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Category: Good Governance

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Enugu State Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) Policy Validation

On December 16th and 17th, 2024, Enugu State made a historic leap in its commitment to gender equality by hosting a two-day validation workshop. The event, focused on refining the Enugu State Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) Policy and Action Plan, brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials, civil society organizations, and community leaders. The primary goal of the workshop was to align the WEE Policy with the state’s unique socio-economic realities and ensure it effectively addresses the barriers faced by women, particularly in rural areas.

The WEE Policy, developed by the South Saharan Social Development Organisation (SSDO) with support from the development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC) and in collaboration with the Enugu State Ministry of Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, is a groundbreaking framework aimed at breaking down barriers hindering women’s access to economic opportunities. The policy emphasizes critical areas such as employment, entrepreneurship, and leadership while also improving women’s access to education, healthcare, and addressing legal and cultural obstacles to their economic empowerment.

The first day of the workshop concentrated on a detailed review of the draft WEE Policy. Participants engaged in discussions, offering valuable feedback and suggestions to enhance the document’s relevance and effectiveness. Key areas of focus included identifying local challenges, understanding the socio-cultural and economic barriers that limit women’s participation in the economy, and addressing restricted access to financial services, inadequate vocational training opportunities, and limited control over agricultural tools and resources. Stakeholders also emphasized the importance of promoting inclusivity by ensuring that the policy addresses the needs of women across diverse demographics, including rural dwellers. The need to foster collaboration through robust partnerships among government bodies, non-governmental organizations, and private sector players to achieve the policy’s objectives was also highlighted.

During the workshop, the Enugu State Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, delivered an inspiring speech highlighting the vital role of women’s economic empowerment in achieving sustainable development and reducing poverty. She emphasized that empowering women economically is essential for the state’s growth, enabling them to contribute fully to the economy and improve their livelihoods.

Dr. Stanley Illechukwu, Executive Director of South Saharan Social Development Organisation (SSDO), reiterated that the WEE Policy aligns with SSDO’s mission of making development happen for women. He noted that the policy aims to address the unique challenges faced by women in Enugu State and focuses on improving their access to education, healthcare, and financial resources, allowing them to participate fully in the economy as entrepreneurs, employees, or consumers. Dr. Illechukwu also emphasized the policy’s commitment to addressing legal and cultural barriers to create an environment where women can thrive economically.

The second day shifted the focus to actionable steps for implementing the WEE Policy. Collaborative sessions were held to develop a comprehensive action plan. Participants worked together to set measurable goals, defining clear and achievable objectives to track the policy’s progress over time. They outlined specific roles for various government departments, civil society groups, and community leaders, assigning responsibilities to ensure accountability. Additionally, a phased timeline for implementation was proposed, providing a realistic and sustainable approach to rolling out the policy initiatives.

The discussions during the workshop culminated in several critical recommendations aimed at ensuring the WEE Policy’s success. Enhancing access to resources by addressing systemic barriers that prevent women from accessing agricultural tools, financial services, and vocational training was identified as a priority. Strengthening financial inclusion through targeted programs to increase women’s access to credit and savings opportunities was also emphasized.

Participants highlighted the importance of tackling socio-cultural barriers by launching awareness campaigns to challenge gender stereotypes and promote gender equity. Finally, the establishment of a robust framework to monitor and evaluate progress was deemed essential for regularly assessing the policy’s impact and making necessary adjustments.

As the workshop concluded, the focus shifted to the next steps. The feedback and insights gathered will be integrated into the final draft of the WEE Policy, which will then be submitted to the State Executive Council for approval. The official launch of the policy is scheduled for February 2025, marking a significant milestone in Enugu’s journey toward gender-inclusive economic development.

Enugu State’s commitment to women’s economic empowerment is a beacon of progress. By addressing the unique challenges faced by women and fostering a collaborative approach, the state is paving the way for sustainable and inclusive growth. With the WEE Policy as a guiding framework, women across Enugu State will have greater opportunities to thrive, contribute to their communities, and drive socio-economic transformation.

The validation workshop at Sylvia Hotel was more than just an event; it was a pivotal moment in Enugu State’s pursuit of gender equity. Through careful planning, stakeholder collaboration, and a focus on actionable strategies, the state is poised to set an example for others to follow. As February 2025 approaches, all eyes will be on Enugu, ready to witness the launch of a transformative policy that promises to empower women and foster economic prosperity for all.

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The National Anthem Bill; A Facade? 

On the 29th of May, 2024, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, passed the National Anthem Bill, a proposition to revert to the 1960 National Anthem into law. This means effective from now for official purposes, the “Nigeria We Hail Thee” tune will rent the airwaves in place of “Arise, O Compatriots.” 

Many questions come to mind as to the purpose of this reversal. Why now? To what end? What will it achieve? 

The “Nigeria We Hail Thee” anthem was written by Lilian Jean Williams and composed by Frances Berda, and one of the numerous criticisms it received before it was replaced was that foreigners created it. But 48 years after its change, it has now been passed into law as the newly recognized National Anthem.  

