Category Archives: Youth

Advocacy, Politics, SDGS, Youth

CONCERNS OF DISENFRANCHISEMENT WITH UNPRINTED PVCS AND UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN NIGERIA

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January 27, 2023

Abuja, Nigeria

 

CONCERNS OF DISENFRANCHISEMENT WITH UNPRINTED PVCS & UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

 

“You cannot live a normal existence if you have not taken care of a problem that affects your life and affects the lives of others; that is the value you hold which in fact defines your very existence.”

–  Wole Soyinka

(Nobel Laureate)

 

According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), collection of Permanent Voters’ Cards will end this Sunday, January 29th  at 5pm.

However, reports from voters in different collection centres across the country revealed that some validly registered voters were informed by the INEC officials that their PVCs were not available; while some others were asked to return on a later day beyond the deadline or after the election to collect their PVCs. This is a breach of the Electoral Act 2022 which mandates INEC in Section 16(1) to design, print and issue voter’s cards to voters whose names appear in the register of voters. INEC also, had further committed to and promised that everyone registered and, in their database, will have their PVC provided and available for collection. The emphasis on a deadline for collection is an indirect disenfranchisement of validly registered voters whose PVCs are not available due to INEC’s administrative lapses. Denying these voters their right to vote due to a failure on the part of INEC is unacceptable.

And to be clear, this is not only a problem in Lagos. Citizens have provided reports from Abuja, Rivers, Delta, Anambra, Imo, Ondo, Nasarawa, Akwa Ibom, Kaduna, Borno, Sokoto, Ogun, Kano, & Kwara.

We also note the concern of the students who registered at home while tertiary institutions were shut down for over 8 months. According to INEC, 40% of the 9,518,188 newly registered voters are students. If they registered at home and are now at school, INEC must ensure they can pick up their cards in the least expensive way possible.

Reclaim Naija has received hundreds of calls and texts from its observers across the country about these challenges. With six episodes of Twitter Spaces and three Instagram Lives with different INEC officials; in addition to reports submitted through its www.rsvp.ng Complaints Portal, EiE Nigeria has supported over 10,000 voters through this PVC Collection process.

Given the reported challenges, we ask that INEC do the following:

  1. Inform Nigerians if it is still printing cards and when all the cards for registered voters will be available for collection.
  2. Extend PVC Collection to ensure that everyone whose cards were not found are reprinted, and there is a clear process for them to pick up the cards.
  3. Work with the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC) to ensure that there are no classes or exams the week before elections so students can go home to vote.
  4. Communicate with newly registered voter’s especially students when the PVCs are ready.
  5. Create a dedicated desk for civil society organisations, media and citizens to escalate the issues being observed for quick resolution.

The engine to drive this process is clear and proactive information sharing from INEC. There are high expectations for this election and INEC can not be seen to be deliberately or inadvertently disenfranchising certain groups of people.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria!

 

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Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) (www.thecjid.org) is a media innovation think tank founded in 2014 to enable a West African media that advances the values of human rights and democratic accountability. CJID builds and/ incubates innovative media platforms including Premium Times, Dubawa, Leaks.ng, and gosi.app. We also provide thought leadership to deepen the inclusive development discourse and tackle information disorder in the region.

ConnectHub (www.connecthubng.org) is a human rights platform that documents, defends and advocates against police brutality and state violence in Nigeria.

Dataphyte (www.dataphyte.org) is a media, research and data analytics committed to driving national development in Nigeria through civic technology, data access, and policy advisory. Dataphyte’s data-driven policy advocacy and accountability platforms include Dataphyte Elections,  Anfani, Goloka, Dataplex and Open Data.

Enough is Enough Nigeria (www.eie.ng) is a network of individuals and organizations committed to instituting a culture of good governance and public accountability in Nigeria through active citizenship. EiE’s #RSVP – Register | Select | Vote | Protect is Nigeria’s longest-runing get-out-the-vote campaign. EiE was an integral part of the #OccupyNigeria movement in 2012; co-leads the #OpenNASS campaign and launched the #OfficeOfTheCitizen campaign to mark its 5th anniversary in 2015. It publishes a collection of essays to mark its decade plus of impact in 2022 – Footprints: Past | Present | Future.

#FixPolitics (www.fixpolitics.org) is a citizens-led research-based initiative advocating for structural change of politics and governance in Nigeria and on the African continent. #FixPolitics recently launched its Office Of The Citizen (OOTC) campaign in Nigeria and is currently executing its 2023 Elections:Matters Arising awareness campaign Initiative. 

Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) (www.kdi.org.ng) is a youth-focused nonprofit, nonpartisan, nongovernmental organization that inspires citizen-led democratic development that is anchored on the principles of participation, data-driven advocacy, promotion of strong democratic institutions, and public policies.

Reclaim Naija (aka Community Life Project – CLP) (www.communitylifeproject.org) is a nation non-profit organisation challenging inequality and advancing social justice by empowering marginalised grassroots communities.

