COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE END OF A THREE DAYS NATIONAL YOUTH REFORM CONFERENCE HELD AT THE NATIONAL CENTRE FOR WOMEN DEVELOPMENT, ABUJA. BETWEEN 25TH- 27TH JULY, 2015

Preamble
The National Youth Reform Conference is a platform organised by coalition of various progressive youth organizations in Nigeria, (National Youth Reform Group) with participants drawn from organisation in the 36 states of the Federation and FCT. About 500 Youths participated and engaged in thorough deliberations and debates on the numerous challenges confronting the Nigerian Youth, as well as proffer solutions to them in a bid to reposition Nigerian Youth towards a progressive and prosperous Nation.
The Group felt the need for consolidation, unity and stability among Youth organisations and also to redirect our focus towards creativity and innovation.
Observations:
 Youth are not assigned as Ministers, Commissioners, DGs, SAs to the Youth-related portfolios
 Low level of Youth participation in governance
 High rate of Youth unemployment across the Nation.
 Lack of effective laws and policies to promote the growth of the Nigerian Youth.
 Low standard of education system.
 Absence of core ethical values to promote cultural and National unity amongst the Youth.
 Absence and Neglect of the Youth development centres across the six (6) geographical zones of Nigeria.
Recommendations:
After a three (3) days deliberation and exchange of ideas, the following recommendations were made to the Government:
1. The appointment of Youth between 25 to 35 years as Youth Minister, Commissioners, DGs, SAs to Youth related portfolios should be made at all the level Government.
2. Enhance Youth participation in governance and leadership trainings for political offices.
3. Policies on youth employment and entrepreneurship should be reviewed and implemented.
4. The National Youth Policy should be a major priority of the Government at all levels and more awareness should be created for Youth organizations Nationwide.
5. Increase budgetary allocation on education to 26% in line with United Nations affirmative action plan for Education sector at all level of Government (Federal, State and Local Government Areas) in Nigeria.

TWITTER AND FACEBOOK CONFERENCE

Please join our twitter and facebook conference on THE YOUTH CAVE platform.
Topic: what are the consequences and costs for men on violence against women?
Guest: Catherine Nyambura.
Time: 3pm to 5pm (GMT+1).
Date: 27th May 2015.
Twitter: @theyouthcave.
Facebook: The Youth Cave.
Hashtag: ‪#‎theyouthcave‬.
Powered by: New Century Initiative and African Union Youth Working Group (AUYWG).

New Century Initiative 2015 General Election Report

2015 general elections in Nigeria marked another democratic change in government. Democracy in Nigeria has come to stay and this time around all the major stakeholders in the election process demonstrated full commitment to ensure that 2015 election in Nigeria was a success as it serves as a guide, motivation and model for other African nations. New Century Initiative as an organization working on election process, democracy, development and good governance in Nigeria and also as INEC domestic observer during the 2015 elections has come up with this observation report which we believe can contribute positively to future elections in Nigeria.

Kindly click the link below to download the report.

https://app.box.com/s/vdyy4f5bmfjbjfens9ean1goqav9btq2

Vacancy Announcement

The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) is an organization of, and for persons with disabilities that is committed to independent living, participation and social inclusion of Nigerians with disabilities and their families in development works.
Position: Programme Officer
Reporting to: Head of Programmes
Station: Ikeja, Lagos

Responsible for:
- Fundraising: Preparation of proposals, meeting of funders, etc.
- Conduct research, policy analysis and advocacy on issues the Centre is working on
- Preparation of reports to donor agencies and report for CCD Annual report
- Management of projects
- Organize events, conferences, workshops and seminars.
- Ensure timely completion of programmes according to work plan
- Network with other organizations as identified by the Centre from time to time.
- Represent the Centre at meetings, networks and coalitions
- Carry out other responsibilities that may be assigned from time to time
Person Specification:
- The suitable candidate must have a degree in the Social Sciences, Humanities, Law or related field, an M.Sc will give added advantage
- Experience in post-conflict or transition environment
- Excellent IT and administrative skills
- Adaptability to new demands and changing circumstances
- Sound analytical and report writing skills,
- Ability to translate strategic aims into practical plans
- Ability to work under pressure to strict deadlines as well as demonstrable experience of project management and multi-tasking.
- Strong inter-personal and communication qualities coupled with teamwork skills
- Good understanding of Disability, democratisation, international development and human rights issues
- Minimum of five years experience.
How to apply:
Interested candidates should submit a suitability statement with a copy of their CV through this email address: ccdprogram@gmail.com
CCD believes in equal opportunity. Women and persons living with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Salary is negotiable based on experience.
==
Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD)
Tel: +234 (0)1 874 5979, (0)805 1977 606
E-mail: cforcd@yahoo.com, info@ccdnigeria.org
Website: www.ccdnigeria.org
Address: #8, Ladipo Kuku Street Ikeja, Lagos, NIGERIA.

INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION (INEC)

PRESS STATEMENT
Further to the allegation made by the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the conduct of the Presidential and National Assembly elections on Saturday 28th March, 2015 in Rivers state and its call for the cancellation of the exercise, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has set up a fact finding mission to ascertain the veracity of the claims and allegations and to advice the Commission and the Chief Electoral Commissioner/Returning Officer for the Presidential election.
The committee of National Electoral Commissioners comprises the following:
Mrs. Thelma Iremirem – Head and supervisory National Commissioner for Rivers state.
Col. M.K Hammanga – Member
Professor Lai Olurode – Member
They have departed for Rivers state and it is expected that they will submit their report before the end of the collation of results of the other states and the FCT.
Following the consideration of the report, the Commission will make its decision known.
Issued this 30th Day of March, 2015.

Mrs. Augusta Ogakwu
Secretary, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

THE YOUTH CAVE TWITTER CONFERENCE

NEW CENTURY INITIATIVE (NCI) is a youth development organization founded to intervene in social, economic and political development of young people in Enugu state and Nigeria. NEW CENTURY INITIATIVE is deeply into development activities with her major aims which include:
To strengthen youth representation on issues that affects their well-being for nation building and development.

The Youth Cave is a program of the New Century Initiative; it is a forum for young people to interact with experienced minds on those issues and challenges facing them in their lives. However, it serves as a platform to deliberate and share views with guests and experienced minds.

The one day twitter conference on #theyouthcave which will feature discussions on enhancing youth inclusiveness, and development through issue based topics which will last for two (2) hours. We request you join to discuss on the topic: role of young people in advancing post 2015 development agenda.
Time: 5pm - 7pm (GMT+1)
Date: Tuesday, 24th March, 2015.
Please join us:
Twitter handle: @theyouthcave @new_initiative
Hashtag: #theyouthcave
www.facebook.com/theyouthcave
Guest: Grace Mageka (youth development partner)

THE YOUTH CAVE

Owing to our twitter engagement with the youths across the globe ‪#‎theyouthcave‬ coming soon @theyouthcave, what issues do you think is most important for us to discuss as regards to youth challenges and development?
 join us:
www.facebook.com/theyouthcave
www.twitter.com/theyouthcave