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Tag: NGO

  • NGO launches platform for rights violation reporting

    A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Human Rights Advancement and Development Centre (HURIDAC), has set up a platform for reporting rights violations during the general elections.

    HURIDAC has a track record of monitoring election from human rights perspective.

    It provided a WhatsApps number and an email address where citizens and stakeholders can report cases of electoral violence, human rights violations and abuses that occur before, during or after the elections.

    HURIDAC Executive Director, Ayodele Ameen, urged Nigerians to send their reports to votersrights@huridac.org or 08132438551 (WhatsApp) for investigation and possible prosecution.

    Ameen said the organisation decided to set up the platform because of the importance attached to the 2019 elections from which the president, national assembly members, governors and state assembly members would emerge.

    “This election is important as it subjects those contesting in the election to the verdict of the voters.

    “Most importantly, election management bodies and security agencies must ensure the protection of the right to vote of citizens.

    “The right to vote and the opportunity that elections provide combine to infuse human rights into democratic process.

    “The United Nation Declaration on Human Rights (UDHR, article 21) has made this clear that the will of the people will be the basis of the authority of government; this must be  expressed in periodic and genuine elections.

    “The same provision affirms that ‘Respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and the principle of holding periodic and genuine elections by universal suffrage are essential elements of democracy’,” Ameen said.

    He noted that there have been allegations and counter allegations politicians.

    “There are allegations of vote buying, allegations of linking the suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) to election rigging and so much evidence of fake news,” he said.

    According to him, elections should be conducted in an environment devoid of intimidation.

    He pointed out that the ultimate indication of whether elections are “free” is the extent to which they facilitate the full expression of the political will of the people concerned.

    He said Article 21, paragraph 3 of the Universal Declaration of human rights stipulates this as the very basis of legitimate governmental authority.

    HURIDAC recalled that the previous general elections were marred byunlawful killings, injuries and destruction of properties.

    “Our data for the 2015 election evidence that most of these human rights abuses were carried out by the politicians and their supporters.

    “It is also clear that the most important issue, is the impunity around electoral crimes, specifically human rights violations and abuses around elections.

    “In view of this, HURIDAC would be monitoring the election to document cases of human rights violations and abuses.

    “Specifically, we’ll be monitoring the protection of the human rights of  members of the political parties, especially the opposition, human rights defenders , members of the media and the general public.

    “HURIDAC’s interest is to document cases of violation of rights to vote, specifically cases of unlawful killings, injuries and destruction of property to ensure all cases are investigated and culprit prosecu-ted,”Ameen said.

    The organisation’s Election Team Leader, Shina Loremikan, said a ‘free’ election and its ‘fairness’ were essential preconditions for good governance and respect for the rule of law.

    He said elections must guarantee the exercise of freedom of opinion, association, expression, non-discrimination, and the use of the secret ballot box.

    He said the requirement that election is “fair” is also an easily identifiable international norm.

    He argued that any measure which could circumscribe or frustrate the will of the people would violate Article 21, paragraph 3 of the Universal Declaration of  Human Rights and render elections not fair.

    “In addition for elections to be ‘fair’, the environment must be conducive for the encouragement of the ‘one person, one vote’ system, for non-discrimination and positive measures, and for a genuine election,” he added.

     

  • NGO, religious leaders seek peaceful poll

    A non-governmental-organisation (NGO), Strength in Diversity Development Center (SDDC) and some religious leaders have urged politicians to ensure peace reigns during tomorrow’s and March 2nd general elections.

    They made the submission at inter-religious and inter-denominational prayers for peaceful election.

    SDDC, in a communiqué signed by its Executive Director, Imam Shefiu Abdulkareem, said a national week of prayers and rally were held between February 8th  and 10th.

    The resolutions including reduction of hate speeches by educating the people to understand its consequences and urging religious leaders to desist from the act of hate speech.

    SDDC also bemoaned the act of vote buying, which it said has denied Nigerians from enjoying the good governance.

