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Tag: United Nations Information Centre (UNIC)

UNIC Director calls for family-friendly policies for work environment

In observance of the 2017 International Day of Families, the Director of the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Nigeria, Mr Ronald Kayanja, has called for Policies that encourage corporate responsibility and family-friendly work environments. “Family-friendly policies, he continued, “are essential and have already been proved to improve workers’ productivity and dependability.”

Mr Kayanja made this call today in his opening address at the Africa Family Life Delegate Conference organised by Centre for Sex Education and Family Life. Addressing over 600 delegates at the conference, Mr Kayanja noted that the working conditions of parents affect their ability to play an active role in their children’s education. “The International Day of Families therefore, is a day to focus on needed policies to create a good nurturing environment at family level for children to grow. For parents to effectively play this important role of nurturers, they need time with their children as they grow up,” he explained.

Drawing inference from the conference theme, ‘The Role of Family Life Education in Transforming Africa’ which aligns with the global theme of the International Day, ‘Families, Education and Wellbeing’, the UNIC Director highlighted the crucial role of the family as the centre for early childhood education. “We know that the education a child is exposed to before reaching age 8 is a determinant of what type of person we will have in society. Parents, grandparents and relatives play a major role at this stage, as they work with early childhood teachers in elementary/ nursery schools.” He said.

Speaking, the First Lady of Lagos, Mrs Bolanle Ambode underscored the centrality of family to the development and noted that ‘without family, no country; without a country, no continent and no world.’ Represented by her Special Assistant, Dr Arinola Oluwo, the wife the Lagos State Governor explained that the only way to have a world of our dream was to fix the family.

Welcoming the participants, the Principal Consultant, Centre For Sex Education and Family Life, Mr Praise Fowowe, explained that a dysfunctional family system could not build a functional society. He called on everyone to commit to ‘creating and promoting an effective family life education that can deliver a developed family system which ultimately would deliver a developed society.’

Mr Fowowe added that the most important government may not be the government of a nation after all; according to him, “the most important government is actually what we have coined the ‘Family Government’. We strongly believe that the Family Government is the production factory of the society and until we become intentional about the development of an effective family system, we may not witness a developed continent we so desire.”

In 1993, the UN General Assembly declared 1994 as the International Year of the family and also that 15 May each should be observed by all Member States as the International Day of Families. The General Assembly noted that ‘families are the fullest reflection, at the grassroots level, of the strengths and weaknesses of the social and development welfare environment, and as such offer a uniquely comprehensive and synthesising approach to social issues.’ It was further observed that families, as basic units of social life, are major agents of sustainable development at all levels of society and that their contribution to that process is crucial to its success.

May 15, 2017
UN, movie stars take climate change message to the grassroots

Joy rents the air as emotion runs high on Monday in the densely populated Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State when movie stars under the aegis of The Golden Movie Ambassadors of Nigeria (TGMAN) in collaboration with the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) Lagos, embarked on a public awareness campaign on climate change.

The campaign, led by the President of TGMAN, veteran actor, Ambassador Saidi Balogun, and the National Information Officer of UNIC Lagos, Oluseyi Soremekun, attracted the attention of motorists and pedestrians who were obviously excited to see and engage with their movie idols.

Anchored on the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13: ‘Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts’, it informed and educated members of the public about climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning. From LASU-Isheri Road through Idimu to Egbeda area, the movie stars including Actors, Actresses, Producers and Directors engaged members of the public in Yoruba, pidgin-English and occasionally in Hausa language.

Speaking at the Egbeda terminus on the campaign trail, Soremekun said climate change remained a threat to all. He explained that the economy and people’s livelihoods were suffering due to unpredictable weather as the lakes were drying up and dry lands were getting drier while flooded plains were increasing. This, according to him, had serious health implications. He urged the public to be vigilant as flash floods have been predicted in some States of the Federation.

Balogun, in his message, urged the public to take tree planting as a way of life. According to him tree planting is the best gift anyone could give to himself stressing that trees break the devastating effect of storms, reduce erosion and flood, and provide cleaner and healthier air for the well-being of the people.

The SDGs awareness campaign was an outcome of a partnership meeting held between TGMAN and UNIC Lagos a few months ago and it is the first in the series of collaborative activities to leverage on creative arts and the movie industry for the promotion of sustainable development in Nigeria.

August 1, 2016
UN celebrates Nelson Mandela day

Coordination and cooperation among agencies in the justice sector is a critical success factor in the implementation of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, otherwise known as the ‘Nelson Mandela Rules’.

This was the major resolution reached on Monday, 18 July 2016 after the discussion of the Nelson Mandela Rules with scores of Prison Officers drawn from the five prison facilities, including the female medium security prison, in Lagos State, as part of activities marking the 2016 Nelson Mandela International Day in Nigeria.

