As Nigeria struggles with rising economic challenges, inflation, and insecurity, vulnerable groups—especially children, women, and rural communities—continue to bear the brunt. Addressing these pressing concerns requires immediate and sustained action, particularly in sectors such as child protection, women’s economic empowerment, public health, and good governance.
At South Saharan Social Development Organization (SSDO), we are stepping up to the challenge through strategic interventions aimed at driving sustainable development and advocating for marginalized communities. This quarter, our work has focused on tackling exploitative child domestic work, empowering women through advocacy and capacity building, promoting sanitation and hygiene, addressing the digital divide among rural youth, and improving governance and accountability in the state.
We invite you to explore our efforts and success stories as we continue to work with key stakeholders to build a more equitable and resilient future for all.
SSDO Hosts Strategic Partnership Agreement II Project Donors
Over two impactful days, the South Saharan Social Development Organization (SSDO) welcomed its esteemed donors from ActionAid Nigeria and Mellemfolkeligt Samvirke / ActionAid Denmark. The visit was a significant opportunity to discuss our ongoing efforts around youth empowerment, climate change, and good governance, and to review the progress of the Strategic Partnership Agreement II (SPA II) project.
On the first day, the conversations centered on youth engagement, climate change initiatives, and the promotion of good governance. This initial meeting was crucial for aligning our objectives and ensuring that our efforts are impactful and sustainable.
On the second day, our donors engaged directly with youths from various project communities. These young individuals enthusiastically shared how the SPA II project has expanded their perspectives and empowered them to take decisive actions in areas such as budget tracking, project monitoring, advocacy, and climate change initiatives.
In addition to engaging with the youth, the team also had the opportunity to meet with key government officials. Visits to the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Barr. Lloyd Ike Ekweremadu Jr., and the Commissioner for Environment, Professor Sam Ugwu, allowed for in-depth discussions about their work and policies that can benefit youth and bolster climate change responses in Enugu State.
SSDO Organizes High-Level Meeting To Tackle Exploitative Child Domestic Work In South East Nigeria
Research by The Freedom Fund shows that 89% of children work in conditions that violate one or more of the Child Rights Act and 35 % enter domestic work before the age of 10. Studies from the International Labour Organization show that Southeast Nigeria has the highest percentage of child labour in the country at 49.9 %. All these further indicate how serious this challenge is and the need to take action.
Understanding the severity of this issue, South Saharan Social Development Organization, SSDO, in collaboration with the Enugu State Ministry of Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development organized a high-level meeting to tackle exploitative child domestic work in southeast Nigeria. The meeting was an avenue to discuss actionable solutions and develop a structured framework for interstate collaboration on exploitative child domestic work and broader child protection measures.
The meeting saw key stakeholders including Commissioners of Gender, Police, Justice, and State House Committee Chairmen on Gender from states around the southeast deliberate and proffer solutions to curbing exploitative Child Domestic Work in the region. There was also a breakout session that enabled participants to brainstorm solutions that will be developed into a communique and form a road map for improved care for children.
Aside from the research listed above that formed the basis for the conversation, SSDO also unveiled its research work, “Child Domestic Work in Southeast Nigeria: Legal Frameworks and Policy Recommendations” which highlighted flaws in legislations and marquee areas for capacity strengthening especially in the judicial sector regarding CDWs in southeast Nigeria.
Empowering Women Through Advocacy and Capacity Building: Success Stories From Ibute-Nze, Awha-Ndiagu, and Affa-Amofia
After the successful establishment of the VSLA groups in Ibute-Nze and Awha-Ndiagu community, the Sister Guardian Initiative project team conducted a monitoring visit to the communities. This provided a valuable opportunity to mentor the newly established group and assist in the drafting of their constitution.
Beyond the VSLA monitoring, the team monitored the initiative’s progress, build the capacity of the Sister Guardians, and conduct a need assessment evaluation to strengthen the initiative in the target communities.
During the visit to Ibute-Nze, it was discovered that the women had challenges with harvesting their farm produce as they were constantly being harassed by community nuisances. The Gender Program Lead sensitized them on how to conduct advocacy to community leaders and decision-makers. This was done and has helped to curb the harassment.