Senator Bamidele Opeyemi proposed the bill on the floor of the Senate while Hon. Julius Ihonbvere did same on the floor of the House of Representatives. Part of the reasons for the new bills is that it’s a better reflection of national unity and a better representation of the President’s vision. Some say the old anthem (Nigeria We Hail Thee) evokes a better sense of patriotism and that the new anthem somewhat reinforces the pain and struggles associated with the military era. 

However, amidst the present country’s economic woes and struggles, it begs the question if this is the right move. Inflation is eating deep into the country’s fabric. The purchasing power of the people is ever so drastically diminishing, and the elected officials who have the power to influence decisions choose to prioritize a matter that has little or no importance to the lives of Nigerians. With the pressing insecurity, you can’t help but wonder if this should be taking precedence in the country’s highest legislative body. 

Interestingly, it is worth noting that this bill passed the first, second, and third reading on the same day, Thursday, last week. If the legislative arm can swing into action on a matter with such speed, precision, and emphasis, why then do more pressing bills that have a direct bearing on the people take weeks or months before being passed?  

Case in point, The Not Too Young Too Run Bill was proposed to the Senate in 2016, approved in 2017, and signed into law in 2018. The Petroleum Industry Bill has been in and out since 2008 before being passed in 2019. The Electoral Amendment Bill was passed in 2022 since 2010 after three major elections in between. The Police Reform Bill has also been proposed to the legislative arms at different times but finally got approved in 2019. 

On the other hand, one can say this move shows zero consideration for the public. With how quickly it was proposed and passed, there was little to no consultation and zero regard for public opinion. If there is anything that Nigerians have a sentimental bias for, and for right reason, it is the National Anthem. Over 50 percent of the country’s current population was born into the dispensation of the “Arise O Compatriots” anthem. To take that away from them on the grounds that the older one has more appeal and signifies better national unity doesn’t seem a good enough reason. 

But more concerning is that seeing how little to no regard is given to the public’s input in matters of such sentimental weight, how much more when it comes to more pressing issues? The legislative arm is supposed to give enough time for the public to opine their view on bills before they are passed. But with the way this was expedited and passed, what will be the hope of the masses for more weightier matters? 

Then you can’t help but wonder if there isn’t a flaw in the legislative process and room for public hearings. The National Assembly is at the FCT and when there are public hearings, how many people can attend? Should the legislative bodies not look to leverage technology to improve inclusivity in its process? Surely they’ve been selected to be the mouthpiece of the people on critical matters, but one man cannot speak or accurately represent the voice of his senatorial constituency without neglecting the desires of a good majority. 

Some other schools of thought see this move by the government as a grand PR scheme to deviate and take the people’s attention from a holistic evaluation of the performance of this government in the past year in office. The country’s inflation rate rose to 33 percent in April 2024 and the food inflation rate jumped to 40 percent. A major cause of food inflation is the insecurity the country has been facing. Farmers are scared to go to the farms as there’s been a rise in killings, abductions, and kidnappings, especially in the hinterlands. 

Major multinational corporations have stopped operations in the country due to the high cost of operations and difficulties in breaking even caused by the current foreign exchange and devaluation of the naira. Nigerians’ purchasing power has been reduced. People earn the same but can buy less. The country’s production level is shrinking on a daily and something needs to be done about this quickly. Maybe if the current government is taking strides to actively solve these issues and the legislative bodies are not pandering to pass the National Anthem Bill, then Nigerians would have little worry about a sentimental bill. 

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Tackling Insecurity and Human Rights Violation in South East Nigeria

South Saharan Social Development Organization participated in the launch of the report “Unveiling the Roots of Insecurity, Healing the Wounds of Human Rights Violations in Southeast Nigeria: A Path Towards Peace, Open Democratic Space, and a Prosperous Future” 

The report was published by the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) in partnership with the Action Group on Free Civic Space (AGFCS). Some of the recommendations of the report include:

– The government should shift focus from using the military to the police force to maintain law and order in civilian areas. 

– High priority should be given to Police reform. 

– A robust security plan should be developed. 

– The government should uphold the socioeconomic and cultural rights of people in the southeast. 

– Improve investigation of human rights abuse in communities by leveraging vigilante groups. 

– Hold vigilante groups accountable and ensure they operate within the confines of the law. 

– Incorporate human rights training for all levels of policing.

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SSDO BECOMES A FOUNDING MEMBER OF THE ENUGU STATE DONOR COORDINATION COMMITTEE 

South Saharan Social Development Organisation, SSDO, was nominated as a worthy member of the Enugu State Donor Coordination Committee. At the inaugural meeting, Dr. Stanley Ilechukwu, SSDO’s Executive Director reiterated the organization’s commitment to align its key projects with the state’s priorities in an effort to optimize resource allocation. This will help limit overlaps, waste, underutilization of resources, and enhance desired development outcomes set forth by each of the donor agencies. 