Organised by the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) Lagos in collaboration with the South African Consulate General, the Nigeria Prisons Service (NPS) and the United Nations Association of Nigeria (UNAN), the dialogue generated a lot of interrogations and contributions by the Prison Officers who noted that operational cooperation amongst the Police, the Prisons, the Judiciary and the Bar needed to be improved for any meaningful implementation of the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Nelson Mandela Rules).

According to the participants, the rules which were presented by the Head of United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Lagos Office, Mr Glen Prichard, would require an enabling environment and improved political will to implement in Nigeria.

Earlier, the Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr Ban Ki-moon has urged everyone to be inspired by Nelson Mandela as a lifelong example of someone who never ceased working to build a better world for all.

He made this call in his Nelson Mandela International Day message presented by the Director of the United Nations Information Centre, Mr Ronald Kayanja. “We remember a man of quiet dignity and towering achievement who worked to build a better world for all”, the Secretary General said.

Welcoming the participants, the Controller of Prisons, Lagos State Command, Mr Olumide Tinuoye expressed the gratitude of the Nigeria Prisons Service to the United Nations for the training on the Nelson Mandela Rules. He observed that the Nigerian Prison Officers were reputed for their professionalism and retreatment of prisoners with dignity. However, he added that more capacity building initiatives would be welcomed by his Command.

The Representative of the South African Consulate General, Mr Darkey Africa in his opening remarks said, “we want to thank all the United Nations member states for renaming these rules after Nelson Mandela in 2015”. He stressed that the rules were therefore a testimony of his respect for human dignity and the fact that no person is irredeemable.

In his presentation, the Human Rights Adviser to the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) Nigeria, Dr Martin Ejidike called for more frequent visits of the Chief Judge to the prisons to see how awaiting trials inmates, who constitute 72% of total inmates could be freed.

The Executive Director of Crime Victims Foundation, Barrister Gloria Egbuji, in her remarks, observed that the discussion of the Nelson Mandela Rules could not be complete without the gate keepers who are the police.

July 19, 2016
FG, UN engage private sector on Sustainable Industrial Development

In pursuance of the commitment of the Federal Government and the United Nations (UN) to sustainable development, the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) Lagos and the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), are organizing a Private Sector Engagement Workshop on Sustainable Industrial Development in Nigeria.

The workshop seeks to engage the Organised Private Sector (OPS) in discussing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with a view to stimulating strategic alignment between private sector business plans and the SDGs. This workshop, contributes to the UN’s Goal 9: ‘Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.’

The workshop is expected to be addressed by the Senior Special Adviser to the President on SDGs, Hon. (Mrs.) Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire and the Resident Coordinator of the UN system in Nigeria, Ms Fatma Samoura, and it is scheduled to hold on Wednesday 13^th April, 2016 at the Conference Hall of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) House, 77, Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ikeja Lagos.

It will be recalled that the UN Information Centre (UNIC) had an engagement with the Civil Society partners on the Sustainable Development Goals in February.

April 11, 2016
UNIC urges youths to share SDGs with everyone

The National Information Officer of the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) Lagos, Mr Oluseyi Soremekun, has called for more commitments from youths to making the world better by sharing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with everyone.

Soremekun said this while addressing 91 students of Political Science and International Relations from Covenant University, Ota Ogun State on Tuesday, who were on an educational visit to UNIC Lagos.

According to him, the knowledge of the SDGs would help in refocusing youths’ activities and their contribution to national development.

Speaking on ‘The United Nations and Global Development’, the National Information Officer earlier provided an overview of the UN, its purpose and highlights of its six Organs: General Assembly; Security Council; Secretariat, Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC); International Court of Justice (ICJ) and The Trusteeship Council.

He traced the UN interventions for global development to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) framework and linked it to the SDGs, which he explained contained 17 goals and 169 targets.

The presentations were intersperse with two video clips on the SDGs after which the students made up of 67 females and 24 males, were asked questions on the United Nations and the Sustainable Development Goals. Gifts of UN publications were given to all students who answered the questions correctly.

The National Information Officer later presented to the department, some UN publicatiions which included the UN Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; two editions of African Renewal, MDG Report 2015 and Notepads. They were received by Dr Chidozie Felix Chidozie who in turn presented to UNIC Lagos, the University souvenir.

February 17, 2016
UN remember Nazi Holocaust victims, survivors

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The United Nations (UN) on Wednesday remembered victims of the World War l and ll between 1933 and 1945 and the courage of the survivors.

The UN through its Information Centre (UNIC) in Lagos, educated attendees on the need to avoid the repeat of the Holocaust that claimed the lives of over six million Jews, who were systematically rounded up and exterminated.

To this effect, UNIC on Tuesday organised a lecture for students, Non-Governmental Organisations and screened the documentary of the film: “The Path to Nazi Genocide” and Poster exhibitions as part of efforts to prevent a reoccurrence.

