The Nation Newspaper

Tag: NGO

  • NGO faults National Peace Committee

    A non-governmental organi-sation (NGO) Civic Duties Awareness Initiatives (CIDAI) has faulted the Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar-led National Peace Committee’s suggestion that President Muhammadu Buhari should not waste his time fighting corruption alone.

    The Executive Director of the group, Benjamin Oyekunle said that the suggestion could distract the anti-corruption crusade of the Buhari administration.

    He said: “It is in this light that we cannot support the recent call by some elderly, respectable and eminent citizens on the President not to waste his time on fighting corruption alone.

    “It is our informed view that given the resources available at the moment no developmental project or administrative area has suffered neglect under this government.

    “We believe and rightly so that there is no time spent on fighting graft that is not worth it. The President is on the right path. Anti-graft war is needed, it is needed now.

    “For Nigeria to develop, corruption must be eradicated. All hands must be on deck in this just cause”.

    Oyekunle warned Nigerians on the capability of corrupt persons to do everything to stop the anti-corruption, including fighting integrity crusaders.

    “It has been noted that when you fight corruption, corruption fights back. Vigilance is therefore of utmost importance against all reactionary tendencies. The people who have emptied our collective purse are still bent on diverting the national resources to their private pockets. They are ready to spend huge sums to truncate the anti-graft war. They are the ones alleging partiality and selectivity.

    “They can use anybody as their mouthpiece even without the person being aware they are being used for a wrong cause.

    “There are those who would also want to make nonsense of this justifiable cause by attempting to make caricature of it, shouting wolf where none exists.

    “They want to manipulate the process to their favour through mob action and smear campaigns aimed at pulling down public servants who are above board and have been impediments to dipping their hands into the public treasury.

    The group likened the allegations against the Director-General of Industrial Training Fund (ITF) Dr. Juliet Chukkas-Onaeko to such moves by the corrupt to tarnish the image of the just.

    “We view this as a deliberate attempt by mischief makers to rubbish the modest achievements recorded by her since assuming office in 2014.

    “The fund was alleged to be enmeshed in corruption prior to her becoming the DG. There are those who had been feeding fat on the fund who she blocked. Her transparent management of the fund was said to have boosted the confidence  and garnered support from the stakeholders.

    “Mrs Onaeko is a young mother of two and a dutiful wife. Her competences and ability were recently recognised by no other person than President Muhammadu Buhari when he included her in his lean entourage to the United States of America.

    “Some have reasoned that her enviable feat in the course of her duties might have endeared her to the President who might have penned her name down for a higher appointment.

    “They opined that the above reasons could be why some who want her position as DG of ITF or scheming to get a ministerial slot are fighting her for.

    “The allegations against Mrs Onaeko and some others that are already fighting corruption should be dismissed for what they are, concocted and fabricated lies based on hearsay against innocent public officers”.

    While commending the efforts of President Buhari in tackling corruption, the group urged opinion leaders, professionals and the media not to allow themselves to be tools in the hands of evil forces.

     

  • NGO urges EFCC to probe management of defunct Afribank

    NGO urges EFCC to probe management of defunct Afribank

    The Economic Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) has been asked to reopen the case involving the management of the defunct Afribank, it was learnt.

    The Nigerian Transparency Network (NTN), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), petitioned the EFCC on the issue with the aim of ensuring justice for the affected shareholders of the bank.

    According to the group which is calling for the prosecution of the top management of the failed bank, EFCC should revisit the case in line with the present administration’s zero tolerance for corru[tion.

    The group in a press statement signed by its Executive Director, Aliyu Ibrahim, stated that the only way the anti-graft body could assist the shareholders who are already counting their losses is to ensure that those responsible for the collapse of the bank are brought to book in line with the present administration anti- corruption stand.

    The statement reads in part: “We wish to address you gentlemen of the press today as a responsible and responsive civil society organization on behalf of the helpless and seemingly hopeless shareholders of the defunct Afribank Plc whose investment in the shares of the bank has been hanging since the collapse of the bank in 2009 occassioned by alleged financial misappropriation and fraud by the erstwhile executive directors of the said bank.

    “Gentlemen of the press you would recall that sometime in 2009 the economic and financial crimes commission began the prosecution of members of the management staff of the bank over alleged complicity in the issue of financial dealings that led to the collapse of the bank.

    “We also recalled that we have written a letter of petition to the current chairman of EFCC dated 31st of July, 2015 and a copy of it published in an advertorial in the Nigerian Tribune of Monday 3rd August, 2015 requesting for the Chairman of the commission to revisit the matter with a view to properly investigate the matter and begin a fresh prosecution in the general interest of justice and particular interest of the shareholders who are already counting their losses.

