Category Archives: Capacity Building

#CSOs, Capacity Building

FAIR FINANCE SCHOOL NIGERIA EMPOWERED CSOs FOR CLIMATE JUSTICE

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By Smith Nwokocha

Group picture of Fair Finance School Nigeria Participants

A two-day workshop that has in attendance over 50 Civil Society Organizations including Climate Activists in Port Harcourt at Visa Karena Hotels on the 18th and 19th of October 2024.

The CSOs in attendance came from Lagos, Abuja, Delta, Bayelsa, Enugu, Imo State, Abia State, Akwa-Ibom and Rivers State.The Geo-Political regions of Nigeria were well represented.

 The Fair Finance School is a crucial initiative that empowers civil society and activists to responsibly engage with financial matters and advocate for social and environmental justice. The school encourages participants to actively contribute to the broader movement for fair and sustainable finance by fostering a common understanding of financial deals, institutions, and campaigning strategies. Through its Pan-African approach and focus on justice, the Fair Finance School seeks to bridge the gap between financial institutions and the people they affect, ultimately striving for a more equitable and informed financial landscape in Nigeria and across Africa.

Smith Nwokocha, Coordinator Quest For Growth and Development Foundation, moderating the sessions.

Day One:

The opening session was moderated by Smith Nwokocha, the convener of Fair Finance School Nigeria and Coordinator for Quest For Growth and Development Foundation. He recognized the Special Guest from NAFIL- Nigeria Airforce (Flight Lieutenant Joel Fakunle) and then introduced the first speaker Mr. Patrick Uduma, who shared his in-depth knowledge on the topic: “The Positionality of Finance”, further emphasised why Activists should care about Finance and Humanized Finance. It was quite interactive and engaging as participants were thrilled. Followed, the second speaker (Blessing Udofa Esq), who talked about Human Rights in Development and Climate Change with the sub-topic of Human Rights and Finance. The third speaker (Mrs Rita Kigbara) discussed in detail Climate Finance 101 with an emphasis on Accessing Climate Finance referencing experience and lessons from African NGOs in accessing International Climate Finance. What works and what doesn’t work.

Mr. Patrick Uduma Facilitated on The Positionality of Finance.

Your Story Matters Session (Presenting a Story-effects of Finance) by three Passionate Leaders in their Community shared Lived experiences through story-telling on the effect of Climate Finance in building solidarity.

HIS ROYAL EXCELLENCY, EZE IKEMBA 1 OF ETCHE LAND, RIVERS STATE (PROF. ENGR. AMB. PROMISE OBINNA ONYECHE); He shared a lived experience of the impact of Climate Change in the Niger Delta Region. The exploration of Oil and Gas in our communities by the International Oil Companies (IOCs) began to harm our eco-system and affectyyy the fertility of our soil. The effects of climate change are caused by human activities mainly, and it affects nature…Nature is serene, nature is peaceful and when you encroach on the serenity of nature, nature will react and if it does react, you can’t withhold it. The type of climate change impact in the Niger Delta is different from other parts of Nigeria.

HRE EZE IKEMBA1 of Ulakwo, Agwuruisi Ancient Kingdom of Etche Land (Prof. Engr. Amb. Promise Obinna ONYECHE). Shared Lived Experiences!

WENI KOKINOBO IGIRIGI: Living with Oil: Exploring the Lived Experiences of Indigenous Peoples in Bayelsa State. While there have been studies on the environmental, health and socio-economic impacts of artisanal refining in Southern Ijaw LGA, there is a lack of in-depth exploration of the lived experiences of individuals directly involved in artisanal refining in Kolo Creek, Ogbia LGA, Bayelsa State. Community Entry of Kpo-fire

“At first, people thought it was militants who were in the bush until a particular point we saw that they were cooking oil… it was some boys from Southern Ijaw that did it.” (IDI Oruma, 2024). Sex for Oil

“.. some women do sleep with the oga so they can get one or two bags to go and sell. That is what we heard…” (IDI Otuegwe II, 2024).

Recommendation:  

  • Economic diversification to reduce the region’s reliance on artisanal refining. Encouraging alternative economic activities, such as agriculture
  • Sustainability in the process of disrupting the artisanal refining process.
  • Environmental Education for communities and security agencies.
Weni Kokinobo Igirigi, shared Live Experiences!

GIFT SARO MEELUBARI: THE OGONI STORY: Climate Injustice and Environmental Degradation. A Land Once Rich and Fertile, Before Oil (Pre-1958): Ogoni Land was a place of abundant natural resources—fertile soil, clean rivers, and vibrant ecosystems. The people of Ogoni thrived on farming, fishing, and the bounty of the land. The land is Green with envy, enriching its people with life’s vitality. For generations, the Ogoni people lived in harmony with nature, passing down a heritage of respect for the environment. The Impact of Oil and Gas: Environmental Degradation. From Beauty to Destruction: The Effects of Fossil Fuels;

  • Oil Extraction / Impact on the Ogoni People: The Ogoni people, who depend on their land for sustenance, faced significant challenges as their environment deteriorated. Despite the extraction of over $30 billion worth of oil, they saw little benefit from these activities, leading to widespread discontent and activism
  • Oil Spills: Frequent oil spills poisoned the rivers, killing fish and making water unsafe to drink. Farmlands were destroyed, leaving communities with barren land and no means of survival.
  • Gas Flaring: The continuous burning of natural gas, or gas flaring, creates a toxic environment, pumping chemicals into the air and causing health crises.
  • Decades of Neglect (1990s-present): For decades, these environmental disasters were ignored. There were no cleanup efforts, no compensation, and no justice for the people of Ogoni. Even the said HYPREP CLEAN-UP is a no-story

This story of destruction is directly tied to the global conversation on climate finance. While oil companies reaped financial benefits, the people of Ogoni were left to suffer the consequences of environmental destruction without any form of climate finance to restore their land.

Gift Saro Meelubari , Shared Lived Experiences!

A PANEL SESSION: SHARING WORK FROM THE CONTINENT; The Panelists include: Mr.Kingsley Agu, Dr. Osaro Paul Aforji and Blessing Udofa Esq. Kingsley Agu a member of Fair Finance Coalition Nigeria, shared in detail the work of Fair Finance Coalition Nigeria and the impact so far. Then, Dr. Osaro Aforji pointed out the challenges faced by Aleto people in Eleme LGA in Rivers State, because of the Refinery situated in their community, the pollution and environmental degradation and oil spillage that have killed fishes in their Rivers. Finally, Blessing Udofa cap it up with Gender-responsiveness to climate change and protecting the Human Rights of Citizens affected by the impact of Climate Change, especially because of Oil and Gas Exploration in Communities in the Nger Delta.

Panel session: from right, Dr. Osaro Paul Aforji, Mrs. Blessing Udofa Esq, and Kingsley Agu

 Day Two:

Smith Nwokocha, welcomes participants to the second day of the Fair Finance School Nigeria, and he engages participants in a Bike Rack/Parking lot, where participants put questions on a bike rack. Quite an interesting discussion and brainstorming session.

Nwokocha introduced the first speaker for Day 2: Mrs. Noela Ugwu, who spoke on International Financial Institutions, why it matters, how they work and their relevance, including how to hold International Financial Institutions accountable through their Country’s Government. Subsequently, she had an engaging Q & A session with participants.

Mrs. Noela Ugwu, Facilitated on International Financial Institutions

The next Speaker Dr. Joseph Ekong represented by Mr. Smith Nwokocha, with a focused discussion on Community Engagement and Finance. Civil Society engagement processes/ the Nigerian experience in Community engagement, the legality and mechanism. Then, Mr. Smith Nwokocha grouped the participants into six groups and they were asked to identify three problem statements, Identify the stakeholders, the allies and targets and the groups arrived at a challenging but rewarding task.

The last speaker for the event, Mr Wisdom Nwokocha spoke on Campaigning and Ideas with sub-topics: Campaigning 101, Digital Campaigning and Engaging Traditional Media. He also did a practical session using participants’ social media to advance a campaign.

Finally, the participants were tasked in a group of six, to refine their ideas as a group, discuss three tactics to address the problems and discuss three actions to implement tactics and do a group presentation.

Participants were delighted to attend such a real-life -experience gathering workshop and the focus on Climate Finance and Activism makes it unique, as they look forward to stepping down the Fair Finance School Nigeria in their different locations.

Mr. Wisdom Nwokocha facilitated Campaigning and Ideas.
Group Presentation
Group presentation
Blessing Udofa Esq Facilitated on Human Rights in Development and Climate Change.
Mrs. Rita Kigbara , Facilitated on Climate Finance 101
Participants
From my right: Our Special Guest: Flight Lieutenant Joel Fakunle , Smith Nwokocha, and Usman N.
#CSOs, Capacity Building, SDGS

COMMUNIQUE AT THE 2024 SOUTH-SOUTH REGIONAL CONFERENCE FOR CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS IN CALABAR, NIGERIA.

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By Global Rights Nigeria

COMMUNIQUE

Issued at the 2024 South-South Regional Conference on Improving Regulatory Environment for CSO Operations
in Nigeria

Calabar,

Cross River State – Nigeria

Cross River State – Nigeria

Background

Global Rights in collaboration with the Community
of Practice (COP) on Civic Space Strengthening and the European

Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS convened

the 2024 South-South Regional Conference on Improving Regulatory Environment for CSO Operations
in Nigeria. The theme of the conference
was “Forging Partnerships for Sustainable Operational Environment for
Non-Profit Sector in Nigeria”. The hybrid event took place in Calabar, the Cross River State capital on the 27th of June
2024 with over 200 in-person

participants and over 50 virtual participants.

The conference was primarily focused on driving critical conversations among stakeholders on ways of improving the regulatory environment for
the non-profit sector in Nigeria particularly to highlight
the need for the harmonization of the CSO regulatory framework at the subnational levels to address
issues such as the multiplicity of registration requirements with different MDAs. Also, the conference

further sought to facilitate a shared understanding of the opportunities in extant laws that could enhance CSO operations at the subnational level.
The Conference reflected on efforts

to strengthen the civic space and
improve the regulatory environment in
South-South Nigeria, particularly through the project presently implemented by Global Rights in collaboration with the Community of Practice

on Civic Space Strengthening with support from the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and the
ECOWAS.