In Awha-Ndiagu, the women were supported to champion an advocacy effort for the rehabilitation of the community health center and school hall of Community Secondary School Awha-Ndiagu. Because of the state of the school hall, the final year students couldn’t write their WAEC examinations in the school. Read more.
SSDO, Caritas Nigeria Organizes Community Tuberculosis Review Meeting
South Saharan Social Development Organization in partnership with Caritas Nigeria on The Global Fund (GC7) project held the first semester Community-Based Organizations’ (CBOs) Public-Private Mix Performance Review meeting in Enugu State.
The meeting aimed at assessing the performance of partner CBOs in tuberculosis case-finding and HIV testing for presumed pregnant women within the 17 project local government areas (LGA). The gathering was also a platform to provide program updates and clarify grey areas across the CBOs.
Partner organizations made presentations that addressed the issues on weekly and monthly reports, clients’ samples, tuberculosis case-finding, linkage data per LGA covered, and digital reporting tools like Comm TB and mWater applications.
SSDO, Caritas Nigeria Organizes Field Visit to Two Communities in Imo State
South Saharan Social Development Organization in partnership with The Caritas Nigeria team, held a 2-day field visit to two communities in Imo State from July 17 to 18, 2024, to monitor the implementation of the Families Matter Program (FMP), which cuts across two project communities: Umuogii community (Owerri North LGA) and Umoko community (Onuimo LGA).
The team first visited the traditional rulers of the two communities to seek their cooperation in the FMP implementation. Afterwards, our team, along with a few of the traditional chiefs, visited the FMP cohorts’ sessions, where they witnessed the impact of the program. Some mothers testified they had been empowered with better parenting skills.
FMP, funded by The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through CDC, seeks to reduce sexual risky behaviors among adolescents, promote positive parenting, and improve parent-child communication about sexuality and sexual risk reduction, including the risk of child sexual abuse and gender-based violence.
Empowering Future Leaders: #YelloCare2024 Initiative in Enugu State
South Saharan Social Development Organization in partnership with MTN Nigeria and the Post Primary School Management Board collaborated to bring the #YelloCare2024 initiative to Enugu State.
The initiative to honor its 30th anniversary, is a 30-day campaign aimed at promoting education for rural communities. The campaign under the theme, “Learn Today, Lead Tomorrow” aims to provide learning resources to students.
The team visited two schools in Enugu state: Community Secondary School, Iji-Nike and Community Secondary School, Ugwuogo Nike. Students participated in a quiz competition and were awarded fantastic prizes:
– 100 backpacks.
– Text books (English and Mathematics)
– Work books
– Notebooks
– Mathematical sets
SSDO is committed to improving the quality of education in Enugu state and Nigeria at large.
SSDO Participates in Enugu State Climate Policy Inception Meeting
South Saharan Social Development Organization participated in the Inception Meeting and Stakeholders Engagement for Enugu State Climate Policy and Action Plan. The meeting was an avenue for key stakeholders from government agencies, businesses, civil societies, and youth groups to discuss the domestication of the National climate strategies at the state level.
The goal is to develop a scientific-based climate policy and action plan that will help the state in transforming towards a green economy. This collaborative effort would ensure that women, children, and people living with disability who are disproportionately affected by the action of climate change will be prioritized through mitigation and adaptation measures.
SSDO’s youth accountability group, Community Accountability Committee, represented by Uchechukwu Godswill, participated in the meeting as one of the invited youth groups representing the community, where they highlighted climate change challenges from the rural community’s perspective.
Empowering Communities For Better Sanitation
In a remarkable display of community collaboration and dedication to improving public health, the South Saharan Social Development Organization (SSDO), in partnership with WaterAid Nigeria, has successfully established and trained a Toilet Committee in Ogrute, Igboeze North LGA. This initiative marks a significant step forward in promoting hygiene behavioral change and improved sanitation practices within the community.
The first day of the event commenced with a crucial meeting involving key community stakeholders, including the Igwe of Ogrute, the LGA Chairman, and Market Executives. The meeting, facilitated by the State Team Lead (STL) of WaterAid, focused on the handover of the newly established toilet facility to the community and the selection of a five-member Toilet Committee.