    “We therefore use this medium to call on the leadership of EFCC to immediately look into the matter.

    “It is also worthy of note to state that the current administration  under the astute leadership of President Muhammodu Buhari has promised a zero tolerance to corruption, a feat we hope the EFCC will uphold in order to support the objectives of government as it relates to corruption.”

  • NGO issues 14-day ultimatum over Bonga oil spill

    A non-governmental organisation (NGO), Oil Spill Victims Vanguard (OSPIVV), has threatened to shut down all facilities belonging to Shell Nigeria Exploration Production Company (SNEPCO), if it fails to pay within 14 days a fine of $3,600,191,206 to victims of the 2011 Bonga oil spill.

    In a letter by its Executive Director, Harrison Jalla, the NGO stressed that after investigations, the Federal Government, on December 19, 2014 levied $3,600,191,206 on the company, with a 14-day ultimatum to pay the victims in about 350 communities along the Atlantic Ocean’s coastline in Delta and Bayelsa states.

    An oil spill occurred at SNEPCO’s Bonga Oil Field on December 20, 2011, where 40,000 barrels of crude oil spilled into the Atlantic Ocean, following the alleged failure of the company’s equipment when it was loading.

    The letter said the spill covered 185 kilometres along the coast of Ekeremo, Southern Ijaw and Brass local government areas of Bayelsa State and Warri Southwest, Warri North and Burutu local government areas of Delta State.

    It polluted farmlands, vegetation, contaminated environments and forced fishermen out of business.

  • NGO tackles harassment

    A United States-based advocacy group, Dreams Project for Africa (DPA), has declared its readiness to fight sexual assaults on Nigerian campuses.

    The organisation said it would increase advocacy in the country on eradication of all forms of harassment that have derailed academic pursuits of many youths. It said it would embark on awareness campaigns and create platforms to educate students on their rights.

    One of such programme, the group said, will hold on August 29 at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), where hundreds of youths and students would converge to discuss on matters affecting their academic careers.

    The the theme of the event, which is being held in partnership with Junior Chamber International (JCI), is “End of sexual harassment and bribery in Nigerian colleges.”

    It will feature three Nigerian speakers. One of them is Dr Princess Olufemi-Kayode, a criminal justice psychologist and a child protection consultant.

    Others are Lade Adeyemi, a professor of International Business and Negotiation and Fisayo Soyombo, a graduate of Animal Science from the University of Ibadan (UI) and Editor of The Cable, an online news medium.

    Soyombo has vast media experience, which began with The Guardian in 2005. He is also a 2013 recipient of Deutsche Welle/Orange Magazine Global Fellowship for Young Journalists.

    The event seeks to host 50 young mentors, who will be advocates in their various fields. They will train and mentor participants at the event.

     

  • NGO repositions teenagers for better performance

    NO fewer than 500 teenagers were brought together in Asaba, the Delta State capital by Ideals and Realities Youth Empowerment Foundation, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) to address teenagers’ vulnerability to social media in the 21st century.

    The event tagged:   ‘I need to know teenagers Summit’ with the theme: ‘Dare to dream,’ was convened to address the myriad of challenges facing teenagers, said the Executive Director of the NGO, Mr. Austine Okorodudu,

    “Adolescents voices are missing from decision making and policy development because many of them lack the skills. It, therefore, behoves us to be the turning point generation; and that is why this programme is important to us because we need to prepare these young folks for a deserving and rewarding future amidst the devastation often occasioned by their age bracket,” Okorodudu said.

    The Delta State coordinator,  National Orientation Agency (NOA), Sir Isaac Ezechi, challenged the participants to imbibe morals.

    The NOA boss, who decried the high rate of immorality, particularly among teenagers, warned them to be careful as they are at a critical stage, otherwise their dreams of becoming great and responsible citizens may hit the rocks.

    Ezechi said NOA is saddled with reorienting Nigerians to do the right things at the right times. He charged the teenagers to be patriotic and shun negative media exposure and bribery and corruption for a better tomorrow.

    The General Manager of NTA Channel 11, Asaba, Lady Martina Onoh, who spoke on ‘Harnessing talents’ by teenagers admonished the young minds to harness their natural talents. She said God created every individual distinctively, and that those gifts must not be allowed to waste. While she shared her story of rising to the top of her profession, Onoh warned them to do away with carelessness and be committed to their dreams.

    A young entrepreneur and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Zobo Cola Brand, Mr. Stanley Obinwungo, drew the minds of participants from being job seekers to becoming employers of Labour. He said teenagers must start to design their own business ventures and writing of proposals instead of CVs.