Participants at the conference:

Acknowledged
the pivotal role CSOs play in our society; agreeing that significant challenges
and overbearing standards mark the landscape in which CSOs operate in Nigeria, particularly the regulatory multiplicity and registration requirements. They agreed to leverage a multi-sectoral

stakeholder engagement approach in facilitating a model framework
for improving the regulatory environment for CSO operations in Nigeria.

Reckoned sustained support of the European Union
Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS and commended

the efforts of Global Rights

and the Community of Practice

(COP) on Civic Space
Strengthening and sustaining conversations
to promote an improved regulatory environment for CSOs in Nigeria.
Underscored the need for the harmonization of regulatory frameworks at the subnational level.
The pivotal role of the legislature in facilitating an improved regulatory environment for CSO operation in Nigeria.

Furthermore, the conference recognize

The importance of forging partnerships between the Arms of government and civil society
organizations in strengthening the ethos of democracy in Nigeria.
That the
multiplicity of registration requirements serves as a major bottleneck to the
operation of CSOs, especially at subnational levels.

The imperativeness of improving CSO regulatory framework through effective policy

and legislations
That the convergence
of processes for registration eliminates multiplicity, reducing costs
and enhancing accountability and transparency. This partnership will
further infer trust, confidence, and credibility on the State.
The imperative of co-creating regulatory framework with inputs of civil society organizations.

That the Constitutional right to freedom of association lies central to the efforts of CSOs to improve

their ability to operate in Nigeria.


●


The limitation CSOs registered at the subnational level face in accessing funds and attracting

recognition from financial institutions.


●


That CSOs in the South-South region face the particular challenge of accessing government

offices to obtain relevant documents necessary for obtaining funding.


●


The challenges

posed by inadequate resources and funding of the CSO sector.


●

The lack of institutionalized framework for
coordination of CSO interventions at the subnational level.


●


The recent and
developing practice of excluding State
and Local Government registered CSOs from access to

bank accounts and, by
implication, other financial services. This
is a result of SCUML’s decision to discontinue its
onboarding/issuing of SCUML’s certificate to State/Local Government registered CSOs.

Conference

Resolutions

Having acknowledged the value CSOs bring and the role they play in fostering democracy, promoting

social justice, driving development and facilitating social change, and recognizing the overbearing

standards and regulatory bottlenecks that hinder the effective operation of CSOs, the conference

resolved as follows:


1)


The governments including the executive, legislature, and judiciary in the south-south region

will work in harmony with the civil
society organizations to adopt a regulatory framework that allows a single MDA

to register CSOs
in the States – such a model will promote the accessibility needed for improving

the regulatory environment for CSO operations.


2)


All stakeholders including the regulators, CSOs, legislature, and donor agencies commit to drive the process of developing a model harmonization policy or law for CSO registration
requirements at the state level
with input from all relevant stakeholders which will not only enhance
the operational effectiveness and efficiency of the sector but also provide opportunity to the state government to coordinate CSOs interventions within the state better.


3)

To promote

holistic inclusion in efforts to improve the regulatory environment for CSOs including paying attention to key actors, gender,
disability and other parameters

for inclusion including

access to bank accounts and other financial services by State/Local Government

registered CSOs).

Conference

Recommendations

The Conference consequently proffered the following recommendations:


1.


A mutually beneficial relationship between the arms and three tiers of government with civil society organizations playing pivotal roles in national development.


2.


Harmonizing regulatory
compliance requirements and identifying
a unanimously agreed single body responsible for registering CSOs in the State to avoid multiplicity of registration and
regulations.


3.


Improved collaboration between the State and CSOs to foster the implementation of their
plans and programs,

including financing CSOs.


4.

Enhanced collaboration between

the State and CSOs to drive the process of developing a model

framework that would

improve the regulatory environment for CSO operations in Nigeria.


5.

Deemphasizing

the multiplicity of registration requirements within the State,

to ensure accessibility, centralization, and simpler
regulatory compliance

requirements.


6.

The legislature should

work in concert with the office of the Commissioner of Justice to propose a bill to confer body corporate to organizations registered at the state and local government
levels based on the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, the judicial precedent
set by the Court of Appeal and the principle of federalism operating in Nigeria.


7.


An amendment to the Constitution to remove the ambiguity of Item 32 Part 1 of the second

schedule. The focus

on Item 32 should be examined through

this lens to ensure simpler registration and regulatory requirements for CSO operations.

Conclusion

The 2024 South-South Regional Conference on Improving Regulatory Environment for CSO Operations

in Nigeria was a great opportunity for continued engagements between the
various arms of government, donor communities, the private sector, and Civil Society Organizations. The conference

allowed the stakeholders to define a model for facilitating enhanced

collaboration between the regulators, policy/lawmakers, and CSOs.

It is expected that if adopted, it will lessen

the burden associated

with compliance. The Conference gave all stakeholders the opportunity to discuss their concerns

and proffer sustainable
solutions to improving the regulatory framework for a
sustained CSO operational environment.

The participants at the 2024 South-South Regional Conference on Improving Regulatory Environment

for CSO Operations in Nigeria, outlined

in this communiqué the need to improve

the regulatory environment for CSO operations in Nigeria.

Conference Participants

The conference served as a
convergence point, bringing together an array of stakeholders,
including civil society organizations, government representatives
including the office of the Governor of Cross River, Office of the Chief Judge of Cross
River State, Office of the Secretary to the Cross
River State Government, Office of the First Lady of Cross River State, the Clerk of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Cross River State House Committee on Due Process, Anti-Corruption, International Donor Support,

and SDGs, Cross River
State Ministry of Women Affairs, Akwa Ibom
State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare,

Cross River State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs,

Cross River State Ministry of Social Welfare and
Development, Cross River State Ministry of International Donor Coordination, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), House of Representative Committee on Civil Society

Organizations and Development Matters, and donor agencies including the European Union Commission and Ford Foundation.

Civil Society Organizations and Networks that participated in the south-south regional conference
include:


1.


African Child Initiative


2.


African Potential Developers Initiative


3.


Arc Initiative Africa


4.


Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative


5.


Advocates of Peace, Nature and Gender Justice (APNAG)


6.


Akwamfon
Sustainable Community

Association


7.


Alive for Health and Progress Initiative


8.


Atycare Initiative


9.


A Well-informed Adolescent Initiative


10.


Sustainable Movement for Equity


11.


Basic Foundation for Socio-Economic
Development of Rural Women and Youths


12.


BenCare Foundation


13.


Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation


14.


Bestway Initiative

for Health Education and Self-sufficiency


15.


Biakwan Light Green Initiative


16.


Biodiversity Rescue Club


17.


Breaking

Barriers Against Persons with Disabilities and Women


18.


Centre for Creative

Development Strategies (CCDS)


19.


Center for Development Support Initiatives (CEDSI)


20.


Centre for Justice

Empowerment and Development


21.


Centre for Healthworks, Development and Research Initiative (CHEDRES)


22.


Centre for Peace
Education and Community

Development


23.


Child Protection

Network (CPN) Nigeria, Cross River State


24.


Citizen Community Aid and Development initiative


25.


Citizen Solution Network


26.


Civil Society National Self-Regulation Council (CNSRC)


27.


Clean Technology

Hub


28.


CLEEN Foundation


29.


Coalition

of Youth Advocates on Electioneering in Nigeria


30.


Community of Practice on Civic Space Strengthening


31.


Community Resource Development Foundation (CREDEF)


32.


COMPPART

Foundation for Justice and Peace Building


33.


Connected

Advocacy


34.


Cross River State Civil Society Network


35.


CSO Accountability and Transparency Initiative (CATI)


36.


Development Research and Synergy Initiative


37.


Ebase Sam Foundation


38.


Edem Children Foundation (ECF)


39.


Egbema

Clean and Green Initiative


40.


Emerging

Gender Plus Outreach Team (EGOT)


41.


Environmental Development Initiative (EDI)


42.


FACICP Disability Plus


43.


Fringe Voices Development Foundation


44.


Frontier

for Peace Advocacy and Governance Initiative


45.


Forther

Girls Empowerment organization


46.


Gender and Development Action


47.


Girls Power Initiative (GPI) Calabar


48.


Global Rights


49.


Go Learners


50.


Great Step Initiative


51.


Green Concern for Development


52.


Green Hands International for Health Development


53.


Greenlife Organization


54.


Green Vision for Community

Development Initiative


55.


Habitat Protection

and Sustainable Development Initiative


56.


Hazethal

Women Foundation (HWF)


57.


Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF)


58.


Hope Ability

Empowerment Initiative


59.


Hope for Coastal Women Empowerment Initiative


60.


IBDN


61.


Initiative

for Community Development (ICD)


62.


Initiative for Contemporary Rights


63.


Jeksume Foundation Nigeria


64.


Justice Development

and Peace Caritas, Calabar


65.


Lawrence

Igbudu Foundation


66.


League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV)


67.


Lekah Development Foundation


68.


Lemu Charity Foundation


69.


Life Assurance

for Future Initiative


70.


Life Empowerment Foundation


71.


Lighthope

Succor Worldwide initiative


72.


Liman Iwara Foundation

(LIFO)


73.


LITE-Africa


74.

MAAG Africa


75.


Milestone

Initiative for Human Rights and Empowerment


76.

MIND Initiative


77.


Mirabel

Centre


78.


Neighbourhood Environment Watch (NEW) Foundation


79.


New Nigeria

Foundation


80.


Noble Classic


81.


Ofure Centre for Peace and Development


82.


Omoye Women and Youth Foundation


83.


Onyx Foundation Africa


84.


Panacea

for Development and Infrastructural Challenges for African Initiative (PADIC Africa)


85.


Partners For Peace in the Niger Delta


86.


Partnership

for Social and Development Initiative (P4SEDI)


87.


Peace Point Development


88.


Peace Mindset

Ambassadors


89.


Policy Alert


90.


Preventive Youths for Empowerment Network


91.


Psychomodelling Health and Wellness Initiative


92.


Quest For Growth and Development Foundation


93.


Rainbow Watch and Development Centre


94.


Rebuilders Foundation


95.


Refugee ICT Livelihood Initiative


96.


Rights Academy


97.


Rights and

Humanity Development Initiative


98.


Rubies Development Foundation


99.


Safe Space Development Foundation


100.

SBM Intelligence


101.


Search for Common Ground


102.


Spaces for Change


103.


Sterling Diamond Foundation


104.


