Inspiring inclusion: ISISD partners NIJ for IWD 2024
By Jimoh Oluwaseyi
It was a session of impactful learning when the Initiative for Social Impact and Sustainable Development (ISISD) and the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) partnered to commemorate the 2024 International Women’s Day (IWD) with a capacity building programme for the female students of the institute.
The event, which held at the NIJ premises on Friday, March 8, 2024 was centred around the IWD 2024 theme, “Invest in women: Accelerate progress” with the campaign hashtag #InspireInclusion.
Dr Ifedolapo Ademosu, a Communication and Sustainability Specialist in her presentation titled: ”Write Your Own Story,” charged the students to define who they want to be and set their goals.
Using the Harold Lasswell’s Model of Communication process in driving home her point, she encapsulated the need for a woman to know- who she is, what is going on with her, when she wants to begin to effect a change, where she really wants to be in the future, how to overcome life’s obstacle and understanding why she wants to achieve those goals.
“Focus on where you are going because the road to success is not straight
“Set your goals. Ask the right question and collaborate with people,” she advised.
Dr. Ademosu motivated the female students by making suitable references to past phenomenal women in the media space. Adding, “You don’t fight the male gender. What you need to do is learn how to negotiate. You need to understand the limitation of the environment you are.”
Also speaking, the Chief Nursing Officer, Ifako Ijaiye General Hospital, Lagos State, Mrs. Oluseyi Olaitan shared with the students vital health tips on the need for women to embrace and prioritise holistic health if indeed these potential mothers want to produce a healthy nation.
She admonished that the students must be socially fit, physically stable, mentally alert and spiritually healthy to be able to cope with life issues.
She urged them not to abuse drugs but encouraged them to eat healthy and take time to rest.
“It is true things are hard but make use of the minimal resources available. Drink water, take fruits. When you are healthy, immunity is high, your body will be able to fight disease. To be healthy you must have a good rest,” she urged.
Contributing to the session, the Executive Director, Media Career Development Network, Mr. Lekan Otunfodunrin challenged the female students through the lifestyle of Oluwatoyosi Ogunseye, a former female student of the institute who is making a meaningful impact in her world.
He said Oluwatoyosi was a former Sunday Editor at the Punch Newspaper but soared to become a senior editor at the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and currently the President of an international organisation.
“You need to inspire yourself. There is no position in the media that women have not occupied. There is nothing impossible that women cannot do in the media. You are able. Don’t let anyone tell you women have not done it. Include yourself if nobody includes you. Speak up,” Otufodunrin said.
To spice up the event, Nature’s Gentle Touch, a subsidiary of Recare, engaged the participants with tips on proper hair care. In a speech to commemorate the event, the CEO, Recare, Mr. Chijioke Anaele, explained that this year’s IWD theme aligns with Nature’s Gentle Touch brands initiative which includes investing in, uplifting and empowering women with skills and knowledge.
Represented by Mfon Nkereuwem, he said the brand specifically formulated for the Nigerian woman using natural ingredients have been supporting women by creating unique products that provide solutions to their hair and scalp problems.
“Our state-of-the-art Hair Institute, with a team of seasoned professionals is one of the largest conservatoire of beauty and style education in sub Sahara Africa. We are always on ground to provide insights into personalized hair/scalp care routines treatment designed specifically for the health of your hair and scalp,” he stated.
Earlier, the facilitator of the event, a social development advocate and development journalist, Mrs. Funmi Falobi, in her opening remark stated that there is need for women to embrace their personality while purposefully strategising to achieve higher feats in life and career.
She reiterated the reasons to address gender inequality and the need to embrace better inclusion through proper self positioning.
“As young female journalists, you must know that there is no limit to what you can achieve in lfe and career. You must believe in yourself. You must reinvent yourself, explore opportunities and get mentorship which will help you to attain your full potential in your field of endeavours,” Falobi advised.
There was also a poetic performance by Jimoh Elizabeth Oluwaseyi entitled: “This Wombed-Man Called Woman,” an inspiration and appreciation of the feminine gender.
The interface session afforded the students to ask various questions pertaining to womanhood and career advancement and suitable answers were provided.
The students expressed their sincere and heartfelt appreciation to the speakers as they were determined to accelerate progress just like the theme of the International Women’s Day suggests.
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR GIRLS AS FOUNDATION CELEBRATES 10TH ANNIVERSARY
The African Women Foundation for Nation Building, WINBAFRICA, as part of its commitment in promoting girl-child education and empowering women and young girls in critical thinking and leadership skills in secondary schools across Africa, has announced the annual school debate competition and scholarship programme for 20 young girls. The Schools Debate, to celebrate the NGO’s 10th anniversary under the theme, Bridging the Gab: Celebrating a decade of Nation Building” is scheduled for Monday, February 26, 2024 at the Alliance Francaise, Mike Adenuga center, Ikoyi, Lagos.
Speaking on the initiative, which is the first event in the series of events in 2024 to commemorate its 10th anniversary, the President, WINBAFRICA, and Chief Strategist, Irachy PR, Dr. Bukola Bello-Jaiyesimi said the organization is looking forward to expanding its reach and impact, and continuing to make a difference in the lives of girls across Africa.
She noted; “Through initiatives like the scholarship programme, WINBAFRICA is paving the way for a brighter future for girls and empowering them to reach their full potential. WINBAFRICA’s 10th anniversary is a testament to the organization’s dedication and commitment to promoting education and empowering women and girls in Africa.
“This year’s programme is a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society, where girls have the opportunity to thrive and succeed, paving the way for a brighter future for girls and empowering them to reach their full potential. As we celebrate WINBAFRICA’s achievements over the past decade, let us continue to support and champion the rights of girls to education and empowerment. Together, we can build a brighter future for all.
According to her, “The school debate competition will provide a platform for girls to showcase their talents and engage in meaningful discussions on important social and economic issues facing them and the continent.”
The lineups for this year’s celebration, according to WINBAFRICA will be between Steady Steps School, Lekki, and Bomak International Schools Surulere, Lagos, who have emerged at the final stage of the competition. Both schools will be competing for WINBAFRICA YOUNG NATION BUILDERS’ TROPHY (WYNBT) in a debate.
Speaking further, Dr. Jaiyesimi revealed that aside from the Schools Debate competition, the senior secondary students of Bomak International College, Surulere, Lagos would be at the front burner discussing Environmental Responsibility during the WINBAFRICA Business Roundtable.