    Speaking on the Spirit of Entrepreneurship, Obinwungo promised that their ventures would be supported through professional assistance byhis organisation.

    Other sessions of the event  were on living a life of purpose and sexuality education handled by Pastor Julius Ejedenawe of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Ambassadors Youth Church, Asaba and Mrs Favour Uche Okonkwo, who is the Principal partner of Save the Youth Empowerment Foundation.

    describing her experience after the events, Cherish Okeke, a JSS3 student of St. Brigids Girls Grammar School, Asaba, said she is leaving the event re-fired with her  dreams coming alive.

    “Now, I know all I have upstairs is possible, thanks to the organisers,” she said.

    For Ifeoma Ayaunor a SS2 student of Holywood Int’l School, Asaba, said  the event was an eye opener and a life time experience.

    The event was also laced at intervals with short video clips, documentaries, drama and quiz. The plenary sessions also helped clarify grey areas among participants on talks delivered.

    The event was attended by 17 schools.

     

  • NGO to partner Cross River agency to tackle environmental hazards

    The Nigerian Environmental Society, Cross River Chapter, has expressed its readiness to collaborate with Cross River Basin Development Authority (CRBDA) to tackle environmental hazards in the state.

    Dr Udeme Udofia, the president of the state chapter, made the pledge in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Udofia said the organisation took the decision in its drive to effectively manage environmental related challenges, as part of its objective for sustainable development in the state.

    ‘’We pledge to work with the state basin authority as part of our objectives to foster partnership in areas of environmental management, pollution control and capacity building,’’ he said.

    The president also stressed the need for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) before embarking on any project in the state.

    According to him, such assessment would g a long way to helps in sustaining the environment and the authority’s projects.

    ‘’EIA is just an information gathering exercise carried out by the developer and other bodies.

    ‘’This enables a local planning authority to understand the environmental effects of a project before deciding whether or not it should go ahead.

    ‘’Such consideration will serve as protection and conservation of the environment for sustainable development,’’ Udofia said.

    He said environmental management was everybody’s business; saying that every society or organisation should be proactive in environmental related issues before embark on any project.

    Udofia advocated enlightenment campaign to sensitise the public on environmental sustainability.

    Meanwhile, the president urged Nigerians to contribute their quota in enhancing the environment by clearing drains and planting trees to control erosion.

  • NGO to empower girl-child with ICT

    To make the girl child versatile in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) skills, Women Technology Empowerment Centre (WTEC) is set to mentor pupils from public schools in the state.

    The  two-week programme titled: ‘Geeky Divas-Grooming ICTpreneurs’ which commences on Sunday August 2, will expose 30 pupils to animation programming using scratch raspberry Pi, mobile application development, digital video production, graphics designing using corel draw, 3D designing using sketch-up, robotics programming and excursions to technology companies. They will also participate in leadership activities.

    WTEC is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) dedicated to improving the economic and social empowerment of girls and women via ICTs.

    Mrs Modupe Darabidan, WTEC programme manager, said evidence abound that knowledge of ICT in women is lower than men, thereby depriving the former of the opportunities and chance to network with others.

    She said: “Our objectives are to help girls develop an early interest in computers and other information technology. The two weeks education will be provided with conducive atmosphere. The long term goal is to increase the number of Nigerian women using technology productively for learning, professional and leadership activities.”

    The WTEC’s initiative comprises technology literacy training, technology-based projects, mentoring and work placement. It also engages in research and publishes works examining pivotal issues on African women use of technology, barriers preventing or limiting technology, and strategies for more efficient technology.

  • NGO trains 1,200 drug addicts

    No fewer than 1,200 drug addicts have been rehabilitated in the past nine years  through training in various vocations and skills acquisition by Kaduna-based, Nigas Rehabilitation and Skills Acquisition Centre.

    Founder of the centre, Alhaji Lawal Muduru, made this known in Sokoto while briefing reporters on the activities of the centre.

    According to Muduru, the graduates were part of the nearly 1,600 inmates rehabilitated by the centre during the period under review.

    He said graduates, who were drug addicts were trained in carpentry, blacksmithing, Information Communications Technology (ICT), tie and dye, shoe making, saloon, cosmetics production, sewing and knitting, among others.

    Muduru said the centre had assisted inmates with assorted tools to start up their businesses to facilitate their re-integration into the society. “This is to make them self reliant and reduce the likely stigma  they may face after leaving the centre,” he explained.

