Empowered To Empower Initiative (E2E)

Help the Less privileged - Patronize E2E Laundry & Dry cleaning service ABUJA

azodecharles@gmail.com (Azode Charles) — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 17:56:00 +0100

All for one, One for all

Are you in Abuja or have contacts in Abuja?

Ever thought of enriching the lives of the less privileged in the society but did not know how to go about it?

Have a mind to do good but feel at a loss on how to go about it?

WE HAVE THE ANSWER!!!

A quality and customer service driven Laundry & Dry cleaning service located in the Heart of Abuja, FCT.

Powered by the Non-Profit Organization, Empowered To Empower Initiative with the vision of creating a circle of financial empowerment among rural women.

THE IDEA

Revenue realized from the Laundry & Dry cleaning service is channeled to E2E Initiative's projects of women empowerment through provision of soft loans, small business startups, skills training and acquisition, gifting of clothing and fabrics, to mention but a few.

OUR SERVICES

Washing (Automated and Chemical wash)
Dry Cleaning
Ironing (Optional Starching)
Garment Modification and Alteration
Free Pickup & Delivery anywhere in Abuja (Same day to maximum of 24 Hrs)

SEE FOR YOURSELF - PICTOGRAM

OUR PROPOSAL

We welcome and appreciate your kind support by giving us a chance to satisfy your Laundry & Dry Cleaning needs.
We equally appreciate you giving us your fabrics you no longer require so we can service them for free and share to those in need of it.

OUR PROMISE

Be assured that our team of highly trained professionals will treat your fabric with high level of excellence hinged on our slogan for every client(s) to look exceptionally smart, sharp and clean.

CONTACT US

Office Address: No.3 Biu Close, Off Oyo Street, Area 2 Garki, Abuja, FCT.

Telephone No.: 07030663269, 08032152220, 08094907984, 08173486721

Email: e2elaundryng@gmail.com

Website: www.e2einitiative.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/e2einitiative

Twitter: www.twitter.com/e2e_initiative

Edo Speaker makes case for less privileged

azodecharles@gmail.com (Azode Charles) — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 13:30:00 +0100

All for one, One for all

The Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Victor Edoror has expressed the need to give due attention to women, youths, the vulunerable and less privileged members of the society.
In his remarks at Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area, Edo State during the inauguration ceremony of Enibokun Edoror Foundation, the Speaker said that due attention to the women, youths, vulnerable and less privileged would fast track the process of development.

The Enibokun foundation is a Non-Governmental Organisation committed to the welfare of women and the girl child.

According to the Speaker, in order to ensure a safer society, all stakeholders must pull their resources together to assist the less privileged and indigent girl child and youths in the society in order to dissuade them from being vulnerable to crime, criminality and other social vices.

Speaking with newsmen after the inauguration of the foundation, wife of the Speaker, Mrs. Enibokun Rosemary Edoror who doubles as chairperson of the foundation said that, “women are the engine that drives the economy as they are the ones that are found in market places, on the farm and also at homes. “The girl child is the mother of tomorrow, while the youths are the leaders of tomorrow, therefore, Enibokun Edoror foundation is out to take care of our today while also preparing for our tomorrow.

The ceremony was graced by dignitaries from across the state, including a former governor of Edo State, Professor Oserheimen Osunbor, chairman of All Progressive Congress, Edo State, Barr. Anselm Ojezua, State Legislators and several governorship aspirants.

Source: http://www.nigerianobservernews.com/2016/03/edo-speaker-makes-case-for-less-privileged/

CEO of Nike Arts Gallery, Lagos sets the pace in Women Empowerment

azodecharles@gmail.com (Azode Charles) — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 13:24:00 +0100

All for one, One for all

Mrs Nike Okundaiye, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nike Arts Gallery, Lagos, on Wednesday said that she trained 590 women in artistic skills in 2015.

Okundaiye told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the programme was to sharpen the participants’ skills and make them become self–reliant.

She said that there had been an improvement in women's participation in art related skills as 350 women were trained in 2014 while 590 were recorded in 2015.

She said that 120 women were trained in Osogbo, another 120 women trained in Abuja, 100 in Lagos and 250 in Ogidi, Kogi.

The artist said that the training was to empower orphans, widows and the less privileged and make them responsible individuals.

She commended Adara Foundation and the British Council for collaborating with Nike Arts Gallery to co-sponsor the training.

'' We can account for 590 women trained in adire-making, tie- and- dye, carvings, hat making, paintings, bead making and lots more.

'' My aim for organizing the training is to give opportunities to the rural women, the less privileged, orphans and widows to be financially independent after being trained.

'' After the training, they will have things to do that can fetch them money, though depending on how they display the skills acquired .

'' These women are happy at the end of the training because they will no longer be jobless but will be self reliant,'' Okundaiye said.

She said that the youths should be culturally oriented , adding that an exploration of the country’s culture was capable of enriching several people .

'' This is because these artistic works are products of our culture.

'' A lot of people are out there who are willing to be empowered,'' she said.

Credit: NAN Source: http://nannewsnigeria.com/artist-empowers-590-women-2015

No Society Thrives Ignoring Widows, Less Privileged- Bolanle Ambode

azodecharles@gmail.com (Azode Charles) — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 13:17:00 +0100

All for one, One for all

Wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode , Monday, observed that no society can thrive in an atmosphere where widows and the less privileged are continuously ignored and schemed out of welfare calculations, just as she said that all hands must be on deck to put premium on the welfare of the vulnerable members of the society.

Mrs. Ambode, who spoke at the Banquet Hall, Lagos House, Ikeja during an empowerment programme for widows, mothers with multiple births and medical support for the less privileged, said societies can only thrive when the burden on widows are made lighter and the less privileged are assisted in a number of ways to live better lives, and thereby called for deliberate efforts to alleviate their sufferings.

No fewer than 32 widows, 14 parents with multiple births and five non-governmental organisations in the vanguard of helping the less privileged were empowered at the programme.

The programme was put together by Mrs Ambode in conjunction with a non-governmental organization, Hope for Women Foundation (HOFOWEM).

Speaking at the event, she said the empowerment initiative was principally put together in order to assuage the conditions of the less privileged and thereby put smiles on their faces.

She stressed that the condition of widowhood is a bitter pill that no woman wants to swallow, but that in such situation, both the government and members of the society must make the welfare of such people a concern, and work towards alleviating their plight.

She said though the African society sometimes help in such situation, but that such help are always not enough to wipe the tears from the face of the widow, who she noted must have been left to only take care of the feeding and upkeep of the house, paying school fees and other pressing needs, as well as the pressure from the late husband’s family.

“We also have women, who in their quest to fulfill their marital role of procreation and motherhood, were blessed with multiple babies in a single birth. This, in most cases, is more than their moderate expectation of one baby or maximum of two and what is supposed to be a blessing now becomes a concern for the family,” Mrs. Ambode said.

She urged widows to also be gainfully employed, said the fact of the matter also was that they must take the issue of economic empowerment seriously either by taking up a regular paid job or engaging in vocational skills that would generate regular income to meet their vital needs.

She assured that the state government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) would be readily available to assist widows and less privileged in that direction, and urged them to take advantage of the many vocational training centres of the Ministry located across the state.

Source: http://nigeriancurrent.com/2016/03/08/no-society-thrives-ignoring-widows-less-privileged-bolanle-ambode/

Nigerians tasked on help for less privileged

azodecharles@gmail.com (Azode Charles) — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 13:11:00 +0100

All for one, One for all

An appeal has gone to good spirited Nigerians to come to the aid of less privileged citizens in society, especially the motherless babies and children orphaned by varying circumstances.

The Director of Planning, Strategy and Research, DPSR, of Women in Action for Development, WIAFOD, Lady Amaka Ezeude, made the passionate appeal while presenting varying food items and other consumables to the Red Cross Motherless Babies Home, Owerri. “It was not the choice of these hapless, helpless babies that they are in their present condition. There is therefore the need for the rest of us to periodically visit these homes and attend to the special needs of the inmates”, Ezeude said.

