Civil Society Organizations Training Workshop on Immunization Advocacy in Nigeria

REPORT ON THE TWO DAY TRAINING FOR WAVA MEMBERS

 

The training commenced at the Amaechi Hall of Rockview Royale Hotel, Abuja, on the 4^th of August with the second stanza of the national anthem.

We went through a pretest to show our previous knowledge of the training we were about to undergo. This was immediately followed by a welcome remark by the WAVA Convener, Dr. Chizoba Wonodi. The objectives of the training was explained to us, among which was “to improve the knowledge of advocates on routine immunization activities in Nigeria and inspire them to champion advocacy for equitable access to vaccines”.

The training started proper with Mr Eugene Ivase from the National primary health care development agency (NPHCDA) who enlightened us on the overview of immunization program in Nigeria. Also Dr. Chizoba also educated about some common vaccine preventable diseases (VPDS) in Nigeria and listed out some of this diseases as measles, pneumonia, poliomyelitis, Hepatitis B, yellow fever, tuberculosis etc.

Dr. Shola Molemodile also took a session on vaccine as a life-saving commodity. Dr. Laz Eze then took us through a session on immunization funding. He stated that 4.1 % of the national budget was allocated to the health sector this year which was below the 15% agreed by Nigeria in the Abuja Declaration of 2001. He also highlighted the immunization funding gaps and said that Nigeria needs to include $181 million (more than N50 billion) in 2017 budget to buy vaccines that can last for two years.  The day ended with a WAVA video screening on the activities of WAVA.

The second day of the training commenced with Mr. Ayo Ipinomye who taught us how to conduct an effective inter-personal communication.   Dr. Chizoba took us through the stakeholder mapping, coordination and development of advocacy activities. We were also taught how to conduct a successful advocacy using the social media and also the use of mass media (electronic and print) for effective advocacy.

The training ended with a group work and each group were given a sector of the economy to make a plan on how to make known the need for the doubling of  the budget for immunization come 2017.

The training ended with a post test and evaluation.

‪#‎NigFundVaccine.
 ~Ngozi Blessing Obialor (Team Member, New Century Initiative)

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

Huawei And Nigerian Government Launches ICT For Change

ICT for Change is designed to empower 2000 young Nigerians on various ICT fields.

Eligible Applicants

This program is designed for Universities/Polytechnics Graduates of Electrical, Electronics, Computer Science, ICT, Civil & Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics and other ICT related courses. All applicants must be between 18 – 30 years.

Venue

Huawei Training Centers in Abuja & Lagos.

Fee

The training is FREE but successful applicants are to provide for their living and transport expenses.

Application Process

1. Application is FREE.
2. All applications are to be completed online.
3. Incomplete applications will be automatically rejected
4. Applications made after the deadline will be rejected
5. Ensure all relevant documents are uploaded ( CV, Certificates, Passport Photograph, Local Government Area Certificate)
6. Once your application is submitted, you will receive an acknowledgement letter in your inbox. The letter will state what further steps you need to take in the application process.
7. The deadline for application submission is 12 midnight 15th June, 2016
8. Each applicant will receive a unique token number which serves as your application number for future reference. Please keep safely.

Training Courses

ICT Fundamentals

Course Description:

• This is designed to give the required general background knowledge for the various information and communication technologies.
• A step-by-step approach into IP Technology, Introduction to Telecommunication Networks [ 2G,3G and 4G] and Telecoms product lines.
• It also covers introduction to transmission/transport technologies, introduction to servers, storage solutions, virtualization and cloud computing concepts.

 Academic/Degree Requirements:

Minimum of Bsc,BEng, BTech or HND in Computer Science, Electrical, Electronics, ICT Sciences.

Target ICT Market Segment:

• ICT departments of E-government | Telecom | Information Technology | Engineering | Oil &Gas | Banking | Manufacturing

HCDA(HCNA) Fundamentals

Course Description:

• ICT Network Fundamentals
• Basic Connection methods of popular networks.
• Basic network construction
• Troubleshooting of common network faults
• Installation and commissioning of Huawei routing and switching devices
• With HCDA/HCNA certification, you demonstrate a basic understanding of small and medium sized networks, including general network technologies, and the ability to assist the design of small and medium-sizwd networks and implement the designs using Huawei routing and switching devices.
• With engineers who are HCDA/HCNA certified, enterprises are able to construct simple networks and integrate voice, wireless, cloud, security and storage technologies into their networks in order to support a variety of applications.

Academic/Degree Requirements:

• Minimum of Bsc,BEng, BTech or HND in Computer Science, Electrical, Electronics, ICT Sciences.

Target ICT Market Segment:

• ICT departments of E-government | Telecom | Information Technology | Engineering | Oil &Gas | Banking | Manufacturing

Telecoms Power System Training

Course Description:

• This program is designed to introduce the fundamentals of power systems as applied to Telecoms Infrastructure. It covers;
• Introduction to Telecoms Energy Systems
• Components of Telecoms Energy Systems
• Commissioning and Routine Maintenance of Telecoms Energy Systems.

Academic/Degree Requirements:

• Minimum of Bsc, BEng or HND in Physics, Electrical Engineering & Mechanical Engineering.

Target ICT Market Segment:

• Telecommunication Companies | Power Companies & Subcontractors | Self-Employment in Power Solutions & Repairs

BTS and Microwave Installation Training

Course Description:

• This program is designed to introduce the Base Station Subsystem (BSS) and Microwave Transmission Technologies used in Telecoms Networks. It covers;
• Wireless BTS/NodeB/eNodeB Product Description
• Hardware Installation and Commissioning
• Microwave Radio Installation and commissioning.

Academic/Degree Requirements:

• Minimum of OND in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering.

Target ICT Market Segment:

•  Telecommunication Companies & Subcontractors

 

Register here

 

New Century Initiative And Her Partners Launch Community Engagement On Good Governance And Accountability

During a community engagement on good governance and equal representation. We interacted with local women, men and youth groups in Ugwuaji community in Enugu south Local Government Area.
The community engagement was conducted by New Century Initiative in Partnership with YIAGA and support from OSIWA in a project called Young Legislators Accountability Project (YLAPNG).

Enugu Based NGOs and CBOs Meets On How To Foster Gender Equality Advocacy And Community Engagement

A meeting hosted by Purple Coalition working on gender equality in Enugu state to discuss and design best mechanism for community advocacy and engagement on gender equality.