The Electoral College Nigeria (www.electoralcollng.org) is a political literacy institution that takes civic education up another notch. ECN believes political literacy is critical to every sphere of a democracy and has involvement in debates, virtual courses and training for elected and political appointees. ECN has partnerships with CJID on its Politeracy 101 course; with states on LG Chairpersons Training and the Nigeria Elections Debate Group (NEDG) on debates.

Women Advocates and Research Development Centre (WARDC) (www.wardcnigeria.org) is a feminist human rights organisation  supporting gender justice  and good governance.

Yiaga Africa (www.yiaga.org) is a non-profit civic hub of change makers committed to the promotion of democratic governance, human rights and civic engagement. We focus on in-depth research, providing critical analysis on key democratic and governance issues, crafting practical solutions, training and empowering citizens to lead change in their community.

Climate Change, SDGS, Youth

CLIMATE LEADERSHIP FELLOWSHIP NIGERIA

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Application for the Cohort 4 Climate Leaders Fellowship is on-going. Deadline 5th January, 2023.

If you are a Climate Activist, is an experience you don’t want to miss, if selected.

Good luck.
Visit the link below for eligibility.
https://climateleadershipfellowship.org/

#ClimateFellow #ClimateLeader #ClimateAction

Advocacy, ICT, SDGS, Social Political, Youth

NMCG PRESS RELEASE: PROTECTING DIGITAL RIGHTS IN CLOSING SPACE

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Tuesday, November 15, 2022

 

+234 708 778 4788

team@newmediagov.ng

Abuja, Nigeria.

 

For Immediate Release

 

EIE, BudgIT and PIN are set to host the 5th Edition of NMCG Conference.

 

Enough is Enough Nigeria, BudgIT Foundation, and Paradigm Initiative are set to host the fifth edition of the New Media, Citizens and Governance conference tagged  ‘Protecting Digital Rights in Closing Spaces’ on Thursday, November 17, 2022, at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua centre, Abuja, Nigeria.

 

The one-day hybrid transnational conference will feature speakers and dignitaries from across Africa—Cameroon, South Africa, Zimbabwe, The Gambia, Ghana, and Kenya—with over 300 registered delegates to discuss critical topics in the new media and how they affect various facets of the society.

 

According to BudgIT’s Global Director, Oluseun Onigbinde, the year’s edition has been designed to drive conversations on Africa’s digital economic space, social media restrictions and shutdowns, data privacy, elections and public accountability, marginalization and digital security.

 

“Digital rights are human rights in online spaces, which include the right to privacy, freedom of opinion and speech, freedom of information and communication, gender rights, and the right to freedom from violence, among others. Violation of digital rights in Africa has become a prevalent issue, and if proactive steps are not taken, it may persist,” Oluseun said.

 

The Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative (PIN), ‘Gbenga Sesan, described the conference as timely, as it is coming at a time when freedom in the digital space is threatened, more so with Twitter’s recent moves, which has seen the organization cutting off teams working on human rights and ethics.

“The times we are living in demand that we hold honest discussions to safeguard our shrinking digital spaces, and this forum provides that platform. It is, therefore, imperative to have an intellectual conversation on safeguarding the digital rights of African citizens before, during and after elections.” he added.

Also commenting, the Executive Director of EiE Nigeria, ‘Yemi Adamolekun, noted the conference would be instrumental in providing the opportunity for various stakeholders to discuss key issues on digital rights and elections in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

“This is a good forum for both the civil society and government representatives from the continent to discuss matters of importance for the continent.” she stated.

Confirmed speakers include Ms. Anriette Esterhuysen, Senior Advisor, Internet Governance, Policy Advocacy and Strategic Planning (South Africa), Mr. Anthony Okechukwu Ojukwu, SAN, Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC, Nigeria), Ms. Toyin Akinniyi, African Representative, Luminate (Nigeria)  among others.

 

 

Ends…../

Note to Editors:

BudgIT is a civic organization that applies technology to intersect citizen engagement with institutional improvement to facilitate societal change. A pioneer in the field of social advocacy melded with technology, BudgIT uses an array of tech tools to simplify the budget and matters of public spending for citizens, with the primary aim of raising standards of transparency and accountability in government.

 

Enough is Enough Nigeria (EiE) is a movement of knowledgeable citizens that ensures our leaders serve us. EiE launched the concept of the #OfficeOfTheCitizen as part of its 5th anniversary activities in 2015 to educate Nigerians on their rights and responsibilities. EiE’s #RSVP – Register/Select/Vote/Protect is a key voter education campaign. EiE was an integral part of the #OccupyNigeria movement in 2012 and is very active in the #OpenNASS campaign. 2020 was EiE’s 10th anniversary and it has continued to drive the #OnePerson campaign to reinforce its belief that one person can make a difference in building a better society.

 

Paradigm Initiative (PIN) Paradigm Initiative (PIN) is a Pan African social enterprise that builds ICT-enabled support systems and advocates for digital rights in order to improve the livelihoods of under-served young Africans. The organization has worked in communities across Nigeria since 2007, and across Africa from 2017, building experience, community trust and an organizational culture that positions it as a leading social enterprise in ICT for Development and Digital Rights on the continent.

