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Tag: NGO

  • NGO set to create 50,000 jobs for youths, others in Ekiti

    A NON-Governmental-Organisation (NGO), under the aegis of the Bridgewaters, yesterday expressed its readiness to create jobs for over 50,000 youths in Ekiti State and Ekiti indigenes in Lagos.

    The organisation said  it has perfected technological projects that guarantee job creation in a bid to reduce unemployment rate.

    Speaking with reporters in Ado-Ekiti, Bridgewaters Chief Executive Officer Mr. Segun Oke said the plan to automate Ekiti with broad-based digital empowerment was borne out of his desire to contribute his quota to the task of eradicating poverty.

    Oke said the NGO is seeking to partner the state government to make the projects a reality.

    He added that efforts were being made to get the endorsement of the government to kick-start the project.

    Oke, who is an ICT expert and chartered accountant, said the NGO would  equip about 10,000 youths in digital skills, artificial intelligence, robotics, programming, motion animation, cyber security and project management.

    He added that Bridgewaters would train 7,000 elderly residents in better use of gadgets and the internet. About 20,000 children will also be trained in programming robotics, motion animation and other digital skills and establishment of 1000 starts-up businesses in Ekiti in the next five years.

    Others include transforming jobseekers to job creators with 20,000 jobs as well as assisting 5,000 youths to get gainful employment in the innovation and technology ecosystem within and outside the country to spur the generation of  N15 billion revenue from these startups and  automated 100 public service/social activities within Ekiti to upscale productivity.

     

  • NGO calls for prosecution of electoral offenders

    A civil society organisation, the Youth Initiative for Advocacy, Growth and Advancement (YIAGA Africa), has called for the prosecution of perpetrators violence during the supplementary elections.

    It said the non-compliance with electoral guidelines, intimidation of voters and observers, violence and voter suppression in some states impeded on the integrity of the exercise.

    In a statement by YIAGA Africa’s Watching the Vote (WTV) Working Group Chair Dr. Hussaini Abdu and Executive Director Samson Itodo, the group said it deployed 264 observers to 311 polling units in the 98 Local Government Areas (LGA) where supplementary elections were held.

    It also sent 95 observers to 95 LGA results collation centres in the five states, namely Bauchi Benue, Kano, Plateau and Sokoto.

    YIAGA Africa questioned the credibility of some results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in polling units and LGA collation centres where observers and voters were allegedly chased away by thugs and police officers.

    It said: “The level of impunity observed in the supplementary elections is an indication of democratic recession in Nigeria. Political thugs unleashed violence and terror on unarmed voters, INEC officials and citizens without any form of restraint or reprimand from security agencies deployed for the elections…

    “Nigeria cannot continue to condone this brazen disregard for law and order by political actors. As a country determined to make progress, electoral impunity must be checkmated else it will imperil our 20 year old democracy.”

    Calling for the prosecution of offenders, the group said: “Several electoral offences were observed and reported by WTV observers and other domestic and international observer groups.

    “We urge INEC and Nigerian police to properly investigate cases of infractions and ensure diligent prosecution of electoral offenders.

    “INEC and the police should extend the investigation to reports of complicity and collusion of its staff to compromise to the process.”

    Read also: FMDQ to banks: hedge dollar-based loans

    YIAGA Africa praised INEC for “improved management of election logistics and timely deployment for the elections”.

    “We urge INEC to make concerted efforts to vacate the substituting court order restraining it from concluding the elections in Adamawa and Bauchi states.

    “YIAGA Africa calls on all stakeholders to reclaim our democracy by demanding accountability against all state and non-actors whose act undermined the electoral process,” the group said.

     

  • NGO calls for prosecution of electoral offenders

    Ccivil society organisation, the Youth Initiative for Advocacy, Growth and Advancement (YIAGA Africa), has called for the prosecution of perpetrators violence during the supplementary elections.

    It said the non-compliance with electoral guidelines, intimidation of voters and observers, violence and voter suppression in some states impeded on the integrity of the exercise.

    In a statement by YIAGA Africa’s Watching the Vote (WTV) Working Group Chair Dr. Hussaini Abdu and Executive Director Samson Itodo, the group said it deployed 264 observers to 311 polling units in the 98 Local Government Areas (LGA) where supplementary elections were held.

    It also sent 95 observers to 95 LGA results collation centres in the five states, namely Bauchi Benue, Kano, Plateau and Sokoto.