Founded in 2014 by a group of dedicated women led by Dr. Bukola Bello Jaiyesimi, an Entrepreneur, Pan-Africanist, and multiple award recipient with a passion for projecting women’s issues, WINBAFRICA is present in Ghana, Gambia, South Africa, and Ethiopia. The organization has been at the forefront of championing the rights of girls to education and providing them with the necessary tools and resources to succeed. Over the past decade, the organization has impacted the lives of thousands of women and young girls in Africa through its various programs and initiatives.
Africa round trip: Nigerian hodophile set to break Guinness World Record tripping 54 African countries by road and sea
>By Sanmi Falobi<
He is one of a rare breed. A Wanderluster, who is consumed by the desire to explore and discover new places and the thrills of the culture and norms of Africa.
Ileri Babalobi, a Nigerian hodophile is set to visit all 54 African countries via road and sea travel in an attempt to become the first African to complete such a feat, and setting two Guinness world records in the process. As with hodophiles, an ancient Greek word which simply means ‘One who loves to travel’ and those who are one, 31 year old Babalobi has been to all the 36 states of Nigeria, all the 16 regions of Ghana as well as over a dozen African countries.
“I have always wanted to visit all African countries, a dream stretching back over ten years ago. I had already taken steps towards that, by visiting more than a dozen of them on my own”, Babalobi said in an exclusive chat with SDNonline.
According to his travel itinerary, he will visit 48 African roads by Public transport and 6 Island countries by sea. The attempt, which is titled “Naija to the World” is aimed at showcasing the resilience that Nigerians are made of. He will also use the trip to galvanise support for the Nigerian Red Cross. At the Borders of each Country, He will take a picture with the Nigerian Flag.
“The Nigerian Red Cross does so much good work for Nigeria. I’ll be raising awareness for funds for the Nigerian Red Cross at every step of the trip. I fell in love with this country when I visited all the 36 states and I consider myself a patriot. I’ve always wanted to do something Gratis for Nigeria, and I found an opportunity by combining multiple passions. The Red Cross also have a track record of effective charity” Babalobi said, giving further insight into the travel expedition tagged, “Naija to the World”.
“I am a travel enthusiast because I love seeing new cultures and how people live. Even before this attempt, I have been to all the 36 states of Nigeria and when I lived in Ghana, all the 16 regions of Ghana as well. I have long said that I’m probably the only person in the world that has seen Ghana and Nigeria completely, by going to all 36 states in Nigeria and all 16 regions in Ghana.
Additionally, I’ve been to over a dozen African countries and my last road trip stretched for three months – July to October 2023 where I visited 10 African countries”, he said.
Ileri Babablobi who started travelling shortly after appearing on the Game show ‘Who wants to be a Millionaire’ and winning a million naira, said he chose to spend his resources on travelling because he wanted to explore other people’s cultures and to satisfy his curiosity about Africa and Africans.
He would also be promoting the Borderless Africa campaign by the NGO, Africans Rising.
Under the ideals of the borderless Africa campaign, he believes there should be a deeper brotherhood among Africans and that Africans should be able to easily travel from one Africa country to another.
“It’s a pity that Africans have to pay expensive visa fees to visit most other African countries. I look forward to a future where most of the barriers to migration for Africans within Africa are removed “.
While calling for private and public organisations as well as the government to support his expenditure, he noted that the voyage will take about 9 months, spending 3 or 4 days on average in each country and visiting the tourist sites and interacting with the culture of each country. He added that the adventures of each day would be posted on YouTube. The “Naija to the World” expedition is scheduled to start in March 2024.
According to him, though there might be hazards in the course of the journey, he was unperturbed.
“I am not afraid. I trust God. Nevertheless, there are likely to be challenges on the way. Some areas are not very safe, but safety is relative. Additionally, I have experience in road trips. By taking basic precautions, I should be fine. I have some precautions I’m talking which I won’t mention publicly for now” he added.
According to him, the expedition is a very important one for him because “it feels like I was born for this”.
Ileri Chukwuemeka Babalobi, with a degree in Psychology from the University of Ibadan, is an indigene of Osun State. He was born in Enugu, and grew up in Northern Nigeria before moving to Ibadan as a child.
He can be reached/followed on social media @
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ileribabalobi/
https://youtube.com/@africatours
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ileribabalobi
Amidst corruption, hunger and despondency, Nigerians juggle ‘No gree for anybody’ for ‘Japa’
>By Sanmi Falobi<
Nigerians are not smiling as the toll of the harsh economic realities is biting harder by the day. Even as the days of the year 2024 run into weeks, the situation does not seem to abate. Central to the hardship is the self-centred and selfish acts of those tasked with ensuring good governance.
The abrupt consequences of the increase in fuel price, occasioned by the removal of subsidy, as announced by President Bola Tinubu during the inauguration ceremony as well as the spiraling of the exchange rate of the naira to the dollar has brought additional woes to the already distressed state of the citizens, with the skyrocketing prices of consumables affecting families, businesses and social life.
… The realities of the unpleasant economic challenges
Mr. Shafiu Abbas, a lawyer based in Kaduna is of the viewpoint that somebody somewhere must be held responsible for the ongoing suffering millions of Nigerians are passing through.
“Nigerians aren’t longer finding it easy to feed their families, to pay school fees for their kids or their medical bills. Some of them have already been evicted from their houses by merciless landlords. Consequently, they have bundled their families back to the villages unceremoniously, because they can’t cope with the urban lifestyle anymore due to the austerity measures taken by the government” he noted, in exasperation.
“The wheels of Nigeria are wobbling. The economy is crumbling. The insecurity is surging and above all, life in Nigeria is life of hell”, he added.
Mrs. Omoyele Oguntade, Assistant General Manager, Opportunity To See Ltd, an Out-of-Home Advertising firm in Lagos, also noted that food inflation, insecurity and dollar exchange rate problem, were the issues plaguing the country, and the masses were most affected. She noted that the dollar exchange rate and fuel price increase created problems for the masses, ‘since it determines our purchasing power and resulted in high cost in transportation’.
According to Mr. Francis Abayomi, Executive Director, Peace and Development Projects, the most daunting challenge for most families is how to keep body and soul together.
“Most citizens are facing the harsh reality of managing scarce financial resources which may not even be available. Those without regular income and who had hitherto been surviving on income from sales and services (like market women and other daily livelihood) now have to spend a lot on transportation. Parents are also going through a lot with school fees payment and other responsibilities at the home front. The cost of food stuff and essential drugs are going beyond the reach of most Nigerians who are merely striving to survive”, he said.
According to Mr. Andrew Mamedu, Country Director, ActionAid Nigeria, the harsh economic realities in Nigeria have led to a significant increase in poverty, with families grappling with reduced income and limited access to essential resources.