    “There must be penalty for such act (both the seller and buyer). The punishment must be enforced as well,” the group said.

    The Sarkin Fulani of Lagos, Alhaji Muhammed Bambado, at the conference, urged religious leaders to use their influence by calling on politicians within their domains to show commitment in preventing electoral violence.

    “Beyond ensuring peace, it has also become imperative for leaders to enlighten their subject and followers and encourage them to ask questions and seek clarification before going out to vote,” he said.

    The Chief Missioner of Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Sheikh Abdur-Rahman Ahmad, said fake news and hate speech are worrisome trend that has bedevilled Nigeria, noting that fighting it has become a matter of urgency.

    He urged religious leaders to desist from circulating fake news and hate speech in their sermon.

    He said: “We are the one suffering the threat of social media not the owner, It is better we act now by exploring common humanity and not emphasising on parochial interest”.

    Bishop Mathew Daniels said vote buying creates a big distortion and hindrance to the democratic idea of a free and fair election that ensures that the electorates elect the leaders they deem fit to rule them.

     

     

  • NGO empowers 12 Badagry youths

    A non-profit, Centre for Youths Integrated Development (CYID), has empowered 12 youths in Badagry, Lagos.Under its Start-Up Badagry Project, the 12 youths were given funding worth over N5million to start their businesses at the maiden edition of its business pitch competition for promising youths held at Fams Embassy, Badagry.

    According to the organisers, the 12 beneficiaries were finalists drawn from 60 most promising who were trained and mentored by CYID for 10 months. The event was for them to pitch on their businesses.

    The 12 selected beneficiaries are Emmanuel Idigboya, Rasaq Dare, Samuel Sesi, Funmilayo Awoluyi, Precious Ani, David Olumide, Francis Chikamaka, Femi Shittu, Anuoluwapo Toyon, Akinwumi Segun and Joseph Agbonmenu.

    In the words of Shittu, one of the beneficiaries, “I have always wanted to venture into business since I graduated from the university and I have been confused about what to venture into, I picked several businesses at random, some worked out and some didn’t. At CYID, making a choice of business, how to go about it and come out successful was easy. I am grateful to every facilitator and sincerely appreciate this opportunity.”

    At the event were officers of the Nigerian Immigration. Head of Visa/Arrival, Zanu Hindi, praised the participants for choosing to stay and contribute their talents to the development of the country. He urged them to keep their entrepreneurial spirit, stating: “Don’t think that it’s better outside Nigeria”.

    Stating that the foundation’s mission is geared towards providing recovery and reintegration services to the youth and children through vocational skills training programmes. CYID Business Development Officer, Mr Simeon Egbe, called on well-meaning government and investors to support projects of young people with ideas to create wealth and employment such as the foundation has done.

    “While some of the beneficiaries just had very marketable ideas, others already had their businesses running, but both groups of individuals who needed financial assistance qualified for the financial empowerment given after undergoing months of training. Start-up Badagry 1 Project is an entrepreneurial and vocational skill development programme for young and aspiring entrepreneurs with leadership mindset, supported by Switzerland Embassy in Abuja.

    “It was meant to mould mind-sets, shape lives and give a helping hand to our participants’. It is a programme that has trained up to four different batches so far. 60 most promising youths drawn were trained and mentored for 10 months. For proper monitoring and concentration on modules, the beneficiaries were divided into three batches of 20 each, even as the three sessions for three months each batch. The final stage was the pitch involving the finalists.”

    The Director of CYID, Aihawu Victor, advised to the participants to stay focused and brace up for the challenges ahead, while urging other upcoming students currently undergoing their training under Startup Badagry 2, which is supported by GIZ, at the centre to learn from the pitchers and to also get prepared for theirs as well.