The second day was dedicated to the comprehensive training of the Toilet Committee members. The training session began with an opening prayer led by the Igboeze North WASH Coordinator, followed by introductions from all attendees. The SSDO WASH Program Associate led insightful sessions on these topics, ensuring the committee members were well-equipped to handle their new responsibilities. Read more.
Hygiene Behavior Change Campaign at Mboshi Community
South Saharan Social Development Organization, in partnership with WaterAid Nigeria, organized a community engagement event under the Latter-Day Saints Charity Project (LDSC) III. The project’s goal is to improve access to clean water and hygienic sanitation in communities of Enugu state.
The event marked the fourth phase of the Hygiene Behavioral Change (HBC) campaign, a crucial component of the larger LDSC III project. The campaign took place at the Community Primary School Mboshi-Aji, with active participation from various demographics within the community.
During the community event, hygiene behavioral change jingles were broadcasted via a public address system to promote sensitization and adoption of improved hygiene practices among community members. It was an avenue to teach hygiene education. This encompassed proper handwashing techniques, practices, and sanitation and waste management.
Green Skills Boost Internship Program Underway in Enugu State
Plastic waste is a growing global concern, with millions of tons of plastic ending up in landfills, oceans, and the environment annually. In Nigeria, 32 million tons of waste are generated annually, of which 2.5 million tons are plastic. Specifically, in Enugu State, plastic waste is a significant contributor to environmental pollution, clogging waterways and posing health risks to communities.
In response to this pressing challenge, the South Saharan Social Development Organization (SSDO), in partnership with ActionAid Nigeria, organized the Green Skills Boost Workshop and Internship program. This initiative addresses the dual challenges of youth unemployment and environmental degradation by equipping young people with the knowledge and skills to venture into the plastic recycling and upcycling sector.
To ensure the sustainability and impact of the initiative, participants are now placed on a one-month internship program with leading recycling and upcycling companies in Enugu State. This hands-on experience allows the youth to apply their newly acquired skills in real-world settings, further reinforcing their training and empowering them to make a tangible impact in their communities. Read more.
SSDO, WaterAid Organizes WASHCOM Peer Review Meeting
South Saharan Social Development Organization in partnership with WaterAid Nigeria and the Enugu State Ministry of Water Resources organized a two-day peer review exercise for Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Committees (WASHCOMs) in its project communities.
The aim of the exercise was to evaluate and enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of WASHCOMs through peer review, fostering knowledge exchange, identifying best practices, and recommending improvements for sustainable management and community engagement in WASH initiatives.
Discussions centered around water user fees, facility management, utility repairs. proper hygiene as well as the development of a sustainability plan to guarantee the longevity of the water schemes.
Inauguration Ceremony of the Enugu Technical Working Group for the Development of the Women’s Economic Empowerment Policy
Research from the World Economic Forum Global Gender Gap Report shows that Nigeria ranks 130th on the Global Gap index. World Bank Statistics also revealed that there were only 34% women-owned businesses compared to 66% of men.
Understanding this challenge, South Saharan Social Development Organization in partnership with development Research and Projects Centre and the Enugu State Government is working to facilitate the process to domesticate the National Women Economic Empowerment Policy for Enugu State.
The national policy provides a robust template for meeting the needs of vulnerable women and provides a strong planning tool for coordination and allows the state to bring women-focused programs, projects and activities under-one-roof, hence the need for domestication.
To this effect, yesterday kickstarted this key chapter for women empowerment with an inauguration ceremony of the Technical Working Group.
The meeting saw key stakeholders from the Ministry of Child, Gender, and Social Development, Enugu State Bureau of Statistics, Ministry of Trade and Investment among others form the crux of the technical working group.
Enugu State Youth Policy: A Collaborative Step Forward
In a bid to address the pressing challenges faced by the youth of Enugu State, the South Saharan Social Development Organization (SSDO), in partnership with ActionAid Nigeria, has been working closely with the Enugu State Government to develop a comprehensive Youth Policy. This initiative is designed to place young people at the center of the state’s development process, creating an enabling environment for their growth and empowerment.