“The desperation and frustration arising from these financial difficulties may have contributed to an increase in various criminal activities, presenting additional security challenges for the nation. Disturbingly, many Nigerians are seeking relief from economic hardships by exploring alternatives like relocating abroad, contributing to brain drain in sectors like healthcare”, he noted.
“This economic turmoil has become a major cause of increased violence against women, especially within households, where financial pressures escalate tensions, affecting their safety and well-being. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are bearing the brunt, facing closures and staff retrenchments due to inflation and rising business costs”, he added.
Straddling 2023 ‘japa’ slogan, with 2024 ‘no gree for anybody’ catchphrase
Meanwhile, against general assumptions, it’s not all negatives as some Nigerians, who had no prior plan to relocate abroad, suddenly ‘found’ themselves pressed to leave the shores of Nigeria. Despite the economic challenges, year 2023 was a boom year for a select of those who were involved in the visa procurement and airline ticketing sector. Indeed, many Nigerians in the history of the migration statistics left the shores of Nigeria in what has come to be known as the ‘Japa’ slogan, a situation whereby citizens closed down their businesses, resigned from their jobs, sold their properties and committed huge resource to see that they, and their family quickly relocate abroad.
The context of ‘japa’, which actually is a coinage from the Yoruba ethnic group of Nigeria, is a literal connotation that means ‘to flee, ‘to leave a place quickly’ or ‘to leave for good’.
However, the ‘japa’ slogan was more in the form of ‘to leave for good’ and the popularity of ‘japa’ in this context is not only limited to the Yorubas, but to all Nigerians. There are inferences across parts of the country wherein every family had an incident of at least one family member or relative who had sold cars, land, or other forms of properties to ‘japa’ in the context of ‘leaving for good’, as against the norm of travelling abroad for medicals, business, or related such short stay purposes.
According to the United Nations migration body, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), more Nigerians migrated abroad in 2023 than ever. The IOM Chief of Mission in Nigeria, Mr. Laurent De Boeck, disclosed this at a media parley in Abuja. According to him, no fewer than 260,000 Nigerians approached the IOM for assistance to leave the country in 2023.
“This 2023 number is the highest number we have ever had”, he disclosed.
“The UK is the number one destination for those 260,000 who came to us. It represents 80 per cent. The rest is the United States, Canada, Australia and some other European countries,” he added.
The ideology of the ‘japa’ flight is general hinged on the desire for a better life, and that remaining in Nigeria was tantamount to living a life of frustration. This ideology rests well with those who have the means or resources (a landed property, cars or some investments) to trade-off to fund their ‘japa’ adventure. With the growing insecurity and the failure of the systems, ‘japa’ became an attractive option for those who could afford it, especially for those in active life, in their 30’s, 40’s, 50’s or thereabout. In some instances, where parents are not able, they commit funds for their children’s aspirations to ‘japa’
However, in a twist of events, year 2024 was heralded with a new slogan for those who hadn’t the resources to embark on any ‘japa’ adventure. Like a self-consolatory drive, 2024 was welcomed with the ‘No Gree For Anybody (NGFA)’ slogan. Although the origin of the slogan is not very clear, it was seemingly popularised on social media through music videos and skits with ‘No gree for anybody’ as title or sub-title on youtube. The released of a music video of the song with the same slogan which was uploaded to youtube by Nigerian comedian, singer and performer, Josh2funny as well as another version done by another Nigerian singer-songwriter, Spyro, also on youtube and in Mp3 across many music streaming platforms, buoyed the slogan.
Skits by Mr. Macaroni and Broda Shaggy, among others, also boosted the ‘No gree for anybody’ slogan as it became viral, with many other artists and skit makers quickly releasing versions in songs, skits or comedies. As such, the ‘No gree for anybody’ slogan became popular, particularly among the youth and a vast majority of netizens, who adopted it as a spur in overcoming or countering whatever limits come with the new year.
The rapid spread of the ‘No Gree For Anybody’ catchphrase which can be loosely translated to mean, “do not allow yourself to be bullied by anyone” or “do not tolerate any form of nonsense from anybody” or “do not allow anyone cheat you or deprive you of your privileges” seemingly fits as the impetus that Nigerians need to start the new year.
The new wave of the ‘No gree for anybody’ slogan was therefore embedded in the obvious context that, if ‘japa’ was not possible, let nobody add to the stress and frustrations already being faced!
The context of ‘No gree for anybody’: good or bad?
Despite the rising popularity of the NGFA slogan, the Nigeria Police have warned that there are negative tendencies that the ‘No gree for anybody’ slogan portends in that it could also translate to mean resistance to instituted authorities which may lead to break down of law and order.
During a press briefing in Abuja, Mr. Muyiwa Adejobi, the Nigeria Police Force spokesperson, warned that intelligence reports show that the catchphrase was capable of plunging the country into a crisis, describing it as dangerous and capable of triggering crisis across the country.
According to Adejobi, although the catchphrase is being seen as “normal talk”, those in the security community view it as a “dangerous” slogan.
“No gree for anybody has been seen as normal talk, but in the security business and the security community, we have seen it as a very dangerous slogan that can trigger crises”, he said.
“We have been informed from our intelligence that this slogan is coming from a revolutionary sector that may likely cause problem across the country”, he added.
However, while the view of the PPRO might have been informed from a sense of security consciousness, the ‘No gree for anybody’ slogan is like a coin of two sides. While caution should be exercised, as advised by the Police, same of which is being echoed in religious circles, the NGFA can also be used as a motivation to proactive positive actions.
For example, the Nigerian Army’s Director of Defence Media Operations, Major-General Edward Buba, while addressing the press, used the slogan in a motivational way.
While calling on Nigerians to do anything in their capacity to prevent terrorists from tormenting them in 2024, he used the catchphrase to drive home his message.
“No gree for terrorists. No gree for perpetrators of insecurity”, he said.
“Make Nigerians no gree for terrorists this year. You see something, you say something … and we shall do something,” he added.
Similarly, it was reported that the governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in a motivational message to the Super Eagles over the 2024 African Cup of Nations, urged the team not to “gree for anybody” but to bring the cup home.
Whichever way the ‘No gree for anybody’ slogan is interpreted, it is undeniable that Nigerians needed something to spur and galvanise them to hope for a better year in the reality of the past and present economic woes and needless hardship and sufferings that Nigerians have experienced and are experiencing.