 

PIN, which has presence in Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Senegal, Cameroon and Kenya, has built online platforms that educate and serve as safe spaces for the reporting of digital rights violations. These mediums, in the form of reports, short films, and educational online platforms, include Ayeta, Londa and Ripoti. It is also the convener of the Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DRIF), a pan-African bilingual Forum that has held annually since 2013.

 

 

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Advocacy, Oil and Gas, Social Political, Youth

HACKATHON FOR NIGER DELTA YOUTHS BY THE GIFT NIGERIA PROJECT

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Hackathon L’ACEs (Active Citizens Engaging Legislatives) – ACEs for short.
Pose after Hackathon Cohort in PH

By Smith Nwokocha

The Objectives of the Hackathon, which gathered youths from the Niger Delta region is as follows:

  • To crowd-source ideas on how to disrupt lax projects delivery and encourage satisfactory performance
  • To introduce the ConsTrack and RemTrack civic tech tools to young persons and energize their participation in the GIFT project.

During The Hackathon Activities Proper:

The report here summarizes the activities of the Hackathon that took place in Rivers State for youths and youth groups in the Niger Delta Region. The event started at about 1:30pm with an introduction and recognition of participants. This was followed by a brief presentation given by Mr. Oke, to set the tone on the programme objective. He shared a few slides on Remfact findings to stimulate better understanding of the issues on ground.
This was subsequently followed by a breakout session where participants were divided into six (6) teams made up of 5 members each. The 3 topics of ideation were shared among the groups with 2 groups handling one topic each. The topics bordered on;

  • Follow the trust (in view of the composition and incorporation of the Host Community Development Trust Fund) as well as tracking the set up.
  • Tracking remittances from the petroleum extractive sector
  • Monitoring and evaluation of funds in capital project implementation vis a vis public service delivery.
    The groups worked on their assigned topics for a period of about 30 minutes after which representatives from each group were given the opportunity to speak on what they had come up with.

The first group spoke on tracking remittances while sharing some initial steps to take for effective results. The first of these steps was to do stakeholders mapping, drft letters requesting information from the identified stakeholders based on remittances they received while requesting clarification on data provided which requires clarity. They were however unclear in their presentation on how data can be verified as a solution to tracking remittances.

The second group also made a presentation on tracking remittances. Their solution considered having a transparency plan where the agencies in charge of tracking remittances are first identified alongside the measures they have in place for this purpose. They also identified grassroot tracking as well as checks and balances with full involvement of the media. they again incorporated the use of a tracking software controlled by an independent tracking unit. At the end of their presentation, a recommendation was given for the technology to be carefully considered to avoid creating another bureaucratic system in addition to the already overburdened platforms available.

The third presentation was on Monitoring and Evaluation. Their idea was for the NGOs and CBOs operational in communities to be involved in the implementation of projects designed for those communities. Their solution was to also leverage on google map to determine service area codes of project communities. They also recommended that a Board of Trustee made up of non partisan bodies that will monitor the funds that come into the Trust.

The fourth group spoke on the composition of the HCDTF and how to track the funds. Their recommendation was for the right people to make the board composition with emphasis on inclusivity and proper orientation of these stakeholders. On their technology solution, they proffered the development of a software designed to cover tracking by host communities and operators. It would also have a feature that outlines projects, the funds allocated to these projects and the expenditure incurred. Recommendation was given for their solution to set clarity on how tracking the enactment of the Trust can be made possible and made a public data.
The fifth group in their presentation, spoke on the need to have a composition of the Trust Fund as this would foster ease in tracking the development fund. They highlighted a list of groups that could make up this composition from the community level to the federal level. They also suggested that in tracking the set up, a corporate account be opened with 3 signatories, there should be regular auditing and a monitoring system to track the projects.

Group brainstorming session

The final presentation was on Monitoring and Evaluation of capital projects. They started by giving a run down of problems that have militated against capital projects such as; personal interests, greed and avarice, lack of access to implementation documents, duplication of projects to mention a few. Their solution was streamlined to involve a strategy they called “Name-shaming”, using radio call-ins where individuals guilty of misappropriating funds for capital projects face being name shamed. They also proposed to use the print media for publishing back-up facts that reflect the origin and status of these projects. Their final solution was to promote civic advocacy and engagement on accountability with backing from the provisions of the FRA. In conclusion, they set perspective on already existing technological solutions to project M&E such as the BudgIT app as well as the Constrack and Remtrack apps by Orderpaper, while also recommending the use of USSD as a tracking measure for communities with little or no technology access.

Mr. Oke wrapped up the session by introducing participants to Orderpaper’s Constrack and Remtrack civic tech tools, while encouraging that the ideas and solutions shared, be taken beyond the organizations represented and into the grassroot communities. he gave the vote of thanks at about 5:20pm, group photographs were taken and the session was officially brought to a close.