History records that the Nazi (German National Socialism) also murdered Sinti and Roma, Political prisoners, homosexuals, persons with disabilities, Jehovah witnesses and Soviet prisoners of war.

In his message, the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon described the Holocaust as a colossal crime adding that no one can deny that it happened.

United Nations Information Officer, Oluseyi Soremekun conducting Students through the photos exhibition on the Nazi Holocaust.

“By remembering the victims and honouring the courage of the survivors, and those who assisted and liberated them, we annually renew our resolve to prevent such atrocities and reject the hateful mentality that allows that,” Ki-Moon said.

Delivered by UNIC Lagos Director, Mr. Ronald Kayanja, the message emphasised the need to educate the younger generation on the cause of such atrocities being undue discrimination among human being who consider fellow humans inferior to them and by implications, have no right to life, social interactions etcetera.

“The principles remain essential today. People worldwide, including millions fleeing was, persecution and deprivation, continue to suffer discrimination and attacks. We have a duty to remember the past and to help those who need is now.

“For more than a decade, the Holocaust and the United Nations outreach programme has worked to educate young people about the Holocaust.

“Many partners, including Holocaust survivors, continue to contribute to this essential work.

“The memory of the Holocaust is a powerful reminder of what can happen when we stop seeing our common humanity.

“On this day of the Holocaust remembrance, I urge everyone to denounce political and religious ideologies that set people against people.

Let us all speak or against anti-Semitism and attacks against religious, ethnics or other groups.

“Let us create a world where dignity is respected diversity is celebrated and peace is permanent,” he maintained.

Schools present include Falomo Junior and Senior High School, Ireti Senior and Junior Grammar School, Holy Child’s College, all in Ikoyi, Lagos as well as Southfield College, Bariga, Lagos mainland.

Also at the lecture were representatives of different NGOs and partners of UNIC Lagos.

They are: Ms Edna Dafe from Women’s Board, Ms Nnena Ukoha of All Nigerian United Nations Students Association (ANUNSA), Mr Niyi Adekunle from Yes I Believe.

Others are Ms Mary Nwadike – Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) and Mr Ganiu Owolabi.

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January 27, 2016
UN launches ‘17 – 17 SDGs’ campaign on Social Media

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The United Nations (UN) has launched a social media educational campaign to increase public awareness of the 17 goals and the 169 targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The initiative tagged, ‘17 – 17 SDGs campaign’ seeks to disseminate the 17 goals of the SDGs over the first 17 days of every month, from January to December 2016.

According to the National Information Officer of the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) Lagos, Mr Oluseyi Soremekun, “the first day of every month, for instance, is devoted to Sustainable Development Goal Number One which is ‘No Poverty’ while the second day is for Goal Number Two (Zero Hunger) till the seventeenth day which will address Goal Number Seventeen (Partnerships for the goals).”

Having published some promotional messages on the campaign in the last three days of December 2015 on its Facebook page and through its Twitter handle, @UNICLagos like all UN social media platforms, the campaign was officially launched on January 1, 2016 and on the first day, it earned 2,000 impressions on twitter and reached about 600 people on Facebook and increasing by the day.

The Goals are also being disseminated in four Nigerian languages: Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba and Pidgin English.

Mr Soremekun explained that the rationale behind the campaign was to widely disseminate the 17 Goals and the 169 targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for better understanding and increased buy-in by stakeholders.

He added that the ’17 – 17 SDGs campaign’ would run simultaneously with other outreach activities being organised on the SDGs by UNIC Lagos and partners in the course of 2016.

January 4, 2016
UN advocates investment in girl child

In continuation of its quest to building a strong civil society partnership and hinging its public information responsibilities on observance of international days, the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) Lagos in collaboration with four Non-Governmental organisations (NGOs) has organised two events in Zaria, North-West and Lagos, South-West Nigeria to mark the 2015 International Day of the Girl Child.

The United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon in his message delivered by the National Information Officer, Oluseyi Soremekun at the event held at the Holy Child College, Lagos, called on everyone ‘to invest in today’s adolescent girls so that tomorrow they can stand strong as citizens, political leaders, entrepreneurs, heads of their households and more. This will secure their rights and our common future.’

The event put together in partnership with International Charitable Initiative for Girl Child and Woman Development Foundation (ICI-GWODEF), Zonta International Club of Lagos 1 and Initiatives for sustaining Gender Empowerment, was attended by 335 participants of whom 272 were girls from 13 schools while others were representatives of the media and other NGOs.

Speaking further, the Secretary General noted that it was time to work on meeting the SDG targets and giving’ girls all the opportunities they deserve as they mature to adulthood by 2030. ‘That means enabling them to avoid child marriage and unwanted pregnancy, protect against HIV transmission, stay safe from female genital mutilation, and acquire the education and skills they need to realize their potential,’ he added.