    YIAGA Africa questioned the credibility of some results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in polling units and LGA collation centres where observers and voters were allegedly chased away by thugs and police officers.

    It said: “The level of impunity observed in the supplementary elections is an indication of democratic recession in Nigeria. Political thugs unleashed violence and terror on unarmed voters, INEC officials and citizens without any form of restraint or reprimand from security agencies deployed for the elections…

    “Nigeria cannot continue to condone this brazen disregard for law and order by political actors. As a country determined to make progress, electoral impunity must be checkmated else it will imperil our 20 year old democracy.”

    Calling for the prosecution of offenders, the group said: “Several electoral offences were observed and reported by WTV observers and other domestic and international observer groups.

    “We urge INEC and Nigerian police to properly investigate cases of infractions and ensure diligent prosecution of electoral offenders.

    “INEC and the police should extend the investigation to reports of complicity and collusion of its staff to compromise to the process.”

    YIAGA Africa praised INEC for “improved management of election logistics and timely deployment for the elections”.

    “We urge INEC to make concerted efforts to vacate the substituting court order restraining it from concluding the elections in Adamawa and Bauchi states.

    “YIAGA Africa calls on all stakeholders to reclaim our democracy by demanding accountability against all state and non-actors whose act undermined the electoral process,” the group said.

  • NGO holds concert for orphanages

    An event company for both corporate and social events, M-ONE, has held a musical concert targeted at raising funds for the less privileged.

    The concert featured known and upcoming artiste, including singers, dancer, and comedian.

    According to M-ONE founder, Moradaun Dada, the gesture is to give back to the society and to help those in needs.

    “With the theme of this concert, live, love and laugh, we aim to thank God for the gift of life, knowing that some people are dead. We also aim to emphasise the need to show love to others, especially the underprivileged ones. As a privileged person, you must show love to those in need regardless of who you are.”

    She noted that the concert was also aimed at reaching out to people who are going through challenges, especially those with disability.

    Read also: NGO calls for prosecution of electoral offenders

    “This concert is to show love to people who have challenges, especially those with disability. M-ONE went to Modupe Cole Memorial Childcare and Treatment Home and we saw some of the children, especially the younger ones going to a lot of challenges, which touched our heart. We have also been to Star Right Centre and we have donated items at both Homes. It was a vision God gave me to reach out to people who have disability.”

    “Our aim is to reach out to people and we want the society to know that there are people out there, who they can look out for, reach out to, support and show love to them in all the ways they can.

    “We are doing fund raising tonight for the Homes; we have donated some items to them before and tonight we will donate more. We are doing all of these to support these Homes and we hope to do more,” she said.

  • NGO expresses concern over rising cases of drug abuse

    Girls and Youth Re-integration Network (GYRIN) an NGO, has expressed concern over the rising cases of drug abuse in the country.

    Miss Kehinde Awojola, the Founder of GYRIN, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday, in Abuja, that the NGO was receiving alarming reports of drug abuse daily.

    Awojola said that reports of incessant cases of drug abuse in the country was worrisome; adding that no effort should be spared to curb the menace.

    She noted that the issue should be of grave concern to all as youths, who were supposed to be the future of the country, were mostly drug addicts.

    READ ALSO: Govt urges youths to shun drug abuse, trafficking

    The founder said the NGO planned to embark on a street campaign against drug abuse; and also take the message to some selected schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    “We need to create awareness on the health and social consequences of drug abuse; the drug abusers need professional counselling.

    “Government should try to do more by conducting intensive awareness programmes on the ills and dangers of drug abuse to socio-economic development,’’ She said.

    She also tasked community leaders on the sensitisation of the people in their communities, on the harmful effects of drug abuse.

    Awojola also called on the government to adopt a more comprehensive policy and strategy that would help curb the menace.

  • NGO tackles sexual abuse

    It was a fun-filled afternoon, with education and enlightenment on sex last Wednesday, when a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Impact Her Initiative (IHI), hosted students and other young women to a special Valentine treat, with the theme: “Pas A Girl (PAG) this Valentine’.

    The event held at Mabchris Comprehensive College, Surulere in Lagos State.

    The girls had the opportunity to ask questions about sex and other matters arising in that line. They went home with sanitary pads, among other gifts.

    The afternoon also featured talk on feminine hygiene.

    IHI founder, ChiomaUwando, said the event was aimed at educating the girls on sex and to prevent them from teenage pregnancies as well as other societal influences.