While commending some individuals and corporate organizations that have been assisting these special citizens in Nigeria, Lady Ezeude however explained that it was the tradition of WIAFOD to engage in activities that would positively change the life of the less privileged. “We ought to make them have a sense of belonging. We should care for them, particularly, in the areas of food, shelter, education”, Ezeude said.

While saying that the empowerment of women and children is capable of alleviating poverty in the society, Ezeude also called on leaders in the country to map out empowerment programmes to improve the well-being of Nigerian women and children.

Credit: Chidi Nkwopara & Chinonso Alozie Source: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/02/nigerians-tasked-on-help-for-less-privileged/

ATTEND the #InvestInHer Empowerment Summit in Abuja - March 19th, 2016

azodecharles@gmail.com (Azode Charles) — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 12:42:00 +0100

All for one, One for all

In line with our vision to create a circle of empowerment among the less privileged women of our society, E2E Initiative will be unveiling its flagship Project #InvestInHer

Programs at the unveiling will include:

Provision of Grants / Soft loans for Startups and Business Ideas
Free Training on various skills and Business Startups
Concise Lectures on understanding various business markets, Branding and Packaging
Gifting of free clothing
Motivational talks

Date: 19th March, 2016

Time: 9am Prompt

Venue: Assemblies of God Church Auditorium, Opposite Royal Dream, before Orange Market, Mararaba, Nassarawa state.

You can visit our WEBSITE or tweet us @e2e_Initiative or Like us on Facebook

For Inquiries, kindly call +2347051776319

CELEBRATING Mrs. Anih Joy. A FANTASTIC MUM and FOUNDER of E2E INITIATIVE

azodecharles@gmail.com (Azode Charles) — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 11:54:00 +0100

All for one, One for all

Mrs. Anih Joy and her Hubby Mr. Godwin Anih

Its never too late nor does it ever get sour to recall or remember events marked by people whose contribution to the society is simply priceless.

Such an event was marked on the 28th of February, 2016 when our very own founder, a woman of substance, glam and gracious in all ramifications - Mrs. Anih Joy was thrown a surprise birthday celebration at her residence by her loving Husband, Friends, Relatives and Staff of E2E Initiative.

L-R: Mrs. Akanonu Joy (CEO Joyee Divine Concept - JDC) and Mrs. Anih Joy (Founder, E2E Initiative)

For a woman who pursued a vision of a Non-profit organization themed at creating a circle of empowerment among women and brought it to reality in Empowered To Empower (E2E) Initiative, a day which commemorates her birth is indeed a blessed day for humanity.

Dearest Joy, It is the ever renewed prayers of everyone who know your humble and graceful personality that bountiful of God's blessing, divine happiness and endless favors be yours and that you increase the good work you are doing in the lives of the less privileged.

We from E2E Initiative wish you many jolly years ahead.

2016 List of Scholarships for African women and Developing Countries

azodecharles@gmail.com (Azode Charles) — Mon, 7 Mar 2016 11:37:00 +0100

All for one, One for all

A number of organisations encourage women empowerment through education at different levels by offering specific scholarships for African women from Africa and developing countries. Although women looking for scholarships can as well apply for other scholarship programmes that are non-gender specific, there are sponsorship programmes that reduce the competition by offering their scholarship programmes solely for women. From the archives of AfterschoolAfrica, below is an updated list of scholarships (undergraduate, Masters, MBA and PhD) that are open for women from African and developing countries.

LIST OF SCHOLARSHIPS AND THEIR PREVIOUS/TENTATIVE DEADLINES

MasterCard Foundation Scholarships Program at Wellesley College, USA

As part of the Scholars Program, Wellesley will provide nine (9) African women with comprehensive support that includes scholarships, mentoring, counseling, and internship opportunities. Scholars at Wellesley will build experiences, values, and competencies that are critical to success in the global economy, and that enable them to give back to their communities and home countries.

Previous Deadline March 1

NWAG Scholarship for Nigerian Women

Each year the Nigerian Women Association of Georgia -NWAG- offers undergraduate Scholarships for 37 Nigerian female students (one per state of origin) in Nigerian universities on any course of study, in the amount of fifty thousand Naira (N50,000)

Previous deadline: May 30

MILEAD Empowerment and Leadership Fellowship for Young African Women

The MILEAD Fellows Program is a one-year leadership development program designed to identify, develop and promote emerging young African Women leaders to attain and succeed in leadership in their community and Africa as a whole.

Previous Deadline March 15

JAUW International Fellowships Programme for Women

The Japanese Association of University Women currently announced its International Fellowships Programme for women who are carrying out or would like to carry out independent research or advanced study at postgraduate level in Japan.

Previous Deadline April 10

WAAW Foundation Scholarship for African Women

The Working to Advance African Women (WAAW) foundation aim to increase the pipeline of African women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) related disciplines, and work to ensure that this talent is engaged in African innovation. WAAW Foundation offers Annual Scholarship program for Undergraduate African female students.

Previous deadline 31 October

Schlumberger Foundation Fellowship Grant for Women from Developing countries

The Faculty of the Future Leader offers PhD & PostDoctoral Fellowship for Women from Developing Countries and emerging economies sponsored by the Schlumberger Foundation.

Application Deadline November 16

Microsoft Research Graduate Women’s Scholarships, USA

The Microsoft Research Graduate Women’s Scholarship is a one-year scholarship program for outstanding women graduate students and is designed to help increase the number of women pursuing a PhD. This program supports women in the second year of their graduate studies.

Previous deadline October 16

Women in Aviation Scholarships for International Students

To be eligible to apply for the Women in Aviation scholarship, scholarship applicants must be a member of Women in Aviation, International.

Previous Deadline November 12

Makerere University offers Undergraduate Scholarships for Female Students, Uganda

The Makerere University Female Scholarship Foundation (FSF) was launched in November 2010 as a continuation of the Makerere University Female Scholarship Initiative (FSI).

Previous deadline 17 August

International Federation of University Women (IFUW) Human Rights Fellowships for women in Any Country

The Conchita Poncini Jimenez Human Rights Fellowship for women by the International Federation of University Women (IFUW) will be awarded for advanced research, an internship or study related to the use of human rights instruments and agreements for the advancement of women.

Previous deadline June 30

Switzerland- Nestle MBA Scholarships for Women Developing Countries

The Nestlé Scholarship for Women was first awarded in 1997 and was initiated by a group of IMD- Switzerland- MBA (Masters in Business Administration) participants who desired to encourage women to take the MBA courses. Preference are given to women from developing countries.

Previous deadline 30 September

Kofi Annan €38,000 MBA Fellowship for Developing Countries to Study at ESMT Berlin, Germany

The Kofi Annan Business School Foundation offers fellowship grant for an emerging leader from a developing country for a one-year full-time MBA education at European School of Management and Technology (ESMT) in Berlin, Germany

Previous deadline 30 September

Postgraduate Training Fellowships for Women Scientists from Sub-Saharan Africa and LDC

Postgraduate Training Fellowships for Women is offered for women Scientists from Sub-Saharan Africa and Least Developed Countries (LDC) at Centres of Excellence in the South for research in Natural sciences related fields.

Previous deadline 31 July

Amelia Earhart Fellowship for Women- PhD Scholarship

Women of any nationality pursuing a Ph.D./doctoral degree who demonstrate a superior academic record in the field of aerospace-related sciences and aerospace-related engineering are eligible.

Previous deadline 15 November

Campbell Fellowship for Women Scholar-Practitioners from Developing Nation

The Vera R. Campbell Foundation funded Fellowship is offered for female postdoctoral social scientist from a developing country whose work addresses women’s economic and social empowerment in that nation.

Previous deadline 1 November

PEO International Peace Scholarship fund for Women – USA and Canada

The PEO International Peace Scholarship Fund is a program of Women helping women reach for the stars. The fund provides scholarships for selected women from other countries for graduate study in the United States and Canada.

Previous deadline December 15 and April 1

Deutsche Bank Scholarships for Women at London Business School

The Deutsche Bank scholarship is award to four MBA and Masters in Finance female students in the AMOUNT of £20,000 each. These extremely generous awards are designed to enable talented women with an interest in the finance sector to study at London Business School.

