Tag: NGO

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NEWS & LIFE

NGO expresses outrage over mass kidnapping in Northeast Nigeria

An NGO, Plan International, has expressed outrage over the mass abduction of school children in northwest Nigeria.

“The news of mass kidnapping of school children in Kaduna and Sokoto states is a sad reminder of the precarious situation of education in Nigeria and that of children and girls,” said Charles Usie, Plan International Nigeria Country Director.

“We condemn it in totality. Taking innocent school children hostage is most regrettable and must never be normalised, as it symbolises attack on education and our collective future as a society.

“All children have an inalienable right to education, and schools must never be targets in armed conflict. Attacks on schools are an attack on the rights of the learners to education and a life of dignity.”

Usie called on security forces to intensify efforts to secure the safe release of the students and teachers, highlighting the particular protection and exploitation dangers faced by the abducted girls.

He also called on President Bola Tinubu to “show the commitment of the Nigeria government in ensuring the safety and security of schools, learning centres, and learners by mandating the heads of relevant security agencies to take responsibility for the safe release of abducted children and their teachers.”

He noted that Nigeria is a signatory to the Safe School Declaration (SSD), which it endorsed in 2019, hence the need for commitments to strengthen the protection of education from attack and restrict use of schools and universities for military purposes.

“Nigeria has been hit with several mass school abductions in the past decade, beginning with the Chibok girls’ incident in 2014, when more than 200 girls were taken into captivity by armed insurgents.

“Since the Chibok incident, many more abductions have taken place, including in Dapchi, Yobe state (110 students), Jangebe, Zamfara state (279 students), and Bethel School, Kaduna, Kaduna state (140), with the latest (Sokoto) incident of mass abductions.

NAN reports that on March 7,  armed men were reported to have attacked a school in Kuriga, Kaduna state, forcibly abducting about 287 students aged between eight and 15 and their teachers into the vast forest.

Also, on March 9, armed men invaded the Gidan Bakuso area of Gada in Sokoto state, abducting 15 Tsangaya (Quranic) students.

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NEWS & LIFE

NGO organises quiz competition, promotes civic education

Connected Development (CODE), a non-profit making organisation, says it is poised to promoting civic rights and education among secondary school students in the country.

The Chief Executive Officer of the group, Mr Hamzat Lawal, stated this on Thursday during a quiz competition organised for three selected secondary schools in Owerri, Imo.

Lawal, represented by the Communications Officer of CODE, Mr Odinaka Onuigbo, said the group’s desire was to empower students with knowledge on how to demand accountability and due process from governments and organizations.

“To do that, we set up Civic Clubs in some secondary schools and came up with a manual to teach them basic civic education so that as they grow, they will be able to engage and hold governments and organisations in the extractive industries accountable.

“Our main mandate is to empower maginalised communities through various projects like Power of Voices Partnership-Fair for All Projects (PVP), which focuses on capacity building and creation of awareness on the extractive sector,” he noted.

He said that the extractive sectors are organisations engaged in mining mineral resources in various communities in the country.

According to Lawal, “my organisation aims to help the students understand that people who are mining mineral resources in communities, are either employing people from the area or giving back to the communities.

He said: “it is our hope that students will be able to learn more about their rights, responsibilities and help to raise awareness in communities with mining and extraction of mineral resources.

“The project is aimed at empowering marginalised communities by improving transparency, accountability, and helping citizens understand their civic rights.”

Earlier, the Imo Support Officer for the group, Dr Chigoziri Osuji, explained that the programme, sponsored by Oxfam, began operations in 2021.

“Since we established the integrity clubs, this is the first time we are having inter-school competition in the five states involved in the project, namely: Cross River, Delta, Akwa-Ibom, Imo, Rivers, and the Federal Capital Territory,” she said.

The National Chairman of Catholic Directors of Education, Rev. Fr. Wilfred Nwachukwu, commended the organisers for nurturing students on maintaining integrity and civility.

According to Nwachukwu, civic education, being a core subject in secondary schools helps to build the society and country.

He advised Nigerians to maintain good culture and civility even in the midst of hardship.

In an interview, a representative of Imo Government Girls Secondary School, Owerri, winner of the quiz competition, Miss Jessica Peters, commended the organisers for educating students on their civic rights.

“Civic teaches us as citizens our rights, duties and what government is expected to do for us as citizens.

“It teaches us how to participate in the politics of our economy, and enlighten us on the politics of our country and countries around us,” Peters stated.