Nigerians are not smiling, families are going through tough times
When Dave and Janet married few years ago, they had looked forward to having a blissful and prosperous life. Dave who is a marketing executive in one of the Advert branding firms in Lagos could be said to be comfortable, a status complimented by Janet, his wife who works as an admin staff in a micro finance bank. However, over the past months, issues of finance for running the affairs of the family is becoming a threat to the bliss of their home.
“I can’t afford that now”, Dave, 35 said to his wife, with concealed anger as he packed his laptop bag to go to work. “But, you know this is a great opportunity and it is a good purchase”, replied his wife Janet, 32, resolutely. “Just bring Thirty five thousand naira and I will add the rest”, Janet offered.
Not wanting to aggravate the matter and widen the brewing hostility between him and his wife, Dave, glowering gave a reply with some firmness as he stepped out, “okay, I will see what I can do by the end of the month”.
‘Why end of the month, today is just 11th and the promo is ending this week”, Janet said sullenly, in what seems to be a final attempt for the husband to succumb to her request.
Indeed, for almost three months now, Dave has not been able to give his wife money to buy a washing machine for the family’s use. Actually since the birth of their second child, four months ago, things have not been easy for Dave. The reality for Dave is that the increasing expenses in running the family is making life tough for him. While he is grateful to his wife, who helps out, buying the children clothes, shoes and other related items as her own support to the family upkeep, the reality for him is that he is really getting choked up financially. The reality for him is how to deal with the pressure associated with the fact that while his salary or income level has not increased, he has to cope with issues like buying a washing machine, apart from other demands of tokens of financial responsibilities to his siblings, his parents, paying the house rent and having to have some funds kept aside to fuel his car!
… There is pressure everywhere!
Beyond social and family pressures, work-life demand also presents additional pressures to sustainable living and livelihood. This affects both men and women.
For example, media report has it that a 32 years old female employee of a bank in Ikorodu, Lagos, committed suicide just few days into the new year. According to media report, the bank employee, by name Amarachi Ugochukwu, was said to have drank an insecticide and locked herself up in one of the restroom of the bank. In the suicide note discovered when the door was forced open, the lady blamed the harsh economy realities for her decision to end her life, saying nothing was working well for her.
“Nothing is working in my life. My figures are low. My brain is clogged up. The economy is getting harder. My decisions are wrong. My mind is messed up. The future doesn’t seem bright at all. I see extreme hardship. I can’t bear the pain anymore,” she wrote in the suicide note. It was reported that Ugochukwu apologise to her parents and other members of her family, mentioning names that were perhaps that of her siblings or loved ones. “I’m sorry mum, I’m sorry dad, I’m sorry Nene, Okwe, Toto, Nazor, Chuchu, Ifunanya,” she added. According to the report, her suicide note ended with, “Dear Lord, have mercy on me!”
The LinkedIn profile of Ugochukwu described her as ‘Relationship Manager’ with the bank (name withheld) which she joined in May 2023. The profile also showed she was a Retail Marketer with another new-generation bank between March 2020 and April 2023. Previously, she was a part-time Sale Consultant to another firm.
Meanwhile, though Ugochuckwu’s case may have been made popular due to the fact that the suicide happened in a public place and got media attention, it cannot be ruled out that there are many other cases of economic-induced suicides happening that are never reported or that may still happen and never brought to public attention.
When and how did things start getting worse?
Nigeria’s economic challenge seems to be on permanent degradation, with each year appearing worse than the previous. The foundation of the issue rests on corruption and bad leadership, which has plagued Nigeria over the years.
According to the executive summary of the 2019 Poverty and Inequality index by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), 40.1% of the total population of Nigeria were classified as poor. This translates that in 2019, about 82.9 million Nigerians were poor with an indicative inference that an average of 4 out of 10 Nigeria has real per capita expenditures below 137,430 Naira ($381) per year.
Between 2019 and now, the situation had grown worse. The highlights of the NBS 2022 Multidimensional Poverty Index survey revealed that 63% of persons living within Nigeria (133 million people) are multi-dimensionally poor, as against 40.1% (82.9 million) of the total population of Nigeria were classified as poor in 2019.
In a related development, an independent comparative analysis of the NBS unemployment rate by Twentyten daily reveals worsening situations. According to the analysis, while Unemployment rate was 10.4% in 2015, it rose to 14.2%, 20.4%, 23.1% and 33.3% in years 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2020 respectively. The poverty level became 37.7% in 2022 and was estimated at 40.6% for year 2023.
Meanwhile, beyond individuals, many businesses have also been adversely affected by the dwindling economic fortunes of the country, with many professionals thrown into out of job, which invariably has led to increasing the hardship on families.
It is estimated that about 10,000 top paying jobs were lost in 2023 as a result of notable multinational companies shutting down their production factories in Nigeria.
Among multinationals that shut down operations in Nigeria in 2023 include Unilever Nigeria (home care and skin cleansing division) and Procter & Gamble (P&G), the world’s largest personal care and household products company. Others include top global pharmaceutical giant, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), French pharmaceutical company, Sanofi-Aventis, Bolt Foods, and top Energy firm, Norwegian behemoth Equinor.
Many other business also shut down operations. The list includes Mayor Biscuits Company Limited (MABISCO), Jumia Foods, Okadabooks and Jubilee Syring manufacturing company, among others.
Harsh economic realities: President Tinubu, the issues and the way out
While opinion varies in respect of the suffering being experienced, there is a common agreement that it is the responsibility of those elected into political offices to solve the nation’s problems, irrespective of whether it was inherited from past administrations.
Professor Justice Ngwama, President, Institute of governance and Management, alluded that the economic crisis plaguing Nigeria is due to lack of effective planning by those elected. He noted that while President Tinubu’s administration is relatively new, he started on a bad note.
“Tinubu’s administration is relatively new, we can’t write him off for now, however, he started on a bad note because he had no clear cut economic agenda/programme to cushion the economic hardship created by his APC previous administration” he told SDNonline.
According to him, the fuel subsidy question that has paralysed the masses and the make-up palliatives that are laughable which had characterised APC regimes, where they claimed to go from state to state to distribute money without records was the same line that Tinubu decided to tow, by giving out money to citizens instead of investing in critical areas that will help the economy, create jobs and businesses.
The university don noted that there wouldn’t’ be any leeway, except things are done differently.
“The masses are still feeding the politicians through tax regime of this administration. So what is the hope of a common man?” he queried.
“Nigeria needs sound economic policies that will address critical infrastructure, reduce corruption and spending. The issue of security is staring at all of us. Some people appear to be benefiting from the situation as economy is looted via security budgets. Tinubu should run an inclusive government rather than government of Western Nigeria.
“He must stop borrowing and maximize the resources of Nigeria” Prof. Ngwama said.
