Climate Change, Minerals and Mining, SDGS

PRESS STATEMENT: NIGERIA MINERALS AND MINING ACT (AMENDMENT) BILL 2023

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The Federation of Nigerian Mining Host Communities and its civil society
partners applaud recent attempts by the National Assembly, particularly the
efforts of the House Committee on Solid Minerals to amend the Minerals and
Mining Act of 2007, in an attempt to strengthen the legal and policy frameworks
to ensure the equitable distribution of benefits derived from the sector.

Previous to the current
bill Minerals and Mining (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill, 2023, we had on
numerous occasions advocated for the Act to be amended, particularly to reflect
the intent of Section 17(2)(d) of the Nigerian Constitution which provides that
“the exploitation of human or natural resources in any form whatsoever for
reasons,other than the good of the community, shall be prevented;” and Section
14(2)(b)and (c) of the constitution which states that the security and welfare
of the people shall be the primary purpose of government, and that “the
participation by the people in their government shall be ensured in accordance
with the provisions of this Constitution”.


In the light of these constitutional provisions, at the public hearing, we and
our civil society partners advocated for the following amendments, and are
holding this press conference to reiterate our stance. They are as follows:

1. The security
and welfare of mining host communities are critical and must be reflected
throughout the amended Minerals and Mining Act. In particular, we called for:

2. The expansion of
Environmental Impact Assessments to Environmental and Social Impact
Assessments.

In addition to this, we
propose that the bill make a provision that compels artisanal and licensed
operators to conduct and publish bi-yearly impact reports of their mining
activities as a requirement for their continued mining operations with clear
penalties for default.

3.Inclusion of Civil
Society Organizations and Mining Host Communities in state MIREMCOs. The proposed Section 9
which seeks to amend Section 19 of the Principal Act should be amended to
include a rotation of representatives of civil society organizations and mining
host communities as members of the Mineral Resources and Environmental Management
Committee(MIREMCO). This inclusion would foster greater transparency,
accountability,and community participation in decision-making processes. In
addition to having a representative of affected mining host communities and
CSOs, at each sitting where issues that impact their communities are discussed
as active participants in the process.

4.Chairmanship of, and
Acknowledgment of State Autonomy in MIREMCO. We commend the proposed
amendment to Section 19(2)a of the Principal Act which gives the chairman of
MIREMCO to the State Commissioner of Solid Minerals and the autonomy granted to
state governments in MIREMCO is commendable, as it enables tailored approaches
to address regional challenges and priorities within the mining sector.
However, the problem of the funding of state MIREMCOs still exist and was not
properly addressed in the proposed amendment. We therefore recommend that
funding of state MIREMCOs should be housed in the Central Bank of Nigeria which
is independent of the State and Federal arms of Government.

5.Clarity and
Specificity on the definition of the term “Community”. We also advocate
that this term to be inclusive of affected communities.

6.Clarity and
specificity of the term ‘Community Development Associations’. The proposed
Section 33 which seeks to amend Section 116 of the Principal Act should be
amended to recognize that not all communities have an‘organised’ existing
community development association. As such, ‘association’as stated in this
subsection must be verified and approved by the state, with executive members
elected by members of the community, to be regarded as legitimate stakeholders
in the mining sector and authorised to receive the 5%derivative from mining.
This measure would ensure that there is a standard set for these associations
and to curb the issue of multiple associations claiming the right to receive
the 5% derivative. More so, the law needs more clarity on what the Community
Development Association is composed of, and what they would do with the
funds/the formula for utilizing the funds and ensuring transparency.

Also,determining the
leadership of the community with the authority to sign a CDA is another
consideration that must be had. State governments should ensure that host
communities are active participants in the Environmental and Social Assessment
process, and are equipped with access to the services of a lawyer,an
environmental impact expert, and a non-profit organization able to advise them
and vet agreements, to ensure their free, prior and informed consent before
agreements are entered into. Furthermore, wide consultations with all segments
of the community must also be reflected as having agreed to the terms of the
CDA before it is entered as signed.