The committee would help to provide strategic guidance and oversight for donor-funded initiatives, ensure alignment of donor activities with the state’s development priorities and plans. The committee will also foster synergy and avoid duplication of efforts among donor agencies and partners, and assist in monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness and impact of donor-funded projects. 

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ENUGU STATE 2022-2024 BUDGET PROJECT TRACKING & MONITORING ACTIVITIES IN SPA COMMUNITIES

On the pathway to behavior change, it is not enough to implement project activities and hope for the best. It is important to monitor and evaluate implementation at all stages. This helps improve evidence-based decision-making, improved performance, better resource allocation, quality assurance, real-time learning, and long-term sustainability. 

Following the budget tracking and monitoring training conducted under the Strategic Partnership Agreement Project II, the youths have identified key capital projects in the Enugu state 2022 – 2024 budget earmarked for their respective LGAs (Aninri, Enugu South, Igbo-Eze North, and Isi-Uzo). 

The youths who are members of the Community Accountability Committees from the four LGAs have embarked on the capital project monitoring and successfully identified these projects and their current states. The committees have also proceeded to send their monitoring reports to their respective LGA Chairmen. The report findings will also be presented to the community members and stakeholders during the LGA town hall meeting.

Here’s a breakdown of the capital projects and their current status: 

ANINRI

  1. Okpanku Market Stall and Oduma Achara Culvert:

The Okpanku market has a long building with 16 shops. The culvert leads to farm clusters in Oduma Achara community.

It was observed that only four market stall at Okpanku is functional. The culvert leading to farm clusters at Oduma Achara is incomplete.

  1.  Ike River Bridge in Aninri LGA:

The Ike River bridge in Aninri LGA has been completed.

  1. Type III Primary Health Care Facilities:

Construction of type III Primary Health Care facilities in Oji River, Awgu, and Aninri LGAs has commenced but is incomplete. The buildings lack doors and gates.

  1. FGN/IFAD Value Chain Development Programme:

Support for the FGN/IFAD Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) for rice and cassava in Udenu, Isi Uzo, Nkanu East, Enugu East, and Aninri LGAs has been completed. However, the machinery is non-functional due to a lack of maintenance.

  1.  3-Span Bridge Across Ike River:

The construction of the 3-span Bridge across Ike River at Amegbu, Agbada Nenwe, Aninri LGA, Enugu State, has been completed.

  1. Command Technical School, Mpu:

The upgrading and equipping of the Command Technical School in Mpu has been completed.

IGBO-EZE NORTH LGA

a.    Construction of Cottage Hospital with Isolation Wing

The Cottage Hospital with an Isolation Wing is incomplete. It lacks electrical wiring, rendering it non-functional for medical purposes. 

b.    Construction of Amenity Building in Enugu Ezike General Hospital

Some of the construction materials used in both projects appear to be substandard. This could compromise the longevity and safety of the structures.

ISI-UZO LGA

a.    Completion of the construction of reinforced concrete culverts and drainage channels – spot improvement/connectivity at Eha-Amufu – Ikem road, Isi-uzo LGA

The concrete and drainage channels earmarked for the road have been abandoned. It’s difficult for motorists to ply the Ikem – Eha-Amufu road during the rainy season, thereby discouraging farmers from engaging in commercial agriculture. FCE Eha-Amufu staff are forced to work late, especially during the rainy season. Vehicles are often trapped due to the bad road. 

b.    Completion of the construction of type 3 primary health care center in Isi-Uzo LGA

This project has been completed.

c.    Construction of rice market with stores/aggregation centres at Adani rice market and Isu cassava market of Uzo Uwani and Isi-Uzo LGA respectively

The project is yet to commence. 

d.    Fund for agricultural development (FGN/IFAD) of the value chain (VCDP) for rice and cassava in Udenu, Isi-Uzo, Nkanu East, Enugu East, Aninri LGA.

The project is yet to commence. 

ENUGU SOUTH

a. Completion of the perimeter fence and landscaping construction at Eze and Onwudiwe parks, Uwani, Enugu South LGA, Enugu state.

The foundation of the perimeter fence and landscaping at Eze and Onwudiwe parks, Uwani, has been completed, and 3 trips of sand were sighted in the vicinity, but no work was ongoing. It is currently uncompleted. 

b. Completion of the reconstruction of a section of Awkunanaw street-Etudo Achara layout, Enugu South LGA.

This project has been completed.

c. Rehabilitation of Agbani road-police college -Gariki flyover (By Port Harcourt expressway).

This project has been completed.

d. Furnishing of the Magistrate Court Building, 1×8 courtrooms block A and B at Enugu South.

This project has been completed.

This initiative aimed to promote youth participation, transparency, and accountability in budgetary allocations and project implementation. SSDO team also embarked on monitoring and advocacy visits to the community stakeholders and LGA Chairmen. An LGA focal person was part of the monitoring exercise to ensure transparency. This project monitoring will help trigger duty bearers and decision-makers to take action on uncompleted or abandoned projects.