Support for Girls Boys and Women Initiative (SUGBW)


105.


Support Persons in Trauma Initiative


106.

Surge Africa Organization 107.Sustainable Movement for Equity


108.


The Green Child International Organization


109.


Transparency Elderly Care


110.


VaccidriveNG


111.


Vitonia Lead International Foundation


112.


WANEP


113.


We the People


114.


White Ribbon Alliance

for Safe motherhood


115.


Women Assist Foundation


116.


Women Empowerment and Rights Initiative (WERI)


117.


Women for Environmental Protection and Food
Security


118.


Women in Disabilities for Innovation


119.


Women Youths and Aged Succour Foundation


120.


World Leadership Network


121.


Youths and Environmental Advocacy Center


122.


Youth for Change and Social Life Development Foundation


123.


Youth Torch
Initiative (YOTI)

#CSOs, Capacity Building, SDGS, Uncategorized

COMMUNIQUE AT THE 2024 SOUTH-SOUTH REGIONAL CONFERENCE FOR CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS IN CALABAR, NIGERIA.

Leave a comment

By Global Rights Nigeria

COMMUNIQUE

Issued at the 2024 South-South Regional Conference on Improving Regulatory Environment for CSO Operations
in Nigeria

Calabar,

Cross River State – Nigeria

Cross River State – Nigeria

Background

Global Rights in collaboration with the Community
of Practice (COP) on Civic Space Strengthening and the European

Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS convened

the 2024 South-South Regional Conference on Improving Regulatory Environment for CSO Operations
in Nigeria. The theme of the conference
was “Forging Partnerships for Sustainable Operational Environment for
Non-Profit Sector in Nigeria”. The hybrid event took place in Calabar, the Cross River State capital on the 27th of June
2024 with over 200 in-person

participants and over 50 virtual participants.

The conference was primarily focused on driving critical conversations among stakeholders on ways of improving the regulatory environment for
the non-profit sector in Nigeria particularly to highlight
the need for the harmonization of the CSO regulatory framework at the subnational levels to address
issues such as the multiplicity of registration requirements with different MDAs. Also, the conference

further sought to facilitate a shared understanding of the opportunities in extant laws that could enhance CSO operations at the subnational level.
The Conference reflected on efforts

to strengthen the civic space and
improve the regulatory environment in
South-South Nigeria, particularly through the project presently implemented by Global Rights in collaboration with the Community of Practice

on Civic Space Strengthening with support from the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and the
ECOWAS.

Participants at the conference:

Acknowledged
the pivotal role CSOs play in our society; agreeing that significant challenges
and overbearing standards mark the landscape in which CSOs operate in Nigeria, particularly the regulatory multiplicity and registration requirements. They agreed to leverage a multi-sectoral

stakeholder engagement approach in facilitating a model framework
for improving the regulatory environment for CSO operations in Nigeria.

Reckoned sustained support of the European Union
Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS and commended

the efforts of Global Rights

and the Community of Practice

(COP) on Civic Space
Strengthening and sustaining conversations
to promote an improved regulatory environment for CSOs in Nigeria.
Underscored the need for the harmonization of regulatory frameworks at the subnational level.
The pivotal role of the legislature in facilitating an improved regulatory environment for CSO operation in Nigeria.

Furthermore, the conference recognize

The importance of forging partnerships between the Arms of government and civil society
organizations in strengthening the ethos of democracy in Nigeria.
That the
multiplicity of registration requirements serves as a major bottleneck to the
operation of CSOs, especially at subnational levels.

The imperativeness of improving CSO regulatory framework through effective policy

and legislations
That the convergence
of processes for registration eliminates multiplicity, reducing costs
and enhancing accountability and transparency. This partnership will
further infer trust, confidence, and credibility on the State.
The imperative of co-creating regulatory framework with inputs of civil society organizations.

That the Constitutional right to freedom of association lies central to the efforts of CSOs to improve

their ability to operate in Nigeria.


●


The limitation CSOs registered at the subnational level face in accessing funds and attracting

recognition from financial institutions.


●


That CSOs in the South-South region face the particular challenge of accessing government

offices to obtain relevant documents necessary for obtaining funding.


●


The challenges

posed by inadequate resources and funding of the CSO sector.


●

The lack of institutionalized framework for
coordination of CSO interventions at the subnational level.


●


The recent and
developing practice of excluding State
and Local Government registered CSOs from access to

bank accounts and, by
implication, other financial services. This
is a result of SCUML’s decision to discontinue its
onboarding/issuing of SCUML’s certificate to State/Local Government registered CSOs.

Conference

Resolutions

Having acknowledged the value CSOs bring and the role they play in fostering democracy, promoting

social justice, driving development and facilitating social change, and recognizing the overbearing

standards and regulatory bottlenecks that hinder the effective operation of CSOs, the conference

resolved as follows:


1)


The governments including the executive, legislature, and judiciary in the south-south region

will work in harmony with the civil
society organizations to adopt a regulatory framework that allows a single MDA

to register CSOs
in the States – such a model will promote the accessibility needed for improving

the regulatory environment for CSO operations.


2)


All stakeholders including the regulators, CSOs, legislature, and donor agencies commit to drive the process of developing a model harmonization policy or law for CSO registration
requirements at the state level
with input from all relevant stakeholders which will not only enhance
the operational effectiveness and efficiency of the sector but also provide opportunity to the state government to coordinate CSOs interventions within the state better.


3)

To promote

holistic inclusion in efforts to improve the regulatory environment for CSOs including paying attention to key actors, gender,
disability and other parameters

for inclusion including

access to bank accounts and other financial services by State/Local Government

registered CSOs).

Conference

Recommendations

The Conference consequently proffered the following recommendations:


1.


A mutually beneficial relationship between the arms and three tiers of government with civil society organizations playing pivotal roles in national development.


2.


Harmonizing regulatory
compliance requirements and identifying
a unanimously agreed single body responsible for registering CSOs in the State to avoid multiplicity of registration and
regulations.


3.


Improved collaboration between the State and CSOs to foster the implementation of their
plans and programs,

including financing CSOs.


4.

Enhanced collaboration between

the State and CSOs to drive the process of developing a model

framework that would

improve the regulatory environment for CSO operations in Nigeria.


5.

Deemphasizing

the multiplicity of registration requirements within the State,

to ensure accessibility, centralization, and simpler
regulatory compliance

requirements.


6.

The legislature should

work in concert with the office of the Commissioner of Justice to propose a bill to confer body corporate to organizations registered at the state and local government
levels based on the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, the judicial precedent
set by the Court of Appeal and the principle of federalism operating in Nigeria.


7.


An amendment to the Constitution to remove the ambiguity of Item 32 Part 1 of the second

schedule. The focus

on Item 32 should be examined through

this lens to ensure simpler registration and regulatory requirements for CSO operations.

Conclusion

The 2024 South-South Regional Conference on Improving Regulatory Environment for CSO Operations

in Nigeria was a great opportunity for continued engagements between the
various arms of government, donor communities, the private sector, and Civil Society Organizations. The conference

allowed the stakeholders to define a model for facilitating enhanced

collaboration between the regulators, policy/lawmakers, and CSOs.

It is expected that if adopted, it will lessen

the burden associated

with compliance. The Conference gave all stakeholders the opportunity to discuss their concerns

and proffer sustainable
solutions to improving the regulatory framework for a
sustained CSO operational environment.

The participants at the 2024 South-South Regional Conference on Improving Regulatory Environment

for CSO Operations in Nigeria, outlined

in this communiqué the need to improve

the regulatory environment for CSO operations in Nigeria.

Conference Participants

The conference served as a
convergence point, bringing together an array of stakeholders,
including civil society organizations, government representatives
including the office of the Governor of Cross River, Office of the Chief Judge of Cross
River State, Office of the Secretary to the Cross
River State Government, Office of the First Lady of Cross River State, the Clerk of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Cross River State House Committee on Due Process, Anti-Corruption, International Donor Support,

and SDGs, Cross River
State Ministry of Women Affairs, Akwa Ibom
State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare,

Cross River State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs,

Cross River State Ministry of Social Welfare and
Development, Cross River State Ministry of International Donor Coordination, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), House of Representative Committee on Civil Society

Organizations and Development Matters, and donor agencies including the European Union Commission and Ford Foundation.

Civil Society Organizations and Networks that participated in the south-south regional conference
include:


1.


African Child Initiative


2.


African Potential Developers Initiative


3.


Arc Initiative Africa


4.


Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative


5.


Advocates of Peace, Nature and Gender Justice (APNAG)


6.


Akwamfon
Sustainable Community

Association


7.


Alive for Health and Progress Initiative


8.


Atycare Initiative


9.


A Well-informed Adolescent Initiative


10.


Sustainable Movement for Equity


11.


Basic Foundation for Socio-Economic
Development of Rural Women and Youths


12.


BenCare Foundation


13.


Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation


14.


Bestway Initiative

for Health Education and Self-sufficiency


15.


Biakwan Light Green Initiative


16.


Biodiversity Rescue Club


17.


Breaking

Barriers Against Persons with Disabilities and Women


18.


Centre for Creative

Development Strategies (CCDS)


19.


Center for Development Support Initiatives (CEDSI)


20.


Centre for Justice

Empowerment and Development


21.


Centre for Healthworks, Development and Research Initiative (CHEDRES)


22.


Centre for Peace
Education and Community

Development


23.


Child Protection

Network (CPN) Nigeria, Cross River State


24.


Citizen Community Aid and Development initiative


25.


Citizen Solution Network


26.


Civil Society National Self-Regulation Council (CNSRC)


27.


Clean Technology

Hub


28.


CLEEN Foundation


29.


Coalition

of Youth Advocates on Electioneering in Nigeria


30.


Community of Practice on Civic Space Strengthening


31.


Community Resource Development Foundation (CREDEF)


32.


COMPPART

Foundation for Justice and Peace Building


33.


Connected

Advocacy


34.


Cross River State Civil Society Network


35.


CSO Accountability and Transparency Initiative (CATI)


36.


Development Research and Synergy Initiative


37.


Ebase Sam Foundation


38.


Edem Children Foundation (ECF)


39.


Egbema

Clean and Green Initiative


40.


Emerging

Gender Plus Outreach Team (EGOT)


41.


Environmental Development Initiative (EDI)


42.


FACICP Disability Plus


43.