From left: Amaka Elekwechi Rep Centre for Transparency Advocacy; Edna Ulaeto, OrderPaper, at centre Lady Ejiro Umukoro (Programme Manager GIFT NIG PROJECT) at far right (Temidayo Taiwo-Sidiq) Orderpaper
Climate Change, Health And Adolescent, SDGS, Youth

UNDERSTANDING CLIMATE CHANGE BY CLIMATE LEADERSHIP FELLOWSHIP COHORT 2

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Smith Nwokocha, Climate Leadership Fellow

By Smith Nwokocha:


CLIMATE LEARDERSHIP FELLOWSHIP 2022 COHORT 2 (Motto: Galvanising Youth For Climate Action), this initiative is supported by Access Bank Plc, Glow Initiative For Economic Empowerment (GLEE) and Climate Smart Nigeria (CSN) and it has over 30 Climate Fellows selected in the Nigeria, that were involved in a 10-week Fellowship Programme, that started 30th May, 2022. In Rivers State, Smith Nwokocha (A Climate Leadership Fellow), after a virtual Expert training that lasted for weeks, and the Fellows are to teach secondary schools with an equipped toolkit; Smith championed the project (Adopt A School Project) for four weeks from 16th June to 14th July, 2022 across two schools (Government Comprehensive Secondary School and Woodville School, Port Harcourt).

Smith Nwokocha a Climate Leadership Fellow, during a Climate change session with students of Government Comprehensive Secondary School GCSS, Borikiri, Port Harcourt in Rivers State.

In the first week, he started with a discussion on understanding what Climate Change is all about, the terminologies involved and the impact of Climate Change in Rivers State. In the following week, he discussed the need for Renewable Energy, the sources of Renewable Energy and the benefits of Solar Energy, then again, he talked about the Greenhouse Gases, Greenhouse Effect, the impact and importance, all in Week two. In week three, he focused on the 3R’s (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) and the benefits of reducing, reusing and recycling. At the final week, which is week four, he initiated the Green Club by adopting students as Green Ambassadors following the stated criteria in the curriculum by the Organizers and he coordinated a demonstration of Climate Campaign/rally within the school premises with a Climate Parachute.

Smith helping the students understand Climate change and the impact in Rivers State and across the globe. Students of Woodville School in Port Harcourt, Rivers state.


It was a beautiful experience to behold. Engaging students, stimulating their interest and getting the schools becoming environmentally conscious. The Green Ambassadors have promised to plant trees, keep the school environment clean and initiate climate change related projects going forward under the supervision of Mr. Smith Nwokocha alongside the Head Teachers attached to the Green Ambassadors to ensure “The Adopt A School Project” becomes a reality and the schools to be part of it fully and make a continuous activity.
Our reporter gathers that, at least over 50 students were part this project. However, it is worthy to note that, the Green Ambassadors will work together to find solutions for the emanating surge (the Black Soot) in Rivers State among other Climate Change issues.

Students and Green Ambassadors of Government Comprehensive Secondary School GCSS flying the Climate Parachute with Smith Climate Leadership Fellow (CLF), supervising the exercise.


Finally, similar and even more innovative approaches are been adopted by other fellows in Nigeria and beyond. The Climate Leadership Fellows and students alike are now better equipped in Climate matters.
In appreciation, the Founder of this initiative, who is also the founder of Climate Smart Nigeria (CSN), Glory Oguegbu and her indefatigable team (Victoria Edeha-Anthony, Wilfred Okeke, Tola Oni, Emmanuel and others not mentioned), including GLEE and Access Bank, for working very hard to promote Climate Change Education in Nigeria through Climate Literacy Programme like this and in essence, provide capacity building on Renewable Energy Technologies.

Students and Green Ambassadors of Woodville school in Port Harcourt, Rivers state gearing up to fly the Climate Parachute
Advocacy, SDGS, Security, Social Political, Youth

PRESS BRIEFING: NATIONAL DAY OF MOURNING 2022!

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NATIONAL DAY OF MOURNING

The time has come!
As we approach the National Day of Mourning – 28th May 2022, we must continue to amplify our voices about the increasing spate of mass atrocities across the country; especially as we approach a crucial decision-making period for Nigeria.

The civil society community under the auspices of Nigeria Mourns is very concerned about the prevailing insecurity and seeming lack of value for human life in Nigeria. Over the past year alone, more than 6,000 Nigerian lives were lost to mass atrocities with over 5,000 recorded cases of abductions from January to December 2021. In the first quarter of 2022 alone, we have had a major surge in mass atrocities, with the terrorist-bandits in Zamfara state opening the new year on a bloody note, the terrorist attack on the Abuja-Kaduna bound train, and an increasing spate of abductions.

The danger is even more pronounced as we enter the thick of the electioneering season, where political actors, regional and vested interests and internal/external instigators will no doubt take actions to stir up the polity and incentivize violent actors to commit violent crimes.

To address these issues, Global Rights is hosting a press briefing on the theme of this year’s National Day of Mourning: “Secure Nigeria”, where we will also be launching our Mass Atrocities Documentary titled: “Gangs of Naija”.
DATE: Friday, 27th May 2022
TIME: 10:00am
VENUE: Novare Hall, Wuse Zone 5
Please join us in solidarity by wearing BLACK, tomorrow, Friday, 27th May 2022, to remind Nigerians and the government at large that all is not well.
Together, we can make a difference.

Would like to be part of the ongoing conversations For the NATIONAL DAY OF MOURNING? See details below.

