Nigeria has had to grapple with an unexpected increase in Cholera cases in the last few weeks. A situation report from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) indicates over 1000 suspected cases, across 31 states. As part of our ongoing efforts to combat the Cholera Outbreak in Nigeria, AYGF recently took the awareness campaign to LEA 1 Wuse Zone 2. The team engaged with over 100 pupils, emphasizing the critical importance of handwashing, and other ways to prevent the spread of cholera.. Handwashing with soap can significantly reduce the transmission of cholera and other infectious diseases. It’s one of the simplest yet most effective measures to prevent the spread of germs. By educating children, we are empowering the next generation to adopt healthy habits that can protect their families and communities.
Why a Free Press is Our Lifeline in the Face of Environmental Crisis: AYGF Marks World Press Freedom Day
Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993, Press Freedom Day commemorates the freedom of the press and pays homage to journalists who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. Celebrated every 3rd of May, World Press Freedom Day commemorates the Windhoek Declaration, a cornerstone document advocating for free press and independent journalism. Journalists encounter significant challenges in seeking and disseminating information on contemporary issues, such as supply chain problems, climate migration, extractive industries, illegal mining, pollution, poaching, animal trafficking, deforestation, or climate change. This year, World Press Freedom Day is dedicated to the importance of journalism and freedom of expression in the context of the current global environmental crisis. Ensuring the visibility of these issues is crucial for promoting peace and democratic values worldwide. Local and international journalists play a vital role in exposing the harsh realities of the environmental crisis. They act as watchdogs, promoting peace and democratic values while ensuring the protection of vulnerable communities, particularly women and girls, who are disproportionately impacted by climate change. Misinformation surrounding environmental issues can be detrimental. It can hinder public support for climate action, weaken effective environmental policies, and leave vulnerable communities exposed. Accurate, timely, and comprehensive reporting on environmental issues and potential solutions is vital to achieving sustainable development. However, ensuring a free press requires action: Preventing and protecting journalists from violence and intimidation. Upholding the right to freedom of expression, scientific research, and access to information. Combating misinformation through responsible journalism. Over the years in Nigeria, the press has faced peculiar challenges that make it difficult for journalists to practice their profession freely and without fear. Journalists in Nigeria are frequently subjected to harassment, intimidation, and violence, especially when they report on sensitive issues like corruption, human rights abuses, insecurity, and climate issues. In some cases, journalists have been arrested, detained, and tortured for doing their job. The Nigerian press also faces economic challenges as many media organisations need help to stay afloat in a difficult economic environment such as is prevalent in the country presently. This has led to a decline in the quality of journalism, as media organisations prioritize revenue generation over quality reporting. Many journalists are also poorly paid and lack access to training and resources to improve their skills. It is important, that the welfare of the media considering the risk they take in the line of duty should be of utmost importance at all times as the fourth estate of the realm. Also, Promoting Media and Information Literacy programs is crucial for the development of any nation especially in the face of misinformation and disinformation. These programs equip users with the skills to critically evaluate information in the digital age, further supporting a free and informed public. A free press is not a luxury in the face of the environmental crisis; it’s a lifeline. By supporting a free press, we empower journalists to expose environmental threats, hold authorities accountable, and pave the way for a sustainable future. To achieve sustainable development, journalists must report accurately, timely, and comprehensively on environmental issues and their consequences, as well as on possible solutions. Let’s celebrate World Press Freedom Day by advocating for a free press and media literacy – it’s our planet’s future at stake.
Today’s Interconnected World
In today’s interconnected world, where barriers often separate us, we’re invited to embrace a profound idea. It’s the notion that, irrespective of our backgrounds, our voices are essential. Together, we possess the power to shape a world that’s more just, inclusive, and harmonious. Join the conversation, because this world belongs to all of us, collectively. Kudos to @dheeyerh, our Youth Ambassador for delivering this beautiful message. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hk_rcJjHmbs
AYGF and IPCR MOU
AYGF signs a new MOU with Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution @ipcr.ng. This marks a significant step towards collaboration in peace building and conflict resolution. Together, we aim to build bridges, break down barriers, and pave the way for a brighter and more harmonious future.
AYGF Food Exhibition
AYGF present at the Ready to Use Therapeutic Food Exhibition organized by @usaid. The team exhibited complimentary feed designed during the innovation training.The primary aim of this feed is to contribute to the effective management of malnutrition. This event provided an opportunity for AYGF to showcase their efforts and commitment towards addressing malnutrition challenges.