Fringe Voices Development Foundation


44.


Frontier

for Peace Advocacy and Governance Initiative


45.


Forther

Girls Empowerment organization


46.


Gender and Development Action


47.


Girls Power Initiative (GPI) Calabar


48.


Global Rights


49.


Go Learners


50.


Great Step Initiative


51.


Green Concern for Development


52.


Green Hands International for Health Development


53.


Greenlife Organization


54.


Green Vision for Community

Development Initiative


55.


Habitat Protection

and Sustainable Development Initiative


56.


Hazethal

Women Foundation (HWF)


57.


Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF)


58.


Hope Ability

Empowerment Initiative


59.


Hope for Coastal Women Empowerment Initiative


60.


IBDN


61.


Initiative

for Community Development (ICD)


62.


Initiative for Contemporary Rights


63.


Jeksume Foundation Nigeria


64.


Justice Development

and Peace Caritas, Calabar


65.


Lawrence

Igbudu Foundation


66.


League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV)


67.


Lekah Development Foundation


68.


Lemu Charity Foundation


69.


Life Assurance

for Future Initiative


70.


Life Empowerment Foundation


71.


Lighthope

Succor Worldwide initiative


72.


Liman Iwara Foundation

(LIFO)


73.


LITE-Africa


74.

MAAG Africa


75.


Milestone

Initiative for Human Rights and Empowerment


76.

MIND Initiative


77.


Mirabel

Centre


78.


Neighbourhood Environment Watch (NEW) Foundation


79.


New Nigeria

Foundation


80.


Noble Classic


81.


Ofure Centre for Peace and Development


82.


Omoye Women and Youth Foundation


83.


Onyx Foundation Africa


84.


Panacea

for Development and Infrastructural Challenges for African Initiative (PADIC Africa)


85.


Partners For Peace in the Niger Delta


86.


Partnership

for Social and Development Initiative (P4SEDI)


87.


Peace Point Development


88.


Peace Mindset

Ambassadors


89.


Policy Alert


90.


Preventive Youths for Empowerment Network


91.


Psychomodelling Health and Wellness Initiative


92.


Quest For Growth and Development Foundation


93.


Rainbow Watch and Development Centre


94.


Rebuilders Foundation


95.


Refugee ICT Livelihood Initiative


96.


Rights Academy


97.


Rights and

Humanity Development Initiative


98.


Rubies Development Foundation


99.


Safe Space Development Foundation


100.

SBM Intelligence


101.


Search for Common Ground


102.


Spaces for Change


103.


Sterling Diamond Foundation


104.


Support for Girls Boys and Women Initiative (SUGBW)


105.


Support Persons in Trauma Initiative


106.

Surge Africa Organization 107.Sustainable Movement for Equity


108.


The Green Child International Organization


109.


Transparency Elderly Care


110.


VaccidriveNG


111.


Vitonia Lead International Foundation


112.


WANEP


113.


We the People


114.


White Ribbon Alliance

for Safe motherhood


115.


Women Assist Foundation


116.


Women Empowerment and Rights Initiative (WERI)


117.


Women for Environmental Protection and Food
Security


118.


Women in Disabilities for Innovation


119.


Women Youths and Aged Succour Foundation


120.


World Leadership Network


121.


Youths and Environmental Advocacy Center


122.


Youth for Change and Social Life Development Foundation


123.


Youth Torch
Initiative (YOTI)

#Health, Capacity Building, Media, SDGS

THE FINAL LAP FOR MEDIA EIS FELLOWS: A COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING ON INFODEMIC MANAGEMENT! FELLOWSHIP COHORT 1, TRACK 3 (JUNE 3-8, 2024)

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Fellows with the Resident Advisor of Media EIS Fellowship

By Smith Nwokocha

An Overview of TRACK 3! Focus Topic: INFODEMIC MANAGEMENT.

MODULE 1: INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION DISORDER AND INFODEMICS.

Goal: How do we navigate the noise, identifying and countering misinformation. Enhancing the quality of public health communication.

THEME FOR TRACK 3: ANALYZE, VERIFY AND AMPLIFY.

What is information Disorder? Deliberate or accidental spread of false or misleading information. Three different types: Mis-Dis-Mal Information.

Common forms of Information Disorder:

Satire/Parody, Misleading content, Imposter content, Fabricated content, False connection, False content and Manipulated content.

Three Elements of Information Disorder:

Agent, Message, Interpreter.

What is Infodemics?

An infodemic is too much information, including false or misleading information in digital and physical environment.

Key Terms in Infodemics:

Viral, Overabundance, Infodemic Drivers, Confirmation Bias, Echo Chambers, Clickbait.

Note: Information Disorder affects all of society, which include individual, family, community, public health, and society. We all have a role to play.

HISTORY AND EVOLUTION OF INFORMATION DISORDER LEADING TO INFODEMICS:

Pre-Internet Era

20th Century Development

Transition to the Digital Age.

INFODEMICS AND THE MEDIA:

Infodemics is an event, that leads to information disorder-overload of information. The rise of the internet changed everything, including the way we communicate. Social media is new order. Algorithm is the New Editor. Infodemics threatens the Media, making the Media to fight Trust. Fighting Infodemics is the integral work of the Media because it threatens the profession.

Understanding Infodemics in a Digital Age.

INFODEMICS AND HEALTH

“Once there is no trust, infodemics will thrive. We must work to address this new challenge”. Hannatu Bello.

Undermining Trust in Public Health Measures:

In some countries, misinformation has generated mistrust in Government, Public health Authorities and Science. Promotion of harmful practices. Stigmatization and Discrimination. Overwhelmed Healthcare Systems. During Ebola outbreak, there were rumuors…

INFODEMICS AND THE POPULATION

Infodemics and disease outbreaks have complex and intertwined relationship.

Relationship between Infodemics and Disease Prevention and Control.

Relationship between Infodemics and Governance

Mitigation Strategies

HIGHTLIGHTING DAY 2:

Module 2: Information Ecosystem and Motivation for Infodemics:

What is Ecosystem: The interconnected network of various sources, channels, and platforms that facilitate the creation, dissemination, and consumption of information within a particular order. The ecosystem includes traditional media outlets, social media, websites, individuals, Organizations, Governments, and other entities that contributes to the production and flow of information and influence how it is accessed and understood by the community or audience.

Elements of a Community Information Ecosystem:

Infrastructure, Skills, Supply.

Key Players in the Information Ecosystem:

Information producers, Information consumers, Media platforms and Channels, Information intermediaries, Regulatory and Policy framework, Technology, and Infrastructure, Cultural and Social Dynamics, Economics Factors, Public Health and Crisis Communication Strategy, Community Engagement and Citizen Participation.

Infodemics Cake Model:

Science, Policy/Healthcare Practices, News Media, social media, and Community.

Motivation and Impact of Infodemics:

Motivation For Infodemics: Ideology, Politics, Radicalization, Profit, Status, Attention, Humour, and Harm.

Driving Factors that Sustain Infodemics: Technology, Psychology, Language, and Info-void.

Impacts of Infodemics: Population, Cross-cutting, Media and Health.

Addressing the Impacts of Infodemics:

Public Education, Media Literacy, Fact-Checking, Digital Platform Accountability, Ethical Content Moderation, Regulatory Frameworks, Global Collaborations, Responsible Journalism and Transparent Communication from Authorities.

Fact-Checking: How can fact-checking address the impact of infodemics.

INFODEMICS AND THE AUDIENCE:

Your strongest relationship in life is your relationship with information. Language is one of the strongest links to audience.

Shaping the Content.

Behind Audience Segmentation:

Audience Profiling: an Audience Profiling helps describe a member of the audience as a “typical person” representing the audience segment. An audience profile can be developed for all prioritized audiences- primary and influencing.

Offline Audience Profiling

Online Algorithm.

“Knowing Your Audience through Infodemics Lens”.

“Health News is not always exciting, but when you look at it from the Audience Lens, it becomes exciting”. Mr. Oliver Lorkase.

Enhancing Video Storytelling: Tips and Techniques for Creating Engaging Visual Content:

Impact of visual storytelling on Journalism: Enhancing News Delivery, Story Amplification, Audience Reach and Relevance.

Visual Storytelling Techniques: Narrative Structure, Visual Consistency, Data Visualization.

Techniques for Compelling Video Narratives: Strong Narrative Arc, Keep Your Target Audience in Mind.

Considering the Four P’s of Storytelling: 1) People 2) Plot 3) Place 4) Purpose.

INFODEMIC DYNAMICS AND CRISIS MANAGEMENT:

“Everything happens in a community, and it enables one categorize the Actors.” Dr. Yahya Disu.

What is Infodemic Dynamics? Infodemic dynamics refer to the complex and often rapid interactions, processes and phenomena that occur with an infodemic.

Infodemic Dynamics and Crisis: Generation, Momentum and Dynamism.

Digital Influence on Behaviour: information Algorithm and Personification, Language use, Cognitive Psychology.

Crisis Management: It refers to the process of preparing for, responding to, recovering from, and learning from crises or critical incidents that can significantly impact an organization, community, or society. Effective Crisis Management: involves proactive planning, rapid responses, communication strategies, resource allocation, coordination, and continuous improvement.

Pillars of Crisis Management: Prevention (Minimize), Preparedness (readiness), Detection (early warning), Response (mitigation and restoration).

MANAGING INFODEMICS, NIGERIA’S EXPERIENCE: INFODEMICS STRUCTURE AND SYSTEMS-STRATEGIES FOR MANAGING INFODEMICS.

Three (3) things’ standouts in managing infodemics: 1) Strategies 2) Principles 3) Approaches, aimed at mitigating the spread of mis-information.

Nigeria’s Approach to Infodemic Management:

Nigeria Infodemic Management Team (NIMT) in 2020, established to manage misinformation about disease outbreak (e.g COVID-19).

Nigeria Infodemic Management System 2024.

Identify-Simplify-Amplify-Quantify = Coordination.

Social Media Health Influencing My Experience (Chinonso Egemba aka Aproko Doctor):

Some insights:

People love stories.

Social Media platforms are more of sensationalism and your clicking/scrolling is the currency.

Do Relatable Stories, Ask Questions, Put Specific Numbers, “Videos you don’t plan, gov viral easily than planned videos”.

In targeting the Audience: “Communication is effective, when it’s both ways”. You have to make your audience feel like they belong to a Community and it’s easier to influence in such manner. TikTok is like the next University.