    According to the foundation, Idigboya, an Agricultural Science graduate, was empowered with N450,000 for his piggery business pitch; Dare, a graduate who wants to run a laundry service business, was given N733,000 for his start-up; Sesi, a graduate into fish farming business was empowered with N253,000; Awoluyi, HND holder received N407,000 for her  Fashion Designing pitch; Ani, an undergraduate, who also wants to own a poultry farm at Badagry, was empowered with N455,000. Others included Olumide: A young and Vibrant OND holder was empowered with N800,000 to kick start his web designer business, Francis: ND holder also was empowered with N633,000 to start up his electrical business; Shittu, an undergraduate received N900,000 to start his small chops and pizza business; SSCE holder, Toyon, was empowered with N266,000 to start her tomatoes farming business; Akinwumi  Segun: SSCE holder was also empowered with N277,000 to start up his phone repair business.; while Agbonmenu: a graduate who wants to venture into piggery business was empowered with 450,000 to start up his business.

  • NGO offers widows more hope

    The Widows Care and Charity Organisation (WICCO), has reassured widows of the group’s  unflinching support.

    The Chairman of the organisation, Pastor James Oni speaking at the annual general meeting of WICCO, urged the widows to expect more support to become self-employed.

    “We are shifting from cash empowerment to material empowerment, this we are sure will lead to economic improvement of widows, it is also self-sustaining.

    “The little efforts and connection we have, we shall continually do our bit to ensure help comes from time to time for you.

    “Our feed the widow’s concept is growing in leaps and bounds to extent that the ministry sent ten widows to us to partake in the gesture and they were catered for.

    “We are not there yet as there many more widows we need to reach out to, so we call for assistance in cash and kind from public spirited individuals, to keep the hopes of these widows alive”. Oni reiterated.

    The Chairperson, Deaconess Busola Oluwadamilare, urged the widows to ignore distractions.

    “Being a widow is not the end of the journey; neither is it the end of the world. Let it be the beginning of the best time for you by facing your children squarely.

    “Train them right let the aids afforded by WICCO improve your lot as well as that of your child let it reflect.

    “You are only recognised for all your efforts when people see your children doing great, always pray for your children early every day, degree what you want for them.

    “Also pray to be a success story in parenting not a disaster, I know of some organisation that are fraudulent but I am convinced that WICCO is genuine.

    “I urge our women out there not to heap all the financial burden of having a functional home on their husbands, they should have a viable venture that will give them some earnings with which they can be of help to their spouse.

    “Let’s team up and nurture our children for the future we desire. A good society starts from the home and women play a pivotal role in building the home, where peace, joy and happiness dwells,” Oluwadamilare asserts.

    WICCO’s Vice Chairman Mrs. Janet Olamiposi Ampitan, said: “The AGM is one we ought to have had in 2018, so as to be able to give a feedback to the state for all the support and chart a new course for WICCO.

    “We have been registered by Lagos State Government and we need to keep them posted about how far we have gone as an organisation.

    Read also: Kano partners NGO’s to provide limbs to 190 amputees

    “Finance is cardinal for greater attainment so we are calling on public spirited ones out there, to support this course,” Ampitan said.

    One of the beneficiaries of WICCO’s care gesture, Mrs. Bola Sanusi, eulogised the organisation.

    “The organisation has been so supportive, two of my wards got admission in school due to efforts of WICCO and I am certain the selflessness of the initiator will yield an enduring fruit, aside that I have also enjoyed some empowerment opportunities from the organisation through skill acquisition programmes and more.

    Another beneficiary also said benefited immensely from the sowing of lunch bag souvenir and

    Souvenir bags, “now I am economically enabled than before.”

    The initiator of Tribute Children Links Initiative Comrade Rotimi Ogunmayowa in his contribution praised all that widows go through but encouraged them not to lose hope.

    “I urge not to relent, please let’s monitor our wards because of the dangers lurking around, help will come, never give up.”

     

  • NGO warns against attacks on BEDC

    A group with 46 allied Civil Society Organisations (CSOs),  Transparency Advocacy for Development Initiative (TADI), has warned against incessant attacks on Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) by electricity consumers in Edo State.This  concerns especially those hiding under the cover of civil rights advocacy to foist unlawful conducts, and the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, saying such persons should desist from such acts forthwith or face legal actions.