27th May, 2pm

Join SBM Intelligence and Nigeria Mourns for this discussion on twitter.  @sbmintelligence

28th May, 2pm

NATIONAL DAY OF MOURNING 2022. #SecureOurLives
https://www.facebook.com/www.globalrights.org/
https://twitter.com/Globalrightsng
https://www.instagram.com/globalrightsng/
http://www.globalrights.org/ng/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMW_vdY5h0AOJqOQgx2wdPg
Copyright © 2021 GLOBAL RIGHTS, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
contact@globalrights.org

Health And Adolescent, Legal, Politics, Relationship, Social Political, Youth

THE INSIDE MAN CONFERENCE 2022

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Mr. Patrick Uduma (Convener)

THE INSIDE MAN
Presents:
“The Superior Man” 02 -05 – 2022 @ The Arena Event Center, 37 Tombia Street, New G.R.A, Phase 2, Port Harcourt.
Introduction:
Inside Man was birthed from the place of Mr. Patrick Uduma’s desire to celebrate his birthday with Men and identify the common struggles of Men to form a platform that helps Men to share their individual experiences in order to encourage and inspire and create a doable action that we all can benefit from.
Vision:
To re-awaken and foster the co-creation of a quality Man.
Objectives:
Re-parent, identify, own and express the Man in you.
Benefits:
Clarity, Wealth, Health, Network.
Belief:
I am the Superior Man. My Life’s lens is grounded in goodness that conditions my thought life superintending my believe life, ensuring a distinctive attitude in joy which produces excellent character required to manifest my intended life.
TOPICS AND PANELISTS:
Purpose Discovery– (Patrick Uduma)
Entrepreneurs/Business- (Uche Onochie)
Relationship– (Kenny Ajibade)
Health- (Okoro Stephen)
Leadership and Governance- (Osinachi Nwandem)
Finance- (Kingsley Chukwujindu)
The conference was moderated by Chinedu The Oracle and Jude Omabebe. of Nigeria Info Radio Port Harcourt.

Cross-Section of Attendees


OPENING REMARKS BY MR. PATRICK UDUMA: In his words, “I am so excited to be here, for the fact that is my birthday and I am celebrating it with Men!”. This Birthday is dedicated to Men..To be a Man in Nigeria, is a battered experience. Gone through tough times, as a Man, trek miles to go to school. Nobody will believe you to share your truth. Raised in the mud, but no longer in the mud, now in the midst of Marbles. Good-evening Superior Men, it is my pleasure to welcome all Men into the “INSIDE MAN”. The essence, is to proffer solutions across Men’s struggles. The INSIDE MAN CONFERENCE was awakened to foster and cheer a quality Man. Over four (4) years, building quality Men.
We are here to re-define Success, because Success is not about Money. Men will be awakened and get back their strength. We are going to change certain belief system that are not delivery, we will evaluate such systems. Intentionally, avoid the following Four (4) things:

  1. Fault Finding: Each time, we see something to complain, it destroys our intent.
  2. Blaming: We blame our Parents and our Leaders for everything that goes wrong.
  3. Complaining and Judging: If you are a Man here, you need an instructor. “Your progress is rooted on Instruction”. Are you doing Life, or Life is doing you? When you argue so much, Life is doing well and the reverse is also true.
  4. “Your personal power has nothing to do with your person”: One of the signs of Great Men and Superior Men are Compassion and Empathy.

Things that can change you for good:

  1. How a Man See: Your thought life is how you interact and connect.
  2. Dwell in Goodness: That’s Mr. Patrick’s Belief System and that has changed how he does life. You can adopt yours…
  3. We are Men with Community/Commitment.
  4. Honesty; Value the time of others.