In creating content, don’t put yourself first, rather your audience. “Mis-information” happen in social media, because social media is not regulated.

 

MANAGING INFODEMICS: STRATEGIES

Facts or Fictions?

What are the factors for the anticipated severity of misinformation and disinformation?

Note: “The reason A.I is used to counter misinformation, is because A.I created the problem of misinformation.” Abara Erim.

  1. Technological Advancements (N/B: “Those who will lead the future, are those who lead in Technology”).
  2. Elections and Political Processes.
  3. Societal Polarization
  4. Economic and Social Vulnerability
  5. Persistent Technological Evolution
  6. Regulatory Challenges
  7. Global Fragmentation
  8. Environmental and Geopolitical shift.

Infodemic is more than mis-information.

Information void- Questions-Concerns-Misinformation-Disinformation.

Infodemics Affect All of Society: Individual – Family – Community – Sectors

Managing Infodemics involves a Multifaceted Approaches: First level = Individual, Next level = Interpersonal/Community/Groups and Final level = Institutions/Structures/Systems. All are centered on “Information”.

Infodemic Management Approach: Prebunking, Innoculation and Debunking. Note: “If you have to sell, tell stories”.

Reflection Video.

Fact-Checking: Practical Steps and Sources. (Africa Check)

Myths and Facts

Fact-Checking: It is an important part of Journalism. It is a process of verifying information. Available data, Media Accuracy, Evidence-based public debate, Policy, and decision making. “People make decisions based on the information they have”. Allwell Okpi.

Tips on Identifying Information Disorder:

Develop a critical mindset, Check the source, the author, the publication.

Determine whether others are reporting the same news, Sensational headlines are red flags.

Ask yourself why this was created, Don’t take online photos and videos at face value, Check the facts, examine the evidence and ask the Experts.

5 Steps Fact-Checking Process:

  1. Identify the original source and verify the content.
  2. Define the terms and concepts within the claim.
  3. Inspect the evidence using the latest reliable data.
  4. Ask the Expert.
  5. Set out your evidence.

Note: You must always have your goal in mind-the public-

Fact-checking Tools:

OSINT Essentials, Reveye App, Reverse Image Search, Ivid App, etc

FACT-CHECKING WITH A.I.

Infodemic Management and A.I Integration.

Tools: Copyleaks AI Content Detector, Zero GPT, Deepfake Detector, We Verify

SEO?

Keyword Targeting, High Quality Content, Mobile Friendly Design.

Mr. Allwell Okpi (AFRICA CHECK)

VACCINES AND INFODEMICS

All about Vaccines. What ingredients go into a vaccine? There are broad range of different types of vaccines, but one thing they usually have in common is that they are inherently….

A Typical Vaccine Roadmap for drug Clinical Trials:

Step 1: Exploratory – Research

Step 2: Pre-Clinical – Safety and Efficacy

Step 3: Clinical – Safety and Efficacy in Humans.

Step 4: Regulatory Review and Approval – Licensure.

Step 5: Production – Scaling up.

Step 6: Quality Control – Performance, review.

What is Drug Trial?

Drug trials are clinical research trials conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of various drugs in human subject.

Blinding, randomization, adequate power, and a clinically relevant population of patients are considered the hallmarks of high-quality drug trials.

Stages of Drug Trial?

Phase 1: Screens the investigational drug for safety.

Phase 2: The experimental drug testing takes place within a larger group of participants (typically 100 to 300) to determine its efficacy and to further evaluate its safety.

Phase 3: Conducted to obtain final confirmation of its safety and effectiveness.

Phase 4: Take place following the approval of the drug sold in the market and provide additional evidence regarding the risks, benefits, and optimal use of the drug.

How does vaccines works?

How does the body respond to pathogens?

What do antibodies do?

So antibodies will attack any virus?

No antibodies are made to target one specific pathogen, just like a lock that can only be opened by one specific key.

What happens after the illness is over?

After the first infection, the immune system remembers how to protect the body from that specific pathogen.

Where do vaccines come in? Vaccines help the body resist future occurrence…  

Definition of Terms

Vaccination, Immunization, Herd Immunity and Vaccine Hesitancy.

Dr. Olayinka Umar-Farouk 
(Breakthrough ACTION-Nigeria and Resident Advisor)

ADDRESSING VACCINE MISINFORMATION:

“Communication is an Art and it takes practicing” Dr. Olayinka Umar-Farouk

Why do we worry about Vaccine Acceptance?

Vaccines are one of the most effective life-saving interventions in history of mankind and prevent millions of deaths each year.

Vaccination Acceptance Continuum.

What influences a person’s Vaccine Acceptance?

5 C’s of Vaccine Acceptance.

How can we support our audience to make the best decisions for vaccination?  

  1. Empathy: Empathy is critical to building trust. Providing information and data is not enough to build trust.
  2. Active Listening: is a way to listening and responding to another person that improves mutual understanding.
  3. Persuasive Communication: Basically, it means communication that is aimed at creating, reinforcing, or changing people’s belief or actions. “The essence of Persuasion is Strategic Thinking”.

Note: “Adapt Your Communication with Your Audience”..Dr. Olayinka Umar-Farouk.

Tips to Address Vaccine Misinformation
Know Your Audience, Segment them, Understand Them and Bucket Them.

Communication is two-way: Message, Messenger, Format, Frequency and Medium.

“The Messenger is as important as the Message”. Dr. Olayinka Umar-Farouk.

“Empathy can transform disagreement in real life into productive talk”.

In Summary, Addressing Misinformation:

Provide the Science, Use clear and shareable and easy to modify content and reference trustworthy.

“It’s all about focus and focus demands sacrifice”.. Eze Eze.

Dr. Disu Yahya, Milliscent Nnwoka and Akproko Doctor a Badge Induction into Faculty of Media EIS Fellowship

THE ROLE OF MEDIA INFOMEDIC MANAGEMENT

Information Dissemination, Stimulating Discussion and Citizen Participation.

Educational Role, Countering Disinformation, Collaboration with Authorities.

Building Resilience Against Misinformation:

Media Literacy, Health Literacy, and Infodemic Literacy.

 

AFCON SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN REPORT

What has been done (January to February).

Social Media Analytics

What worked:

Organic dissemination of posts, Posts felt natural, Influencers used multiple languages, Multiple ways to promote the life course approach, and Availability of SBC materials.

S.W.OT.

Lessons learned.

Humanize Social media content.

Reflection Video

Other Business and updates for fellows.

ACKNOWLEDGING THE FACILITATORS (FACULTY OF MEDIA EIS FELLOWSHIP)

Adunta Onukony, AFRICA CDC

Eze Eze Ogali, BA-NIGERIA

Oliver Lorkase, AFENET-NIGERIA

Hannatu Bello, NIGERIA CDC

Abiodun Ogunniyi NIGERIA CDC

Oluwadimilare NIGERIA CDC

Leslie Udoh, BA-NIGERIA

Yahya Disu, NIGERIA CDC

Joseph Njoku, BA-NIGERIA

Abara Erim, NIGERIA HEALTH WATCH

Allwell Okpi, AFRICA CHECK

Polycarp Samson SALAM, AFENET-NIGERIA

Olayinka Umar-Farouk, BA-NIGERIA

Milliscent Nnwoka, CHANNELS TV

Ramatu, BA-NIGERIA

#Health, Advocacy, Capacity Building, Health And Adolescent, SDGS

PRESS RELEASE: BREAKTHROUGH ACTION-NIGERIA (NATIONAL PROJECT LEARNING AND TRANSITION EVENT)!

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Group photograph

By Smith Nwokocha

USAID’s Breakthrough ACTION-Nigeria Project Drives Positive Health Changes Across Nigeria

A red carpet arrival kicked off the celebration of seven years of dedicated service and striking improvements in health areas ranging from maternal and child health to nutrition to malaria prevention and beyond. During a transition and learning event in Abuja on June 5, 2024, the Breakthrough ACTION-Nigeria project officially transitioned efforts and results to government agencies and community

organizations.

The Breakthrough ACTION-Nigeria project works under the leadership of Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs and is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). It has been at the forefront of applying social and behavior change, an important public health intervention that changes health outcomes. Since 2018, the project worked hand-in-hand with federal and state Ministries of Health and local organizations in 12 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

At a total investment of more than $100 million dollars over seven years, Breakthrough ACTION-Nigeria was the largest social and behavior country program ever funded by USAID/Nigeria.

The ceremony put a spotlight on Breakthrough ACTION-Nigeria’s achievements and the support it has provided to the Government of Nigeria’s Health Sector Renewal Strategy. This one-day event brought together esteemed government dignitaries, ministries, departments and agencies, donors, media from across Nigeria, programme champions, and representatives from the President’s office.

Health indices in Nigeria have been driven by many factors. The public health approach, social and behavior change identifies what individuals and communities believe and how they behave, then develops innovative strategies so they can adopt healthier behaviors and access vital health services. Since it started working in Nigeria, the project used a multifaceted approach—including mass media, community outreach, and user-driven social media campaigns—to inspire long-lasting change. These efforts resulted in positive changes across several health areas including reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health, nutrition and malaria, tuberculosis and COVID-19 vaccine uptake.

Among countless other findings, Breakthrough ACTION found that women who participated in community activities were significantly more likely to practice multiple preventive behaviors compared to women who did not participate, including at least four ante-natal visits during pregnancy, delivering in

the safety of a health facility, exclusively breastfeeding, consuming a diverse diet and receiving preventive malaria medication at least 3 times during pregnancy. Breakthrough ACTION-Nigeria’s commitment extended beyond designing and carrying out new approaches to changing people’s health behaviors. With a future-driven vision, the project also prioritized working with Federal and State Ministries, local partners, groups, and communities to sustain the positive behavior changes fostered over the past seven years. “With USAID’s and PMI’s support, we have had the privilege to improve the health and well-being of people across Nigeria. Because of what we have done together with our partners, pregnant mothers are accessing antenatal care, families are sleeping under life-saving mosquito nets, and children with previously undetected cases of tuberculosis are getting treatment. Together, we have saved and improved the lives of millions of mothers, fathers, children, and babies across Nigeria.” Dr. Shittu-Abdu Aguye, Breakthrough ACTION-Nigeria Project Director. The June 5 event included a red-carpet arrival, a gallery walk showcasing Breakthrough ACTION-Nigeria’s innovative interventions, a special guest plenary address, and a panel conversation with national and state representatives about the future of social and behavior change within Nigeria’s Health Sector Renewal Strategy.

