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NGO Empowers Women, Youths Through Sustainable Projects in Benue State
Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
Disturbed by the level of poverty bedeviling the women and youths in Benue State, a non governmental organization, Nick Agule Foundation, NAF, has embarked on sustainable empowerment projects aimed at ameliorating the sufferings being experienced by the less privileged individuals in the state.
Founder of the organization, Mr Nick Agule who disclosed this to Day Break in an exclusive interview in Makurdi at the weekend, explained that the focus of the foundation is the build sustainable empowerment projects that will impact positively the lives of the less privileged persons.
” For us in Nick Agule Foundation, we are looking for sustainability. We know that there are other NGOs that are doing great works in providing short term relief to the less privileged, but we are looking for sustainability. So instead of running a medical outfit, we look forward to building a clinic or a cottage hospital for the community.
Instead of giving scholarship to few children, we will rather go build a school so that all children will benefit from. Instead of giving them a tanker of water or sachet of water, we will rather dig a bole hole so that the community people will have access to quality water”, he said.
Mr Agule hinted that the foundation’s main aim is to empower the women and the youths economically, explaining that when people are empowered economically, they have what it takes to live better lives.
To this end, the NGO has put in place modalities to fund the setting up of small businesses for people especially those in the Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, camps.
” Nick Agule Foundation intends to embark on projects where we fund the setting up of small businesses for people especially in the IDPs camps, and by the time we come out with our education programs, our water programs, our agricultural programs, these will all be for the empowerment of the indigent people”.
August 14, 2023
Lawmaker, NGO Seek Quick Passage of JAMB Validity Bill
A Federal lawmaker, Tolulope Akande-Sadipe and a NGO, Speak Out Africa, have reinforced the need for the pending bill on the validity of United Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to be made top priority in the 10th Assembly.
This came to the fore during an online seminar, held on Monday, where the Lawmaker argued that the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, JAMB, should not be a revenue generating agency for the government.
She argued further that UTME, supervised by JAMB, should not be an examination that will be conducted every year.
The Lawmaker, who represents Oluyole Federal Constituency reiterated that JAMB should not be assessed on the revenue generated to the coffers of the federal government, rather it should be assessed on the quality of examination they give.
Akande-Sadipe said after laying the amendment on the bill at the floor of the house, and it is passed for an assent by the President, UTME will have a validity of 3 years.
The Bill, according to Akande-Sadipe, seeks to increase the validity of results of UTME from one year to five years. However, it has been reduced to three years.
Making comparison with examinations across the globe, Akande-Sadipe noted that the tenures/validity of other internationally recognized examinations last up to two-five years.
She referred participants to examinations of international standards such as GMAT, GRE, IELTS, TETOFL, SAT, MCAT, PTE, and USMLE.
The Oluyole representative said she is passionate about the bill, adding that many are victims of the JAMB yearly tests.
Akande-Sadipe argued that a student who passes UTME should not sit for the examination repeatedly, rather the result should be valid for about 3 years.
Her words: “I am not asking that the exam tenure be extended in cases where people fail. I am asking that it should be extended when people pass.”
She queried, “In Nigeria, every year you take JAMB and you don’t get into Uni, you have to repeat JAMB. Why?”
She said “168, 613 students scored 200 and above in the 2021 UTME; 236,936 scored 190 and above; 327, 624 scored 180, but less than 100 students got admitted into Tertiary institutions. Of the 600 eligible applicants, only about 100 representing 16.67% of candidates got their admission uploaded on the Central Admission Processing System (CAPS).”
“I sponsored the bill, March 16, 2022, on the floor of the House of Representatives, but because of the magnitude of bills that go to the floor of the House, the bill has gotten to the committee level and we are almost there”, she said.
“I pray the bill becomes a reality. If it becomes a reality, it will take away a lot of hardship away from many homes”, she said.
Akande-Sadipe said some of the arguments against the bill include: JAMB is a revenue generating agency; disguised unemployment and the dichotomy between achievement test and aptitude test.
However, she said that UTME should be a test to assess one’s readiness to go to the university, adding that a candidate’s readiness should not change after attempting and passing it, once.
Speaking on behalf of participants, the convener, Speak-out Africa, Ms. Agwu Blessing Newest commended Akande-Sadipe for championing a course that will be of benefit to the less-privileged in the society.
The NGO described Akande-Sadipe as an instrument championing a good course for poor Nigerian students, who have been a victim of yearly JAMB examinations.
July 4, 2023
Aborigines, NGO to foster women girl, youth, education in FCT
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
Aboriginal peoples of the Federal Capital Territory and Helpline Foundation for The Needy have agreed to foster and improve education of girls, youths and women in the FCT.
