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Democracy Day: ActionAid Says Impartiality, Independence, Transparency Are Keys to Improvement of Democracy, Electoral Process

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Democracy Day: ActionAid Says Impartiality, Independence, Transparency Are Keys to Improvement of Democracy, Electoral Process

By: Michael Mike

ActionAid Nigeria has called on Nigerian government to continue to improve electoral process and democracy by ensuring its continued improvement and impartiality, independence, and transparency.

In a statement to mark the celebration of Democracy Day, the Country Representative of ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu said: “Today, we celebrate a significant milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey. As we commemorate Democracy Day, ActionAid Nigeria acknowledges the efforts of those who have worked tirelessly to entrench democracy in our country. Their sacrifices have given us a voice, a choice, and a chance to shape our collective destiny.

“We recognise the importance of effective electoral and judicial systems in safeguarding our democracy and promoting national development. We encourage the government to continue improving these systems, ensuring their impartiality, independence, and transparency. Specifically, we call for the strengthening of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure its independence and ability to conduct free and fair elections that reflect the will of the people.

“As we mark this occasion, we are reminded that democracy is a powerful tool for delivering the needs of the people. ActionAid Nigeria urges the government to harness its potential to address the socio-economic challenges facing our nation. By prioritising inclusive and equitable processes, we can ensure that citizens’ voices are heard, and their needs are addressed.”

Mamedu advised that: “Our leaders should prioritise the common good, and work towards revitalising our economy. We urge them to implement and develop economic policies that benefit all Nigerians, create sustainable jobs, and reduce inflation. Specifically, we call on the government to implement a living minimum wage that reflects the current economic realities and ensures that workers can afford a decent standard of living.”

“ActionAid also urges the government to address the persistent human rights violations in our country and take concrete steps to ensure that all citizens enjoy their fundamental human rights, making sure that perpetrators of human rights violations are held accountable,” the statement further said.

Adding that: “Furthermore, we call on the government to prioritise gender equality and women’s empowerment, ensuring that women have equal access to political participation, economic opportunities, and social services. ActionAid Nigeria calls on the government to enact strategies that combat gender-based violence, discrimination, and inequality, and ensure that women have a seat at the table in decision-making processes, amplifying their voices and perspectives.

“As we commemorate 25 years of democracy, ActionAid Nigeria calls for a renewed commitment to democracy and good governance. We urge the government to work collaboratively with the broader public to develop and implement policies that reflect the needs and aspirations of all Nigerians.

“We can build a democracy that truly delivers for the people, a democracy that promotes accountability, transparency, and good governance. A democracy that ensures Nigeria’s wealth benefits all Nigerians, not just a few.

“Together, we can make democracy work for the people. A democracy that provides quality education, healthcare, and infrastructure for all. A democracy that creates jobs and opportunities for young people. A democracy that ensures justice and equality for all.”

Democracy Day: ActionAid Says Impartiality, Independence, Transparency Are Keys to Improvement of Democracy, Electoral Process

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Flame Initiatives, RCCG empowers widows in FCT

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Flame Initiatives, RCCG empowers widows in FCT

By: Michael Mike

As part of its commitment to foster empowerment in marginalised communities, Flame Initiatives, a Non-Governmental Organisation under the CINTA Widows Empowerment Programme, has donated food items, funds, and other materials to widows in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The outreach carried out in Abuja, was in collaboration with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), The Lord’s Place.

Speaking, the Lead Pastor of the RCCG, the Lord’s Place, Pastor Ola Omosebi, charged the Federal government to make concerted efforts to enhance the current economic situation facing the country, deploying urgent solutions without altering long-term policies.  

Pastor Omosebi said the church is emulating how Christ fed 5,000 persons during famine while asking the government to act fast to ameliorate the suffering of the people.

“The major direction of this event is to have at least one day a year where widows are brought together and empowered with soft skills, business skills, enterprise skills and encouragement. One of the things this program offers is hope. “

He urged the government to support widows through sustainable initiatives. Providing a dedicated secretariat advocating for women, particularly widows, with government representatives. 

“People are struggling to make ends meet, and the prolonged hardship is leading to depression, despair, and even death. The government must prioritize quick-fix solutions alongside long-term plans to restore hope and confidence in the economy.”

Also speaking, the Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat of the FCT Administration (FCTA), Dr Adedayo Benjamin-Laniyi,  expressed empathy for the resilient widows, noting that one cannot understand what it means to be in their shoes.