Following the successful completion of the first draft of the Enugu State Youth Policy, a second review meeting of the Technical Working Group (TWG) was convened on August 9, 2024. This meeting brought together key stakeholders from various sectors, all committed to refining the policy to better address the needs of Enugu’s burgeoning youth population.
The policy aims to address critical issues such as unemployment, poor access to education, insecurity, and inequality. By placing the youth at the center of development processes, the policy seeks to create an enabling environment that will allow young people to thrive, contribute to the state’s growth, and build a prosperous future for themselves and their communities. Read on.
Bridging the Digital Divide: SSDO’s International Youth Day Commemoration
In Nigeria, approximately half of the population has access to the internet, but this connectivity is predominantly concentrated in urban areas. This leaves our rural regions at a significant disadvantage, especially when it comes to accessing the digital skills necessary for economic and social advancement.
To tackle this pressing issue, South Saharan Social Development Organization, in partnership with ActionAid Nigeria, hosted a Peer Learning Session on “Empowering Youth Through Digital Innovation” in Ihenyi Community, Isi-Uzo LGA. The event was part of our 2024 International Youth Day commemoration.
Through sessions on e-commerce, social media marketing, and WhatsApp Business, we provided young people with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in a digital world. By bridging the digital divide between urban and rural youth, we are fostering inclusive development and empowering the next generation to achieve sustainable progress.
SSDO Commemorates August Meeting in Eke Community
The Mother’s Congress, popularly known as August Meeting in Igbo land, is a time when Igbo women from the cities and diaspora return to lend helping hands to their communities. They embark on projects to improve healthcare, peacebuilding, and educate the community.
To show solidarity in projecting and supporting the roles women play in family and community development, South Saharan Social Development Organization, SSDO, through her Sister Guardian Initiative project, visited Eke community, Udi LGA, to commemorate this year’s August meeting with them.
SSDO Gender and Protection Programme Lead, Blessing Uchendu, built the capacity of the women on causes and effects of domestic violence against women and girls, how to report it, where to report it and how to follow it up. The team used the medium to create and intensify awareness of women’s rights and the law.
Other pressing issues discussed during the capacity-building event include economic empowerment, political inclusion, violence against women, female genital mutilation, and advocacy. The team also sensitized the women on how to leverage Jacob’s Well platform to grow their businesses.
Supporting Community Health and Raising Tuberculosis Awareness in Enugu
South Saharan Social Development Organization partnered with the students from the Department of Nursing Sciences, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, during their community health outreach to commemorate Ogui Nike Health Day.
The Ogui Nike Health Day, organized by the nursing students, was centered around the theme: “Wellness Through Personal and Environmental Hygiene.” This theme resonates deeply with SSDO’s health initiatives, which aim to equip communities with the knowledge and resources needed to live healthier lives. Recognizing the importance of this event, SSDO joined hands with these future healthcare professionals to make a meaningful impact.
As part of our contribution, SSDO provided essential tuberculosis (TB) testing services. Tuberculosis remains a significant health challenge in Nigeria, and early detection is crucial in managing and controlling its spread. Our team was on the ground to ensure that community members received accurate testing and that those who required further care were directed to appropriate health facilities. Read more.
SSDO Organizes Youth Consultative Forum on the Enugu State Climate Change Policy and Action Plan
Climate change poses a growing threat globally, with Enugu State facing its share of challenges, including altered rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, and increased flooding. These issues have severe implications for food security, public health, and livelihoods, demanding urgent and effective solutions, especially for youths.
Understanding the importance of the youth as the vibrant demographic who are also one of the most exposed to the effects of climate change, South Saharan Social Development Organization (SSDO), in collaboration with the Enugu State Ministry of Environment & Climate Change, ActionAid Nigeria, and Society for Planet and Prosperity, organized a Youth Consultative Forum on the Enugu State Climate Change Policy & Action Plan.
The event brought together youths from different spectrums: community youths, youth founders, youths in civil society organizations, and youths in tech and the private sector to provide valuable insights and recommendations for the development of a climate-resilient policy.