Engaging with about 100 young girls in Zaria at a forum organised in collaboration with Arewa Women and Youth Empowerment (AWAYE) Foundation, the Director of UNIC Lagos, Mr Ronald Kayanja, stressed the importance of education which he said could break the intergenerational transmission of poverty, illiteracy, violence and discrimination.

He enjoined the girls to be dedicated to their studies to ensure timely completion of their education for their better future. The Director expressed his delight about many of the girls who spoke to share their ambitions which ranged from legal practice to medical science.

Speaking in Hausa language, the Executive Director of AWAYE foundation, Hajiya Laila Muhammad had earlier urged the girls to always seize every learning opportunity they come across in life.

October 16, 2015
UN celebrates girl child day

Parents around the world have been charged to invest in today’s adolescent girls in other to have stronger and secure citizens in the nearest future.

The call was made by the Secretary-General of the United Nation Ban Ki-Moon on Wednesday at an event held in Lagos to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child.

Ki-Moon, who was represented by Mr. Oluseyi Soremekun, Information Officer, United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), reiterated that there is need for everyone to work in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in making sure that every girl has the opportunity they deserve.

According to the Secretary-General, “Let us resolve to invest in today’s adolescent girls so that tomorrow they can stand strong as citizens, political leaders, entrepreneurs, head of their households and more. This will secure their rights and our common future”.

He also stated that the purpose of the day is to create awareness in ensuring that girl child is protected against child marriage and unwanted pregnancy, against HIV transmission, stay safe from female genital mutilation, acquire the education and skills needed to realise her potential.

In his words, “The SDG targets also requires, ensuring their sexual health and reproductive rights. Girls everywhere should be able to lead lives free from fear and violence. If we achieve this progress for girls, we will see advances across society,” Ki-Moon submitted.

Speaking at the occasion, on the topic titled: “Travails and Realities – Creating a Safe Cyber Environment for Girls”, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, President, Campaign for Democracy, talked about the challenges of the internet and social media on the girl child.

She also said that the internet, which has great advantages on the society, has brought so many doom on girls around the world. She reiterated that social media have been abused in so many ways.

According to her: “Despite the importance of the internet, it has been abused in many ways, today, we have Cyber fraud, rumor mongering, privacy breaches, pornography, barbaric acts against female gender such as rape, abuse of female through the internet among others,” Odumakin said.

The President seized the opportunity to condemn girl child marriage and the use of internet for terrorism, stating that these are part of the challenges of the internet. She later advised parents and guidance to cultivate the habit of reorientation for girl child on the use of social media, increase awareness for digital vices, creating legislation for safety and protection of the internet and drastic reduction of poverty rate.

In her own address, Mrs. Josephine Effah- Chukwuma, President of Project Alert, a Non-Governmental Agency, submitted that the greatest challenge of parenting is parenting at this digital age. Reiterating that the internet is being used to expose file child to different vices which are detrimental to the survival and existence of female gender.

Chukwuma admonished the girls to be vigilant of who they move with and what they are exposed to because the internet is being used to perpetrate all sort of evils such as rape, sexual abuse among others.

She confirmed that most of the perpetrators are closer or know to the family and there is every reason for all girl child to be sober and brace up to the present challenge post to female gender. In the same vein, she seized the opportunity to advise parents to be friends to their daughters and always gate keep what their daughters watch and her exposed to.

“Mothers are to brace up and rise to the present age challenge, parents should be friends to their daughters, avoid indecent exposure to avoid and reduce the increase of sexual abuse in this present age,” she said.

While feeding questions from newsmen, Chukwuma made a clarion call to government at different levels to rise to the challenges of Cyber crime and fraud because impunity is now the order of the day.

While addressing the crowd at the event on the topic titled “Legal Rights of the Girl Child, Mrs. K.B. Ayeye of the Chief Magistrate Court 1Tinubu, reaffirmed that the essence of the International Day of the Girl Child is to help girl Child on their rights and to help them secure the future of the child, to guide the child in fulfilling her purpose in life.

She confirmed further that the Child Act Law has been adopted to secure and enforce the right of the Girl Child which include; right to survival, association, names, religion, movement, freedom from any form of discrimination, right to dignity, health, education and parental care among others.

According, to the Chief Magistrate, the Child Law Act protects a girl from child marriage, exposure to criminal substances, exploitative labour, being bought, sold or hired, no sexual intercourse under the age of 18 which attract life imprisonment.

In her words, “The child Act Law kicked against early marriage for girls, female genital mutilation, undue torture of girl child and gender indiscrimination. Ayeye later admonished the female participants to be wise and understand their right in the society.

Across the world, October 11 has been declared as Girl Child Day by the United Nation.

October 15, 2015