Engr. Adisa Momoh, Engineering Consultant, Adonis Consulting, Lagos, is also of the opinion that President Tinubu should have done much more in terms of appropriate economic policies to address the tough times Nigerians are facing.
“… During the campaign, Tinubu promised us in his ‘Renewed hope agenda’ that he is committed to guarantee us adequate security, buoyant economy with the provision of jobs for our teeming youth population and the revitalisation of our agriculture to ensure adequate food supply at affordable prices. In the area of economy, the announcement of the end of subsidy on inauguration day without making provisions to alleviate the negative consequences have brought untold hardship to the general populace.
“The net effect of this is that all petroleum products and basic food prices have skyrocketed and beyond the reach of most Nigerians. The palliative measures that the government later introduced have not gone far enough. My overall assessment of the government performance so far is poor”, Momoh noted.
According to him, over the past months, terrorism. Banditry and kidnapping had increased.
“We have seen terrorism, banditry, kidnapping on the increase. The government could not curb them as they are at a loss of what to do”, he added.
Better days ahead, government promises.
Meanwhile, the federal government of Nigeria has reiterated its commitment in seeing that there are better days ahead for Nigerians, as evident in the New year message to Nigerians by President Bola Tinubu.
“Everything I have done in office, every decision I have taken and every trip I have undertaken outside the shores of our land, since I assumed office on 29 May 2023, have been done in the best interest of our country”, Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu said.
While acknowledging that he has had to make difficult decisions that have brought suffering to Nigerians, the President explained that some of his decisions, such as the removal of subsidy on petrol, would have brought “fiscal catastrophe” to Nigerians if he had not taken them.
His words:
“Dear Compatriots, take this from me: the time may be rough and tough, however, our spirit must remain unbowed because tough times never last. We are made for this period, never to flinch, never to falter. The socio-economic challenges of today should energise and rekindle our love and faith in the promise of Nigeria. Our current circumstances should make us resolve to work better for the good of our beloved nation. Our situation should make us resolve that this new year 2024, each and everyone of us will commit to be better citizens”, he added.
The President in the course of the speech thereafter attempted to explain some of his administration’s efforts in the saddle of power.
“Since our administration took over the mantle of office, security has improved. Silently, we have worked to free captives from abductors. While we can’t beat our chest yet that we had solved all the security problems, we are working hard to ensure that we all have peace of mind in our homes, places of work and on the roads”, he said.
According to him, his administration will work diligently to make sure every Nigerian feels the impact of the government.
He noted that he remained committed to good governance.
“I took an oath to serve this country and give my best at all times. Like I said in the past, no excuse for poor performance from any of my appointees will be good enough.”
He also called for the support of the citizens.
“For the new year to yield all its good benefits to us as individuals and collectively as a people, we must be prepared to play our part. The job of building a prosperous nation is not the job of the President, Governors, Ministers, Lawmakers and government officials alone. Our destinies are connected as members of this household of Nigeria. Our language, creed, ethnicity and religious beliefs even when they are not same should never make us work at cross purposes.
He reiterated the need for citizens’ support.
“In this new year, let us resolve that as joint-heirs to the Nigerian Commonwealth, we will work for the peace, progress and stability of our country. I extend this call to my political opponents in the last election. Election is over. It’s time for all of us to work together for the sake of our country.
In his concluding statement, the president was philosophical in birthing a glorious dawn.
“We must let the light each of us carry – men and women, young and old- shine bright and brighter to illuminate our path to a glorious dawn”, he said.
Beyond rhetorics, what can be done to cushion the reality of the anguish, anger and hunger?
According to Mr. Andrew Mamedu, Country Director, ActionAid Nigeria, in order to tackle the nation’s economic challenges, “the federal government must conduct a thorough reassessment of economic policies, placing emphasis on the effective implementation of social investment programmes. Simultaneously, a resolute effort to combat corruption is essential, and President Bola Tinubu’s anticorruption stance should be clearly communicated through spoken words, written statements, and demonstrated in his body language.”
He also noted that “both federal and state governments should actively tackle unemployment by creating a conducive environment for creation of employment and promoting self-employment through supportive policies.”
Explaining further, he noted that “Addressing the high cost of doing business is crucial, with incentives like tax holidays and tax rebates for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) recommended, alongside fair taxation for multinationals. Additionally, the pervasive issue of multiple taxation, hindering businesses and productivity, needs systematic resolution through streamlined processes for a conducive economic environment. Now is the time for the government to prioritise investment in the social sector, enhance monetary and fiscal measures to mitigate inflation, boost foreign exchange availability for effective business operations, and ensure the availability of low-interest loans for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and mortgages.”
He noting that “amidst this difficult period, ActionAid remains committed to supporting the poor and excluded, advocating for policies that alleviate economic burdens, and supporting programmes that promote resilience and sustainable development”.
Mr. Francis Abayomi, giving his perspective as a development expert noted with regret that though the President Bola Tinubu administration means well, it was rather unfortunate that the social intervention programme has not be effectively managed to give the much-needed support to households that are in dire need.
“A lot still need to be done in providing support to Nigerians to alleviate the hardships most household heads and breadwinners are going through”, he noted.
“Beyond interventionist programmes aimed at alleviating poverty in the short run, there is the need for subvention or grants for market women and other categories of livelihoods to stimulate economic activities, create employment opportunities and assist sustainable livelihoods activities with funds to survival in the interest of business”, he added.
Meanwhile, beyond attention on government, citizens are also urged to re-structure and re-adjust to the realities.
“To cushion the effect of these high costs (of living), I advise people to be more intentional about their food”, Mrs. Franca Okpiaifo, an education consultant noted.
“Make your food your medicine. Eat more Vegetables with your carbohydrates. Cut out the junks. Eat the fruits you can afford regularly. Joining with your friends to buy foodstuff in bulk and sharing such can reduce the amount you spend on food”, she added.
“Getting a health insurance is also very helpful. Stay in houses you can afford. Take care of your mental health. Take one day at a time and finally and stay out of debt”, she advised.
Sanmi Falobi, Project Manager, International Press Centre (IPC), serves SDNonline as Guest Writer/Executive Editor.
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Digital skills growth: Firm donates computers to Army Children School
The Army Children Senior High School, Ikeja, Lagos have received set of computers from MediaFuse-Dentsu. The computers were donated last week by the Dentsu in a bid to empower students with the tools and resources needed to succeed in today’s tech-driven world.
Group Chief Executive Officer of MediaFuse-Dentsu, Emeka Okeke, who was represented at the occasion by the Chief Operating Officer of D’Agyle, Marian Ogaziechi, said access to technology had become a necessity and no longer a luxury.