    He said the centre is part of his efforts to ensure the health of inmates via use of traditional and Islamic medicines, as well as partner with orthodox medical practitioners, in addition to massive enlightenment campaigns against social ills in schools.

    “The centre has about 240 inmates, including Muslims and Christians. The task of taming the drugs menace is not the responsibility of government alone.

    “NDLEA should be adequately funded, staffed and equipped to make it more efficient, and as such boost the anti-drugs war,” he appealed.

  • Brewery, NGO unveil community water and sanitation projects

    Brewery, NGO unveil community water and sanitation projects

    Guinness Nigeria Plc, a subsidiary of Diageo, has partnered a non governmental organisation (NGO), Concern Universal, to pioneer sustainable method of integrating rural sanitation and hygiene promotion with access to safe water. This novel approach, which strengthens the 10 year-old Diageo Water of Life project, is being implemented by Concern Universal in 10 communities across three local government areas of Cross River State.

    Inadequate access to safe water and sanitation, coupled with poor hygiene practices, are responsible for the spread of deadly, but preventable, diseases such as diarrhoea, cholera, and typhoid.

    In Nigeria, where a quarter of the population defecates in the open, over 150,000 children under the age of five die yearly from diarrhoea alone. Together, improvements in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) are responsible for preventing up to 90 per cent of diarrhoeal diseases.

    Guinness Nigeria Plc Corporate Relations Director,  Sesan Sobowale said: “Guinness Nigeria recognises that millions of people still do not have access to clean and safe water. One in five persons around the world cannot access safe drinking water; and in Nigeria, 63 million people do not have access to clean water. This is why Guinness Nigeria and the Diageo Foundation teamed up with Concern Universal to provide clean water for rural communities in Cross River State. Our partnership leverages our collective strengths to help beneficiary communities improve their water, sanitation, and hygiene, and ultimately, their health.”

    Guinness Nigeria’s partnership with Concern Universal supports the Rural Sanitation and Hygiene Promotion in Nigeria (RUSHPIN) programme by providing access to safe water in villages that have achieved open defecation-free status in Cross River State.

    Committee members are also facilitated to develop their own water management plans, including financing future repairs and conserving water during drier seasons.

    Concern Universal’s Country Director, Tim Kellow, explained how “this approach, which carefully sequences demand-led sanitation and hygiene behaviour change with participatory water management, is creating a model for the WASH sector, in Nigeria and beyond, to ensure that the introduction of water points works in tandem with sanitation and hygiene promotion to prevent killer diseases, such as diarrhoea”.

    Sustainable Development Manager, Guinness Nigeria, Osita Abana, while remarking on the project’s impact in Cross River State said: “During my visit to beneficiary communities, I was inspired to see first hand, the positive impact the Guinness/Concern Universal partnership is already making. Families, who used to fetch water from streams, now have easy access to clean water. Communities have also adopted proper hygiene habits that will limit the spread of preventable diseases like diarrhoea and cholera.”

    Through the partnership’s pilot project, Guinness Nigeria and Concern Universal have helped 6,000 people in 10 communities to access safe drinking water. In addition, 120 community members have been trained in basic borehole maintenance and water resource management.

  • Due Process: NGO praises Akwa Ibom Governor

    A non-govermental  organisation (NGO) in Uyo, Policy Alert has commended the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel,  for appointing a Senior Special Assistant on Technical Matters and Due Process.

    “This is a welcome development, an important first step towards enthroning a culture of due process in governance in the state,”  Tijah Bolton, said.  “For years we have been advocating for a clearly defined policy framework on public procurement and fiscal responsibility in this state. We see the appointment of a Senior Special Assistant to the Governor with clear mandate on Due Process as one of the  early wins of our advocacy on this issue,” he said.

    The organisation urged the state government to take the next important step towards promoting a culture of due process in the state by initiating an executive bill on public procurement and ensuring independence for the unit.

    It said due process is a culture, it is an ecosystem, and it requires other important elements to work, adding that one of these is a procurement law regime which would help the administration to achieve its set goals by institutionalising best practices in price intelligence and public procurement” he added.

    “The share of states and local governments in public expenditure currently stands at around 52 percent of total federal collectable allocation. This tells us that states have more work to do in terms of reforms. So due process at this level is really crucial especially at this time when state governments need to plug expenditure leakages in the context of declining overall revenue flows.

    “All public procurement systems are known as one of the biggest drivers of public sector corruption. Therefore by expanding the remit of the Bureau of Technical Matters to cover due process issues, the governor has given an early signal that his administration will be reform oriented. As civil society, we have reason to be hopeful that in the shortest possible time our advocacy on procurement reforms will yield further results,” he added.