7. Community
Development Agreements(CDAs). CDAs do not presently
reflect environmental and social impact assessments or their recommendations.
Free, prior, informed consent must also be sought with the full import of the
EIA explained to the community before they agree on the terms of the CDA.

8.Regulation of
Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining. We commend the inclusion of specific
provisions aimed at regulating the Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Sector.More
than 80% of solid mineral mining in Nigeria is artisanal in nature.Effective
regulation is essential to promoting responsible mining practices and
safeguarding the environment and the rights of mining host communities. We
therefore recommend the development of artisanal mining regulation code in this
regard.

9.Separation of
regulatory and administrative functions of the ministry. The ministry of
solid mineral development is currently saddled with the responsibility of
regulation and administration. We therefore recommend that these roles be
separated with the ministry solely responsible for the administrative functions
under the mineral and mining Act while the regulatory function be moved to a
unit created at the Federal Ministry of Environment.

10.Derivative Allocation
for Mining Host Communities. We recommend the inclusion of the provision of a 5%
derivative for mining host communities, separate from the 13% allocation to the
state recognizing the integral role in mineral resource extraction and the need
for equitable Benefit-sharing.

11.Inclusivity in Board
and Committee Composition. We recommend that the bill make deliberate provision for
gender, youths and persons with disability in the constitution of all boards
and committees established under the Act. This will ensure diverse perspectives
and representation, contributing to more balanced decision-making processes.

12.Completion of Social
and Environmental Impact Assessments before Issuance of Licenses. We recommend that
the proposed bill amend relevant sections of the Principal Act to ensure
exploration title holders fully complete Environmental Impact Assessment before
mining licenses are granted.

Conclusion

The Federation of
Nigerian Mining host communities and its civil society partners commend the
efforts of the National Assembly to introduce legal reforms aimed at ensuring
equitable governance of the solid mineral sector. We insist that the proposed
amendments to the Act must better serve the interests of all stakeholders,
particularly mining host communities, promote sustainable development in the
mining sector and contribute to the socioeconomic advancement of our nation.

Signed,

● All state chapters of
The Federation of Nigerian Mining Host Communities

●
Centre for Community Excellence (CENCEX)

●
Change Partners International

●
Global Rights

●
Heroine Women Foundation

●
Initiative for Social Development

●
Keberkache Women Development & Resource Centre

●
Keen and Care Initiative

●
Methodist Care and Development Trust

● Neighbourhood
Environment Watch (NEW) Foundation

●
New Generation and Social Development Initiative

●
Srarina Initiative for Peace Justice and Development

●
Stephanie Peace Building & Development Foundation (SPADEV)

●
Trees on Earth Development Foundation

●
Urban Alert

●
Women in Extractives

●
Women in Mining in Nigeria

●
Women Inspiration Development Centre

●
Ziva Community Initiative

#CSOs, Capacity Building, SDGS, Uncategorized

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)

Uncategorized

AUDIT VISIT TO KAANI COMMUNITY IN RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

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By Smith Nwokocha


The team from GIFSEP, LEKEH,
SWAYA and Quest For Growth and Development Foundation visited Kaani Community, in Khana Local Government Area in Ogoni Land, Rivers State in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The essence of the visit is to ascertain the level of
electrification or the status of power usage in the community. On the ground, our findings, are that there is no Power or Electrification of any sort in the Community by the Government, whether State or Federal, unfortunately, this is
an Oil producing community in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, and it is part of the communities that generate revenue for the State and Federal Governments
of Nigeria.

However, it is worth noting
that, this is a similar situation in most Oil-producing Communities, which are in most cases under-developed, have no jobs, high level of unemployment, lack good quality infrastructure, no social amenities, if there are, so little.

