PURPLE ACADEMY LAUNCH IN ENUGU STATE IN SUPPORT FOR GENDER EQUALITY CAMPAIGN

PURPLE ACADEMY LAUNCH IN ENUGU STATE IN SUPPORT FOR GENDER EQUALITY CAMPAIGN

It happened live on friday 22nd July, 2016 in Toscana Villa in Enugu State where all implementing partners came together to launch PURPLE ACADEMY in Enugu state. The academy website was unveiled www.iampurple.ng where people can easily go through classes on gender.

New Century Initiative was fully represented as a key implementing partner and also a member of the organizing committee for the event.

The event was successful with large number of young people in attendance, with fully commitment and zeal to take the message across board.

It was fun and excellent.

#NotTooYoungToRun Bill Campaign Hits Enugu State

Over the last decade the campaign to reduce the age qualification for running for elective offices has intensified due to the negative impact of the unfriendly legal environment created by our Constitution. Today, young people are alienated from the political process due to several socio-economic, cultural, political and economic factors. One of the major barriers of increased youth participation in electoral politics is the age threshold of running for office. In 2009 an attempt was made to amend the constitutional provisions for contesting for the office of President, Governors, Senators, House of Representatives, State House of Assembly and Local government officials. We failed in our quest to get the National Assembly to consider the proposed amendment. In 2012, another attempt was made by several youth organisations under the auspices of the Youth Alliance on Constitution Review to get the National Assembly to amend the Constitution. We made some progress as the issue was included in the proposal template that was used by the House of Representatives for the public sessions conducted in the 360 Federal constituencies across Nigeria. This was a marginal victory compared to the 2009 constitution review experience. There were other amendments proposed by young people that were passed by the National Assembly event. e.g independent candidacy, justiciability of some socio-economic right like education, environment and health. As we may be aware the 4th alteration fell like a pack of cards as former President Goodluck Jonathan declined assent for legitimate reasons. 

We are here in 2016 and the National Assembly has commenced another process of constitution review. Again, we are presented with an opportunity to push for far reaching reforms geared towards opening up the political space for young people to participate. Unlike the 2009 and 2012 review process, the advocacy for reviewing the age criteria for running for office appears to have gained some level of traction with policy making circles. The Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives have expressed their commitment to support any constitutional amendment process aimed at reducing the age qualification. Few weeks ago the Hon. Speaker emphatically made the point that amending the constitution will not be handed down to us without a struggle. This is a call to duty colleagues.

~Samson Itodo

  

In line with our support to #NotTooYoungToRun Bill, New Century Initiative is leading the campaign in Enugu state, Nigeria.

A Bill For The Establishment Of Non- Governmental Organizations (NGO) Regulatory Commission In Nigeria

A Bill to provide for the Establishment of Non- Governmental Organizations (NGO) Regulatory Commission Nigeria passes second reading in the House of Representatives. Leading the debate at the plenary session of July 14th 2016, Hon. Umar Buba Jibril (Deputy Leader, PDP: Kogi) who is the Sponsor of the Bill stated that it seeks to properly supervise, monitor and co-ordinate Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Community Based Organizations (CBOs).

Hon. Jibril noted that he was concerned over the defective operational values of such organizations that are left to operate within its own Constitution and sometimes within the whims and caprices of their donors. He added that in this circumstance, the establishment of a Commission is pertinent, as it would further address challenges and gaps identified as a result of the absence of a regulatory legal framework. He further added that the Bill would facilitate and co-ordinate the activities of National and International CSOs; maintain a register that clearly indicates organizations affiliations and locations of their activities; set criteria that needs to be met before registration and recognition; and ensure transparency and accountability in its operations.

Furthermore, Hon. Jibril explained that the Bill also seeks to establish a National Council of Voluntary Agencies as a collective forum for all voluntary organizations registered with the Commission. He further explained that the said Council would develop a Code of Conduct on matters related to funding, foreign affiliation, and national security, amongst others. The Bill, which contains Seven (7) Chapters, Fifty- Eight (58) Clauses and a Schedule will guide the operations of the Commission when established.

Hon Oghene Emmanuel Egor (APC: Delta) who opposed the Bill stated that the establishment of the Commission would defeat the aim and objectives of CSOs as it may attempt to manage and control funds received. He stated that it is not within the jurisdictions of the Federal Government to monitor funds that it did not donate nor have ownership of.

The Bill has been referred to the Committee on CSOs and Development Partners for further legislative input.
Source: Policy and Legal Advocacy Center. (PLAC)

Get a copy of the Bill here