Previous deadline 18 April

African Guest Researchers’ Scholarship Programme, Sweden

Africa Guest Researcher Scholarships at Nordic Africa Institute (NAI), Sweden for African Researchers /Scholars 2013 – With preference to Women Researchers.

Previous deadline 1 April

Dorothy Marchus Senesh Fellowship For Women From Developing Countries in USA

The International Peace Research Association Foundation (IPRA), USA invites applications for the Dorothy Marchus Senesh Fellowship for Women from Developing Countries in Peace and Development Studies.

Previous application deadline 15 January

SAWISE Hope & Angus Scholarship for African Women in Science and Technology

The Association of South African Women in Science and Engineering (SAWISE) invites female students entering their Honours level/ 4th year of study to apply for the two SAWISE scholarships.

Previous deadline 15 November

Leadership and Advocacy for Women in Africa (LAWA) Fellowship Program

The Leadership and Advocacy for Women in Africa (LAWA) Fellowship Program was founded in 1993 at the Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C., in order to train women’s human rights lawyers from Africa who are committed to returning home to their countries in order to advance the status of women and girls in their own countries throughout their careers.

Previous deadline 1 February

INSEAD Alumni Fund (IAF) Women’s Scholarships

The scholarship seeks bright, dynamic and motivated women who are making significant achievements in their professional and/or personal lives.

Deadline 11 February and 18 August each year

Jane M Klausman Women In Business Scholarship

The Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship program helps women pursue undergraduate and Master’s degrees in business management and overcome gender barriers from the classroom to the boardroom.

Previous deadline: 1 July

Fondation Rainbow Bridge MBA Scholarship for Women from Africa and Asia

The Fondation Rainbow Bridge will enable young women scholars to enrich their academic background by obtaining an HEC MBA in France. This scholarship is available for women from Asian or African countries affected by natural disasters, drought or famine.

Previous Deadline: December and August

Professor De Winter Scholarship for Women at University of Twente, Netherlands

Master’s Scholarship in any subject at University of Twente for Female/Women Students of Non-EU/EEA Countries in Netherlands.

Previous deadline 1 April

Zawadi Africa Education Fund Undergraduate Scholarship for Women- in Partnership with Google

The Zawadi Africa Education Fund is a program designed to provide undergraduate scholarships to academically gifted girls/ women from disadvantaged backgrounds from Africa to pursue higher education in the US.

Funds for Women Graduates Scholarship Grants for PhD/ Doctoral Study & Research

Funds for Women Graduates- FfWG offers Foundation Grants to help women graduates with their living expenses (not fees) while registered for study or research at an approved institution of higher education in Great Britain.

Previous deadline 4 April

Forté Foundation MBA Fellows for Women

Forté Foundation offers fellowships to women who are pursuing a full-time, part-time or executive MBA education at participating business schools. Forté Foundation Fellowships are intended to increase the number of women applying to and enrolling in MBA programs. Students of all nationalities are eligible for consideration.

Global Fund for Women Grants

The Global Fund for Women supports women’s groups that advance the human rights of women and girls. The Organization strengthen women’s right groups based outside the United States by providing small, flexible, and timely grants ranging from $500 to $30,000 for operating and program expenses.
Applications are accepted throughout the year and grants awarded every three months.

Source: http://www.afterschoolafrica.com/255/international-scholarship-for-women-in/

Domesticate the Child Right Act and enforce it- ACSEC

azodecharles@gmail.com (Azode Charles) — Mon, 7 Mar 2016 11:13:00 +0100

All for one, One for all

AS part of efforts to secure the future of the girl-child in Nigeria, the Executive Director of African Child Social Empowerment Centre (ACSEC), a non-governmental organisation, Dr. Bonaventure Enemali, has called on all state governments in the country to domesticate the Child Right Act and enforce it.

Enemali made the call recently while speaking at a workshop organised by the organisation for students of Power and Glory International Schools, Ejigbo, Lagos State, in commemoration of last year's International Day for the African Child.

The event, which held with the theme “Accelerating our Collective Efforts to End Child Marriage in Africa” is celebrated on June 16 every year to commemorate an ugly event that happened in Soweto, South Africa on June 16, 1976, where about 10, 000 black school children marched in a column more than half a mile protesting the poor quality of their education and demanding their right to be taught in their own language. Hundreds of the young students were shot, the most famous of which was Hector Peterson. More than 100 people were killed in the protest while over 1000 others were injured.

Addressing the theme of this year’s celebration, Enemali noted that the Child Rights Act passed into law in 2003 put the age of marriage at 18 years for girls.

He, however, lamented that in spite of the existence of this Act, compliance at the state level appears lackluster owing to the complicated legal systems in the country, which affords some measures of variance at the state level.

“Thus, the interpretation of the Act has come within the prism of civil, customary and Islamic laws. This plurality was reflected in 2013 during the Constitutional Amendment debate by the Senate where Senator Ahmad Sani Yerima of Zamfara West pushed for a second vote on the matter arguing that under Islamic Law, a woman is of age once she is married and that Nigeria cannot legislate on marriages under Islamic Law and customary law including matrimonial causes,” he explained.

Source: http://guardian.ng/news/national/centre-urges-states-to-domesticate-enforce-child-right-act/

Empowering the girl child for future challenges

azodecharles@gmail.com (Azode Charles) — Mon, 7 Mar 2016 11:08:00 +0100

All for one, One for all

Empowering the girl child for future challenges and leadership positions in the society cannot be overemphasised. As campaign for the girl child education is increasing by the day, experts are of the opinion that empowerment of the girl child is something that must not be toyed with.

In championing the cause of the girl child, the South African High Commission in Nigeria established a programme tagged “Take a Girl Student to Work.” The initiative which is being done annually was to expose final year female students in the universities to work environment. The High Commission partners interested public and private organisations willing to absorb the students for the programme.

Partnering on the project, MultiChoice Nigeria has absorbed 20 students from various departments from the University of Lagos in this year’s edition of the programme.

According to the organisation’s Head, Public Relations, Segun Fayose, the exercise was basically about empowering the female child. “It started in 2009 when South Africa celebrated women’s day and every August 9 is declared a public holiday in the country to celebrate women. South African women contributed to the struggle for their liberation. In Nigeria, they made initiative to empower the female child which is a weeklong programme to get expose to work environment. It always involves the final year students where they spend the whole day to have exposure in different units, have practical with us as well as with our contact centres”, he remarked.

Ms.Thandi Mgxwati, Political Counsellor, South African High Commission; explained that the project is an annual social corporate investment event and a constructive way of positively contributing to the global efforts to address challenges faced by young women, particularly African women and “the girl child.”

“The Take a Girl Student to Work project is conceived as a day when young female students from institutions of learning from the Federal Republic of Nigeria are exposed to the reality of the workplace. The same theme is adopted for this year’s Women’s Day anniversary celebration in Lagos.

One of the participating students from UNILAG, Vanessa Mbamala, who is studying Cell Biology and Genetics described the initiative as very exposing, “I’m excited to be part of the programme. It has opened me up to know that women can attain leadership position in their field unlike when women were always sidelined and relegated to the kitchen. This programme is an eye-opener.”

Adamu Mary Ehi of the same department said, “The concept was to bring us to work environment to help us know what to face ahead. It has helped me to know that there’s a world out there outside school and that it’s possible to be a career woman and combine everything successfully. As a science-based student, it has helped to broaden my views on other disciplines, to know that my course is not a barrier and to also know that we shouldn’t be closed minded but open to other opportunities.”

On her part, Omolola Omotokun, a final year Mass Communication student said the programme has assisted her to improve her drive to achieve in life. “This initiative is awesome. We were told about some things we already knew and it has helped us to improve our personal skills and drive to achieve in life.

Through this programme we have been taught to convince ourselves that our idea will work even when others are trying to discourage us that it won’t. I also learnt that when one fails, one should not stay in the shadow but pick herself up. I won’t leave this place the same person. From what I’ve learnt, I will build on my skills and share the knowledge learnt with others that didn’t have the opportunity to attend.”