Having identified these gaps
in Powering up the Community, the Team with support from 350.Org Africa (AfrikaVuka) will ensure Solar light installation in this Community, to enable the community members to feel the power, use it to stabilize their businesses, in the market and the youths and women will be taught some of the technicality of installing solar, so that they can manage it themselves and probably start a
business in that light, hence green jobs for youths and women of the community, this will strive development and sustaining businesses and mitigate heatwave
from the impact of climate change. Schools were visited, including the Ken Saro Wiwa Polytechnic in Bori, Ogoni Land.


Advocacy, SDGS, Uncategorized, Youth

PRESS RELEASE: EXPULSION OF STUDENTS FOR PEACEFUL PROTEST AGAINST TUITION HIKE.

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Global Rights calls on the management of the University of Ibadan to immediately rescind its
expulsion of 3 students – namely Olamide Gbadegeshin, Aduwo Ayodele, and Nice Linus for
engaging in a peaceful protest against the sudden hike in tuition fees by the University’s
management.
The 3 students, alongside one Olorunfemi Adeyeye, were apprehended by army officers while
protesting the fee increase at the inauguration of the Student Union government on May 13,
2024.
While their action may have posed an inconvenience to the administration of the university,
extant laws clearly prescribe their right to protest peacefully. The 1999 Constitution of the
Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, provides great latitude for expressions and actions
that constitute peaceful protest, specifically, the rights to freedom of expression, assembly,
association, and movement.
It is also a well-recognized fact that peaceful protests, especially by young people, have often
been an effective means of bringing about positive social change in democratic societies all over
the World. A university of the calibre of the University of Ibadan should, therefore, not be averse
to its students exercising this right.
It is our considered opinion that educational institutions are afforded a vantage position in
helping to build a rising generation of civic actors who have an increasingly important role in
entrenching Nigeria’s democratic roots.
Recognizing this important responsibility, one of the Nation’s premier educational institutions
should not set a bad precedent by truncating these students’ right and access to education;
rather, it should seek to allay their concerns and those of others who are rightly worried about
the ability of Nigeria’s children and youth to access quality education in the current economic
climate.
We recognize that the University of Ibadan has a duty to maintain its educational standards and
responsibilities to its tutors while navigating the harsh economic terrain, but surely, the
university should understand why students will feel the need to protest a significant increase in
tuition fees.
Consequently, we ask:
a. That any plans to expel Olamide Gbadegeshin of the Institute of African Studies, Aduwo
Ayodele of the History Department (200 level) and Nice Linus from the University of
Ibadan be immediately jettisoned.

b. The students should be allowed to resume their studies without any fear of intimidation,
harassment, or reprisals from the management and staff of the University of Ibadan.
c. The Security agents who arrested them and Olorunfemi Adeyeye on May 13, 2024,
because they peacefully protested, should issue them a swift and unreserved apology.
d. That the University of Ibadan lead the way for other tertiary educational institutions in
Nigeria by engaging mechanisms that encourage ample and robust interactions with
students.
On our part, we stand solidly behind dissenting voices who choose to participate in their
governance and seek social justice utilizing their freedom of expression through Peaceful Protest.

Damilola Decker

Global Rights

Advocacy, Climate Change, SDGS

PRESS RELEASE: GLOBAL DAY OF ACTION: THE WORLD LOOKS TO CHINA TO HALT EACOP

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By Smith Nwokocha

 

For Immediate Release Media Advisory

24th June 2024

Global Day of Action: the world looks to China to halt EACOP

Who: The StopEACOP campaign and its allies are planning a coordinated global day of action on June 26th, 2024, outside the Chinese embassies and some of the Chinese financial institutions in 12 countries.