Laniyi, represented by her Personal Assistant, Mrs. Kemi Samuel, noted the fundamental role a husband/father plays, stating that loss can change lives and test the core of beings.

She celebrated the widows for their resilience and strength while acknowledging the challenges amidst the hardship and grief come the capacity to adapt. 

She said, “We are here to support one another. Let today be a reminder to encourage and uplift one another.

“It’s an honour to celebrate strength, resilience, and community. 

She noted that the event is a testament to the extraordinary courage and unwavering determination of everyone who has navigated the challenges of widows.

Also, the President of Widows Organisation International FCT Chapter, Aisha Baba Ringo, advised widows to persevere and be hardworking. 

According to her, “Being a widow doesn’t mean all hope is lost, it’s also not a stigma”. 

A beneficiary of the programme,  Ms Oyeyemi Obende, said the programme has been educative, innovative and supportive. She advised widows not to give up even if the world looked down on them.

Flame Initiatives was established to provide the disadvantaged and mainly rural population with relief materials, motivation, and empowerment to improve their physical and social well-being. Their main objective is to drive social change in communities by facilitating development in the public and private sectors.

Flame Initiatives, RCCG empowers widows in FCT

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COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION RECEIVES MD NELFUND IN MAIDUGURI; INTERFACES WITH STUDENTS AND ERADICATORS

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COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION RECEIVES MD NELFUND IN MAIDUGURI; INTERFACES WITH STUDENTS AND ERADICATORS

By: Our Reporter

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyerr, has visited Borno State to engage with students, educators, and government officials, highlighting the benefits of the NELFUND initiative.

NELFUND, an initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aims to provide all higher institution students with access to financial resources, enabling them to pursue their educational goals and aspirations at ease.

The Managing Director NELFUND Akintunde Sawyerr emphasized his commitment to revitalizing education in the country, stating that the loan programme is designed to also reduce unproductivity and unhappiness amongst Nigerians students, which often lead to broader societal issues.

Sawyerr explained The loan’s modalities, which include creating an online profile as a prerequisite for application, clarifying that the loan is interest-free and does not require a fixed repayment period, making it accessible and flexible for students.

Borno State Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Lawan Abba Wakilbe, reiterated the state government’s commitment to facilitating student access to the loan, hence announced the establishment of a dedicated desk officer for NELFUND in the state Ali Sherriff to work in collaboration with the Special Adviser to governor Zulum on Higher Education and other educators.

This initiative, Wakilbe added will guide students throughout the application process and ensure they fully understand THE benefits of the loan, which he described as a low-risk grant and encouraged all eligible students to take advantage of the programme.

During the session, questions were raised seeking further clarification, where the Managing Director provided detailed responses, shedding more light on the programme and its benefits.

COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION RECEIVES MD NELFUND IN MAIDUGURI; INTERFACES WITH STUDENTS AND ERADICATORS

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STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE: NARC AND KING’S COLLEGE LONDON PARTNER TO ENHANCE HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT

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STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE: NARC AND KING’S COLLEGE LONDON PARTNER TO ENHANCE HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT

By: Our Reporter

The Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC), Abuja, marked yet another significant milestone, as participants of the Strategic Leadership Programme Phase 11/2024 successfully graduated in a brief but colourful ceremony at Hall C, TY Buratai Block of the Centre.

The graduation ceremony followed an intensive five-day executive education course programme, conducted in collaboration with King’s College London, an initiative designed to enhance human resource capacity and deepen participants’ understanding of leadership in an evolving global environment.

The course brought together senior officers of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, government officials, retired senior military officers and professionals from the private sector, equipping them with critical insights into the contemporary complex and dynamic challenges and how to navigate through.

The Special Guest of Honour, Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General OO Oluyede GSS mni was represented by the Chief of Training (Army), Major General SG Mohammed, who presented certificates to the participants, thus underscoring the programme’s importance in fostering strategic thinking and professional growth.

The event was further enriched by the esteemed presence of the Director General of NARC, Major General GA Wahab (Rtd), PhD, alongside some management staff the centre and consultants, distinguished members of academia from King’s College London, directors, resource persons, and senior officers, both serving and retired.

The ceremony, further highlighted the enduring partnership between NARC and King’s College London in advancing leadership excellence and human capital development in Nigeria.

STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE: NARC AND KING’S COLLEGE LONDON PARTNER TO ENHANCE HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT

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