Source: http://independentnig.com/2013/08/empowering-the-girl-child-for-future-challenges/

DID YOU KNOW?

azodecharles@gmail.com (Azode Charles) — Mon, 7 Mar 2016 10:53:00 +0100

All for one, One for all

Statistics by the UN say more than 700 million women are married as children (below 18 years of age).
More than one in three or some 250 million are married before 15.
Child brides are often unable to effectively negotiate safe sex, leaving them vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancy.
Every 10 minutes, somewhere in the world, an adolescent girl dies as a result of violence.
In emergencies, adolescent girls are especially vulnerable to sexual violence, and in some cases, are abducted and exploited for sexual purposes by armed groups.
Nearly half (44 per cent) of adolescent girls worldwide aged 15 to 19 think a husband or partner is justified in hitting or beating his wife or partner under certain circumstances.

What are you doing in your able capacity to mitigate these monstrously negative statistics?

Curled from: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/10/its-time-nigerians-speak-out-for-rights-of-girl-children-activists/

Intel Stresses Technology Empowerment for the Girl Child

azodecharles@gmail.com (Azode Charles) — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 10:02:00 +0100

All for one, One for all

World’s leading silicon innovator, Intel once again furthered the need to bridge the gender gap in technology by hosting female beneficiaries of its She Will Connect (SWC) programme, at the Genesis Deluxe Cinema, Victoria Island in Lagos.

Speaking at the occasion, Group Manager, Corporate Affairs, Intel, Babatunde Akinola observed that access to technology has opened up a world of many opportunities for women and the girl child, and it is transforming their roles across the world.Akinola explained that, breaking the stereotypes on appropriate career paths for girls was critical to women’s economic empowerment and employment, noting that, “We started “She Will Connect” with a mission to empower 5 million girls in the next five years. This is the first year running and we are excited that the initiative is already yielding fruits among the beneficiaries present today.”

He reiterated Intel’s commitment to constantly push for gender equality in the world of technology as well as equip young girls and women with digital literacy skills.

One of the beneficiaries, Opeyemi Anifowose, a Fashion designer expressed her gratitude to Intel for the initiative, stating that her participation at one of the training sessions had impacted greatly on her creativity.

The 26-year-old student of the University of Ibadan, who is also undergoing training in Fashion designing at the Lagos State Skills and Acquisition Centre, Lagos Island branch said that, “I participated in the training in May and since then, I have been applying what I learnt to my work. I now go online to research on latest trends in Fashion designing and learn how to make them by myself. I am happy I participated.”

Prior to the cinema hangout, the Intel She Will Connect Team also made a stop at the Pastor Bimbo Odukoya Foundation (PBOF) Girl’s Home to train the girls on the use of computer and internet, using the Intel Easy steps curriculum.

Addressing the girls, Intel Nigeria’s “She Will Connect” ambassador, Titilope Sonuga encouraged the girls to believe in their potentials. Sonuga added that, “You can be whoever you want to be and your sex should not impede your career path. This is why we want more women to embrace technology, because technology is a liberator.”

While commending Intel for the initiative, Co-ordinator of the PBO Foundation, Osasu Paul-Azino remarked that, She Will Connect empowers the girl child with a voice through technology. Azino said that, “She Will Connect ties into our objective which is to rescue, empower and protect the rights of woman and the girl child. It is important that we give a voice to them, and She Will Connect is doing so with technology empowerment.”

The Intel “She Will Connect” program aims to reduce the gender gap all over the world through collaborations that would bring about an innovative combination of digital literacy training, online peer network and gender relevant content.

Source: http://bizwatchnigeria.ng/intel-stresses-technology-empowerment-for-the-girl-child/

Emancipating and empowering the girl child

azodecharles@gmail.com (Azode Charles) — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 09:52:00 +0100

All for one, One for all

THERE is no perfect tool for future development in a nation more than empowering the girl child today. It’s certainly noon for some, dusk for some others, but for the girl child, it is, but a golden dawn, the birth of a new beginning. So, “it’s imperative we begin the search for the black goat before nightfall.”

The Female gender has been marginalized for so long Inequality is undoubtedly so entrenched in our society. The truth is, when the girl child is empowered everybody benefits, because she is the mother of tomorrow. She carries in her womb the continuity of the human race.

Having the right charismatic mentor instill in the girl child the spirit of self confidence, bravery, assertiveness, respect for her body; not giving in to casual sexual desires, knowledge on the importance of education, and make her gain as much information as needed to empower her, should be our utmost priority.

We need to really take decisive and proactive measures to bringing the girl child to a level playing field with the boy child. Gone are the days when women were consigned to the kitchen and taught culinary arts and men pleasing. The gospel of the paradigm shift in the position of the female gender should be carried to our rural communities where the cloak of nescience and back- ward traditional beliefs still hold sway.

The importance of investing in the girl child cannot be overemphasized and should be clearly understood by everyone.

A good degree of work has been done by the government in the area of skill acquisition: catering, tailoring, hairdressing, soap making, etc. It’s time to step up a bit to the IT world where there are vast and even more dynamic systems that will further empower the girl child to meet up with the ever growing world of affairs. Government should provide attendant facilities in the rural areas to this effect. The vast array of potentials that we will be harnessing and unleashing to the society when most of these girl children, who would have been condemned to mere rustic existence become exposed to knowledge and information on a global scale will boggle the mind. I’m very sure that this present leaders have the right political will and uncluttered vision to see the world from a different perspective.

While the focus is on the girl child, it must be noted that whatever gains we hope to achieve in fostering an egalitarian society will be rubbished if the boy child is groomed with a skewed concept of the place of his opposite number in the society. The boy child should be raised with the belief that all people, irrespective of gender, are in principle equal and should enjoy equal social, political and economic rights and opportunities in our society. That is the egalitarian mentality.

The boy child should be tutored to appreciate the girl child as worthy partner in all areas of life, not as underling. They should be taught that they can work in harmony in bringing up a better society. They should also not harbor negative notions about the female gender in the area of rape and other viles. Girls should be respected.

I believe that the degradation- as a result of decades of repression-caused by constraining the girl child to adhere slavishly to selfish traditional rules will only be repaid as soon as a structured framework on the girl child’s right of inheritance is passed into law in the South Eastern states and the issue of bride price is addressed accordingly. Traditions are set values for human well- being in the society, but even if traditional value translates injustice into a norm, in time, it will still be revealed as injustice. Our duty is to do our bit to restore the dignity of humanity where such has been trampled in the sewer of base minds as what is happening to the girl child.

The truth is, the emancipation of the Girl Child is so active in the cities/urban areas, but conversely, little or nothing is being done in the hinterland/villages where tradition has transformed the men into gods and the female gender to slaves even though they have no chains around their feet.

If our leaders will summon their godly will and give a positive resolution to the issues of
the girl child rights and freedom, they will be providing the means for her to stand up against exploitative and humiliating situations and claim her rights. It will also help in blossoming her traditionally hidden potentials and restore her self-confidence in her home and the society at large, and our leaders will be honored in generations to come as the pillars of the Crusade for the girl child’s emancipation.

My proposition is not an imposition but an appeal for fair play and equity. Liberating the girl child from the shackles of manmade rules and tradition, which are at variance with the tenets of truth and wisdom is a duty we are called upon to perform today. The tradition of enthralling and disinheriting the girl child were made a long time ago by men who dies, just to satisfy some selfish and parochial interests, not by God. Equality, fairness, justice, freedom and love are the total fulcrum of the message of truth. We know that such obnoxious traditions and practices should have no place in a modern society that stands for equity and justice.

Any value that supports enslavement, injustice, deprivation and inequality on ac- count of gender, color, race or creed is decrepit, obnoxious, obsolete, backward and reactionary and should be stopped.

Tradition is good but when it’s used as a tool of oppression, it becomes perverse and must be abrogated. “I prefer liberty with danger than peace with slavery.”

