School of Law Conference Panel Discussion

The University of Bradford School of Law is delighted to invite you to a panel discussion on the Bayelsa State Oil and Environment Commission's report titled "An Environmental Genocide: The Human and Environmental Cost of Big Oil in Bayelsa, Nigeria".

Date: 27.07.2023

Time: 3:10PM - 4:40PM (UK TIME)

Venue: Online via MS Teams (Link provided in the confirmation email, upon registering) and in person Richmond Small Hall (D52)

About the Report

"An Environmental Genocide: The Human and Environmental Cost of Big Oil in Bayelsa, Nigeria" is the report of the Bayelsa State Oil and Environment Commission's landmark investigation on the true cost of Big Oil in Bayelsa State. It draws on the critical evidence from forensic scientists, oil spill data, and the testimony from communities to showcase the extent of damage and devastation to land, lives and livelihoods.

This panel forms part of the programme of the School of Law flagship Conference on Just Transition and Environmental Justice Principles, Practice and Implementation Strategies for a Post-Oil Future. For further information please visit: https://www.bradford.ac.uk/law/research/school-of-law-university-of-bradford-conference/.

Panelists:

Professor Michael J. Watts, Professor Emeritus, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA

Michael J. Watts is an Emeritus ‘Class of 1963’ Professor of Geography and Director of Development Studies at the University of California, Berkeley. He served as the Director of the Institute of International Studies at Berkeley from 1994-2004. Watts was the Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Social Science Research Council in New York (2010-2015).

Dr Isaac Asume Osuoka, Social Action International

Dr Isaac ‘Asume’ Osuoka coordinates Social Action International, an organisation promoting resource democracy and the human rights and livelihoods of marginalised communities in West and Central Africa. He previously served as Coordinator of Oilwatch Africa, a network supporting communities impacted by the petroleum industry in the continent.

Dr. Anna Zalik Associate Professor, Faculty of Environmental & Urban Change, York University

Dr Anna Zalik is Associate Professor in the Faculty of Environmental & Urban Change at York University. Dr Zalik’s research examines the political economy of oil, gas and other extractive industries, with a focus on the merging of corporate security and social welfare interventions in strategic exporters, particularly Nigeria, Mexico and Canada.

Dr Kathryn Nwajiaku-Dahou, Director of Politics and Governance programme, Overseas Development Institute (ODI) UK

Dr Kathryn Nwajiaku-Dahou is the Director of ODI’s Politics and Governance programme, managing ODI’s team of political economy experts. She has been a widely acknowledged as an expert on politics, peacebuilding, business & human rights in conflict-affected settings and corporate accountability.

Professor Engobo Emeseh, Head of School of Law, University of Bradford

Professor Emeseh has extensive experience in higher education both within and outside the UK. Professor Emeseh has led the development of innovative market relevant degree schemes, portfolio reviews, and diversification of delivery formats to cater to a wide audience, maximise resources, and improve the student learning experience, including external engagement and skills development.