    Read also: Our Girls; Election, what election? Stop Sexual Abuse – ‘Do No Harm’

    She urged female youths to pursue their dreams, beautify themselves and be confident in what they do; noting that unprotected sex among youths is a bitter occurrence that is prevalent and should be prevented.

    “During Valentine season, lots of activities happen, such as lovers’ retreat, and lovers’ day. Whenever girls hear the word ‘                Valentine’, they should know that they love themselves before that day. As these young girls are growing and becoming teenagers, they will soon experience puberty, they might be misled by societal influences but that is why this program has been brought up to guide them aright and to impact knowledge in the society.”

    The guest speaker, Lydian John, an actress, urged the girls not to be carried away by what they see, but rather that they should focus on how they want to be seen.

    She added that they should beware of everyone around them and never let themselves be lured into sexual abuse.

    Another speaker, Brenda Nwafor, told the girls how to take care of themselves. She said IHI also enlightens people on self-employment, skills empowerment, how to take good care of their body and become responsible in the society.

    She stressed the need for parents to educate their girls on sex, noting that would make them know everything about it rather than be taught from outside.

     

  • NGO partners Ogun on reproductive health

    A non-governmental organisation, Family Health Initiative Ogun (FHIO), is willing to support the Adolescent Reproductive Health Strategic Framework in the state.

    Its chairperson, Mrs. Kemi Balogun, gave the assurance at the launch of scheme for 2018 to 2022, held in Abeokuta, the state capital.

    “Our youths and adolescents deserve proper monitoring and care, particularly in the area of their reproductive health, and FHIO is committed to contribute its quota to the proper implementation and success of this strategic framework in Ogun State,” Balogun said.

    The Country Director of Pathfinder International, represented by Kosi Izundu, said adolescence was the period of transition from childhood to adulthood, which always brought multi-dimensional changes – biological, psychological, mental and social change –  in human beings. She noted that due to the biological and psychological transformation associated with the age group, adolescents were often exposed to risky behaviours, with consequences on their immediate and long-term health and socio-economic lives.

    She added that Pathfinder has recorded a milestone in the launching of the framework and in systematic assessment and mapping out of the key policies and programmes in enlightening the adolescents in the country. ýOgun State commissioner for health, Dr. Babatunde Ipaye, represented by the executive secretary, Ogun State Primary Health Care Board (OGSPHCB), Dr. Elijah Ogunsola, stated that with the trend of sexual abuses among the youths, it was imperative for all governments to address the issue of adolescents and young people’s sexual and reproductive health system in the country.

    “This strategic framework is designed as a guidance documents to address gaps currently inhibiting participation of adolescents and young people’s sexual and reproductive health in the state, and the state has made tremendous efforts to strengthen adolescents and young persons’ sexual and reproductive health with interventions across the state,” Ipaye said

  • Lagos: group endorses Sanwo-Olu

    A Lagos based Non-Governmental Organization, NGO, OzzyBosco Smile Foundation has endorsed the governorship candidate of the All Presidential Party, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    The NGO which powers the African Best Kid Entertainer and NDLEA youngest Celebrity Ambassador, OzzyBee a.k.a OzzyBosco WonderKid believes that Sanwo-Olu has a great love for the African Child and so will provide an enabling environment for Nigerian Children to find their feet when voted into office as the Governor of Lagos State.

    Speaking through the President of the Foundation; Chief Elizabeth Mojekwu, the foundation urges Lagosians to come out enmas on Saturday, the 9th of March and vote for the Governorship candidate of the APC and other candidates of the party to ensure continued progress in the development of Lagos which started far back from 1999 when Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was Governor.

    It is our desire at OzzyBosco Smile Foundation, Chief Mojekwu says, to see a Lagos where every child is given equal opportunity to excel in their God given talents and areas of strength, as our major talent, Ozzybosco has excelled through dent of hard-work and consistency, coupled with the kind of opportunity provided by Lagos, the Nigerian home of diverse opportunities, which is why we are supporting the candidacy of Sanwo-Olu for the continuation of the abundance of opportunities for all children and everyone living in Lagos.

    Babajide Sanwo-Olu is the choice of OSF in Lagos, and we encourage all and sundry to ensure this comes to fruition through the casting of our votes on Saturday.

  • NGO partners Ogun on reproductive health

    A non-governmental organisation, Family Health Initiative Ogun (FHIO), is willing to support the Adolescent Reproductive Health Strategic Framework in the state.