    Transparency Advocacy for Development Initiative (TADI) gave the warning at a world press conference in Abuja, which was addressed by its National Convener, Comrade Solomon Adodo, at Abia House.

    He said: “We call on the Governor of Edo State to forthwith refrain from antagonising BEDC Plc and instead follow relevant rules and guidelines governed by clearly cut contract terms. The issue of power distribution in Edo State should not be unnecessarily politicised.

    “It should be made clear that all distribution companies (DisCos) are firmly protected by the contract terms and conditions under, which they were issued licences and it is on record that BEDC has not in any way breached such conditions.

    “We shall resist this evil at all costs in the best interest of sustainable business practice in order not to ward of future investors and/or frustrate the gains made thus far in the power sector.”

    On this note, we call on the Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE), the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading Company (NBET) and every concerned regulator to immediately come out and clear the air on the needless controversies being stirred to cripple the BEDC under its current management. “If we do not get appropriate feedback within seven days of this notice, we shall be left with no other option but to embark on peaceful procession to these offices for the sake of sanity in our power sector,” the group said.

    TADI said as stakeholders, the Federal Government has representation on the board of respective DisCos and it is totally at its discretion to appoint whoever she deems fit to represent her interest in the DisCos. “It is not the DisCos that determine who the Federal Government appoints as her representative contrary to what some naysayers would have us believe in the case of BEDC’’.

     

  • NGO warns against attacks on BEDC

    A group with 46 allied Civil Society Organisations (CSOs),  Transparency Advocacy for Development Initiative (TADI), has warned against incessant attacks on Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) by electricity consumers in Edo State.This  concerns especially those hiding under the cover of civil rights advocacy to foist unlawful conducts, and the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, saying such persons should desist from such acts forthwith or face legal actions.

    Transparency Advocacy for Development Initiative (TADI) gave the warning at a world press conference in Abuja, which was addressed by its National Convener, Comrade Solomon Adodo, at Abia House.

    He said: “We call on the Governor of Edo State to forthwith refrain from antagonising BEDC Plc and instead follow relevant rules and guidelines governed by clearly cut contract terms. The issue of power distribution in Edo State should not be unnecessarily politicised.

    “It should be made clear that all distribution companies (DisCos) are firmly protected by the contract terms and conditions under, which they were issued licences and it is on record that BEDC has not in any way breached such conditions.

    “We shall resist this evil at all costs in the best interest of sustainable business practice in order not to ward of future investors and/or frustrate the gains made thus far in the power sector.”

    On this note, we call on the Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE), the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading Company (NBET) and every concerned regulator to immediately come out and clear the air on the needless controversies being stirred to cripple the BEDC under its current management. “If we do not get appropriate feedback within seven days of this notice, we shall be left with no other option but to embark on peaceful procession to these offices for the sake of sanity in our power sector,” the group said.

    TADI said as stakeholders, the Federal Government has representation on the board of respective DisCos and it is totally at its discretion to appoint whoever she deems fit to represent her interest in the DisCos. “It is not the DisCos that determine who the Federal Government appoints as her representative contrary to what some naysayers would have us believe in the case of BEDC’’.

  • Over 150,000 lnfants die of sickle cell

    Sickle Cell Community, a group founded for the control of Sickle Cell Disease, SCD, in Kano State has said that about 150,000 infants die of the ailment annually in Nigeria, representing 8% of infant mortality rate in the country.

    A member of the Board of Trustees of the group, Shema’u Adam Imam, stated this at the launch of the Sickle Cell Community Trust Fund to support people living with Sickle Cell Disorder, held in Kano.

    She said Nigeria has the highest burden of SCD in the world and the country is also the top sickle cell endemic country in Africa.

    Read Also: Sickle cell patients protest members’ detention in hospitals

    Imam explained that the Trust Fund, established in collaboration with Community Health Research Initiative, CHRI, and Centre for Sustainable Development and Communications Initiative, CSDCI, was a financing mechanism to support the less privileged persons living with sickle cell.