NAN reports that Owerri Girls Secondary School, Owerri, came second while Christian Child’s Care Secondary School, Owerri, came third in the quiz competition.

The event also witnessed a debate between two of the schools on the topic “Integrity can end corruption in Nigeria”, as well as drama presentations and spoken words which highlighted civic engagement and

accountability.

 

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NEWS & LIFE

NGO appeals to Tinubu on appointment of PWDs

A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Centre for Ability, Rehabilitation and Empowerment, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to ensure widespread appointment of the People With Disability (PWDs) in his administration.

Dr Chike Okogwu, the Founder and Chief Responsibility Officer of the Centre, said this in an open letter to the president on Thursday in Abuja.

He appealed to the President to ensure equal appointments for PWDs in all the six zones of the country, in line with the principle of the Federal Character as enshrined in the constitution.

Okogwu stated that his position reflected the mind of the entire disability community in Nigeria, adding that equal consideration would foster inclusivity and strengthen democracy.

He appreciated the appointment of Mohammed Isa as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, and that of Mr James Lalu, as the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD).

Okogwu said that although the group was happy with the appointments, it believed that it had not met the principles of the federal character.

Backing his argument with section 14(3) of the Federal Character Act, Okogwu drew the attention of Mr President on the dissolution of the board of the NCPWD due to non-adherence to the provision of the Act.

He said that the dissolution without constitution of a new board had resulted in the lack of checks and balances in the running of the NCPWD.

Okogwu said that the situation had made the disability community unhappy.

“In the light of these issues, we urgently appeal to you, Mr President, to use the powers of your office to correct and balance this anomaly.

“We request sir that you ensure equal representations of PWDs by appointing our members from different zones of Nigeria into key positions for the disability community in government.

“This will not only uphold the constitutional principle of Federal character spread but also foster inclusivity and strengthen our democracy.

“We understand that time is of the essence, as our members plans to protest on this matter.

“As a respected advocate for the disability community, we trust in your commitment and love for our community and believe that you will act swiftly to address this issue,’’ he said.

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NEWS & LIFE

NGO unveils toll-free line to track violations, religious based abuses across Nigeria

A Non-Governmental Organisation, Search for Common Ground has unveiled a toll-free line to track incidences of violations and religious-based  violence in the six geo-political zones of Nigeria.

It reports that the toll-free line “08000002233’”,  provides a safe and confidential space for reporting violation.

The Country Director of Search, Ms Fatima Abubakar,made this known during a national conference on Freedom of Religion or Beliefs on Wednesday in Abuja.

The conference was convened by “Protecting and Promoting Freedom of Religion and Belief (PP-FORB) in Nigeria, and funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands in Nigeria.

According to Abubakar, the project is in response to addressing and mitigating violent conflicts in the religious space.

“The project titled “Protecting and Promoting Freedom of Religion and Belief (PP-FORB)”, aimed at establishing effective Early Warning/Early Response (EWER) and referral mechanisms for addressing violence.

“It also aimed to strengthening support mechanisms for individuals at risk of FORB violations, and enhance public understanding of interfaith conflict and the importance of FORB.

“Consequently, The PP-FORB Nigeria project was designed to empower actors, major stakeholders to address and prevent conflicts along religious lines and advance FORB in Nigeria”, she said.

Abubakar said that the effort was anticipated to be accomplished through fortifying support systems for those at risk of FORB violations, expanding public awareness of interfaith conflict and the significance of FORB.

She said that it would also establish an efficient Early Warning/Early Response (EWER) and referral mechanisms for addressing FORB violations and violence along religious lines in Nigeria.

“Our mission is to find local solutions to today’s toughest violent conflicts and save millions of lives in the process.

“Our core methodology is called the Common Ground Approach, which helps adversaries learn to trust each other, create avenues for collaboration and generate breakthroughs for peace.

“Our FORB stand, promotes the rights of all Nigerians to freely practice their religion or belief hinged on their fundamental human rights,” she said.

Abubakar said that the conference would aid in developing actionable strategies and recommendations that would pave the way for sustained advocacy and implementation of efforts in the long run.

Other stakeholders at the conference stressed the need for Nigerians to embrace religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence for a progressive nation.

Dr Joseph Ochogwu, Director-General, Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution said the conference was timely, as Nigeria is currently grappling with challenges relating to the respect and protection of the right to FORB.

Ochogwu said the escalation of religious intolerance, hatred, and discrimination has resulted in the violation of human rights, disruption of social cohesion, and the threat to peace and security.