Credit: Ada Chinyere Cummings Source: http://sunnewsonline.com/new/emancipating-and-empowering-the-girl-child/

Education, fundamental right of girl child – Aisha Buhari

azodecharles@gmail.com (Azode Charles) — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 09:48:00 +0100

All for one, One for all

The Wife of President Muhammadu Buhari, Mrs Aisha Buhari, has said education is the key that opens the door to opportunities and is the fundamental right of every girl child.

She made this disclosure at an event to commemorate the 2015 edition of Women and Girls Summit organised by the National Centre for Women Development yesterday in Abuja with the theme: “Empowerment and training: Innovating for girl child Education”.

According to her, ‘ It is only by chance that most Nigerian girls rise above the cultural and traditional systems of stratification that continue to cast women as inferior to their male counterparts economically, politically, and socially.’

Mrs Buhari who was represented at the occasion by the wife of the Secretary to the Federal Government, Mrs Alamanda Babadiri Lawal, said that those who escaped such subjugation have done so mostly by being empowered through education, adding that a good education offers Nigerian girl child an opportunity of being a valued member of the society.

“For girls in Nigeria and around the world, education can enable economic independence, political participation, and empower them with the necessary knowledge to activitively and effectively tackle oppressive norms that perpetuate different forms of violence against women and in contrast to the culture of gender inequality that persists, education serves as an avenue of exposure to a cultural alternative,” she said.

According to her, ‘the missing Chibok girls have been deprived of many things that this life has to offer. I remain confident that their issues will be resolved soonest.’

She also reiterated her commitment and resolves to champion the cause of women, maternal and child health, through consistent advocacy towards reduction of the high rate of maternal and child mortality rate in Nigeria.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Ezekiel Oyemomi said the gathering was to draw attention of policy makers and stakeholders to the overall wellbeing of women and the girl child and reinforced government’s commitments to ensuring their empowerment.

The Director General, National Centre for Women Development (NCWD), Lady Onyeka Onwenu, also said girls have the right to a safe, educated , and healthy life, not only during their critical formative years, but also as they mature into women

Credit: Beatrice Ada-Waku Source: https://www.today.ng/news/25547/education-fundamental-right-of-girl-child-aisha-buhari

Education offers girl child opportunity of being valued in society - Aisha Buhari

azodecharles@gmail.com (Azode Charles) — Sat, 20 Feb 2016 17:38:00 +0100

All for one, One for all

Mrs Aisha Buhari, wife of the President, has said that a good education offered the Nigerian girl child an opportunity of being a valued member of the society.

She said this on Thursday in Abuja during the International Day of the Girl Child Summit, which was organised by the National Centre for Women Development (NCWD) and commemorated yearly on October 11, 2015.

The theme of the celebration was ``Empowerment and training: Innovating for Girl-Child education’’.

Mrs Buhari, who was represented by Mrs Alamanda Lawal, wife of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, said education was the key that opened the door to an opportunity to succeed beyond customary measures.

``Education is a fundamental right which is the only chance that most Nigerian girls have to rise above the cultural and traditional systems of stratification;

``That continues to cast women as inferior to their male counterparts, economically, politically and socially.

``A good education offers the Nigerian girl child an opportunity of being a valued member of the society.

``For girls, education can enable economic independence, political participation, and empower them with the necessary knowledge to actively and effectively tackle oppressive norms that perpetuate different forms of violence against women,” she said.

According to her, education serves as an avenue to dislodge gender inequality and provide cultural alternatives that persists.

She, however, noted that change was a constant thing but it was a gradual process, adding that it required collective effort for women to actualize their full potentials.

Mrs Buhari reiterated her commitment and resolve to champion the cause of women, maternal and child health through consistent advocacy.

Justice Mary Odili, Chief Justice Supreme Court of Nigeria, said women should ensure they do not leave their children in whatever they did, adding that they could not be compromised for anything.

Odili urged women to ensure taking corrective measures on their children, especially the girl child which would improve their formative years into adulthood.

She also encouraged parents to always engage the services of extra school curriculum to sharpen the intellect of their children.

Mrs Chimdi Neliaku, who spoke on behalf of the girl children at the summit, said the government needed to establish schools for the girl child with special needs in all states of the federation.

Neliaku said: ``Our schools need to change their curriculum to be in line with the global practices and also domesticate the Child Rights Act in all states.

``The law should take its full course on perpetrators of rapists on women and girls.

``The girl child should be sent to school at least to the level of secondary education.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a communique is expected at the end of the summit for the attention of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The International Day of the Girl Child was introduced by UN to address the challenges girls faced and to promote girls’ empowerment and fulfillment of their rights. (NAN)

Credit: NDUBISI.IJEOMA Source: http://nannewsnigeria.com/education-offers-girl-child-opportunity-being-valued-society-aisha-buhari

Girl-Child Empowerment - ENGINE launched in Nigeria

azodecharles@gmail.com (Azode Charles) — Sat, 20 Feb 2016 10:37:00 +0100

All for one, One for all

In a bid to strengthen the educational and economic opportunities of the girl-child in Nigeria, Coca-Cola Nigeria and the United Kingdom Department for International Development Girls Education have partnered to launch the the Educating Nigerian Girls in Nigeria Enterprise (ENGINE) as of September 2015.

Speaking on the initiative which was launched simultaneously in Lagos, Kaduna, Abuja and Kano, the Program Manager, ENGINE, Ayodele Fajemilola, disclosed that the Lagos initiative would benefit over 6000 girls.

According to Fajemilola, “A vocational training program will be implemented in five Local Government Areas , namely Kosofe, Ojo, Bariga, Alimosho and Epe and about 6,357 girls will benefit from the program, which is aimed at empowering them educationally and economically.’’ She explained that initiative will empower young females with training modules in four important areas to help them succeed, “The girls will be taught four basic courses, namely, business education, life skills, financial education and savings education,” she said.

Source: http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/girl-child-empowerment/220633/

Empowering the girl-child through free, compulsory education

azodecharles@gmail.com (Azode Charles) — Sat, 20 Feb 2016 10:31:00 +0100

All for one, One for all

Issues of concerns over the incidences of violation of the rights of children, especially the girl-child, have been on the top burner in recent times. Reasons are not far-fetched. The girl-child has over the years been taunted as weak and susceptible to societal ills ranging from rape, child labour, female genital mutilation, early marriage, trafficking, being used as baby factories and not admitted into formal education among others, the resultant effect being long term trauma for the victims.

According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), denial of rights to formal education is a violation of the child’s right and leads to ignorance, poverty and disease. It is an established fact that failure to invest in tackling headlong the problem of girl-child education leads to serious social and economic consequences leading to losses estimated at 2-8 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
As noted by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Dr. Ezekiel Oyemomi, girls and women in Nigeria, as in other developing nations of the world, are systematically disadvantaged and face worse development outcomes than their male counterparts. Some of these challenges are reinforced by age-long prejudices and cultural stereotypes against the development of the girl-child.

Findings from the Nigeria Violence Against Children Survey released on September 10, 2015, carried out by the National Populations Commission (NPC) with support from UNICEF and the United States Centre for Disease Control and Prevention revealed a high prevalence of violence against children in Nigeria, especially the girl-child.

These findings posited that girls, more than boys, are prone to various forms of abuse at home, school or places of worship. The population-based study provides the first nationally representative data on the prevalence of sexual, physical and emotional violence among female and male children in Nigeria. The survey found that approximately six out of every 10 Nigerian children under the age of 18 years experience some form of physical, emotional and sexual violence before the age of 18 years. Also, one in two children experience physical violence, one in four girls and one in ten boys experience sexual violence while one in two boys experience emotional violence.

The sad commentary is that experiencing violence in childhood makes it more likely that the child will grow up to become a perpetrator of violence against other children and is likely to become one even in childhood. According to UNICEF, ending violence against children is not just a child protection or child rights issue but also a moral imperative.

Worried by this trend, the Director-General of the National Centre for Women Development, (NCWD), Lady Onyeka Onwenu, recently hosted the second edition of Women and Girls Summit with girl-child education and empowerment, as its focal point. It had as theme, ‘Empowerment and Training: Innovating for Girl-Child Education,’ the three-day summit was hinged on the United Nations Declaration of October 11, 2011, which constitutes the International Day of the Girl-Child.