The forum featured discussions, breakout sessions, and a plenary where participants shared their perspectives and proposed solutions that reflect the concerns of young people, who are the most affected by climate change. Read more.
SSDO Organizes Stakeholder Engagement on Enugu State Youth Policy
South Saharan Social Development Organization (SSDO), in collaboration with Enugu State Ministry of Youth and Sports and ActionAid Nigeria, facilitated a critical Stakeholder Engagement on the Enugu State Youth Policy today. This event is a significant step in the broader process of developing a youth policy that is inclusive, context-specific, and aligned with the needs of Enugu State’s youth.
The event was graced by the Honorable Commissioner for Youths & Sports, Barr. Lloyd Ike Ekweremadu Jr, who provided the opening remarks, gave an overview of the policy’s significance, and was on hand to respond to stakeholders’ inquiry.
Participants at the stakeholder engagement were pulled from a diverse background of youths from the 17 LGAs in the state, state representatives of the National Youth Council, persons with disabilities, youths in civil society organizations among others to ensure inclusion and a well-rounded policy that speaks to the need of the youths of Enugu State. Read on.
Strengthening Partnerships: Ford Foundation’s Visit to SSDO
In September, we were honored to welcome our esteemed donors from the Ford Foundation to our headquarters in Enugu. This visit marked a significant milestone in our partnership, providing an invaluable opportunity to discuss the impactful work we are doing and the broader context in which we operate.
The discussions during the visit were wide-ranging, covering key areas that are central to our mission: gender equality, youth empowerment, climate change, and good governance. We highlighted our ongoing projects such as the Sister Guardian Initiative, the Community Partnership for the Elimination of Violence aimed at empowering women, reducing gender-based violence, and promoting economic opportunities for women and girls. Also, our work to domesticate the National Women Economic Empowerment Policy and create more opportunities for women.
One of the key outcomes of the visit was the opportunity for our donors to gain a deeper understanding of the context in which we work. After an insightful meeting at South Saharan Social Development Organization (SSDO), our team, alongside representatives from the Ford Foundation, paid a courtesy visit to the Commissioner for Children, Gender & Social Development. Read on.
SSDO Conducts Micro-Credit Verification Exercise to Empower Women and Cooperatives
In many communities, women are largely dependent on their spouses for their financial needs. This dependence is one reason why women fail to report gender-based violence. They fear they’d lose their financial support and become stranded.
Understanding these peculiar challenges, South Saharan Social Development Organization empowers them to be financially independent, thus reducing poverty and dependency. One such way we do this is through Jacob’s Well micro-credit scheme. SSDO makes loans available to women in a cooperative at low-interest rates to start or sustain their businesses.
The organization empowers these women and cooperatives with no collateral required leveraging the social trust within the cooperative mechanism to ensure compliance across the board.
Before these loans are issued, a comprehensive verification and evaluation exercise is conducted to ascertain the credibility and functionality of the business. Recently, our Jacob’s Well project officer, Stella Ani, visited 71 business locations in August and September 2024 to verify new loan applicants’ businesses and evaluate the progress of previous loan recipients.
Empowering Election Observers: SSDO Lead the Charge in Enugu
South Saharan Social Development Organization, in collaboration with ActionAid Nigeria, just concluded a 2-day training for election observers ahead of the upcoming 2024 Enugu State Local Government Area Elections.
This comprehensive training equipped participants with the essential skills and knowledge needed for effective election observation, ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections.
The sessions covered critical topics including:
– Electoral processes and best practices.
– Observing electoral processes.
– Reporting procedures for election observations.
– Ensuring voter rights and participation.
Participants actively engaged in interactive discussions and assessments aimed at preparing them to uphold the integrity of the elections. We are proud to empower a new generation of civic-minded leaders dedicated to promoting democracy and good governance.
SSDO Organizes Groundbreaking Stakeholder Engagement for the Enugu State 2024 LGA Elections
We are proud to have successfully hosted the Stakeholder Engagement on the Enugu State 2024 Local Government Area (LGA) Elections, in collaboration with ActionAid Nigeria. The event brought together critical stakeholders from security outfits, political parties, media, and relevant government agencies.