At a one -day town hall meeting at Kuje in Abuja on Wednesday, the stakeholders agreed that the combined efforts was vital as it would strengthen the level of education across the Six area councils of the territory.
founder of Helpline Foundation, Dr Jumai Ahmadu, said the education of Abuja natives must be given a priority to reshape the future of the women, girl child and youth.
Ahmadu, who was represented by the project manager, Onoja Arome l
said the Foundation is saddled with the responsibility of creating a platform where the natives especially the children will have a meaningful life.
“We are saddled with the responsibility of providing an enabling environment
where women, girl child and youth in the territory and beyond will enhance their livelihood, education and their whole well-being.
“In November, 2021 Helpline Foundation received support from Macarthur Foundation to revamp the cultural heritage of the natives people of FCT through women empowerment and children, it is the initiative that is still in progress.”
“This event is to chart a course for a better future of Abuja original inhabitants which through economic and other reasons have been marginalized in their own territory.”
According to Ahmadu, the meeting would examine the necessary areas, and pressurize offices in-charge to take the education of the natives children as a priority.
A former director FCT Universal Basic Education Board (FCT-UBEB), Dr Adamu Noma called for overhaul of the entire system to pave way for corrections.
Noma noted that there is a need for the FCT Administration and Area Councils to renovate and provide infrastructure as top on its agenda to encourage access to education in rural areas.
Malam Musa Mamman, the education secretary for Gwagwalada Area Council, advocated the setting up of elders education forum, constitution review and school monitoring committee to review the issues holding the FCT education system back.
Strategic stakeholders must be involved, this means that the government should constituted elders education forum, school monitoring committee as well as review the constitution to capture key areas that need to be place, Mammam said.
April 13, 2023
ANHEJ partners NGO to Offer free medical outreach to journalists in FCT
Concerned by the burden of work on journalists which puts immense pressure on their eyes through the use of laptops, Iphones, desktop and other electronic gadgets, the Association of Nigeria Health Journalists, (ANHEJ), in partnership with a Non Governmental Organisagtion (NGO)- Excellent Leadership For Sustainable Development and Good Governance has concluded plans to hold a medical outreach for journalists in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ)and Federal Radio corporation of Nigeria FRCN Chapel are also part of the collaboration.
The president Association of Nigerian Health Journalists Hassan Zaggi said that the medical outreach is aimed at providing journalists, who, due to the nature of their work do not have time to go to the hospital regularly for routine checks, especially the condition of their eyes.
The medical outreach is a timely opportunity to conduct vital checks and eyes screening.
Mr zaggi noted that the medical outreach which will be comprehensive will see our partner- Excellent Leadership For Sustainable Development And Good Governance bringing a consortium of health experts who are specialists in different fields.
The outreach will be conducted from 10am to 6pm on Thursday, September 8, 2022, at Radio House, Abuja.
The president therefore advised journalists to take responsibility of their health by always creating time for regular routine checkup .
The outreach he said is therefore, an opportunity that colleagues in the FCT cannot afford to miss.
Hassan zaggi advised Journalists in the FCT to take advantage of this opportunity and come out enmasse to check their vital signs and most especially, the condition of their eyes which is the gateway to their body.
September 6, 2022
Malaria: Non Compliance Responsible for Spike in A’Ibom – NGO
The gradual spike in the incidence of malaria in Akwa Ibom has been attributed to non compliance with guidelines by health care providers.
Programme Officer of the Providers Behavior Change, Mr Faramade Alalade who made this known at a Providers Behaviour Change Workshop in Uyo yesterday said that malaria could only be eliminated through compliance with the guidelines.
Alalade who dissuaded members of the public from taking malaria medications without testing, stressed that every fever was not malaria.
As a clamp-down measure on non-compliance, he called for sanctions on health care providers found to be operating outside the National guidelines for malaria diagnosis and treatment.
In a remark, state Health Commissioner Prof Augustine Umoh lamented that despite all the resources sunk in, malaria remained a troubling topical issue in the area.
Umoh noted that there were gaps which inhibited the expected outcomes in the strive to have a malaria-free society and charged the participants to apply themselves to what they learned and step down the knowledge gained to others.
The commissioner commended Breakthrough Action Nigeria for their visible contribution in implementing health promotion, social and behavioural change interventions in malaria elimination, tuberculosis, media and health systems strengthening in the state.
He reiterated the unrelenting commitment of the present administration to nurture a healthy citizenry, and invited well-meaning individuals and organisations to partner with government in this regards.
August 26, 2022
NGO wants A’Ibom to reduce cost of governance
Policy Alert, a non-governmental organization working for improved economic and ecological outcomes in the Niger Delta, Poicy Alert has called on Akwa Ibom government to cut down the cost of governance inorder to free resources for capital development programmes.
The call was made yesterday in Uyo in a memorandum to the public consultation on the state’s 2023-2025 Medium Term Expenditure Framework/Fiscal Strategy Paper organized by the State Ministry of Economic Development.