Emeka explained that the donation would also enable the students to prepare adequately for their examinations, reiterating the company’s commitment to educational excellence and community development.
While advising the students to focus on their studies, he said, “We are committed to supporting the educational aspirations of all students, and we believe that this donation will make a significant impact on the lives of those at Army Children Senior High School, Ikeja.”
The Financial Director of MediaFuse-Dentsu, Funmi Lawal,noted that the computers were provided to the students as a gateway to a world of information and learning opportunities.
She emphasised MediaFuse-Dentsu’s commitment to educational excellence and community development extends beyond the donation of computers.
“We also plan to partner with schools and other organisations to provide technical support and training for instructors and students in the areas of Information Communication Technology, entrepreneurship and marketing communications,” she added.
The school’s principal, Mrs Agbona, B.L, expressed their gratitude for the donation, adding that the computers will be invaluable in helping students prepare for the future and reach their full potential.
Agbona, who was represented by the school’s computer tutor, Mrs Tosin Olusola, said, “This will enhance the students’ practice before and after examinations. It will also enable ICT students in Senior Secondary School Two and Senior Secondary School One to have practical knowledge along with theoretical knowledge.
“With the support of MediaFuse-Dentsu, we can provide our students with enhanced educational experiences and nurture their talents and passions to reach their full potential.”
According to a statement by Dentsu Nigeria’s Corporate Communications Manager, Sodiq Oyeleke, the donation of the computers was part of commemorative activities of the advertising firm’s 10th anniversary, noting that the firm would also embark on more community service and engagements.
Now that NBC is barred from imposing fines on broadcast stations, what’s next to do?
>By Sanmi Falobi<
In what can be termed as a landmark judgment, a Federal High Court in Abuja has declared null and void, the provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code authorising the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to impose fines on broadcast stations for alleged breaches of the Code as it ruled that administrative and regulatory bodies could not exercise judicial powers.
Delivering judgment in a suit instituted by Media Rights Agenda (MRA) against the NBC following the Commission’s imposition of fines of N5 million each on a television station and three pay TV platforms in 2022 for allegedly undermining Nigeria’s national security by broadcasting documentaries on banditry in Nigeria, Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia held that the NBC not being a court of law, acted above its powers by imposing such fines.
The demands of the suit:
The suit, which was filed by Abuja-based human rights lawyer, Mr. Uche Amulu, on behalf of MRA had asked the court to hold, among other things, that the action of NBC in imposing a fine on each of the media platforms and the station for broadcasting a documentary about the state of banditry and security in Zamfara State is unlawful and unconstitutional and has a chilling effect on the freedom of media to impart information and ideas. MRA contended that it would deter the platforms and station from reporting the true state of affairs regarding the security situation in Nigeria, and therefore constitutes a violation of the rights of MRA, its members, and other citizens of Nigeria to freedom of expression, particularly their rights to receive ideas and information without interference, as guaranteed by the Constitution and the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights.
According to a press statement by Idowu Adewale, MRA’s Communications Officer, the organisation, among other demands, also sought a declaration that the procedure adopted by the NBC in imposing the fines is a flagrant violation of the rules of natural justice and the right to fair hearing under Section 36 of the Constitution and Article 7 of the African Charter as the Commission is the drafter of the Code, which provides for the alleged offences for which the media platforms and the station were punished, and which empowers the NBC to receive complaints, investigate and adjudicate on the complaints, impose fines and collect fines.
Deciding the matter:
Delivering judgment at its sitting in Abuja on January 17, Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia set aside the fines imposed by the NBC on August 3, 2022 on Multichoice Nigeria Limited, owners of DSTV; TelCom Satellite Limited (TSTV); Trust-TV Network Limited; and NTA Startimes Limited for broadcasting a documentary about the state of banditry and security in Zamfara State, saying the regulator’s action was wrong and unjustifiable in a democratic society.
The judge also commended MRA for its legal challenge of the NBC’s action and issued an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Commission or anyone acting on its behalf from further imposing any fine on any media platform or broadcast station in Nigeria for any alleged offence committed under the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.
However, while Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia agreed with all MRA’s arguments and granted all the declarations and injunction sought by the organisation, she refused to grant the organisation’s claim for N700,000 as costs it incurred in litigating the action as well as another claim for N2 million as general damages for NBC’s infringement on its rights as well as a request for N1 million as punitive damages for the Commission’s “outrageous conduct in abusing its powers and arbitrarily imposing fines on broadcasting stations”.
Earlier verdict, now re-affirmed:
It would be recalled that this is not the first time that the NBC would be barred from imposing fines on broadcast stations. It will also not be the first time that MRA would be challenging NBC in court over fines imposed on broadcast station.
In 2021, the Incorporated Trustees of Media Rights Agenda had, in an originating motion marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1386/2021, sued the NBC as sole respondent in respect of NBC’s sanction against 45 broadcast station. The group had sought a declaration that the sanctions procedure applied by the NBC in imposing N500,00Q fines on each of the 45 broadcast stations on March 1, 2019 was a violation of the rules of natural justice. MRA argued that the fines were in violation of the right to fair hearing under Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Articles 7 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act (Cap AQ) Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
In its ruling on the case on May 10, 2023, the Federal High Court Abuja gave an order of perpetual injunction restraining the NBC from imposing fines, henceforth, on broadcast stations in the country.
The judge, Justice James Omotosho, set aside the N500,000 fines imposed, on 1 March 2019, on each of 45 broadcast stations.
According to the ruling, NBC had no power to sanction broadcast organisations and while the NBC code grants the Commission the power to impose a sanction, it conflicted with the constitution, which conferred judicial power in the court of law.
The judge also held that the NBC Code, which gives the Commission the power to impose sanction, is in conflict with Section 6 of the Constitution that vested judicial power in the court of law.
“The action of the respondent qualifies as excessiveness,” Justice Omotosho had said.
Considering the concordance and re-affirmation of Justices Omotosho’s ruling by Justice Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia, it may be safe to say that an end to the era of arbitrary fines by the NBC is here, however, time will tell.
A new NBC emerging?
Meanwhile, while many stakeholders have applauded the decision of the court, the NBC has kept mum and as not made any official statement on the matter. It would be recalled that the minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Mohammed Idris upon resumption in office, had publicly expressed his displeasure about the negative comments attributed to NBC, urging the Commission to engage stakeholders in its operations to check violations of the Broadcasting Code.