“We recognise that religious freedom is not just a matter of law but a reflection of our collective humanity.

“It is the recognition that each person, regardless of their faith or belief system, is entitled to dignity, respect, and the freedom to worship or not to worship according to their conscience,” he said.

Ochogwu urged Nigerians to create an environment to celebrate diversity, dialogue and foster understanding and cooperation among all religious groups.

The Ambassador of the Netherlands in Nigeria, Wouter Plomp, said that diversity makes society flourish.

“Look at Mumbai, Dubai, New York, my own city of Amsterdam and Abuja shows that companies that are more diverse in the workforce perform better.

“They simply make higher profits. So there is also an economic benefit of embracing diversity.

“So let us seize the moment to make steps together for a more inclusive society where no one faces religious discrimination and violence that we learn from each other and each other’s practices, cultures and tradition,” he said.

Religious leaders and security agencies at the event made commitment towards preaching peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance for a better Nigeria.

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NEWS & LIFE

NGO calls for reactivation of Cancer Treatment Centres nationwide

Mr Runcie Chidebe, Executive Director, Project Pink Blue, an NGO, has called on the Federal Government to reactivate all the cancer control centres across the country to reduce the burden of the disease on Nigerians.

Chidebe made the call in Abuja on Saturday while speaking with newsmen after a road walk to commemorate the 2024 World Cancer Day which is marked annually  on Feb. 4.

According to him, most of the cancer treatment centres across the geo-political zones in the country are not working, hence the need to put them in order.

The executive director also alleged that there was no government own radiotherapy machine in the whole of south-south zone cancer treatment centre, and that the only radiotherapy machine in the centre was owned by a private individual.

He commended the Federal Government for doing its best by providing the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for the prevention of cervical cancer.

Chidebe said that there was a need for the Federal Government to decentralise cancer control, rather than leaving it in the hands of only the Federal Government.

He said that states must also take up responsibility in the protection of cancer patients, stressing that there should be Cancer Institutes in the states.

“We need cancer institute at different states level.

“Today, many people are presenting themselves late for treatment and we are blaming the patient. This is not so true in some instances.

“The reality is that the system needs to be rejigged, the system needs to be fixed in a way it can help people to present themselves early.

“For instance, we should have a situation whereby whenever a pregnant woman arrives at the hospital, she should be mandated by the policy of the state and the Federal Government to receive breast examination, physical examination and by this way the screening has started.”

He said: “I am so happy to be here.  I am so excited because we have people from different parts of the country to celebrate the 2024 World Cancer Day, of which the theme of the celebration is `Close the cancer care gap’.

“The reality is that the government is doing a lot especially around the HPV vaccination which is great and commendable but there are still other gaps that exist.

“For instance, treating cancer is so expensive and we strongly believe that we should do more to reduce the burden of cancer care.

“Some treatment facilities are currently not available, so, we also hope that there is enough to really close the care gap.

“Our specific act today is that early detection saves lives, but the reality is that early detection and treatment is the one that saves lives,’’ he said.

He called on the government to include screening in the Basic Primary Health Care Provision Fund (BPHCPF) in a way that it will be a basic thing to provide screening, more importantly for women.

According to him, thousands of women and men die of cancer yearly.

Dr Muyi Aina, Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), appreciated PPB for the road walk, saying that cancer is a big contributor to sicknesses among Nigerians.

He said that the road walk was all about making aware of what they need to do to prevent cancer, and going for screening and to detect it early.

He urged Nigerians to take cancer screening as priority.

Aina also urged Nigerians to get vaccinated against cervical cancer as Human Papillomavirus vaccine was now available at various health centres.

He advised those already prone to the disease to watch what they eat and take vaccines that help to prevent the sickness.

Dr Zainab-Shinkafi Bagudu, wife of a former Governor of Kebbi State, called for increased awareness and care for persons already with the disease.

She also called for more equity, diagnosis for Nigerians in spite of status or religion, adding that it was important for everyone to have access to cancer care,,

“We must bridge the gap to feed the people in the rural areas with the knowledge they need about cancer.

“We call on the government and stakeholders to help in providing necessary equipment for dialysis, chemotherapy and others,’’ she said.

Mrs Ijeoma Osuji, E-Commerce Manager, Transcorp Hilton, an organisation that had always supported  the project, reaffirmed the organisation’s continued support to PPB.

“We have been a partner with PPB since 2016, supporting the cause of cancer awareness, early detection, closing the care gap and we will continue to be of support to them,’’ she said.