Dr. Shittu Abdu-Aguye

Project Director, Breakthrough ACTION-Nigeria.

#Health, Capacity Building, Media, SDGS

MEDIA EIS FELLOWSHIP TOUR/COURTESY VISIT TO THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF NIGERIA CENTRE FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION IN ABUJA, NIGERIA.

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NCDC Press Room with the DG, Faculty and Fellows of Media EIS.

By Smith Nwokocha

Media EIS Fellowship Cohort 1, Track 3 (Infodemic Management) started with a Tour of the NCDC facility, going through the different departments at the NCDC Headquarters in Abuja. The Media Fellows were grouped with a faculty as a Group Lead. They had a visit to the NCDC Incident Coordination Centre (ICT), Event-Based Surveillance (EBS) Unit, which oversees daily reporting on the Epidemic Survey, and they receive calls from the public in 24-hour mode, with a surveillance dashboard that makes public awareness of outbreaks with a local tracker called TATAFO. NCDC believes there is no bad news or good news, all news is valid. Visiting the ICT Centre of NCDC, there is the ICC Mode of Operation, which has; Watch Mode, Alert Mode and Response Mode, there is also an ICT Meeting Schedule, Emergency and Disaster Risk Calendar, SITAWare, and Epidemic Intelligence from Open Source.

There was a warm reception by the DG (Dr Jide Idris), who was welcomed at the Press Room by the Media EIS Fellows, the Faculty, and partners. The meeting was moderated by Dr. Abiodun Ogunniyi of Nigeria CDC. He did a brief of the team members, congratulating the 29 Fellows who made it through Media EIS Fellowship Cohort 1. He welcomed the Resident Advisor of Media EIS Fellowship, in the person of Dr. Olayinka Umar-Farouk. In her remarks, she thanked the NCDC and other partners for their support and emphasised the Programme tends to build first-of-its-kind Health Media Reporters/Practitioners not just in Nigeria, but across the World. These First-Class Media Practitioners are armed with the skills needed to enhance the quality of public health communication and they have undergone rigorous training, mentorship and coaching with key components to enable them to build Community resilience through the Media, solving health-related issues already in their communities.

The Media is bridging the gap between science and information dissemination…. A. Ogunniyi added.

THE DG’S SPEECH:

Dr. Jide Idris MBBS, MD, MPH (Director General, of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention). The DG thanked the faculty members and Fellows for the visit, he came in as DG four months ago and he is here to restructure NCDC with a major focus on Health Security, there are Pillars of Health to attain Health Security, which include (a) Prevention, (b) Early Warning, (c) Detection and (d) Awareness and Response. We know that from January to December, there are certain occurrences of diseases, so the question is, if we know all these, why do more people die? So, we will be looking out more on Prevention. Also, some of these diseases and outbreaks are tied to our environment, climate change, economics and so on, we will come out with solutions and preventable measures to address these public health diseases/outbreaks. We will still go into surveillance, identify the gaps, and work more efficiently with technology for better results. AMR for instance, looking at the literature, is rising globally, yet nobody seems to understand what is going on. We all have a lot of work to do, in his words. The DG demanded the lists of the Fellows of Media EIS Fellowship programme. He recalled, that in 2014, after Nigeria was declared Ebola-free, a journalist struck him on issues, he was then a commissioner, he said, such are the examples of Journalists that should be encouraged.

Way Forward: Prevention, Social/Determination of Health across the Country and step it down to the States. Using different local languages to engage the public. The DG said he fully supports the Fellowship Programme and will sustain it in his tenure. In the context of restructuring, human resource development will be looked at and there are a lot of training programmes going on, though quite interesting, but these training programmes need to be integrated and consolidated. He gave his assurance, that NCDC will be working together with Media EIS Fellows to tackle prevailing health issues in Nigeria. AMR, Climate Change, and the rest are prevailing public health challenges and NCDC can’t do it alone, even the medical practitioners can’t do it themselves, the Communication people cannot as well, we need each other, and we will work together. He welcomed the idea and will continue the Programme. In conclusion, the DG said, it’s about time, we change the social behaviour of our people. “Health is everybody and everybody has a role to play. Health security is a long partnership”. Thank you!

Capacity Building, Climate Change, Media, SDGS

GLOBAL RIGHTS TRAINED OVER 45 JOURNALISTS IN NIGERIA ON MINING AND HOST COMMUNITY RIGHTS.

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The Program Manager (Mr. Edosa Oviawe), Global Rights addressing Journalists

By Smith Nwokocha 

Journalists across Nigeria were trained for two days in Abuja (May 9th– 10th 2024). Ajeole Enemarie (Programme Officer, Security and Human Rights, Global Rights) welcomed all the participants and introduced Mr Edosa Oviawe (Programme Manager, Global Rights), who facilitated the first session, he started by welcoming the Journalists and thanked them on behalf of the Executive Director of Global Rights (Ms. Abiodun Baiyewu): he emphasized the discussion will be on Solid Minerals. Mr Edosa delved deeply into MINING: THE NIGERIA STORY, and contextually he said, “Nigeria is richly endowed with a variety of Solid Minerals ranging from precious metals, gemstones, and industrial minerals to energy minerals like coals and bitumen etc. These solid minerals are scattered all over the country. The mining sector in Nigeria has historically played a significant role in the country’s economy, yet this same sector has suffered decades of challenges. However, looking at the growth level, organized commercial mining in Nigeria has spanned over twelve (12) decades. The Igbo Bronze Archeological remains indicate that community mining has been ongoing in Nigeria since the 9th century AD. The discovery of Coal in Enugu in 1909 and later the rail. The decline-Two major factors contribute to it: the discovery of Oil (Oloibiri January 15th, 1956) and the Civil War. Attempts at reviving the sector; the Oil boom of the 1970s and the Government’s drive to indigenized running Companies adversely, affected efforts to resuscitate the mining Industry. The Revival: Economic downturn of the 1980’s. Action Steps to Reviving the Solid Minerals Sector. Return to Democracy 1999. The Government has sought to expand and strengthen the industry and ensure its continued growth through the launch of several initiatives. In summary, Mining in Nigeria has the potential to significantly contribute to the country’s economic development.  The extractive industry in Nigeria has historically been dominated by the Oil and Gas sector, leaving other mineral resources largely unemployed.

Challenges Facing Mining in Nigeria. A) Regulating and legal challenges. B) Inconsistent Policies. C) Overlapping responsibilities between Federal and State Government. D) Unclear and tenured systems.

EIA- Environmental Impact Assessment. Who signed the Host Community’s Consent form:

Conclusion: With the right policies investments and responsible practices, Nigeria can harness its mineral wealth for sustainable development and prosperity.

UNDERSTANDING THE NIGERIA MINERALS AND MINING ACT 2007, facilitated by Emily Offodile (Founding Executive Director, Ziva Community Initiative).

She gave a brief history of the Act to Journalists with an in-depth understanding of the Nigeria Minerals and Mining Act 2007 and considered its implications for the Host Communities.  The Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act 2007 (“the Act”) was passed into Law on March 16th, 2007, to repeal the Minerals and Mining Act, No 34 of 1999 to regulate the exploration and exploitation of solid materials in Nigeria.

Minerals Prospecting Mining and Quarrying: Ownership and Control of Minerals; The Act vests control of all properties and minerals in Nigeria in the state and prohibits unauthorized exploration or exploitation of minerals. All lands in which minerals have been found in commercial quantities shall from the commencement of the ACT be acquired by the Federal Government following the Land Use Act. Property in mineral resources shall pass from the Government to the person by whom the mineral resources are lawfully won, upon their recovery following provisions of the Act. This provision balances Mineral development and existing land rights, ensuring sustainable mining. Status of the holders of mineral titles granted under the repealed Act. Government Intervention: This intervention could relate to regulatory frameworks, environmental protection, and community engagement.

Mining Cadastre Office (MCO):  The Act establishes the Mining Cadastre Office (MCO). The MCO has a critical role in the Administration of Mineral titles. It maintains the Cadastre registers, and essential records of mining rights, lease, and licenses. Mines Inspectorate Department (MID): The MID is responsible for overseeing mining operations safety and compliances with regulations. They inspect mining.

Mines Environmental Compliance Department (MECD): The MECD focuses on environmental matters related to mining activities.

Implications To the Mining Host Community:

Community Development Agreement (CDA): The Act enacts a regime of mandatory CDA negotiation. Protection of Interest, Community participation, Infrastructure and Social Service. Environmental protection, Fair Compensation. In summary, the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act recognizes the critical role of host communities and seeks to create a balanced framework where mining benefits are shared equitably. CDAs play a pivotal role in achieving this goal.

 

PROTECTING HOST COMMUNITY RIGHTS: KNOWING THE REGULATORS, TYPES OF MINERAL TITLES AND WHAT MINING COMPANIES DO: Facilitated by Tsema Ede (Natural Resource Governance Expert).

How will the EIAs and CDAs be remedied as they affect the communities?

Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO):

Functions of State MIREMCO:

MIREMCOS: Composition. What will be the cost of not having an active state MIREMCO? The primary consequence has been the governance failure occasioned by the Federal and State Governments. How should a state MIREMCO function? It is in the interest of the state government to ensure that the MIREMCO reiterates its policies in its advice to the Hon.Minister.

MIREMCO: Mining companies as a part of the development contingencies, be required to invest in social infrastructure especially those that EIAs have indicated that their activities will directly or indirectly impact the environment or the status quo of their host communities. The state MIREMCO may keep a catalogue of abandoned mines and mining for remediation.

How MIREMCO can optimize their efficiency: The provision of the Act and their implementation. The ECOWAS Mining Directive and the Africa Mining Vision.

NEITI, Federal Ministry of Environment and Environment Assessment Department.

NEITI: a body entrusted by law with the mandate of promoting transparency and accountability in the management of revenues from Nigeria’s Oil, Gas and Mining Sectors.

Objectives of NEITI:

The NEITI Act; accordingly, ensures due process and transparency concerning payments made by the Extractive industry.

NEITI’s challenge is reports that has largely concentrated its efforts on tracking the financial flow within the hydrocarbon to the determinant of the solid minerals sector.

Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Allocation Commission (RMFAC): The responsibility of monitoring the accruals to and disbursement of revenue from the Federation Account; periodically reviewing the revenue allocation formulae and principles in operation to ensure conformity with changing realities; advising the Federal and State Governments on fiscal efficiency and methods by which their revenue can be increased.

RMFAC recently started to allot solid minerals.

NESREA: Empowered to make regulations setting specifically for the protection of the Environment.

Environmental Restoration: Section 114 of the Act requires that areas where mining operations are being carried out on or after the passage of the Act into law in 2004 must be restored after the operations by the grantee of the mining lease.

MAKING A CASE FOR ETHICAL MINING: HOLDING GOVERNMENT AND MINING COMPANIES ACCOUNTABLE FOR HOST COMMUNITIES’ RIGHTS. Facilitated by Edosa Oviawe.

(S 4413) Constitution of Nigeria: “The entire property in and control of all minerals, mineral oils and natural gas in under or upon any land in Nigeria or in, under or upon the territorial waters and the Exclusive Economic Zone of Nigeria shall vest in the Government of the Federation and shall be managed in such manner as may be prescribed by the National Assembly”.

The significance of Mining to the Nigerian Economy: Economic contribution, Job creation, Forex Earnings, Industrial Development-Audience Intervention, Rural Development-Audience Intervention.

Promoting Ethical Mining: What is Ethical Mining? Responsible Mining + Sustainable Mining = Ethical Mining.  Ethical mining is Mining practices that prioritize environmental protection, social responsibility, and economic viability. Ethical mining aims to minimize the negative impacts of mining activities on the environment, local communities, and workers while maximizing the benefits for all stakeholders involved. Key Principles of Ethical Mining:

Environmental Sustainability: it seeks to minimize environmental degradation and promote ecosystem conservation. It minimizes the footprint of the miners’ operations and ensures the responsible use of natural resources.

Social Responsibility: Respect for the rights, interests, and well-being of the Mining Host Communities and other local communities affected by mining operations. Engage with Host Communities in a transparent and participatory manner. Respect local cultural heritage and traditional land rights- Pollution of UNESCO World Heritage Site. Address Host Communities’ concerns regarding environmental impacts, livelihoods, and social development.

Health and Safety: Prioritize the health and safety of workers and communities. Ensure compliance with occupational health and safety standards. Provide a safe working environment free from hazards and risks. Fair labour.

Ethical Mining: Represents a holistic approach to current challenges in Nigeria’s Mining Sector.

The following day, Edosa Oviawe touched on UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT OF MINING: and recommended watching “The Water Crisis” on the Global Rights YouTube channel. He asked, does our Energy Plan think of Nigeria in the next 5o years? And another question from Ms. Abiodun Baiyewu from the video: she asked, “Does our Energy Plan take into cognizance the Electrification supply for common people? How do we do Mining in the face of Climate Change? We should do Mining in a way that promotes sustainability for Development and Mining in a manner, that does not impact the environment negatively.

MINING AND INSECURITY IN NIGERIA: Facilitated by Tsema Ede.

History of Mining and Insecurity in Nigeria: The history is complex and multifaceted, involving various factors such as illegal mining, local conflicts, political connections, and governance issues. Pre-Independence Era, after-Independence etc.

In conversing with the journalists, Tsema Ede said: “Kindness is Critical”.

The Relationship between Insecurity and Mining: How illegal mining is driving local conflicts in Nigeria. Live stories of people affected by the impact of mining alongside climate change and how companies are polluting the environment. Criminal networks fuel community violence in a bid to exploit untapped minerals.

Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM): Characteristics; Low level of Technology and a lack or limited use of mechanism. Low productivity and recovery values. Lack of safety measures and health care. Lack of environmental protection. Often informal.

Understanding the Problem: Section 1 (1) of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007 gives the Federal Government ownership and absolute control over minerals.

Illegal Mining and Local Conflicts: Illegal mining is a significant issue in Nigeria, particularly in the North-West of Nigeria. An estimated 80% of Artisanal mining is carried out illegally by the local population. While ASGM has the potential to be a catalyst for development, its role as a critical livelihood strategy, pervasive informality and gold’s inherent attractiveness to illicit actors result in an environment.

Simplified Representation of African Gold Supply Chain. While ASMers are the most visible manifestation of ASGM, it is the clandestine criminal consortia who hold the strings to the sector. It is a challenge to differentiate between informality and criminality. Activity ranges from small-time gold buyers engaging in relatively begin illegal.

Insecurity Factors in Nigeria’s ASGM Industry: Collaboration between politically connected Nigerians and Chinese Corporations in illegal gold mining drives rural banditry and violent local conflicts in some parts of Nigeria. The mining of large untapped mineral deposits in the area, especially gold which has strategic importance and economic value, is at the root of community violence. Illegal mining leads to violent local conflicts in two ways in the North-West. First, those funding the mining fight over control of the minefields. These sponsors are protected by some State Government and act as if they are above the law. Illegal miners often front for politically connected individuals who collaborate with foreign nationals and corporations to sell gold. The mineral is routinely smuggled to Dubai through neighbouring Niger and Togo.

Bad Leadership and Weak Institutions in Nigeria. The growth of Nigeria’s mining sector, which boasts 44 different types of commercially viable minerals worth an estimated $700bn, has stalled, among other things, insecurity.

Trends: The exchange of illegally mined gold for weapons, the use of women and girls. In the last decade, more than 8,000 people have been killed in the states of Kebbi, Sokoto, Niger, and Zamfara due to local conflict and banditry. These regions have witnessed violence stemming from long-standing resource competition between ethnic Fulani Helders and Farming Communities. The scarcity of water and deforestation exacerbate the challenge and of course Climate Change.

The Role of Women and Girls: First, girls are used in the mining fields as labourers by illegal miners. This exposes them to severe poisoning of lead dust, which results in health problems, and it also puts women in mining camps and communities at risk as attendant vulnerable. Direct Participation, Support Roles, Exploitation and Vulnerability, Environmental Stewardship.

Challenges: Gender inequalities persist in mining. Women face barriers in accessing education, and conflicts in Host Communities.

Tackling Insecurity: Insecurity in the mining sector; could be curbed using Technology, Collaboration with Security Agencies and Mining Host Communities.To address the dangers of women, girls and minors in gold and arms smuggling, the Government needs to collaborate with local communities and invest in infrastructure.

In Conclusion: The nexus of insecurity and mining in Nigeria is a complex issue that involves illegal mining local conflicts, political connections, and governance issues. Addressing these challenges is crucial for the development and growth of the mining industry in Nigeria. Formalization of sector participants; the Federal Government, through effective collaboration with Host Communities, should use Technology and Licensing Databases to improve tracking, monitoring, and formalization of Miners, particularly Artisanal Miners, who operate and generate revenues without paying taxes or royalties. This will also aid targeted support by the Government on training, access to equipment and funding, and implementing safe mining practices.

Tsema Ede closed with a quote: “If there are consequences for bad behaviour, bad behaviour will stop” and “An Institution is as strong as its Leader”.

MANAGING NIGERIA’S CRITICAL MINERALS: AVOIDING THE GREEN RESOURCE CURSE! Facilitated by Ahmad Abdulsamad (Program Officer-Natural Resource Governance Institute).

Global-rooted Organization in the critical mineral space and to see how the solid mineral will benefit the people instead of undermining their plights. How do we see a Just Energy Transition? A Just Energy Transition is an Energy Transition characterized by equity and justice in terms of both the process and the outcomes. This means that the Transition is well-governed, supports people’s right to say in the decision-making process and prioritizes Policy outcomes that minimize inequality, injustice, and exclusion domestically and internationally.

NRGI- is working to shape a future beyond oil for Nigeria, which shall entail the gradual and responsible phase-out of fossil fuels.

Emerging Issues in Nigeria’s Solid Mineral Sector? The Nigerian Energy Transition Plan (ETP) should be clearer about the role of critical minerals. 324 more exploration licenses were issued in 2021 (62.79% increase from 2020), showing continued interest in mineral exploration. ASM Operators increased by 85% from 1,273 in 2020 to 2,336 in 2021 across six zones but lack supporting data for production.

What are Critical or Transition Minerals? Critical minerals are those that are needed for Renewable Energy and Electrification Infrastructure, Wind turbines, Solar PVS, and EVS.

What is the Resource Curse? The term Resource Curse encompasses the significant social, economic, and political challenges that are unique to Countries Rich in Oil, Gas and Minerals. Many Oil, Gas and Mineral-rich countries have failed. What is the Resource Curse? (Oil Sector for example) Critical Minerals and Corruption? Why are critical minerals high risk? Commodity boom dynamics. New players and new roles. Poor Governance Jurisdiction.

What Corruption Risks Might Emerge in the Critical Mineral Space? What do we mean by corruption? Corruption, abuse of entrusting power for double gain. Licensing: bribery to influence awards, favouritism in licensing procurement, collusion, or manipulation by companies to influence awards processes, manipulation of the environment and social assessment processes, manipulation of community consultation, undue private influence over laws. Revenue Collection: undue influence on revenue collection, laws and regulations, Corruption, or favouritism to influence revenue collection. Social and Environmental Impacts: undermining the integrity of EIAs, Community consultation and land access negotiation, undue private influence over laws, regulations and oversights institutions, concealment of environmental damage and avoidance of liability for rehabilitation, corruption in contracting, sub-contracting, or hiring allows unsafe/unfair working conditions, Extortion of facilitator, Erosion of civic space. Are these issues like those we have experienced in Nigeria? and the answer is yes!

How to Prevent Corruption in Mineral Sectors? Adopt and protect local communities and Hold Corrupt Actors accountable.

 

REFLECTION ON MINING HOST COMMUNITIES IN NIGERIA: COMMUNITY RIGHTS AND THE DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS Facilitated by Tsema Ede & Andrea.

The essence of this session is to assess the state of Mining Host Communities in Nigeria and highlight the peculiar challenges. International Frameworks for the Rights of Mining Host Communities. Nigeria is a signatory to several International Human Rights Treaties that provide for the protection of Communities. The UN Declaration of Human Rights (UNDHR), The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP), The International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 169, The Voluntary Principles, the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) etc.