 

What: The StopEACOP campaign is coordinating an escalated global action to urge China to rule out financial support for the East African Crude Oil Pipeline and the associated oil field projects (the EACOP projects). The campaign specifically targets the China Export & Credit Insurance Corporation (SINOSURE), the state-owned Chinese insurance company, the Export-Import Bank of China (China Exim Bank), one of China’s policy banks, and the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), China’s largest commercial bank and one of the financial advisors for the EACOP project. The Chinese financial institutions have reportedly considered supporting the projects and are expected to make a decision in July. The day of action will hold peaceful protests outside Chinese embassies and consulates in cities in Africa, Europe, and the USA, demanding that Chinese embassies officially receive petitions signed by the affected people and studies about the impacts of the projects. This action is also a response to the recent abduction of Stephen Kwikiriza and arbitrary arrests of protestors in the previous demonstrations in November 2023 and May 2024, showing solidarity with local activists and human rights defenders in Uganda and Tanzania who continue to resist despite facing repression.

 

In Uganda and Tanzania

Why: The EACOP projects pose outstanding risks and impacts to local communities’ livelihoods, water resources, and key biodiversity areas of East Africa while providing little benefit to the average Ugandan and Tanzanian. The projects, which are estimated to lead to greenhouse gas emissions of 379 million tonnes CO2e, are also a climate bomb that will fuel the global climate crisis, further locking the planet in a

 

fossil fuel future. As major financiers and insurers from North America, Europe, and Japan have publicly distanced themselves from the harmful EACOP projects, the project developers are now looking to China for financial support. Affected people and local civil society in Uganda and Tanzania have communicated their concerns to the major Chinese banks, insurers, and the Chinese government by sending letters, petitions and analyses, and more recently through peaceful actions at the Chinese embassies. The Chinese government and financial institutions have continuously refused to respond to the demands of the affected people. However, there are signs that the Chinese decision-makers are aware of the significant risks of financing the projects. It has been reported that the delayed decision of the Chinese lenders, who have taken a prolonged time to assess the risks, has put the project in a cash crisis that threatens to stall the construction. The campaign aims to amplify people’s voices and urge China to make the right decision. As a committed climate leader and responsible development partner of the Global South, China should not enable these destructive projects, which are majoritively owned by TotalEnergies, through insurance or financing. Instead, China should invest in renewable energy projects promoting sustainable African development.

 

Where: The specific cities where these actions will take place include

Kampala, Uganda, on June 26th

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on June 26th

Kinshasa, DRC on June 26th Nairobi, Kenya on June 26th Abuja, Nigeria, on June 26th

Tshwane, South Africa, on June 26th

Paris, France, on June 26th

London, Manchester, UK, on June 26th

 

The Hague, the Netherlands, on June 26th Düsseldorf, Germany, on June 26th Copenhagen, Denmark, on June 26th

Washington DC, USA, on June 28th (by the Ugandan Diaspora in the U.S.)

 

 

Interview Opportunities:

To arrange interviews with spokespeople from organizing groups or for more information about individual actions, please contact:

 

Abiud Onyach

Digital Communications, StopEACOP Campaign abiud.onyach@350.org

 

Henrieke Butijn

Climate Campaigner and researcher henrieke.butijn@banktrack.org


 

Photos and videos will be made available after the events.

Advocacy, Media, SDGS

RAISING THE BAR FOR PRESS FREEDOM IN NIGERIA

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Edosa Oviawe
(Global Rights Nigeria-Program Manager)

By Smith Nwokocha

On 3rd May 2024, the global community commemorated World Press Day (WPD), which provided an opportunity to celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom and assess the state of media freedom worldwide. Though the 2024 theme was on informing the public about the problems and solutions facing the environment and influencing concrete action to address pressing environmental problems in Nigeria, this year’s WPD came at a most perilous time for the freedom of the press in the country. Hence, the major conversations and engagements in Nigeria on May 3, 2024 highlighted recent experiences in Nigeria, indicating that press freedom is under threat, and there is a need to raise the bar for a free press in the country. We are witnessing increased deployment of state resources and the weaponization of state institutions in the attempts to gag the press in Nigeria.

Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (As Amended) recognises and guarantees Freedom of Expression and the Press as a fundamental right, and Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (As Amended) places the burden on the press to uphold the government’s responsibility and accountability to the people. Similarly, other international treaties and conventions, of which Nigeria is a signatory, recognise the right of the press as fundamental to the existence of democracy.

However, since the beginning of 2024, there has been an alarming surge in incidents of unwarranted arrests of journalists, mostly for revealing corruption cases and governance failures. There is the increased deliberate use of the Cybercrimes Act to stifle press freedom in Nigeria. Ironically, there is the continued application of Section 24 of the Cybercrimes Act 2015, which has been repealed in the Cybercrimes Prohibition, Prevention Act 2024 (As Amended) passed into law in February 2024 to arrest journalists. For instances, on 7 February, 2024 the Kwara State Police charged Salihu Ayatullah, Editor-in-Chief of Informant247, Managing Editor Azeez Adisa Jaji, and reporters, Abdurahman Taye Damilola and Salihu Shola Taofeek, with conspiracy and defamation under the Cybercrime Act, and the Penal Code respectively. The charges stemmed from a report alleging that the Kwara Polytechnic Rector, Mr Abdul Jimoh Mohammed made false financial claims and commissioned uncompleted projects. On 23 March 2024, Bukky Shonibare, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees for the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), was summoned by the National Cybercrime Centre of the Nigerian Police Force and interrogated on 26 March after which she was asked to produce FIJ’s publisher, Mr. Fisayo Soyombo, over his revealing report of alleged corruption and arms dealing by personnel of the Nigeria Customs Service. On 1 May 2024, Daniel Ojukwu, an FIJ reporter, was arrested in Lagos and taken to the State Crime Investigations Department before being transferred to the National Cybercrime Centre in Abuja. He was detained for 10 days over allegations of cybercrime, following a report on the misappropriation of public funds by Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, the Special Adviser to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). On 15 May 2024, Nurudeen Akewushola, a reporter with the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), received a letter from the Police Cyber Crime Centre (PCCC) inviting him for an interview arising from a petition following an ICIR report. The same day, another letter invited ICIR’s managing directors for a similar interview. This list of attempts to hound journalists and gag press freedom in Nigeria tends to be increasing by the day.

It has been reckoned globally that the beacon of democracy is, in fact, a free and fair press. Freedom of the press is respected because it is indeed the ultimate value of any democracy. Democracy is about citizen’s participation in governance; the fulcrum of that freedom is freedom of expression. The media, both conventional media and new media, play a crucial role in this. They are the vehicle or channel through which citizens can express their views, hold the government accountable, and participate in the democratic process.

Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, recently in his 2024 Democracy Day speech not only celebrated the nation’s progress but also enumerated his administration’s commitment to entrenching democratic values and economic reforms. The President, while paying tribute to some media organisations for their fight and doggedness for a return to democracy during the military regime, noted that “we could not have won the battle against military dictatorship without the irrepressible Nigerian journalists who mounted the barricades along with the pro-democracy activists”. These very profound words of the President now leave one to wonder: If the Nigerian Press is so important to this democracy, why are journalists increasingly becoming victims of law enforcement and security agents’ harassment under his watch?

Press freedom is not just about protecting journalists. In fact, when press freedom is in jeopardy, it means the citizens have lost their basic freedom to participatory governance. If citizens ever needed to rise against tyrannical tendencies by those who wield state powers against its citizens, now is that time.

A country’s democracy is only as good as its citizen’s ability to freely live, move, associate and express their views without fear. All Nigerians must therefore rise up in defence of press freedom in the country; Journalism Is Not A Crime!