UCHE ONOCHIE (BUSINESS/ENTREPRENEURSHIP):
Men are struggling: It’s an honour to Celebrate Men. “When you don’t succeed, you are irresponsible”. -Men are not used to crying- I have come as a voice of encouragement to tell you to go again.
What is Business?
What is Entrepreneurship?
Who is an Entrepreneur?
It takes a lot to do business and get it right. 90% of Start-Ups fail in the first 5 years, because of ignorance among others.
A Business is a “going-concern” for profit or non-profit. Business is an entity.
Entrepreneurship is the creation/extraction of value. The process of setting up a Business. You must have respect for your Business as a Personality of its own, otherwise, it will disrespect you.
An Entrepreneur is an individual who creates a new business; He bears the risks and enjoy the rewards that comes afterward.
Entrepreneurship is the oldest profession. The greatest tool an Entrepreneur needs is the gift of “Observation”. Understanding that there is a need or a problem to solve. Entrepreneurs are problem solvers. You invent, because there is a problem. If you don’t have an idea that is solving societal problem, don’t jump into business.
Three Things Needed to Serve:
a) Service Delivery: The risk comes from translating that idea into reality. Business is the vehicle that you need to bring those ideas to reality. Most of the Fortune 500 Companies started during recession…Microsoft etc. In Nigeria, we are in recession, this is the best time for Start-Ups to employ disruptive ideas to gain the Market-place. “When you see a Man that is Successful, you see a Man that has risked it all”. “Until you are ready to lose it all, you will not be able to gain it all”. Start a Business, young people, this is your time to explore. “Business is not an Assumption”. “Build your Business as if you want to sell it”.
b) Start building Locally, but focus Globally.
c) Build Systems that works: Get the right people in your Business. Don’t go and engage your brothers. Nobody kills Businesses like brothers. Begin to build systems and earn in Dollars ($). Earn in Dollars, no matter how small. There is a Blessing on the go.
BARR. OSINACHI NWANDEM (LEADERSHIP/GOVERNANCE):
Leadership and Governance, each time its discussed, we look at corruption. The solutions to Leadership and Governance starts with us, not the Politicians. Business issues like; Corruption, Lack of Accountability, Integrity Issues.
Why do we discuss Leadership and Governance in an all-Men Conference? Governance are structures that enables Leadership. Governance is the Motto that drives Leadership. Leadership and Governance are geared by “Influence”. A Leader with “Influence” is able to change people’s thoughts, belief’s etc. Influence can be positive or negative, it is determined by the results.
Traits of Positive Influence:
Accountability, Transparency, Goodwill; where you exude positive influence, you gain “value”. “A Leaders influence is dependent on his persona”.
Six (6) Posers for Success in Life/Business/Career:
a) Your “Mission”?
b) Do you have a “Vision”?
c) What are your “Values”?
d) Do you have the “Right People”?
e) How is your “Environment”?
f) How is your “Culture”?
PANEL SESSION:
Some inputs:
“No system survives without an ideology”…. Uche Onochie
“Your environment is in you, until you want to say No”…. Uche Onochie
John Maxwell said: “Leadership is Influence”, what then is Influence? Influence is Service.. Mr. Patrick Uduma.
“You don’t earn reputation by force, because reputation is outside of you”.. Mr. Patrick Uduma.
“Influence means nurturing relationship”… Barr. Osinachi Nwandem.
THE STORY OF OKON-CALABAR by Mr. Patrick Uduma:
Okon-Calabar, is from the East, he knew exactly what he wanted, but have no resources to accomplish his dreams. When he got matured, and his Master was about to die, Okon-Calabar told him, he has part of the family all his life and can manage his Master’s resources and eventually became the Manager.
Lesson from the Story: “If you have an idea, you can produce it through somebody and nurture it through”. Mr. Patrick Uduma.
Uche Onochie’s thought on idea development: “Your idea has to go through a process. The process of writing. Anything you don’t write, dies out naturally. Write your ideas properly, it will help you know if it’s investment friendly and ready. Successful/Busy people do not have much time for spare”.
Teach yourself how to write a Business Plan for an Investor…. Uche Onochie.
“You need to build network…Wealth are built from that network”… Uche Onochie
“You have to intentionally build loyalty, even among your peers”…. Mr. Patrick Uduma.
Sharing risks means Partnership.
TALENT DISPLAY:
Saxophonist and then the mind blowing Combophonist.
DR. STEPHEN OKORO (HEALTH):
“I want you to treat yourself, the way you treat your car”. The reason is this, because the average life-span of a Nigerian is shortened daily and it’s about 50years. “The Man spends his youth pursuing Wealth and when hie is old, he spends his Wealth on his Health”.
Health is not the mere absent of disease, but a state of physical, mental and social mental well-being. Every human-being is made up of body, soul and spirit.
Wellness: it refers to the optimal physical ability to achieve your plans.
Well-being: Has a more holistic aspect. It comprises so many aspects of the being. There are so many departments of the body, that helps it to function very well. Career health, financial health etc, all needs your attention.
Self-Care: The ability to take care of yourself and this is the key to curb untimely death.
Preventive Health: Take yourself to hospital when you are still strong, not otherwise.

PST. KINGSLEY CHUKWUJINDU (FINANCE):
“Whoever says, Money cannot buy Happiness, do not know where to go shopping”.
“We don’t have Wealthy Men in Nigeria; we have Rich Men”. Therefore, there are no Role Models in Nigeria.
There are Fundamental differences between Wealth and Riches?
“Wealth add value to Society”. “Riches destroys”.
Few Thoughts:

The Convener with some Crew Members
  1. Money is ignorant. Money is neutral.
  2. Life is not just about Money. Life is about Purpose. Life is about Fulfilment.
  3. Money is a Tool: and should be used in the service of Life. Money is just a Means. Relationship is Capital.
  4. At the Core of the Quest for Money, is the Concept of Power.
  5. You will either use Money or Money will use you.
  6. Few Thoughts on Finance:
  7. Earn and Spend (It’s what most people know about Money).
  8. The Concepts of Finance: Creation of Wealth, Savings. No matter what you are paid, you can’t make your way to finance. For you to walk into your Financial Paradise, your one stream income will have turn to four/multiple streams of income.
    Finance is creation, savings and investment and you need some discipline to make it happen. The Fundamental difference between Wealth and Riches is “Knowledge”.
    The Power of Wealth: Ideation, Hard work, Wisdom, and Network to get Wealth.
    “There is no Prayer-Point for Money, Money is an Action-Point”. God does not add, He multiplies (In Money-Factor).
    “Pray like you don’t work and work like you don’t Pray”.
    Norman Vincent Pearl said: “Empty Pocket never held anyone back, empty head does”.
    “Don’t Pay for Experience, it’s too Expensive, instead Lease Experience”.
    “There is value in Failure…When you fail, you are guided, but when you become Successful, you become a Coach”.
    Few Thoughts:
    “Wealthy people invest, Poor people consume”.
    Every Money that comes to you should be a seed.
    “Investment starts with Knowledge”. “The Greatest Investment you can make is SERVICE”.
    PST. KENNY AJIBADE (RELATIONSHIP):
    We live in a century, where we don’t talk about Financial Capital again, but Relationship Capital.
    One of the most important skills, we need is “People’s Skill”.
    Do people think of you as an Asset or Liability? Life boils down to relationship. Know how to build and relate to people.
    “When you relate to people, be your BEST”. “It’s not Gift that makes People, is Relationships”. “Where you rise from, determines where you rise with”.
    64% of the quality of Life is attached to your Home. “If she doesn’t Celebrate you, look for someone who does”. MARRY YOUR FRIEND! “Be very intentional about LOVE”.
    “One of the Greatest Wealth is RELATIONSHIP”. “ANGER is not wrong, but it is the mis-management of anger that is wrong”. “Be very intentional about your Relationship, Blind Love is killing people”.
    PANEL SESSION:
    “Without Vision, Purpose is Useless”. Pst. Kingsley Chukwujindu
    Save 20% of what you earn. Pst. Kingsley Chukwujindu
    In every Successful relationship, there is mutuality. Pst. Kenny Ajibade
    Marriage is not about satisfying me; it is about meeting each other’s needs. Pst. Kenny Ajibade.
    Love is Value. Without Mutuality, there is no Love. Self-Control is a rare virtue. Pst. Kenny Ajibade.
    Social well-being: Your ability to maintain healthy relationship. Live a Socially balance Life. Dr. Stephen Okoro.
    “Treat your In-Laws according to how you will treat your Parents”. Have a Budget Circle for your In-Laws.
    CLOSING REMARKS
    Mr. Patrick Uduma (The Convener), thanked everyone for being part of THE INSIDE MAN CONFERENCE and Awards where given to the Speakers.
Politics, Social Political, Youth

PRESS RELEASE (#MAKENAIJAWORK CAMPAIGN FOR 2023 ELECTION) BY EIE

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By Smith Nwokocha

+234 (0) 708 778 4788
info@eienigeria.org

February 15, 2022
Lagos, Nigeria

For Immediate Release

2023 Elections: EiE Nigeria Rolls Out #MakeNaijaWork Campaign

“Votes don’t count, if there are no votes to count.”
― Demilade Roberts
(Photographer & Active Citizen)

Foremost good governance and civic advocacy organisation, EiE Nigeria, has officially flagged off its 2022-2023 elections campaign.

Under the aegis of the group’s flagship initiative #RSVP – Register | Select | Vote-not-fight | Protect, the multilayered campaign kicked off on February 2, 2022, with a series of media engagements, including a Twitter Spaces conversation.

Themed, #MakeNaijaWork, the 13-month campaign is a clarion call to Nigerians to seize the golden opportunity to decide and elect credible leaders by registering to vote and selecting candidates based on defined criteria – courage, compassion, competence, capacity & character.

Speaking on the core objective of the campaign, the organisation’s Executive Director, ‘Yemi Adamolekun stated: “We spend so much time asking why we are yet to make socio-political progress but the answer is clear: We are yet to strategically occupy our Office of the Citizen. We are yet to understand that this is the highest office in Nigeria because elected and appointed public servants serve us. They are called public servants for a reason – to serve the public! Elections provide an opportunity to determine our servants!

Launched in the month of love, #MakeNaijaWork asks that we show love to our country by engaging in the process to make her work for the benefit of all. If we love Nigeria, we should do all that we can to make her work, which includes registering to vote, voting wisely and holding our public servants accountable!

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria! ###

Enough is Enough Nigeria (www.eie.ng) is a network of individuals and organisations committed to instituting a culture of good governance and public accountability in Nigeria through active citizenship. EiE’s #RSVP – Register | Select | Vote | Protect is a key voter education campaign. EiE was an integral part of the #OccupyNigeria movement in 2012 and is very active in the #OpenNASS and #OfficeOftheCitizen campaigns.

SDGS, Sports, Youth

AN INTERVIEW WITH GULDER ULTIMATE SEARCH PERSONALITY (THE LAST WOMAN STANDING IN THE ADVENTURE-MISS CHIDIMMA OKEIBE)!

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The Last Woman Standing!
(Chidimma Okeibe)

By Smith Nwokocha
Just some few questions for you Champion.


Question 1. How did you start the journey of Ultimate Guilder Search?
Answer 1: My journey to GUS started when I saw the advert on my Facebook. I started applying immediately because I didn’t want to take any chance as I’ve been waiting for the opportunity. I went through the rigorous regional selection and the final screening at Lagos. Long story cut short, I succeeded in all of these and made it into the jungle.


Question 2. Becoming the Last Woman Standing, how does it make you feel?
Answer 2: It feels good being the Last Woman Standing but not fulfilled as that wasn’t my target.