    She noted that the fund would cushion the soaring economic condition of parents of the sickle cell patients, especially in purchasing drugs and payment of screening and investigations.

    Shemau Adam maintained that poor availability of resources to the public health facilities, welfare sectors and economic inflation are seriously hampering access to appropriate medical and social services.

  • NGO donates to LUTH

    A non-governmental organisation (NGO), Grant Children Heart Foundation, has donated materials to the Pediatrics Department of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, Lagos.

    They include one suctioning machine, pulse oximeters and mobile ward screen.

    Mrs Lois Nwaogwugwu, a board member of the NGO, said the donation would address needs of the hospital.

    According to her, many parents of children with heart defects do not have the funds to take care of them, especially to do surgery.

    She said: “We are health workers and we visit hospitals to see what Nigerians go through before they can have access to medical attention. It is our passion to help people in alleviating their sufferings and to give them hope. We, particularly, have the interest of children born with heart diseases in mind and we are pledging to make the gesture  continuous by partnering with LUTH.”

    While receiving the items on behalf of the hospital, the Head of Department, Pediatrics, Prof Christy Okoromah, commended the group for the gesture.

    Okoromah said: “The government alone cannot cater for the health sector because it is a huge part of the economy. The Federal Government, through the management of the hospital, is working hard to improve infrastructure. So, I think the private organisation can come to see what they can they contribute”

    “Gestures of this nature would help to improve the quality of care that we provide to patients. We encourage more people to team up with this kind of gesture for children with heart holes.”

    She added: “This is a good development. I am pleased that they are interested in helping children who have heart problems. Unknown to people, heart problems in children are common. People only know about holes in the heart, but there are many more problems, including hypertension, asthma.

    “Some of the things they are presenting here are very useful for children. This is the beginning of greater partnership. We will be engaging them more to ascertain the area of interest and It is a good move, especially at the beginning of the year.’’

     

     

  • NGOs petition Buhari over insecurity, violence in Ogun

    A coalition of Non-Governmental Organisations has petitioned President Buhari over “growing intolerance and insecurity in Ogun State.”

    In a letter dated January 7, 2019, addressed to President Muhammadu Buhari and copied to the National Security Adviser, the Inspector General of Police and the Director General of SSS, and signed by National Coordinator of Concerned Human Rights, Mr. Declan Ihekaire, National Coordinator of Legal Minds Forum,  Olayinka. Ola-Daniels, and National Coordinator of Committee for the Protection of People’s Mandate (COPM), Mr. Nelson Ekunjumi, the bodies said that “the Governor of Ogun State who swore to protect lives and property in Ogun State, should not be seen to directly and indirectly be in the forefront of heating up the polity of his state for any reason whatsoever.”

    The letter read further: “As concerned members of the Civil Society, we the underlisted organisations deem it as our civic duty to call Your Excellency’s attention to the growing intolerance and insecurity in Ogun State.

    The Governor of Ogun State who swore to protect lives and property in Ogun State, should not be seen to directly and indirectly be in the forefront of heating up the polity of his state for any reason whatsoever.  Unfortunately, Ogun State has become very tensed since the outcome of the party primaries of the All Progressive Congress (APC), won by Prince Dapo Abiodun on October 3, 2018.”

    “Various protests have been staged by elected councillors, commercial motorcycle riders, members of road transport unions, and many more, all at the suspected behest and sponsorship of those aggrieved by the outcome of the APC primaries which, though,  is an exercise of their democratic rights, but has further heated up the polity.

    However, we are very worried and disturbed that Governor Ibikunle Amosun, by his utterances, has become a threat to the peace and tranquillity of Ogun State, because he has been quoted copiously in the media as boasting that all hell will be let loose in Ogun State, except his anointed candidate for the governorship of Ogun State, by fire and force,  becomes the person he will handover power to in 2019.”