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NEWS & LIFE

Court adjourn N4bn suit against First Bank Plc till Feb.29

An Enugu State High Court, presided over by Justice Chukwunweike Ogbuabor, on Tuesday adjourned a N4 billion lawsuit against First Bank of Nigeria Plc to Feb. 29 and March 5, for continuation of hearing.

The suit was instituted by a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) called Incorporated Trustees of International Vocational Centre (IVC) and Dr Pedro Manuwa.

The adjournment by Ogbuabor, followed  the request by the Counsel to the Plaintiff, Mr Maximus Ugwuoke, to allow him put his house in order.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that when the matter was called up, Ugwuoke informed the Court that the matter was for hearing, adding that they were ready to go on with the case.

While tendering six documents through the Plaintiff representative, Manuwa, to prove his case, Ugwuoke told court the documents were all photocopies, stressing that the plaintiff lost the original copies.

Opposing the plaintiff’s Counsel, Mr Chris Anyanwu, objected it, saying the documents sought to tender were not original or certified true copies.

According to him, the original copies or certified true copies of the documents  are what are supposed to be tendered, adding that documents have to be certified before being admissible in law.

He added that the receipt of payment generated from computer by the plaintiff was not from his client but downloaded online and urged court not to admit it.

But Ugwuoke appealed to court to allow him withdraw the documents and requested court for a date to enable him put his house in order.

Anyanwu, angered by the move, however, asked for N500,000 cost from the plaintiff, saying, “My Lord, this case was filed since 2019 and the plaintiff is not aware that documents will be certified only to come this morning to ask for adjournment.

“He should be aware that litigation are expensive and we are asking for a substantial cost of N500,000.”

Ruling, Ogbuabor refused to award cost to the plaintiff and granted his counsel’s request to amend the documents.

He, therefore, adjourned the matter to Feb. 29 and March 5 for continuation of hearing.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the plaintiff’s former counsel, Mr Chikadibia Anosike, in the statement of claim said that they had in the last five years maintained two accounts with the defendant to wit: 2027073629 (Current Account) and 3091251391 (Savings Account) with the name International Vocational Centre.

They averred that on Feb. 4, 2019, it issued First Bank cheques to several beneficiaries of their education fund but the defendant negligently paid one of the beneficiaries N150, 000 as against N15, 000.

“There have been incidences of negligence by the defendant in handling the plaintiff’s account which had led to several losses, ridicule and untold hardship on the plaintiffs.

“On account of the said over-payment, some of the cheques issued to those beneficiaries were returned unpaid.

“Some person(s) colluded with the defendant and have opened account number 3141684991 with the name International Vocational Centre, Niger State chapter,” he said.

The claimants alleged that such person(s) had been demanding and receiving money from the public and prospective beneficiaries of the scholarship funds, thereby, tarnishing their image.

The lawyer said that the plaintiffs had made complaints to the defendant’s Enugu Branch, demanding for the closure of the said account but every complaint fell on deaf ears.

“Many prospective students have been duped by reason of the said illegal account and the plaintiff’s image has been ridiculed and brought into disrepute globally by the reason of the action,” the plaintiffs claimed.

They also averred that they had continued to lose funds for its developmental projects in Nigeria as their donors had started to withdraw their sponsorship on the wrong perception that the plaintiffs had become a dubious entity.

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Health NEWS & LIFE

SGBV: Child rights advocate represents Nigeria in U.S, says global best practices crucial

SGBV: Child rights advocate represents Nigeria in U.S, says global best practices crucial

 

A Child Rights and Gender Equality Advocate, Ms Detutu Ajibodu, has underscored the need to integrate global best practices in combating sexual and gender-based violence to enhance local impact.

Ajibodu, who was selected to represent Nigeria at the International Visitor Leadership Programme (IVLP) in the United States of America, said this in a statement made available to journalists on Thursday in Lagos.

 

The child rights advocate and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Cece Yara Foundation, a child-centred NGO, was selected by the U.S. Department of State to represent Nigeria at the programme.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of the African countries that attended the event include Algeria, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Guinea, Mauritania, Mozambique, Ghana, and South Africa.

IVLP stands as a pinnacle initiative by the U.S. Department of State facilitating profound cross-border exchanges among current and emerging leaders from diverse fields.

Ajibodu said that her aspirations after her return to Nigeria from the IVLP was to infuse the insights gained during the conference into the Cece Yara Foundation’s initiatives.

According to her, the infusion of international best practices and the local know-how would further enhance the impact made locally and create a safer environment for all vulnerable individuals.