Question 3. You are obviously a Role Model to a lot young people, what project(s) do you intend to embark on?
Answer 3: I intend to embark on projects that encourage legit empowerment but my area of interest is that of Women Empowerment and Girl Child Education.

Chidimma Okeibe at the Adventure


Question 4. As a promoter of Girl Power, what you do think of the Child Right Act and what plans do you have to promote Self awareness and discovery amongst Girl Child?
Answer 4: The Girl Right Act is a law that should not be found wanting in the constitution of any country. Female discrimination and marginalisation should be discouraged at all cost because being a female is not a disability.
I intend to work with NGOs that promote women empowerment and girl child education. In the long run, I’ll establish a foundation that will promote self discovery and confidence amongst the female gender.


Question 5. Can you tell us a bit about your background, family and future plans?
Answer 5: I come from a family of six (three siblings and my parents) and I’m the LASTBORN. Things were tough for us while growing up but we conquered with love and support from one another.
I had my primary school education at my home town in Imo State. My secondary school was in Onitsha.
I studied Public Administration and Local Government at University of Nigeria Nsukka.
I plan furthering my studies in Human Resources Management. I’m also planning to go into acting while running a business and most importantly, establishing a foundation for girl child education and women empowerment.
Thank you for having me here!


We Thank you for your time and may God Almighty help you fulfill your Purpose as you keep adding value, remain Exceptional!

The Champ-The Last Woman Standing-
(Chidimma Okeibe)
Youth

STANDOUT WITH MR PATRICK UDUMA (RIGHTLY DO IT), FEBRUARY EDITION

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Mr. Patrick Uduma facilitating

By Smith Nwokocha

STANDOUT WITH MR. PATRICK UDUMA
THEME: “RIGHTLY DO IT”
TOPIC: THE PRESTIGIOUS
@ The Inner Court, Royal Garden Hotel, Arochukwu Street, Rumuomasi, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
11AM, Saturday, February 5th, 2022.
WHO WE ARE?
VISION:
To become a universal instrument that influences and models value creation and human development.
MISSION:
To educate, inspire, and expose the minds of young people to vital truths through deliberate experiential teaching knowledge sharing and mentoring.
MOTTO:
Redefining Standards.

The Audience (StandOut Personalities)


MR. PATRICK UDUMA sharing insights on the theme, he said; “Love is Service, Love is an Honour”. Until you do something differently, add something different, you will not see a different result.
2022 the year of “RIGHTNESS”! In StandOut, we teach alternative thinking, we challenge status quo and help you re-discover who you are. “Our Suffering is rooted to wrong thinking”. Change your thought/thinking pattern and you will move towards success. “Rightly do things”. Rightly do things and you will see a different result. Do a reversal thinking and ask yourself, in any thought pattern you process, is it the right thing?
A lot of dimensions; You have to be INTENTIONAL about what you want in Life.
MENTOR’S TABLE (Moderated by Chioma Ezenwafor)
What is important is “ME”! and not what happened to me or happening to me. You are the architect/designer of your Life… This Generation unfortunately, wants EFFECTS, but they don’t want the PAIN.
Reflecting on the Topic: PRESTIGIOUS; What is Prestigious? Simply, respect giving to someone; Reputation. What is that you can put in effort, that men will respect. What it is that you are doing that references you! Prestige means respect and good image of somebody. Each time you don’t have reputation or character, you are a consumer.
The Principle of S.S.S (Source, Service and Self). You can’t expect success from doing wrong. “Never seen Cheaters drop generational legacy”. Being Prestigious, is not the situation that makes you, you dictate the situation.

IPM;
I= Beauty from inside, is incorruptible. Kindness; You are not kind, until you kind to the unkind. Always engage from your value consciousness not expectation angle. Hard work; Internationality; Connects with value system.
P= Purpose in leadership means service. Leadership means bringing value/service to your organization.
M= Meaning! Having meaning, helps you survive.
Every time you bring honour, you bring credit to yourself. If you grant honour, you are in a prestigious place. To be a prestigious person, is to be person that serves and bring honour to his family, organization and society.

Chioma Ezenwafor Moderating

QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION WITH MR. PATRICK UDUMA AND DR. MERCY BELLO ABU:
Dr. Mercy Bello Abu has an amazing profile, that was read to the audience by the Elegant Chioma Ezenwafor. The first question Chioma asked Dr. Mercy Bello, was to share her journey? The underlining feedback from her, was that, she likes to see people do better or become better. She also, help people to make right decision in course of her journey in life. She emphasized that; you become better too by association. “You see a prepared future; you create the future you want”. How prepared are we as young people not to miss opportunities when it comes? Dr. Mercy Bello highlighted the success story of her daughter to inspire young people.
Chioma Ezenwafor added “Be an ardent reader, you will excel”. “Function like someone is watching you and it keeps you in check and of course, it helps you not to live a double-standard life.” Chioma sighted the story of her younger sister to motivate the young people present.
In conclusion, Mr. Patrick Uduma, added: “What you hate can’t produce for you”.

Mr. Patrick Uduma and Dr. Mercy Bello Abu in Q & A Session