 

Edosa Oviawe

A Human Rights and Governance Advocates and currently the Program Manager for Global Rights

 

#Health, SDGS

CHOLERA STATUS IN RIVERS STATE BY THE HON. COMMISSIONER FOR HEALTH

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Culled from Rivers State Ministry of Health X handle:

#Cholera Status Report in Rivers State – “No Active Cases Reported but we are in heightened surveillance.”

“In the past couple of days, there have been nationwide reports about #Cholera outbreaks across some of the states in the country. I would therefore like to share a brief update with the public on the status in Rivers State.

On the 9th of June 2024, the Rivers State Public Health Emergency Operation Centre (@RiversPHEOC) received notification of some suspected cases of Cholera disease outbreak at Ngo in Andoni Local Government Area (LGA).

@RiversPHEOC was further notified of two associated dead in the community with similar symptoms by the LGA Rapid Response Team (RRT) led by the State Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (DSNO).
The State RRT mobilized to support the LGA RRT to ascertain diagnosis, manage and contain the incident.

I wish to emphasize here that there are currently NO ACTIVE CASES reported.

The State Surveillance Team carried out the following:

◀️State surveillance team comprised of the State Rapid Response Team (State RRT), Primary Health Care team, LGA RRT, representative of the World Health Organization, visited the affected Ngo community.

◀️Advocacy visits to community leaders (Chiefs/leaders, religious group leaders, women leaders) and affected households.

◀️Conducted detailed case investigation, collected samples for definitive diagnosis.

◀️Recruited and trained volunteers for Active Case Search in the settlement.

◀️Health education to community members on health-seeking behaviour (to go to a health facility for treatment in the event of feeling unwell).

◀️Carried out Active Case searches at the catchment health facility and randomly in the community.

◀️Community sensitization on preventive measures.

◀️Demonstrated and built capacity of Surveillance and Risk Communication personnel (ACS team) on water purification methods.

◀️Water samples were collected from common well sources and cisterns already used for drinking by the affected households for physio-chemical and biological analysis.

Case management

◀️Suspected cases were managed at General Hospital, Ngo and the team interacted with the doctors who were available at the time of the visit.

◀️Review of the cholera case management protocol for common understanding.

◀️@MoHRiversState supported the facility with Medical Consumables, IEC materials, IPC commodities etc.

Cholera

◀️Cholera is a highly contagious gastrointestinal disease which causes severe diarrhoea and can be life threatening due to the severe dehydration that can ensue. It often arises following the ingestion of contaminated water in places with poor water, sanitation, and hygiene.

◀️Symptoms include severe watery diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, fever, and collapse in some cases.

◀️Treatment includes rapid correction of the massive fluid loss through oral rehydration solution (ORS), or intravenously by medical personnel in hospitals in severe cases.

Preventive measures include:

◀️Ensuring safety of water for drinking and cooking by boiling, chlorinating, or using bottled water. Avoid ingesting water from untreated sources.

◀️Proper sanitary measures such as safe disposal of faeces, and avoidance of open defecation.

◀️Good hygiene measures such as regular handwashing with soap and clean water, especially before preparing food, eating, and after using the toilet.

◀️Relevant information is available from the Rivers State Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and accredited local facilities for guidance, and updates on prevention, treatment, and management.

◀️Suspected cases can be reported for necessary follow-up via direct lines of Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (DSNO) 08124124792 and the State Epidemiologist 08033124314.

@MOHRiversState therefore reiterates that our situation is currently NOT ACTIVE, but we are in a heightened surveillance.

We will continue to keep the public informed as we monitor the ongoing situation, as the administration of His Excellency Sir @SimFubaraKSC is deeply committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of all citizens and residents of Rivers State.

We therefore encourage everyone to prioritize the preventive measures, and report any suspected cases promptly, as these will be crucial to protecting the public from infection and safeguarding our communities.

Thank you and God bless you.”

Dr @Adaeze_Oreh, Honourable Commissioner for Health in Rivers State.

#StopTheSpread
#CholeraPrevention
#Health4AllRivers

#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!

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