She stated that her experience in the international space and interaction with representatives of other African countries at the event, showed that Nigeria has made significant strides in combating gender-based violence.

Ajibodu however noted that there was still  room for improvement; hence, the need to fortify collaboration between governmental bodies, Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs), and communities.

“Robust legislation, accessible support services, and comprehensive education are pivotal to expedite our response to these pressing issues,” she said.

Speaking further, the child rights expert said that the programme nurtured deep-rooted connections between international leaders and their American counterparts, enriching both parties with first-hand insights into each other’s areas of focus and expertise.

She noted that the IVLP 2023 cohort engaged wide spectrum of thematic discussions, aligning with participants’ professional passions, the foreign policy objectives of the United States, and the developmental focus of the participating countries.

Ajibodu said among the core discussions were strategies for countering gender-based violence – a subject matter that resonated deeply with Ajibodu and her role as the CEO of the Cece Yara Foundation.

NAN also reports that Ajibodu’s child rights and advocacy journey includes collaborative efforts with prominent organisations such as United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Deloitte, and a multitude of international bodies.

Her professional repertoire extends across a rich tapestry of endeavours, having consulted for the likes of Disability Rights Advocacy, the European Union, the United Nations, and the British Council

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Health

NGO tasks trade unions on promoting gender equality

NGO tasks trade unions on promoting gender equality

A non-profit German Foundation, Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) says trade unions cannot ensure fair representation and decent work for all without promoting gender equality.

Mrs Remi Ihejirika, Project Manager, FES, said this in a communique on Wednesday in Lagos, at the end of a five-day workshop.

The workshop was organised by the National Union of Chemical, Footwear, Rubber, Leather and Non-metallic Products Employees.

Ihejirika said that gender equality formed the basis for democratic and socially just trade unions.

According to her, trade unions play critical roles in promoting democracy, equality and social justice in the workplace as well as the larger society.

“Gender equality is thus among the core principles and focus areas of unionism,” the project manager said.

She noted that transformative strategies for gender equality are long-term and sustainable approaches that tackled the root causes and intersectionality of gender discrimination.

These root causes, she said, included structural discrimination, inequality and unequal power dynamics to achieve a gender-just union organisation.

Ihejirika, however, called for integrating issues of gender equality in trade union work and activities.

“Organising to increase female membership in trade unions is a strategy that works. It will also help address dwindling union membership,” she said.

She further said that efforts should be made to integrate women’s issues in collective bargaining agreements.

“Collective bargaining negotiation is one of the core tasks of trade unions, a terrain where few women are included at the negotiating table.

“When women are not on the table, the greater the likelihood that gender or women-related proposals in collective bargaining will be traded off for other bargaining gains.

“Among the common women’s issues included in collective bargaining agreements are maternity benefits, separate toilets, reproductive health benefits (that is light work for pregnant women, menstrual leave).

“Anti-sexual harassment and, most recently, enforcement of laws protecting women against violence and harassment,” she said.

The project manager said that trade unions should develop gender equality curriculum in their workers’ education programmes.

According to her, this can be done by carrying out gender education programmes which include gender sensitivity training courses for men and women and education modules on reproductive health.

She added that the gender education programmes also included gender orientation and special women’s issues.

Ihejirika said that transformational process toward gender equality started with the adoption of substantial changes in union policies and organisational structures.

She noted that the transformational process would increase and sustain women’s representation in union leadership and union structures.

These changes, she noted, would democratise organisational structures and make them more inclusive, alter power relations between men and women by conferring to the latter, real decision-making power.

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FEATURED STORIES

NGO empowers 880 women with various skills in Plateau

Actionaid Nigeria canvasses for quick passage of VAPP bill in Kwara
NGO empowers 880 women with various skills in Plateau

