 virtual and in-real-life community events with **over 5000 attendees.** 

**Media blogs:** Here are some engaging climate/Web3 educational contents, with over 1,000 ReFi/Web3  subscribers. 
*[Combating plastic waste in Nigeria](https://blog.refidao.com/combating-plastic-waste-in-nigeria-exploring-challenges-and-opportunities-with-web3-2/)*
*[Unlocking Africa’s Agricultural Real Estate With Web3](https://blog.refidao.com/web3-and-regenerative-finance-unlocking-africas-agricultural-potential/)*
*[Regenerating The Sahel Region](https://blog.refidao.com/regenerating-the-sahel-healing-the-soil/)*
*[Scaling Natural Capital With ReFi](https://blog.refidao.com/refi-roundup-50/)*

**Challenges**
*Lack of climate change awareness, particularly in rural and underserved communities, with low climate advocacy. [As of 2020, more than six Nigerians out of 10 never heard about climate change](https://www.statista.com/statistics/1269701/knowledge-of-climate-change-topic-in-nigeria-by-area/)*
*Environmental conservation can be difficult, especially in rural communities that rely on firewood and charcoal to cook their everyday meals*
*Navigating the complexities of Climate science and  Web3 concept could be challenging for rural communities*

**Opportunities**
Climate is a multitrillion-dollar opportunity. The global carbon market is estimated at $272 billion, with a 20% annual growth rate. The voluntary carbon market is anticipated to be worth more than $1 billion, growing at 50% annually. [The global impact investing market is estimated at $1.164 trillion](https://www.impactinvest.org.uk/learning-hub/the-impact-investing-market/) 
Expanding our impact by onboarding more farmers, environmentalists, and nature lovers to learn about Web3 and ReFi could increase financial opportunities and scale nature-based solutions in Africa

**Support Our Project**
Wallet address: 0xC117d2f70BE4A766e7F3e055547E7C5403D447BC

**Uses of Fund**
*To source  and nurse 5,000 native coconut tree seedlings*
*Organize climate-smart ambassador program Cohort-2*

**Join Our Community** 
[Join ReFi Lagos telegram group](https://t.me/+zGhwit24SUNkZWJh) to collaborate and share ideas 



Simon and Adaeze (ReFi Lagos)