The stakeholder engagement was an avenue for various political parties to sign the peace accord ahead of the elections, a first of its kind in Enugu State. The Enugu State Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, reassured citizens of their readiness to maintain peace and protect voter rights.
Professor Christian Ngwu, Chairman of the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC), discussed the commission’s preparedness for the upcoming elections, emphasizing transparency and fairness. Key dignitaries, including the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) and traditional rulers, were present to lend their support. Read more.
Refining the Path to Women’s Economic Empowerment
The ongoing effort to improve the economic empowerment of women in Enugu State reached another significant milestone yesterday with the successful third meeting of the Technical Working Group (TWG) for the domestication of the National Women Economic Empowerment (WEE) Policy.
The meeting hosted by South Saharan Social Development Organization (SSDO) in partnership with the development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC) and the Enugu State Government, served as a critical step in the policy development process.
The focus of the third meeting was the review of the first draft of the WEE policy document. Members of the TWG, drawn from key sectors such as the Ministry of Child, Gender, and Social Development, the Enugu State Bureau of Statistics, and the Ministry of Trade and Investment, came together to offer valuable input, refining the draft to ensure it addresses the most pressing needs of women in the state. Read on.
Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance: SSDO’s Role in Grassroots Interventions
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) has emerged as a global health threat, posing serious risks to healthcare systems, economies, and communities, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. In response, South Saharan Social Development Organization (SSDO), in collaboration with key stakeholders, recently participated in a public engagement event focusing on “Grassroots Interventions for Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and Antibiotic Stewardship”.
The event served as a platform to raise awareness about the growing danger of AMR and explore community-driven solutions to mitigate its impact. AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to resist the effects of medications, making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness, and death.
Our Executive Director, Stanley Ilechukwu M.D, delivered an insightful speech on the vital role of NGOs in combating AMR. He emphasized the need for:
– Strong government policies to prevent self-medication and misdiagnosis.
– Continuous awareness and education about responsible antibiotic use.
– Capacity-building programs for drug vendors to encourage testing before drug purchases.
– Leveraging health insurance to ensure access to professional medical care. Read on.
Enugu LGA Elections: Guaranteeing Transparency and Accountability
We understand that transparency and accountability are the cornerstones of a credible electoral process. Understanding this, South Saharan Social Development Organization (SSDO), in collaboration with ActionAid Nigeria, played its part to ensure the Enugu LGA elections are fair, transparent, and credible.
We ran a situation room to monitor proceedings in partnership with the election observers trained across the 17 LGAs in the state. With the field observers, we were able to monitor happenings and get real-time reports on happenings in different LGAs. Thus helping us to provide real-time analysis and evidence-based reporting of the elections. In appropriate situations, we were able to escalate critical incidents and draw the attention of the security agencies to those areas.
As a good governance focused NGO, we are focused on upholding transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in the election process. Thus facilitating an environment where democracy, human rights, and the voices of marginalised communities are prioritized.
Transforming Communities Through Clean Water and Sanitation: Mboshi WASH Project Commissioning
We are excited to announce that South Saharan Social Development Organization (SSDO), in partnership with WaterAid and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, successfully commissioned and handed over critical water and sanitation facilities to the Mboshi-Aji and Eke-Ozzi communities in Igboeze North LGA, Enugu State, on September 26, 2024.
These initiatives mark a major step forward in addressing the urgent needs of underserved communities, improving public health, and promoting gender equity. The commissioned projects include:
🚰 A 20,000-liter motorized borehole at Mboshi-Aji, providing safe drinking water to hundreds of families.
🚻 Two female-friendly toilet blocks at Eke Ozzi Market, designed to improve sanitation and safety for women and girls.
🌞 A solar-powered motorized borehole at Eke Ozzi Market, ensuring continuous access to clean water through renewable energy.
This partnership showcases how collaboration between government, civil society, and community members can drive positive change. The project not only provides access to clean water but also empowers communities to take ownership of their facilities, ensuring long-term sustainability. Read on.