Presenting his organisation’s position, Policy Alert’s Programme Officer, Fiscal Reforms and Anti-Corruption, Faith Paulinus, said that while the MTEF document indicated that government was working to reduce cost of governance in the medium term, the reality on ground has proved otherwise.
“Next to declining revenues, the biggest threat to the state’s fiscal health is ballooning cost of governance. In the ten years between 2011 and 2021, the state’s recurrent expenditure has grown 273%, with spurious items such as debt servicing, cost of purchasing government vehicles, and running of Government House taking a huge chunk of overhead spending.
“This has left little fiscal space for capital investments in infrastructure and human development. Something drastic has to be done about this big elephant in the room.”
“We are also worried that the state has again insisted on calibrating its MTEF around Debt-to-GDP ratio. This is faulty for two reasons. First, we do not have reliable and current figures for sub-national GDP. Second, debt-to-GDP ratio gives a false sense of fiscal sustainability.
“It is the same Debt to GDP fallacy that the federal government has been relying on to over-reach its borrowing options and we see where that has kept the country today. Our advice to the state government is to base its medium term projections on Debt-to-Revenue ratio, which is a more realistic predictor of fiscal health.” It said.
The Memorandum, however commended the planned shift in recurrent to capital expenditure ratio to 30:70 by 2025, saying it was a step in the right direction since in the absence of a thriving private sector, growth is driven by capital expenditure which serves as the public share of the total capital formation in the economy.
While also commending the state government for opening up the MTEF process to public consultation in line with the provisions of the state’s Fiscal Responsibility Law, the organisation cautioned that the continued delay in inaugurating the Fiscal Responsibility Board with inclusion of representatives from civil society and labour constitutes a violation of the law and undermines the legitimacy of the entire MTEF process.
“The Memorandum also expressed concern on the rising debt profile of the state and the huge funds channeled to public debt servicing as it does not augur well for the financial health of the state.”
July 20, 2022
Telecoms company, NGO partners to equip teachers with digital skills
By Joyce Babayeju
TechQuest STEM Academy, a nonprofit technology education provider, has partnered with IHS Nigeria Limited, an independent owner, operator, and developer of shared telecommunications infrastructure, to improve digital literacy and the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics education by building digital capabilities of secondary school teachers.
In a statement, the Executive Director of TechQuest STEM Academy, Dr Itoro Emembolu, was quoted as saying, “The reason we’re carrying out this training programme is to support teachers across Nigeria with the requisite knowledge and skill to build the capacity of their students in science and technology.
“We are starting with Lagos State and will extend to 10 states soon. We believe that the practical aspects of education would help to encourage young children and students to engage with the sciences, technology or STEM in general.”
She added that since STEM is the foundation for modern-day economic growth, equipping young people with the required skills is critical if Nigeria wants to fully reap the benefits of a digital economy.
According to the organisers, the Mission-T app provides indigenous STEM and ICT content to make knowledge transfer more practical and interactive for the teachers. They added that the app comes fully equipped with relevant resources.
February 20, 2022
2023: NGO predicts spike in drug abuse, treats 700 addicts
A Non Governmental Organization, Centre for Research and Information on Substance Abuse((CRISA) has warned of a spike in the abuse and usage of illicit drugs in the country ahead of the 2023 general elections.
This is even as the centre, established 32 years ago has treated more than 700 drug addicts in the last six years.
Programme manager of CRISA, Mr. Nsidibe Francis, who disclosed this during a media roundtable at the weekend in Uyo said research by the organization indicate that cases of drug abuse would rise astronomically during the forthcoming electioneering campaigns.
Francis appealed to the Federal and State governments and other relevant agencies to partner with CRISA to mount sensitization programmes across the country ahead of the polls to educate youths.
“Our research reveals that substance abuse spikes during electioneering campaigns. Our centre intends to partner with governments at all levels to sensitize the people on the risk of substance abuse.
“The government needs to change its approach to tackling drug-related issues. Rather than criminalize and punish abusers they should engage our services to sensitize and treat patients.” He explained.
He revealed that the organization planned to build a residential treatment centre for the treatment of people suffering from after effects of substance abuse.
“CRISA is a counseling and research centre for the treatment of persons affected by the abuse of hard drugs and substances.
“The centre was established 32 years and we have treated close to 700 since 2016. We are planning to build a residential treatment centre.
“What we currently have are drop-in centres where patients come and receive treatment and go back.” Francis said.
Earlier, the Executive Director of CRISA, Professor Isidore Obot said that an estimated 14.3 million people in the country between that ages of 15 and 64 had used drugs excluding alcohol and tobacco.