National Legal Frameworks for the Protection of Mining Communities: The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended; The Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act 2007, The Child Rights Act of 2003, The Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act and Laws of the Various States, The Anti-Torture Act of 2017, Employees’ Compensation Act 2010, HIV and AIDS (Anti-Discrimination) Act 2014, Immigration Act 2015, Industrial Training Fund Act, Chapter 19, LFN 2004, National Health Insurance Authority, Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Act. Etc.

Rights Of Host Community Under the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act Of 2007.

Enhancing Host Community Development. Protecting Cultural Heritage. Rights of owners or occupiers to graze or cultivate (Land Use Rights). Right to Community Development Agreement (CDA) fostering Sustainable Development.

The Impact of Mining Activities on Host Communities in Nigeria.

Challenges in Attracting Foreign Investment: despite these regulatory reforms, Nigeria has struggled to draw significant foreign investments in its mining sector. Health and Environmental Impacts: the consequences of mining activities extend beyond economic considerations, particularly evident in states like Zamfara State. Here, gold mining has resulted in health repercussions. Safety hazards and community concerns: criminal networks and community violence. Violation of Host community rights.

Manifestations of Human Rights Issues in Mining Host Communities: Threat to livelihoods. Monopolization of resources. Loss of income from the mine following closure. Misuse of revenue (corruption) by Government officials. Social Disruption: Environmental Degradation. Degradation (deforestation, poor waste management) can lead to land erosion, water contamination, and Labour Exploitation.

Challenges in Reaching Host Communities Rights in Nigeria:

Lack of Enforcement.

Lack of Transparency.

 Corruption.

 Weak Regulatory Agency.

Ethical Reportage on Host Communities Rights in the Extractive Sector:

Accuracy and Context: Journalists should ensure accurate and contextual reporting on Host Communities Rights, providing a comprehensive understanding of the socio-economic and environmental factors at play. Community Perspective: journalists must include voices from the Host Communities themselves allowing them to share their experiences, concerns, and aspirations, regarding mining activities. Impact Assessment: Reporting should delve into the impacts of mining operations on Host Communities, including social economic, and environmental effects, to provide a balanced portrayal of the situation. Transparency and Accountability. Conflict Sensitivity: Sensitivity to potential conflicts arising from mining activities is essential. Journalists should report on tensions, grievances, and disputes fairly and rationally to avoid sensationalism or exacerbating existing conflicts. Human Rights Lens: Reporting should be framed within human rights. Cultural Sensitivity: Respect for the cultural heritage and traditions of Host Communities should guide reporting. Solutions-Oriented Reporting: Journalists should also explore potential solutions and best practices for addressing most Communities’ issues, promoting constructive dialogue.

Cross section of participants (Journalists)
Advocacy, Capacity Building, SDGS, Youth

PEACE CORPS OF NIGERIA NATIONAL RETREAT AND LEADERSHIP TRAINING FOR PRINCIPAL OFFICERS IN RIVERS STATE

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By Smith Nwokocha

PEACE CORPS OF NIGERIA RETREAT/LEADERSHIP TRAINING COURSE FOR PRINCIPAL OFFICERS (P0 – A01)!

With the theme: “Navigating Leadership Challenge Through Resilience and Flexibility in a Command and Control Setting”.

www.peacecorpsofnigeria.org.ng

Host: Dr. Dickson A.O. Akoh (National Commandant-Peace Corps of Nigeria).

Under The Distinguished Chairmanship of RT. Hon. Zaphaniah Bitrus Jisalo (Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Government Affairs).

Special Guest of Honour Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim (Honourable Minister, Ministry of Youth Development).

This event is the Peace Corps of Nigeria Nation-wide Retreat, held from the 4th – 5th April 2024. In Rivers State, under the Leadership of the Commandant Dr. Michael Obiora, it was such an impactful ceremony and lecture, which held at Community Secondary School, Okoro nu-odo, Rumuokoro/Rumuoagholu Town, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The Commandant, Peace Corps of Nigeria, Rivers State Command (Dr. Michael Obiora)

On the 4th of April, Dignitaries including the special guest of honour at the Rivers State Command Centre of the Nationwide Retreat was the Honorable Commissioner for Information and Communication, who was ably represented by the Director Administration of the Ministry (Dr. Sam Ugo Onyeka).

In his address to the Corps, he appreciates the Management for organizing a training retreat for it’s principal officers across the nation, as he extolled the virtues of staff training. He also admonished the officers to use this training opportunity to add positively to themselves, Rivers State and the nation at large.

On the 5th of April, Dignitaries were in attendance, which includes Peace Corps of Nigeria Commandant and Officers in Riveres State Command and Reps from Abuja Command, Amb. Smith Nwokocha of Quest For Growth and Development Foundation, Mrs. Mercy Nwokocha of Institute of Human Virology of Nigeria (IHVN) and The Manager of Chilkield  Security and his team were also guests at the three days training.

The virtual lecture was live, with focus on “Strategic and Essential Service” and some Administrative Principles, which sited the practicability of Henri Fayol 14 Principles of Management; highlighting them are as follows: 1. Division of Work 2. Authority 3. Discipline 4. Unity of Command 5. Unity of Direction 6. Subordination of Individual interest to general interest 7. Remuneration 8. Centralization 9. Scalar Chain 10. Order 11. Equity 12. Stability of tenure 13. Initiative 14. Espirit de Corps. Followed by James D. Mooney’s Administrative Management, which are: 1. Coordination 2. Hierarchy 3. Functional Differentiation and Lastly, Luther Gulick and the POSDCORB Theory that involves; 1. Planning 2. Organizing 3. Staffing 4. Directing 5. Coordinating 6. Reporting 7. Budgeting.

The above led to the Essential Skills for Administrative Management such as 1. Technical skills 2. Human skills 3. Conceptual skills. The facilitator emphasized that as a Leader, you must stay in touch with the trends of time (technology) and be versatile. He went ahead to inspire the officers that, as Leaders they must have the ability to communicate and communicate effectively and possibly avoid avoidable risks. He further, mentioned the benefits of Implementing Strong Administrative Management Strategy. In conclusion, he said, a good Administrative Strategies will ensure optimal performance among team members, while lack of good communication could lead to wrong decision making. Therefore, no single strategy makes a complete strategy, except all. The lecture ended with a Q & A session.

Back to Rivers State, the Commandant appreciates all the Officers, Reps from Abuja and Guests for joining the Peace Corp of Nigeria on this Retreat and Leadership training for Principals Officer, which include Leaders holding sensitive positions in different units of the command and the training will reshape and improve operations of the Officers.

Group pictures with the Commandant, Some Principals Officers and Guests

 

 

Advocacy, Capacity Building, Climate Change, SDGS

2023 Mining Host Communities INDABA

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By Global Rights Nigeria

The West African Mining Host Communities INDABA is a pivotal conference dedicated to elevating natural resource governance and addressing the critical issues of environmental and social safeguards for mining host communities in West Africa.

Building on the success of our previous conference, this year’s event will be centered around the theme, “Insecurity and Minerals Governance in West Africa: Building Mechanisms for the Protection of Mining Host Communities.”

At this year’s INDABA, we aspire to delve deep into the intricate challenges surrounding mineral governance and security in mining host communities, investigating their profound impact on the well-being of these communities.

Our objectives include exploring the intricate link between mining activities and security concerns, encompassing issues like insurgency, conflicts, and illicit activities.

We are determined to enhance awareness and understanding of the security hurdles faced by these communities, foster open dialogue and collaboration among diverse stakeholders to develop effective strategies for mitigating security risks, and ultimately promote sustainable development.

The Summit will shed light on best practices, innovative approaches, and successful case studies in addressing security challenges related to mineral resource extraction while also strengthening partnerships between the mining companies, regulators, host communities and civil society organizations to drive sustainable development.

The 2023 West African Mining Host Communities INDABA is set to be an engaging and informative event, featuring a wide array of activities.

These include plenary sessions with keynote speeches, panel discussions, and expert presentations, interactive workshops and training sessions designed to bolster skills in community engagement, advocacy, and sustainable development planning.

We will also spotlight successful initiatives, projects, and case studies related to energy transition and mining host communities.

Networking sessions will provide a platform to connect, share experiences, and forge valuable partnerships.

This year’s Summit will bring together key stakeholders from West Africa and across the continent, including mining host communities, civil society organizations, government representatives, industry experts, and international organizations, to discuss challenges, share experiences, and propose solutions for the sustainable development of mining host communities.

This year’s INDABA promises to be a remarkable gathering you wouldn’t want to miss! Register to attend virtually using the link below.

Date: Wednesday, 15th to Friday, 17th November 2023.

Time: 09:30 AM (WAT) Daily.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER https://zoom.us/j/92023428283?pwd=UkxLdlAxUmxReGtyendneWlEWUxnUT09

The Convening is in both English and French languages with provisions for translations in both languages. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of history!. Join us at the West African Mining Host Communities INDABA 2023 to contribute to meaningful change and sustainable solutions.

The 2023 West African Mining Host Communities Indaba is hosted by Global Rights in partnership with African Coalition for Corporate Accountability (ACCA) in collaboration with its partners, with kind support from the Ford Foundation.

Advocacy, Capacity Building, Climate Change, Oil and Gas, SDGS

National Extractives Dialogue (NED2023) on Host Community Development Trusts by Spaces for Change.

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Host Communities Leaders, Stakeholders, and CSOs Representative

NED2023 organised by Spaces for Change (S4C) & Nigeria Extractive industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) on Host Community Development Trusts (HCDT). It was held in Owerri , Imo State of Nigeria on 14th and 15th September, 2023. It was well coordinated with many in attendance from the Communities, Stakeholders, Civil Society Organizations -CSOs- and women were also well represented. It was loaded with everything concerning the HCDT to help communities do things rightly and the strategies to obtain all the HCDT benefits.

Cross-Section of Participants

The memories of the event will remain remarkable for all participants due to the resourceful engagement throughout the sessions from various experts. Participants thanked S4C for their commitment to help communities gain back their benefits, accepting to do trainings/capacity training whenever they are called on, selfless interest and service to humanity for better future for the common, marginalized and vulnerable persons in the Community, including those with special needs and everyone in the Communal stands affected by the impact of Climate Change, as a result of the production of Crude Oil, exploration and exploitation by International Oil Companies (IOCs) in the Niger Delta Communities. In addition, the PIA Documents should be revisited for the benefits of both Host Communities and impacted Communities.

Group photographs of participants