Onwenu explained that with education and adequate financial empowerment, women and girls could overcome societal prejudices and positively contribute their quota to growing the nation. The day was marked to recognize girl’s rights and the unique challenges they face around the world in conformity with the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 66/170 of December 19, 2011.

Students and young persons from 15 secondary schools within and around the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and various women’s associations were represented. Vital issues were raised. The girls raised their voices, speaking boldly on issues affecting them as members of the society. They all called on governments at all levels to seriously implement the relevant laws to end all forms of abuse against children, especially the girl-child.

While addressing the gathering, Lady Onwenu said, “It is expected that the outcome of this summit will draw the attention of policy makers to the critical issues and concerns that have continued to plague women and girls with a view to strategically addressing and including the issues on the strategic implementation plan of the new administration”.

Wife of the President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari who expressed confidence that issues concerning the abducted Chibok girls would be resolved soon, expressed the belief that it was possible to change the status of women globally and particularly in Nigeria, saying: “The world as a whole must awaken to the urgent need to end injustice against women”.

A 10-point communiqué was issued at the end of the summit. Titled ‘Hear our Voices,’ it called on policy makers, politicians, opinion leaders and agents of change to urgently address the issues that affect the girl-child by ensuring free, compulsory and retentive education for the girl-child up to secondary school level, establishing special schools for the girl-child with special needs in all states of the federation, promoting vocational skills as add-ons to formal education, promoting entrepreneurship programmes for young girls and boys, providing laboratories and teaching aids to all schools and introducing and sustaining the school feeding programme at the primary school level.

Also, there should be change and review of the school curriculum in line with technological advancement, provide adequate teaching facilities and required training aids, government to enforce the relevant laws on rape by ensuring that culprits are brought to justice, and provide adequate security in all schools.

No doubt, the summit has expressed Nigeria’s young’s modest and achievable requests to President Muhammadu Buhari who they described as ‘a listening leader’. What remains to be seen is how much of these resolution reached would be translated into the implementation and action in the favour of Nigeria’s girl-child so she could play her role effectively just like her male counterpart.

Credit: Miriam Humbe Source: http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/2015/11/empowering-the-girl-child-through-free-compulsory-education/

Banks Urged To Promote Women Empowerment

azodecharles@gmail.com (E2E Initiative) — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 09:26:00 +0100

All for one, One for all

Banks have been urged to promote women empowerment and equality in the financial landscape.

The Secretary General, United Nations, Mr. Ban Ki Moon, said in a statement made available to our correspondent that investing in women could yield a significant gender dividend.

He urged both public and private sectors at the Women Empowerment Principle Leadership Group meeting in New York to reap the benefit by investing in women and bringing them into leadership position.

Access Bank Plc represented by its Head, Group Human Resources, Mrs. Bolaji Agbede, highlighted several initiatives it was implementing to boost women empowerment and gender equality within the organisation and the Nigerian society at large.

Agbede listed the creation of Access Women Network as one of the organisational initiatives created to support and encourage women in the bank’s employment.

She said, “Outside Access Bank’s strong intermediation role in providing funding and training for women entrepreneurs through our partnership with the International Finance Corporation.

“We are equally aware of the challenges of career women and growing women, and consequently created the Access Women Network platform for women within our organisation to help them attain their personal goals and aspirations through mentoring and support.”

She added that as “the only Nigerian bank that has signed on to the Women Empowerment Principles unveiled in 2009, Access Bank had continued to demonstrate leadership in the area of women empowerment.

“We have adopted the principles in the development of our Sustainability Report and developed gender focused community initiatives and would continue to support the WEPs Leadership Group as a signatory to the Principles by encouraging other organisations in Nigeria to sign on to the principles,” she added.

Moon described the several initiatives that had been taken by participating organisations as a giant stride and great accomplishment in the journey towards women empowerment; particularly the implementation of the WEPs initiatives by corporate bodies.

He commended the CEOs whose organisations had signed on to the WEP and announced the institution of the WEP leadership awards to encourage effective application of the principles.

“The 540 companies present here demonstrate that implementing the WEPs and advancing gender equality is possible through corporate leadership and innovative programmes that create change not only within their own organisations, but throughout the value chain,” he said.

Credit: Ademola Alawiye Source: http://www.nigerianbestforum.com/generaltopics/banks-urged-to-promote-women-empowerment/

Child Labour: A Threat to Nigeria’s Future

azodecharles@gmail.com (E2E Initiative) — Wed, 17 Feb 2016 12:57:00 +0100

All for one, One for all

Child labour is so widespread in Nigeria that it has been accepted by many as part of normal life. But the practice is only an aberration which takes away the innocence of millions of children; it is a threat to the future of the country, writes Ebere Nwiro.

The Nigerian NGO’s Report reveals that a staggering 15 million children under the age of 14 are working across Nigeria. Many of these children are exposed to long hours of work in dangerous and unhealthy environments, carrying too much responsibility for their age. Working in these hazardous conditions with little food, small pay, no education and no medical care establishes a cycle of child rights violation.

While children have always worked in Nigeria, the figures have significantly increased over the years. The end of the oil boom in the 70s, coupled with mounting poverty, has driven millions of children into labour.

The difficulties faced by the Nigerian child should really be looked into, as they have proven over the years that they are problems which are here to stay. Recent studies and reports, especially from the International Labour Organization (ILO) show that child labour has been made worse in recent times because some of these children have no solid background, no education and no parental care. In the circumstances, they become street hawkers. They work in the streets during the day, and work even at night in some cases. Such lifestyles become very dangerous and nomadic types of life. There is little wonder therefore, that the future of these children is very dark and bleak.

Many argue that child labour is associated with poverty. And, they believe that until concrete measures are taken to tackle and reduce poverty, child labour will continue to be with us. They say that parents and guardians who push their wards towards paid or unpaid labour do not do so as a matter of preference, most of them usually do so because they have been left with no other choice. Some do so because they are widowed and the means by which they can look after the family is severely limited.

Child Rights activists also submit that lack of access to education is a major reason for the child labour quagmire. In many developing countries, and evidently in Nigeria, quality education is no longer free. The ‘free education’ available in many local and state governments across the country does not provide the desirable tools for future freedom from ignorance or even preparation for work after education.

Statistics shows that these working children lose out on education because they have no time, money or energy to go to school. It also shows that about six million children, comprising of boys and girls, do not attend school at all, while one million children are forced to drop out of school due to poverty or because their parents demand for them to contribute to the family’s income.

Over eight million children manage to stay in school and work at their spare time to pay school fees. But due to high demand at work, these children normally skip classes. Missing out on education makes it impossible to break the cycle of poverty and exploitation and prevents them from having a better life and a safer future.

All forms of child labour exposes children to exploitation and abuse. The children are forced to surrender their innocence and, in many cases, their future. It is therefore important to save these children by intensifying efforts to control all forms of child labour in the country. If the youths of a country are truly the future of that country, then Nigeria’s future needs a major rescue operation.

Credit: http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/child-labour-a-threat-to-nigeria-s-future/81845/

Airtel empowering the less privileged in Nigeria through Airtel Touching Lives

azodecharles@gmail.com (E2E Initiative) — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 11:54:00 +0100

All for one, One for all

Airtel Nigeria’s revolutionary television programme, Airtel Touching Lives Season 2, enters episode 3 this Sunday, January 31st as the telco reaffirms its commitment to less privileged members of the society.

The episode 3 takes viewers to the city of Ibadan, Oyo State, capturing how Airtel came to the aid of less privileged kids. From same episode, viewers will also see how a 47 year-old man, Gbenga Adesida who was born blind was empowered to deal with the situation and other challenges.

The repeat broadcast of the compelling stories in episode 3 can be viewed on Africa Magic Family 154 on Saturdays 8pm to 8.30pm; Africa Magic Urban on Thursdays 7.30pm to 8.00pm; AIT on Sundays by 6.30pm to 7pm; NTA on Wednesdays by 8.30pm to 9.00pm and Arewa 24 TV on Sundays by 7.00pm to 7.30pm.