“I don’t believe that NBC is all about sanctions. Each time NBC is on the news, (it) is about a station committing one infraction or the other. But I think beyond that, we need to look from within. We need a lot of public enlightenment. On this, I think public communication in this regard is a bit low”, had said, during a working visit to the NBC headquarters in October 2023.
According to him, the NBC need to do more in the area of public enlightenment and communications.
“I think it is better for the NBC to step up its public engagement for the public to understand that the Commission is not all about sanctions but also about its capacity to help the industry grow and broadcasters to reach their potential’, he said.
“I know that you are doing well, but you need to do much more. It is only when you do that, that Nigerians will see you, not from that punitive side, but as partners in progress,” Mr. Idris added.
Responding then, the erstwhile NBC Director-General, Balarabe Ilelah had told the Minister that there were indeed infractions by some broadcast stations as revealed from the Commission’s task in monitoring over 777 stations.
“In 2023, a total of 1,238 warnings were given, while during the same year, 62 stations were penalised”, Ilelah said.
However, investigations by SDNonline revealed that the negative reputation about the NBC was a cumulation of events that have occurred under successive DGs of the NBC over the past years and not necessarily limited to the administration of Illelah who was appointed DG in June 2021. Checks on the NBC X (Twitter) page shows that the NBC on a daily basis publishes informative materials with excerpts from the NBC code in short infographics and public information messages. under its ‘Your Right to Know the Nigeria Broadcasting Code on General Programming Standard-Professional Rules’ and ‘What do we do at NBC?”
Meanwhile, with the replacement of Mr. Ilelah shortly thereafter and the appointment of Mr. Charles Ebuebu as the new DG for NBC by President Bola Tinubu, it is anticipated that the modus operandi of the NBC would be enhance and improved in positive light.
It is also expected that abiding with the Court judgment and transforming the Commission to play its regulatory role in such a way that the body would be held in high esteem, would be the hallmark of Mr. Ebuebu’s tenure as the DG of NBC.
However, these are assumptions that would be validated or otherwise as event would reveal in the coming days, weeks or months.
If NBC cannot impose fines, how should it deal with infractions?
Though the verdict from the suit by MRA has now addressed the arbitrariness in the imposition of fines by NBC, there is however reasonable concern about the abuse of the freedom of free speech, especially to curtail hate speech, and derogatory comments from live broadcast and related comments by both presenters and guests from broadcast stations that may infer violent actions or public reactions that that may bridge public peace.
“We do not dispute the fact that broadcast organisations may be in breach of professional ethics and standards from time to time, but that cannot provide justification for casting aside the rules of natural justice that are also entrenched in our constitution and judicial system”, Mr. Edetaen Ojo, Executive Director of MRA said, in an interview with SDNonline.
According to him, the crux of the matter is about fairness, equity and justice, noting that there are defects in the existing Code that needs to be amended and some expunged.
“… We know for a fact that under this system of regulation, the NBC has imposed punitive fines on broadcast stations that have committed no ethical breaches or violation of professional standards, but were merely punished for airing programmes critical of the government or portraying the government in negative light. That is neither right nor acceptable. We should not forget that the NBC wrote the Nigeria Broadcasting Code creating the offences for which the stations were being sanctioned, meaning that it is the ‘lawmaker’.
“A system of regulation where in addition to being the lawmaker, the NBC is also the complainant in the allegations against stations, the investigator, the prosecutor, the judge, which finds the stations guilty of the offences it has alleged against them, sanctions them, collects the fines and utilizes the funds as part of its income is truly offensive to the idea of fairness, equity or justice.
“We also need to be aware that in the vast majority of cases, the NBC has imposed these fines even without giving the stations any opportunity to defend themselves against the allegations against them or explaining their side of the story. That is the true definition of a kangaroo court”, Mr. Ojo said.
According to him, “there are many options available to us on how the broadcast sector can be better regulated so that the roles of lawmaker, complainant, investigator, judge and executioner are exercised by different actors using procedures that are fair and just”.
Explaining further, Mr. Ojo noted the following the court judgement of both the May 10, 2023 and that of January 17, 2024, it is expected that the law has become binding on NBC.
“The rule of law makes everyone and every institution subject to the supremacy of the law and no one is above the law. If the NBC fails to comply with the court orders or disregards the judgments in any way, we would pursue charges of contempt of court against the Commission. We have already advised the NBC about the certainty of this. In addition, it is really in the interest of the Commission to comply with the decisions of the courts. As a regulatory body superintending over a sector, if it disobeys a valid and subsisting order of a court of law, it would be robbing itself of any moral authority to issue directives to those it regulates. It would itself be planting the seeds of anarchy in the country which would ultimately engulf it as that would be an invitation for its own orders and directives to be disregarded”, MRA Executive Director added.
Now that the Court has given judgement on the suit, what next?
“The NBC has the option of appealing the judgments” Mr. Ojo said, noting that the NBC had contested the earlier judgment and failed in that attempt.
” With respect to the May 10, 2023 decision, the NBC has previously asked the court to set aside its own judgment, making false claims of not being served with the originating process in that case and alleging that MRA abused the court process. It was quite honestly a bizarre move, in my opinion, based on the NBC’s realisation that it could not win an appeal against that judgment. Nonetheless, in its ruling on November 23, 2023, the court found unequivocally that the NBC’s claim was false and threw out the motion to set aside its own judgment.
“Our view is that the most appropriate next step would be for the Federal Government and the NBC to convene a series of meetings of relevant stakeholders to design a regulatory model that is consistent with democratic norms, accords with regional and international standards for the regulation of broadcasting, and is constitutional.
“We need to remember that both the original National Broadcasting Commission Act of 1992 and its amendment in 1999, both of which constitute the legal framework for the broadcast sector in Nigeria to date, were promulgated as military decrees by military governments without inputs from relevant stakeholders. There are regional and international guidance documents and many models from functioning democracies that we can learn from in designing a regulatory framework that is suited to the Nigerian context. If the genuine intention of the government is to regulate the broadcast sector rather than controlling the information coming from broadcasters, then it really should explore this path” Mr. Edet Ojo added.
… The issues, the way forward
Meanwhile, stakeholders seem to be in accord as to the excesses of the NBC. For instance, the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) commended Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia for declaring null and void some provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code authorising the commission to impose fines on erring broadcast stations.
In a statement by the NGE President, Mr. Eze Anaba, and the General Secretary, Dr. Iyobosa Uwugiaren, said that Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia’s ruling had vindicated its position over the years that the NBC could not be the accuser, investigator and judge on matters relating to an alleged breach of the broadcast code.
“Our position has always been that an independent body, institution, or competent court of law should be the one to examine any perceived infraction by the broadcast stations, which should be given the opportunity to defend themselves.