Innovation Project
AYGF Kogi State implemented an innovation project in 4 local government areas. The project’s primary goal was to enhance the well-being of children by providing them with proper nutrition through the creation of complimentary feed. Together, we’re nurturing a healthier tomorrow, one child at a time!
NG-CARES Methodology Harmonization Workshop
The NG-CARES Methodology Harmonization Workshop for Third Party Monitors Consultants spanned two days. On the first day, the Third-Party Monitors (TPM) presented their findings on the Inception Report and shared their strategies for executing their projects. Representatives from the World Bank, Federal Cares Support Unit (FCSU), and Bank of Industry (BOI) provided feedback and suggested adjustments to the presentations. The projects were categorized into three result areas, each further divided into six Disbursement Link Indicators (DLIs) – DLI (1.1), (1.2), (1.3), DLI (2.1), (2.2), (2.3), DLI (3.1), (3.2), and (3.3). During the second day, the workshop focused on syndicate group discussions, where all TPMs collaborated to develop a standardized reporting template and monitoring plan. They also conducted stakeholder mapping, identifying primary, secondary, and tertiary stakeholders. Various data collection tools, beneficiary reporting templates, and other relevant aspects were addressed as part of the workshop’s objectives.
Local Fundraising
In a bid to expand its operations in Nigeria, West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) in partnership with Ford Foundation under the Changethe Game Academy program, delivered a training session for nine civil society organizations in Abuja. The training session which lasted from Monday 17 to Friday 21 July, 2023 had in attendance, Mr. Abdulrahman Abubakar and Mr. Clement Enenmoh, MPH of Africa Youth Growth Foundation (AYGF). This course which was on Local Fundraising was aimed to equip CSOs and NGOs in Nigeria to fundraise within the country.Throughout the training, participants gained valuable insights andknowledge on effective fundraising strategies within the local context. Our Program Officer, Mr. Clement Enenmoh, MPH was recognized as the MOST OUTSTANDING male participant for the training. AYGF now stands at the dawn of a new era, armed with the right knowledge to advance her mission and make positive impacts.
World Social Justice Day
2023 Theme: Overcoming Barriers and Unleashing Opportunities for Social Justice. Today is World Day of Social Justice! It’s a time to reflect on how we can create a more equitable and fair world for all. In 2009, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution recognizing February 20th as the World Day of Social Justice. This day is dedicated to acknowledging the importance of social justice in promoting world peace, security, and progress. The day is to promote efforts to tackle issues such as poverty, inequality, exclusion, and social injustice. It aims to raise awareness about the importance of social justice in promoting peace and security, reducing poverty and unemployment, and achieving sustainable development. The 2023 World Day of Social Justice aims to promote global solidarity and rebuild trust in governments by working towards achieving the recommendations of Our Common Goals. The focus for this year is “ overcoming barriers and unleashing opportunities for social justice” thereby advancing towards this goal. This day presents an occasion to engage in discussions with stakeholders regarding the actions necessary to reinforce the social contract that has been undermined by the growing disparities, conflicts, and weakened institutions meant to safeguard the rights of workers.These crises notwithstanding, there exist numerous opportunities to form a coalition for social justice and encourage more investments in decent jobs, with a specific focus on the green, digital, and care industries, as well as the younger generation. Violent extremism as one of our focus, is a complex phenomenon with multiple causes, and it affects individuals and communities in different ways. However, at its core, it is an expression of injustice and a rejection of the values of tolerance, diversity, and respect for human rights. To prevent and counter violent extremism, we must address its underlying drivers, which include political and social marginalization, economic inequality, identity-based discrimination, and lack of access to education and social services. We work to address these drivers by promoting social justice and building resilience in communities. We work with local partners to empower individuals and communities to challenge extremist ideologies, promote tolerance and respect for diversity, and foster a sense of belonging and identity. We also advocate for policies that promote social justice and human rights, and support efforts to address the root causes of violent extremism. On this day, AYGF reaffirms its commitment to preventing and countering violent extremism. We believe that justice and peace are inextricably linked, and that a just society is one that is resilient to the appeal of violent extremism, discrimination,and marginalization of any kind. We amplify the theme of “ overcoming barriers and unleashing opportunities for social justice” On this World Social Justice Day, let us come together to promote social justice and create a more equitable world for all. We must continue to work towards a world where everyone can live in dignity and security, free from the threat of violence and discrimination. Join us in this vital mission!