In episode 2, viewers saw how the telco gave lifeline to a man who battled an unknown, debilitating disease for several years. It also captured how Airtel employed innovative means to help several women and children in a community in Osun State.

The maiden episode of the show, showed how Airtel fulfilled its promise to Season 1 beneficiary, Mr. Essien Obong, a mathematician/software writer who became blind after an armed robbery attack. The telco came to his aid by providing him with a customized laptop, bespoke braille machine and other computer software to support him.

Also in episode 1, the telco assisted a foundation known as ‘Centre for Citizens with Disabilities,’ founded by David Anyaele, a social support activist, whose hands were amputated by Revolutionary United Front (RUF) rebels in 1999 while on a business trip to Sierra Leone during the Civil War.

With the aid of prosthesis and the support of family and friends, he recovered quickly to only carry on the burden of life and living, but also to canvass for the support of the less privileged. He brought quite a few in the audience to tears with his moving story, but expressed utmost appreciation to God for sparing his life and to Airtel Nigeria, for donating laptops, printers, desks, photocopiers and other office equipment to enable him do his work of mercy and faith.

Through the Touching Lives platform, Airtel has been promoting the spirit of giving, self-sacrifice and love among Nigerians.

The Season 2 of the programme was premiered recently in Abuja with prominent individuals, government functionaries, NGOs and well-meaning Nigerians in attendance.

Source: http://tekedia.com/56637/airtel-empowering-the-less-privileged-in-nigeria/

Impacting On Lives Of Less-Privileged Through Charity Organisations

azodecharles@gmail.com (E2E Initiative) — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 11:49:00 +0100

All for one, One for all

IMPACTING positively on the welfare of the less privileged, the orphans and perhaps, the elderly requires a great deal of sincerity, love and care and most importantly, fear of God as well as to a very large extent, patient on the part of the particular individuals behind the initiative. Charity organisation, also known as non-governmental organisation is inadvertently, a very important result-oriented platform through which the desired and sustainable turning around of the lives of the needy in the society can be guaranteed. To a very large extent, it is a realistic instrument designed with the aim of rendering certain free services in the area of education, financial assistance and medical services for different categories of such individuals so as to give them a sense of belonging.

The alarming rate of poverty in our society today, in addition to the undesirable circumstances that surrounds many individuals, particularly the orphans and those that are suffering from one form of perpetual health deformity or the other, calls for passionate concern by the relevant government’s authorities, corporate organisations and well meaning individuals. In advanced societies like UK, India, America and the rest of them, issues bordering on socio-economic well being of the less privileged are always treated with utmost priority. Although, there may be several NGOs in Nigeria but the fact remains that not many of them keep to their conventional social responsibility of assisting the people with some challenges without attaching how much profit he or she stands to derive from it at the end of the day and this scenario strongly negates the aims and objectives of NGOs in totality. Non-Governmental Organisations are supposed to, as much as possible, put profit making agenda aside as they are established to bring the much needed succor to the people.

Source: http://thepointernewsonline.com/?p=22768

58 killed, 78 injured in Dikwa IDP camp attack

azodecharles@gmail.com (E2E Initiative) — Sat, 13 Feb 2016 10:39:00 +0100

All for one, One for all

The National Emergency Management Agency on Wednesday, confirmed 58 people lost their lives and 78 other victims were injured after suicide bombers detonated explosives at the Internally Displaced Persons camp in Dikwa, Borno State.

Emergency workers reported that the incident occurred when the IDPs queued up to collect their morning food ration in a camp that currently accommodates over 50, 000 people displaced by the Boko Haram insurgency.

The Zonal Coordinator of NEMA in the North East, Mohammed Kanar, said some of those killed had been buried while the injured were moved to unnamed medical facilities.

Responding on Wednesday evening, the Nigerian government circulated a statement condoling with families of victims of the Dikwa attack.“On behalf of the federal government of Nigeria, Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, expresses his profound condolences to the families of the victims of yesterday’s suicide bombing of an IDP camp in Dikwa, Borno State, and also the entire people and government of the state,” a statement by the vice president’s office said.

“His prayers are that the Almighty God will comfort them and grant the injured persons quick recovery.

“The Vice President stated that it is indeed regrettable that the heartless terrorists chose to unleash their wickedness on people who were taking refuge from previous acts of destruction in their homes.

“He reassured the nation that the full weight of the federal government’s force will be deployed to hunt down the perpetrators of this evil act and also to confront terrorists continuously in the protection of life, liberty and property of all Nigerians: there will be no hiding place for terrorists.

“Prof. Osinbajo has given directives that formidable security in and around the IDP Camps in the country be beefed up and renewed measures put in place to guard against future occurrences.

“Finally, the Vice President called on the people of Borno State and all Nigerians that the commitment of the federal government to safety of lives and property continues to be of paramount concern to the Buhari administration.”

Credit: AYO OLOWO Source: http://kokomansion.com/58-killed-78-injured-in-dikwa-idp-camp-attack/

The IDPs: Lasting Ways To Re-Build Their Lives With Full Re- Integration In Nigeria

azodecharles@gmail.com (E2E Initiative) — Sat, 13 Feb 2016 10:30:00 +0100

All for one, One for all

In the history of Nigeria, a major unlimited crisis or national outbreak that will face us for a very long time is the issue of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) which is due to nature, tribal, religious induced conflicts and Boko Haram devastation especially.

Certainly, donating all sorts of relief materials to these involuntary migrants within their own country is a gesture that is needed more than ever at this time.

But with no adequate statistics on the numbersand whereabouts of the IDPs, fullysatisfying their basic needs remain a growing challenge. So identifying these persons in terms of their numbers and locations and then coordinating their care is a task that should continue aggressively.

Per the Government’s directives, forfeited materials and relief items in various Customs warehouses are being distributed to located IDPs and this is a good move but these items’ medical fitness and usage, must constantly be checked on. Especially, when they include food, clothing and other living items.

Any meaningful committee on matters relating to the IDPs must go beyond the typical or old style drawing process as in getting persons from various government agencies like the Police, Customs Service, Immigration Service and NGOs. There is a present day need to include or continue to engage clinicians and researchers from Universities, teaching and specialist centers as these psychosocial, psychiatric, psychological, social work, educational, childcare, medical, nutritional, vocational, physical planning and other related expertise know much more about the short and long terms needs of the IDPs.

A much more lasting way to rehabilitate and reintegrate the IDPs especially those in the northeast and other related areas of Nigeria, is first to see their matter as a human rights challenge, and we don’t need any international body or expert to remind us of this problem.

As the nation slowly recovers from the conflicts and doings of the insurgency and others, it is important to ensure that rehabilitation and reintegration measures for the IDPs are grounded in mental and medical clearance, as a fit body and mind will be needed for full rehabilitation and reintegration.

If we are to make a real difference in the lives of our displaced children, women and men, the Government which include the Executive, Legislature and the Judiciary should urgently provide us with a legal and non-sentimental environment where rules and policies regarding IDPs are fully enforced followed by real results in their lives.

This is not the time to set up hurried plans and programs which will only result in short term benefits for the victims, and sudden praise for the leaders or agencies involved in these matters.

What is needed now isusing the full strengths of everyone and systems to find and locate all the IDPs, fully engage them in re-integrative and rehabilitative practices marked with meeting their bodily, physical, psychological, psychosocial support, and security needs.

In the area of health concerns, a good number of the women and girls including the males could gain from traumatic related help as some of them could be suffering from sexual abuse, drug inflicted and other abuses as well as issues of stigma, isolation and rejection.

We must put to use our Social Science alumnae, Psychology andSocial Work graduates in particular, and train them in culturally sensitive ways to engage in home based services or work across IDPs camps and communities, where they will aid and empower the IDPs with the necessary social and living skills as they re-build their lives and re-integrate into old or new communities and the society.

Credit: John Egbeazien Oshodi, Ph.D. Source: http://www.thenigerianvoice.com/news/204070/the-idps-lasting-ways-to-re-build-their-lives-with-full-re-.html

2016 Budget and poverty alleviation

azodecharles@gmail.com (Azode Charles) — Wed, 10 Feb 2016 14:17:00 +0100

All for one, One for all

By all accounts, the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari to redeem his campaign promise of removing millions of Nigerians out of poverty is significant and exceptional. Analysts observe that although successive administrations initiated various measures and policies aimed at alleviating abject poverty among Nigerians, such efforts have not yielded meaningful results.