“The court is right in its ruling, by saying that the NBC had arrogated judiciary power to itself by imposing fine arbitrarily without recourse to the law,” the NGE stated.
Dr. Abiodun Ogidan, Deputy Director Programmes Sports and Outside Broadcast, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Ibadan Zonal Station, is of the opinion that the NBC should strengthen its enforcement mechanism on ethics for broadcast stations, which will inform the quality of broadcast information being disseminated.
She lamented that due to the fact that there are many broadcast stations that are springing up, standard operational practices in terms of ethics and professionalism are being compromised.
She noted that beyond just monitoring stations for infractions, there is need for the NBC to deepen its public communication mechanism as advised by the Minister of Information and Orientation.
“I remember that the new Minister, Mohammed Idris in his first visit to NBC told them that the primary role of NBC should not be about sanctioning stations, but to promote media freedom in Nigeria. He also advised NBC to do more enlightenment advocacy for stations”, she said.
“NBC will have to focus more on public communication. This will help the broadcast industry to flourish and sustain acceptable norms.
“The attention of NBC should be on content, straightforward reportage with informed commentary. NBC should promote broadcast standards and professionalism by advocating media owners sustain basic ethics of broadcasting. We are in a dynamic world and the broadcast industry is not left out of the changing times; NBC is obliged to allow media outlets accommodate ideological leaning on integrity, identified goals and our cultural values. Any responsible professional will never compromise the ideal of broadcasting for mediocrity”, she added, noting that NBC should also focus on the expertise of those who are heading broadcast stations.
“At the point of registering broadcast stations, NBC should not only be interested in licensing fees but the quality of management staff and heads of those stations, so that those who are managing broadcast stations are experienced hands and trained minds. Such people know what is expected of them. NBC should go back to the Code and implement to the letter. The rules are already written in the Code so NBC should ensure thorough enforcement and follow the process of standard broadcasting”, she said.
Meanwhile ace broadcaster, Mrs. Moji Makanjuola (MFR), who is now Executive Director, International Society of media in Public Health + Development, is of the opinion that there is need to improve public support for the NBC, just as the NBC needs to deliberately engage industry practitioners as partners in progress towards upholding standards in the broadcast industry.
“There’s a need to improve standards; there are many new entrants in the industry so there is a need to regulate and in regulating, the standards should be the same” she said, speaking with SDNonline.
“There is a need for regulation so that there is a standard to conform to, because if there is no regulation, there would be chaos. The NBC however need to engage more with practitioners”, she added.
“We should support NBC to do its work and ensure that the industry is alive to its obligations so that they don’t err. People need to know about the regulation in place that is now in the Act. People must know and be aware of the provisions of the Code so that they do not err. NBC need to cascade the information to the professionals because some practitioners have not read the Code and they need to know about the provisions of the Code”, she said.
On the way forward, she noted that there was a need for the NBC under the administration of the present leadership to take stock, identify gaps and embark on capacity building and public engagement in areas to improve on the delivery of its functions and tasks as a regulatory agency.
“I would advise the new leadership of NBC to take stock of what has happened before and be able to assert themselves in getting the job down. There is need for more visibility and the need for capacity building, even with the management of the NBC so that they are able to better perform its role as a watchdog that will ensure standard. I am not sure many people know about NBC in terms of what they can do or what they are able to do, and what their functions and operations are. The NBC need to engage with practitioners more”, she said.
Sanmi Falobi, Project Manager, International Press Centre (IPC), serves SDNonline as Guest Writer/Executive Editor.
Lagos NGO, Sholly Serenity Place Receives State Government Award
By Tobi Oyetunde
The Sholly Serenity Place, a haven offering accommodation and multifaceted support to survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), has been recognized for its exceptional work by the Lagos State Government.
The shelter, run by the Shola Adefolalu Gaska Foundation, was recently awarded the “Most Responsive NGO” in the state at the Governor’s Award ceremony.
This recognition comes as a boost for the Foundation to do more, as the world commemorates the “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” (November 25 to December 10). The ceremony and award were part of the climax marking the ‘Domestic Violence Awareness Month’ by the State’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA).
The Sholly Serenity Place, also known as Sholly’s Safe Home, is a testament to the dedication of Bola Salt Essien-Nelson, who established the Shola Adefolalu Gaska Foundation in honor of late sister, Shola Gaska.
Driven by the mission to bring smiles to the faces of those in need, particularly women and children, the foundation has extended its reach far and wide. Since April 2017, their impactful initiatives have included providing monthly allowances to vulnerable women and families, rehabilitating a wheelchair-bound beggar, offering COVID-19 relief packages, and awarding academic scholarships.
“Our goal is to make the world a happier place, one smile at a time and since April 2017 we have done that in different ways: providing monthly allowances to vulnerable ladies and families for period ranging from six to 12 months; the rehabilitation of a wheel-chair bound beggar from the streets of Lagos Island back to his family home in Abeokuta and the provision of Covid-19 relief packages to several families in need every month since September 2020 to date. We have also awarded two academic scholarships”, said Mrs. Essien-Nelson.
In June 2021, the Foundation opened the doors of the Sholly Serenity Place, a safe home for vulnerable women and survivors of domestic abuse/violence. The shelter also known as Sholly’s Safe Home provides temporary accommodation and feeding totally free of cost for its residents. It seeks to create an enabling environment where residents feel loved and cared for in a way that re-ignites hope in them for their future.
“We pour out God’s love over our residents and as we take care of them, slowly but surely, their hope is restored. They are now able to think and work out their next steps with the NGO or Church that referred them to us. It is a thing of beauty to see the power of God’s love in action and while it is very emotionally demanding, the smiles we see on their faces after being with us for a while make it all worth it”, she added.
Betty Abah, a prominent women’s rights activist, commends the foundation’s efforts, calling them “God-sent.” She highlights the foundation’s unwavering support, not just through financial means but also through donations and collaboration with other shelters like Hearts of Hope, which Abah herself administers.
“The Shola Gaska Foundation has been of tremendous benefit to many of our women and children from day one. The support is indeed unquantifiable.
“Madam Salt has been one of our major pillars of support. She continues to be an amazing symbol of someone who took her lemons and turned to lemonade, benefiting countless people in the process. The award from the Lagos State Government is very much deserved. Our world is certainly better and more beautiful with people like Salt”, said Abah.
Essien-Nelson expressed her gratitude for the recognition and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration. “We look forward to greater collaboration as we continue in our service to the vulnerable members of our society, God helping us,” she affirmed.
Social Devt News (SDN) 