February 6, 2022
National Unity : NGO Launches NYSC Video Documentary
Donates Video, Exercise Books to Orphanage Homes…
Says Gesture Will Inspire Kids To National Service…
The Kids In Need Society International, KINSI services has launched the 1st comprehensive version of the NYSC video documentary in honor of the National Youth Service Corps. The documentary titled ” Brig Gen Ibrahim Shuaibu and the Burden of Keeping the NYSC Scheme Alive For National Unity ” is a 10 minutes abridged video documentary in honor of NYSC modest gains since inception.
In a press release on Sunday in Abuja, Executive Director of KINSI services Rev Solomon Semaka insisted that towards recognising service and promoting unity in the country among young nigerians , it became imperative to focus on the kids so as to inspire them to grow their dreams to serve the country in future.
“We can only motivate the current generation of young nigerians to aspire to serve the nation if we promote the achievements of the NYSC scheme” they need to know what advantages the NYSC has for the unity and socio-economic stability of the nation”
“With this video documentary, Nigerians will be able to visualise the modest gains of the scheme over the last decades” the current leadership of the NYSC under Brig Gen Ibrahim Shuaibu PhD, has amplified the imperatives of the scheme more than ever before” this gesture is to encourage the NYSC to do more”
The group noted that more collaborative efforts in advocacy on the importance of the scheme is neccesary if we must achieve the purpose of unity in the country.
“The NYSC scheme is the highest mobiliser of labour and first point of exposure for our leaders of tommorow , indeed, it is the backbone of the educational , health and industrial sectors considering the services youth corps members play in this sectors to compliment employment deficit.
So this documentary is to bring to lime light the gains of the scheme for national unity and job creation as well as to motivate children to dream for national service” Rev Semaka stated.
The group said it will donate (100 )copies of the video documentary to the NYSC leadership as well as CSOs and orphanage homes accross the country.
” To further symbolise the importance of education in the life of young Nigerians, (10000) branded exercise books in honor of NYSC would be donated to orphanages homes in addition to the documentary to inspire kids that education is the only path to national service.
November 22, 2021
2022 Budget: NGO decries low allocation to key sectors in A’Ibom, queries fictitious provisions
A Non Governmental Organisation, NGO, Policy Alert has expressed reservations over low budgetary provisions to health and education in the 2022 Appropriation Bill of Akwa Ibom State government.
Executive Director of Policy Alert, Mr. Tijah Akpan in an interaction with Correspondents in Uyo yesterday said the N11.06B and N7.65B allocation to Health and Education represent less than four percent of the budget and is by far short of the recommendations of the United Nations.
Akpan also frowned at some unexplained but huge budgeted items contained in the budget of some MDAs including the Government House while that of key sectors of health and education has either reduced or has remained without releases.
“Exception of Hospital Management Board, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, AKSU, and AKS Judiciary in the top biggest spenders in the recurrent expenditure for 2022, we find the Office of the Accountant General drawing 28.97% and Government House drawing 10.5% of the entire recurrent expenditure in 2022.
“These two offices gulps (N102.66bn) nearly 40% of recurrent expenditure in 2022. We frown at the high cost of governance as reflected in the Government House recurrent Budget. In 2021, N22.83bn was budgeted for both personnel and overhead costs, as at the 3rd quarter of 2021 43.01% (N9.82bn) was implemented.” He explained.
The Executive Director querried the over N15B, representing over 5% of the entire recurrent expenditure to a Budget Office with a staff strength of less that 150.
“We are also surprised to see the Akwa Ibom State Budget Office drawing 5.93% of the entire recurrent expenditure budget, making the top 3 in the recurrent expenditure budget (N15.44bn) for 2022. N4.38bn, N3.38bn, and N4.65bn were recurrent expenditure for Akwa Ibom State Budget Office in 2019, 2020 and 2021 respectively.
“The 69.87% increase in 2022 recurrent expenditure for the Akwa Ibom State Budget Office deserved to be queried. The Budget Office should explain why its recurrent expenditure increased from N4.65bn in 2021 to N15.44bn in 2022.” He said.
Akpan called for further explanation on Accrued Expenses which has been moved from the Office of the Accountant General to the Ministry of Works.
“It has a whooping allocation of N58bn. The Office of the Accountant General had an allocation of N27bn for in 2021 and suddenly has N3bn in 2022.” He stated.
He lamented that AKRUWATSAN and Akwa Ibom State Water Board have a combined budget of 190 million naira in 2021 with no releases as at September ending 2021 but 228 million naira has been earmarked for the two WASH sector agencies.
Akpan regretted that the Akwa Ibom Primary Health Care Development Agency had a budget of 1.092 billion naira in 2021 as at the third quarter ending nothing was released while the state government has intended to spend the same amount in 2022.
Policy Alerts however applauded the state government on the 45:55 recurrent to capital expenditure ratio for 2022 adding that prioritizing capital expenditure would give substance to government’s completion agenda.
November 11, 2021