A World Bank’s global poverty rating placed Nigeria among the five poorest countries in the world. The report revealed that most Nigerians lived on less than one dollar per day. Jim Yong Kim, the World Bank President, while releasing the report at the April 4, 2014 IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in New York, emphasised that Nigeria had one of the largest concentration of poor people. According to him, seven per cent of the world poor live in Nigeria in spite of the rebasing of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) that ranked it as the largest economy in Africa.

Concerned about this development, President Muhammadu Buhari has earmarked N500 billion for social welfare packages to the vulnerable persons. This is contained in the administration’s Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper presented to the National Assembly. Buhari said that the Federal Government would collaborate with state governments in the implementation of the N500 billion social welfare packages to the vulnerable. “The Federal Government will collaborate with state government to institute well structured social welfare intervention programmes such as school feeding programme initiatives, conditional cash transfer to the most vulnerable,’’ he said. According to him, these interventions will start as pilot scheme and work towards securing the support of donor agencies and development partners to minimise potential risks. He said that the government would create a phased social welfare programme to cater for a larger population of the poorest and most vulnerable Nigerians.

Also, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture, assured Nigerians of the Federal Government’s commitment to their welfare. He insisted that provisions made in the 2016 budget would reduce the sufferings of Nigerians, noting that the measures would be targeted at unemployed graduates, market women, artisans and farmers, among others. “We are aiming to lift millions of Nigerians out of poverty through massive social interventions,’’ Mohammed said.

According to him, the school feeding programme that will provide one meal per day to school children, the conditional transfer of N5,000 monthly to 25 million most vulnerable Nigerians and access to loans by different categories of people, are among the measures for which provisions have been made in the 2016 budget. “In addition to providing succour, these measures will also stimulate the economy; just imagine the impact on the poultry sector alone if, for example, one egg is given daily to one million school children,’’ he said.

The minister observed that in spite of the global economic downturn, the impact of the current harsh economic environment on Nigerians would have been less severe if the previous administrations had managed the economy well. “The gains of the boom when oil was selling at more than100 dollars were either stolen or frittered away. “Yet, those who brought the nation to this sorry state have continued to grandstand, even having the audacity to further insult the victims of their impunity. “The Buhari administration is not making excuses. That is why it has included in the 2016 budget the measures that will provide relief for Nigerians. “But it is important for Nigerians to know the kind of deficits that the government ran since 2009 that partly brought us to where we are now. “In 2009, the Federal Government was spending 228 dollars for every 100 dollars earned, leaving a deficit of 128 dollars. “In 2010, the spending was 158 dollars for every 100 dollars earned, leaving a deficit of 58 dollars. “In the next few days, the administration will start firing from all cylinders, starting with the unveiling of the 2016 budget. “Nigerians will witness measurable and impactful progress in all spheres of governance. “We shall not abandon our social intervention policies such as one meal a day for school children and the payment of N5, 000 monthly to each vulnerable Nigerian. “We are committed to lifting millions of Nigerians out of poverty, this government will not give excuses,’’ he emphasised.

Mohammed, who spoke during a familiarisation visit to the headquarters of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, expressed concern that between 60 million and 80 million Nigerians lived below the poverty line. “It is not that in the past there have not been attempts at poverty alleviation but it would not be at the scale we are aiming. “We are embarking on these massive social interventions so that we will talk of millions of Nigerians that will be rescued from abject poverty. “We have about five groups that we are talking about; we have those that we call vulnerable because they are poor, because they do not have access to basic medical care. “We have those that are vulnerable because they live with disabilities and this group is different; then there are young Nigerians who are vulnerable because they lack the economic strength. “We have plans specifically for unemployed graduates and this takes various forms, in the case of market women, we intend to advance them money through their cooperative societies,’’ he said.

Credit: Sani Adamu, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Source: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/12/2016-budget-and-poverty-alleviation-matters-arising/

Poverty Eradication Efforts in Nigeria

azodecharles@gmail.com (E2E Initiative) — Mon, 8 Feb 2016 10:01:00 +0100

All for one, One for all

Successive regimes in Nigeria have tried different policies and programmers geared towards reducing the level of poverty in the society through a number of ways. First, through the activities of its ministries/agencies; second, by collaborating with international agencies; third, and more importantly, through the establishment of agencies equipped solely to fight rising poverty and unemployment in Nigeria.

The Joda Panel, established at the inception of the civilian administration of Obasanjo to review the various poverty eradication programmers of the previous regimes, identified over twenty such institutions. They are:

i. The National Directorate of Employment (NDE)

ii. Peoples Bank of Nigeria (PBN)

iii. Nigerian Agricultural and Cooperative Bank Ltd (NACB)

iv. Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC)

v. National Commission for Nomadic Education (NCNE)

vi. National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA)

vii. National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA)

viii. National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education

ix. Federal Agricultural Coordinating Unit (FACU)

x. Directorate for Foods, Roads and Rural Infrastructures (DFFRI)

xi. Agricultural Projects Monitoring and Evaluation Unit (APMEU)

xii. Family Economic Advancement Programme (FEAP)

xiii. Industrial Development Centre (IDC)

xiv. Federal Department of Rural Development (FDRD)

xv. Federal Ministries of Agriculture, Water Resources and Power and Steel

xvi. River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs)

xvii. Family Support Trust Fund (FSTF)

xviii. National Centre for Women Development (CWD)

xix. Nigerian Bank for Commerce and Industry (NBCI)

xx. Nigerian Industrial Development Bank (NIDB)

xxi. Nigerian Export-Import Bank

xxii. National Economic Reconstruction Fund (NERFUND)

Perhaps a note on some of these institutions and programmes may be useful especially when some of them were designed to deal with the problems of poverty directly while others do it indirectly.

The River Basin Development Authorities established by Decree 37 of August 1976 is one of the earliest attempt at combating poverty via improved agricultural production. The main objective of the RBDAs is the economic exploitation and management of the land water resources of their respective areas of operation with particular but varying emphasis on the development of agriculture, fishing, human settlement, infrastructural facilities and industry as well as the improvement of their environment.

The Operation Feed the Nation (OFN) enunciated in 1979 by Gen. Obasanjo’s military regime is another indirect effort at poverty eradication. The program had the specific focus of increasing food production on the premise that availability of cheap food will raise the nutritional level of the ordinary Nigerian and invariably lead to high per capita income and improved standard of living. OFN lasted until Shagari’s civilian government (1979-83) took over.

The Shagari’s regime shared almost the same poverty reduction with the preceeding military regime. It came up with Green Revolution project, which also emphasised food production. To this one may also add the Directorate of Foods, Roads and Rural Infrastructures (DFRRI) introduced by the Babangida administration (1985-92). DFRRI sought to open up rural areas via construction of feeder roads and provision of basic amenities that would turn them into production centres for the national economy.

The establishment of National Directorate of Employment (NDE) is certainly one of the indirect measures taken by the government to attack poverty in the society via creation of employment opportunities.

The National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP) was established in 2001, with the goal of eliminating “core” poverty over the next ten years. NAPEP evolved four core schemes:

i. Women and Youth Employment Scheme. This is essentially a training and skill acquisition scheme.

ii. Social Welfare Service Scheme: This scheme undertakes the provision of acceptable levels of education, health, micro-credit services, etc.

iii. Rural Infrastructural Development Scheme: This is to address provision of rural infrastructure services such as portable water, roads, transport, grazing reserves, etc.

iv. Natural Resources Development and Conservation: This entails government intervening by creating enabling and acceptable environment for harnessing the agricultural water, solid mineral resources, etc for convenient and effective use by the small-scale operators and local residents.

Whether these programmes and policies have succeeded in either reducing poverty or not is mute point.

Credit: Dr. Sulaiman Khalid Source: http://www.gamji.com/article6000/news6036.htm