Women for Women International-Nigeria (WfWi-N), an international NGO, has empowered 880 women in Plateau, with various skills in the last 12 months.
Ms Bukola Onyushi, WfWi-N Country Director, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Tuesday in Jos, that the beneficiaries were drawn from conflict and post conflict communities of the state.
Onyushi said that the women were from Langai, Rigiza and Dorowa Babuje communities of Mangu, Jos South and Barkin Ladi local government areas (LGAs) of Plateau respectively.
The country director explained that the training was aimed at empowering vulnerable women socially and economically, and to place the beneficiaries in better positions to enable them contribute to the growth of their families, and the society in general.
“Our mission speaks to helping women in conflict and post conflict communities to rebuild their lives and make positive contribution to the development of the society.
“We came into Plateau in 2003, and that was after the 2002 crisis that affected many women and children, and since then we have worked with 41,714 women in the state.
“What this programme does for these women is to empower them economically, socially, mentally and otherwise.
“Socially, they learnt about women solidarity, health and wellness, gender equality rights and decision making, and how to influence change in their communities.
“Economically, they are taught business skills, vocational skills, including trading, animal husbandry, poultry, and mechanised crop farming, among others,” she said.
According to Onyushi, the training also gives the women a clear understanding of how best to seek for their rights, equal opportunities, and how best to get access to education and income generating activities.
“In addition to conflict is the fact in our society, women are relegated to the background; women are denied education, pushed into forced and underage marriages, as well as other forms of discrimination.
“So, what this programme does is to teach these women how to break the culture of silence, fight against victim blaming, shunning, and shaming.
“It also teaches them how to enlist stakeholders within their communities to use their influence to promote change, instead of being road blocks for victims of Gender Based Violence (GBV).
“We have provided them with referral pathways, and they now know where to go and get help when their rights are violated.
“They now know how best to take care of their health, family planning, personal and environmental hygiene, among others,” she said.
Onyishi, who said that the programme was largely funded by individual contributions, said it was part of the organisation’s mission of building a balanced society.
The country director however, identified the current insecurity in some parts of the state, difficult terrain and poor funding, as some of the challenges hampering WfWi-N’s efforts in this regard.
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FEATURED STORIES Health

Health Security: NGO, 2 consortium partners get $25, 000 AHBN grant

Health Security: NGO, 2 consortium partners get $25, 000 AHBN grant

The Health Reform Foundation of Nigeria (HERFON) and its two other Consortium partners, Vaccine Network for Disease Control (VNDC) and Gem Hub Initiative (GHI), have received a 25,000 dollar grant from the African Health Budget Network (AHBN) to support the Nigerian Global Health Security Agenda.

The Executive Secretary of HERFON, Dr Celestine Okorie, dmade this known while addressing newsmen  in Abuja, on Thursday.

The grant, Okorie said, will run for a period of 18 months is titled: “Strengthening accountability for Health Security finances and vaccines equitable access in Nigeria.”

Okorie explained that the grant, is aimed at advocacy to strengthen our ability to prevent, detect and respond to public health events which threaten our collective health.

“In view of this, we recently participated in the Africa Regional Advocacy Summit for NGOs  and Media organized by the AHBN in its headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria.

“Stakeholders from eight African countries participated in the summit and exchanged ideas on how to strengthen the health security in Africa.

“We also participated in the recently concluded Joint External Evaluation – Health Security Action Plan organized by the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC ) where a diverse team of experts, collectively evaluated our nation’s preparedness and response capacities across 19 technical areas, under the guidance of relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us a valuable lesson that we must strengthen our national health security preparedness,” he said.

Okorie commended the Federal Government for the development of the National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS 2018-22) and for setting up the Public Health Emergency and Outbreak Response Fund (PHEORF) now domiciled with the NCDC.

Also speaking, Mrs Chika Offor, the Chairperson of Health Sector Reform Coalition (HSRC  said that there was an important need for the country to mobilise domestic resources to fund its national health security agenda.

“We need to look inwards rather than relying on multilateral organizations like the WHO and others to tackle our health security challenges.

“We take cognizance of the fact that the present budget line for health security is not much,” she said

Offor, who is also founder of the VNDC, called on the federal government to fully fund the national health security agenda as the country cannot afford to be caught unawares again during the next epidemic or pandemic.

To promote accountability in the national security agenda, she recommended that CSOs should have a permanent seat at the table during the development and implementation of the national health security agenda as the CSOs have the capacity to track accountability in the process on behalf of the civil society.

Also contributing, Mrs Oyeyemi Pitan, Executive Director of GHI called for improved coordination in the National Health Security Agenda development and implementation.

“The federal government needs to strengthen the coordination and include certain critical stakeholders in the process such as the office of the National Security Adviser: we are talking about our capacity as a nation to prevent, detect and respond to public health events which can threaten the lives of millions of Nigerians.

“The office of the NSA must be involved in this process. The National Biosafety Management Agency should also be involved as a critical stakeholder.

“The office of the Special Adviser to the President on Health should be part of the coordination for us to respond effectively on health security.” she said.

She said that the approach involves a collaborative, multisectoral, and transdisciplinary approach which recognised the fact that the interconnection between people, animals and plants.