    Its chairperson, Mrs. Kemi Balogun, gave the assurance at the launch of scheme for 2018 to 2022, held in Abeokuta, the state capital.

    “Our youths and adolescents deserve proper monitoring and care, particularly in the area of their reproductive health, and FHIO is committed to contribute its quota to the proper implementation and success of this strategic framework in Ogun State,” Balogun said.

    The Country Director of Pathfinder International, represented by Kosi Izundu, said adolescence was the period of transition from childhood to adulthood, which always brought multi-dimensional changes – biological, psychological, mental and social change –  in human beings. She noted that due to the biological and psychological transformation associated with the age group, adolescents were often exposed to risky behaviours, with consequences on their immediate and long-term health and socio-economic lives.

    She added that Pathfinder has recorded a milestone in the launching of the framework and in systematic assessment and mapping out of the key policies and programmes in enlightening the adolescents in the country. ýOgun State commissioner for health, Dr. Babatunde Ipaye, represented by the executive secretary, Ogun State Primary Health Care Board (OGSPHCB), Dr. Elijah Ogunsola, stated that with the trend of sexual abuses among the youths, it was imperative for all governments to address the issue of adolescents and young people’s sexual and reproductive health system in the country.

    “This strategic framework is designed as a guidance documents to address gaps currently inhibiting participation of adolescents and young people’s sexual and reproductive health in the state, and the state has made tremendous efforts to strengthen adolescents and young persons’ sexual and reproductive health with interventions across the state,” Ipaye said

  • NGO urges court to disqualify firm from dredging Warri channel

    The Incorporated Trustees of a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Cadrell Advocacy Centre has filed a suit against Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) before the Federal High Court in Lagos.

    It is praying that Dredging International Services Nigeria Limited be disqualified from executing the contract for the Dredging of the Warri Channel River.

    The contract was awarded to Dredging International Services in 2018 by Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA).

    The NGO is also seeking the company’s disqualification from benefitting from award of any other contract in Nigeria.

    The NGO premised its request for order of the court against the dredging company on the ground that Dredging International NV, with 500,000 shareholding in Dredging International Services Nigeria Limited, is allegedly a convicted Company contrary to the provisions of 16 (8) (e) & (f) of the Public Procurement Act, 2007.

    The defendants in the suit before Justice Hassan are Nigeria Ports Authority and Dredging as second and third defendant respectively.

    International Services Nigeria Limited

    The NGO alleged in their Statement of Claim dated the November 26, 2018 and filed on their behalf by the chambers of Chief Mike Ozekhome, that in 2012, the office of the Attorney General, Department of International Affairs, Switzerland investigated and subsequently prosecuted Dredging International NV and Dredging International Services Cyprus Limited, a part owner and sister company of Dredging International Services Nigeria Ltd (and both subsidiaries of DEME Group Belgium) on the allegation that officials of the two companies  allegedly bribed some officials of the NPA to the tune of $20million.

    The claimant further alleged in their claim that Dredging International Services Cyprus Limited and Dredging International NV were allegedly convicted on the May 2, 2012 and fined One Million Swiss Francs, by the Swiss court.

    The NGO  seeking an order  directing the NPA to withdraw the letter awarding the contract for the dredging of the Warri Channel, and all other ancillary documents issued in furtherance of the contract for remedial works at Escravos Channel-Replacement of Aids to Navigation and Minor Dredging at Delta Ports, Warri, at the sum of $44,861, 596.81.

    The averred that the award of the contract to the company by the NPA was in flagrant violation of the provisions of S. 16 (8) (e) & (f) of the Public Procurement Act 2007.

    It contended that the third defendant, Dredging International Services Nigeria Limited, is not qualified to execute contracts in Nigeria.

    The NGO is also seeking from the  court an order of perpetual injunction, restraining Dredging International Services Nigeria limited, whether by themselves, servants, agents and/or

    partners and privies, or   parent company from further ever dealing or executing any contract in Nigeria or with the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    The matter which came up for the first time before Honourable Justice Hassan of the Federal High Court Lagos Division on February 18, 2019 had lawyers for the NGO, NPA and Dredging International Services Nigeria Limited in attendance.

    The NGO was represented by its Executive Director, one Evans Ufeli.

    Justice Hassan has adjourned the case to April 2, for mention to enable parties file all the necessary counter-responses.