    “From our observations, many citizens of Nigeria notably politicians, surprisingly, of the same APC with Governor Amosun are now living in absolute fear and apprehension, while many others have left Ogun State for fear of their lives. The former Local Government Chairman in Ijebu- East, Comrade Tunde Oladunjoye, was to first raise alarm of threat to his life on September 8, 2018.”

    The bodies chronologically catalogued recent violent incidents in Ogun State and attacks on members and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).  However, the groups complained that “Your Excellency Sir, all petitions on these violent incidences reported to the Ogun Police Commissioner are yet to yield response, rather, suspects allegedly arrested in connection with the incidents, have been set free by the police in Ogun State for unexplained reasons. Even when the matter was transferred to Zone 2 Command, Onikan, Lagos, the arrested suspects have also been let loose’’.

  • NGO commend Army boss over FOI request

    The New Initiative for Credible Leadership (NICreL) has saluted the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Tukur Buratai for entrenching transparency in the military following his prompt response to the the Freedom of Information request made to the Nigerian Army by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), Enough is Enough (EiE), and BudgIT
    NICreL said it was pleased with the COAS for releasing the requested information without hesitation.
    Rev. Samson Onwu, Executive Director of the group in a statement on Sunday, warned SERAP, EiE and BudgIT against jeopardizing national security with the information made available to them.
    He said, “NICreL recognizes that the COAS and the Nigerian Army broke away from the traditional consideration for national security to comply with the request of the three groups. This is commendable on the part of General Buratai even though Nigerians will be watching to see the use to which these organizations put the information they have acquired. Such outcomes will influence the reaction of citizens in the future when organizations or individuals come under the Freedom of Information Act to request information that impact national security.
    “The culture of transparency, for which General Buratai is known, institutionalized and is now entrenching through the release of the information, is commendable. With due respect, we, however, have the strong belief in his discretion to have released the information only after it is duly certified that there is nothing sensitive contained in the document to jeopardize national interest and security.
    “This concern on our part is informed by the recent experiences, in which an international organization was exposed by the Nigerian Army for passing information it obtained in the course of its work to Boko Haram terrorists in addition to using its activities in the northeast as cover to train and equip the insurgents. The country is equally yet in the throes of the publication of classified military information about an impending operation against Boko Haram by Daily Trust newspaper.
    “This nasty experience with Daily Trust is still fresh in the minds of Nigerians even as NICreL and other CSOs await an apology from the newspaper following a seven-day ultimatum for it to tender it.
    “We therefore hope that some NGOs have no been contracted to make bogus requests to jeopardize national security. This raises suspicion that it is a matter of time before the entire military is buried in an avalanche of Freedom of Information request that will soon extend to proxies asking for details to expose operational strategies of the war against terrorism.

    Read Also:NGOs petition Buhari over insecurity, violence in Ogun

    “Much as SERAP enjoys a remarkable level of public trust as a civil society organization (CSO), not much can be said about other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) especially given their association with foreign NGOs like Amnesty International that is  practically at war with the Nigerian Army. These international NGOs have never been fully absolved of being non-complicit in obstructing the military for the benefit of insurgents and separatists.
    “Our understanding is that there is a limit to the obligation of military and security agencies when it comes to releasing information under the FOI Act. This has to be especially considered in view of the glaring danger of information being legally obtained for the sole goal of passing same to terrorists. We therefore appeal to General Buratai as the COAS and the Nigerian Army as an institution, with the entire military, to be mindful of the limit of information that is passed to such group for the sake of the integrity of the country and national security.
    “We use this opportunity to put SERAP, EiE and BudgIT on notice that they now shoulder the burden of responsibly using the information the Nigerian Army has reeleased to them. This will extend to taking considerable caution against the publication of details that could compromise national security. They should also commit to not transferring these details to any  foreign partners, Boko Haram or any other questionable entity since that was not the intent of the Act. Where they elect to breach the sacred trust anticipated by the Freedom of Information Act, to deploy the information they have acquired for evil use, they can count on Nigerians coming after them with all the actions permissible under the law. NICreL is prepared to lead the charge should the situation arise.”