February Newsletter 2023

Greetings dearest readers,

As we reflect on the recent Nigerian elections, we want to take a moment to highlight the incredible work done by grantees under the Voice Program and the impactful interventions they are making to empower the rightholders in the month of February. In this newsletter, we bring you stories of eventful and impactful interventions by these grantees and how they are working towards creating a more equitable and just society

From empowering marginalized communities to addressing pressing social issues, both old and new grantees are working tirelessly to bring about positive change. Their unwavering commitment to their cause and their innovative solutions are making a difference in the lives of those they serve.

While the Presidential elections have already taken place, it is important to recognize and applaud the ongoing efforts of Voice grantees in promoting democracy and advocating for the rights of all citizens. In this edition, we hope to shed light on their important work and inspire others to join us in supporting their cause.

So sit back, grab a cup of coffee, tea or water, and join us as we explore the world of grantees and their efforts to make the world a better place.

Reclaiming the Future: CAPRIGHTS Advocacy Engagement with Community Gatekeepers and Rightholders.

In a recent gathering of stakeholders and partners, CAPRIGHTS (The Centre for Advancement and Protection of the Rights of Vulnerable People) had the opportunity to engage with community gatekeepers and rightholders in a review of the "Reclaim Your Future" project. This event provided a platform for all parties to come together and affirm their support and commitment towards the project's goals.

The engagement was a beautiful opportunity for CAPRIGHTS to connect with its partners and stakeholders, and to further understand the impact of the "Reclaim Your Future" project. During the event, attendees discussed the progress of the project, identified areas for improvement, and shared their thoughts and ideas for the future.

CAPRIGHTS is grateful for the ongoing support and commitment of its partners and stakeholders. The organization believes that by working together, they can achieve the project's goal of empowering communities and promoting the rights of rightholders.

The Advocacy Engagement with community gatekeepers and rightholders serves as a reminder of the importance of collaboration and the power of partnerships in promoting the rights of rightholders. Caprights will continue to work closely with its partners and stakeholders to ensure the success of the "Reclaim Your Future" project and to create a brighter future for all.

Empowering Persons with Albinism: Understanding the 2018 Disability Act

Jos, Nigeria - On a sunny day in Jos, a one-day sensitization workshop was held for persons with albinism (PWAs) to understand the 2018 Disability Act and their rights as individuals with disabilities. This workshop was organized by The Albino Foundation, Plateau State chapter in collaboration with Voice, and was attended by over 50 PWAs, who came together to learn about the provisions of the act and how it impacts their daily lives.

The workshop featured a team of legal experts who discussed the provisions of the Disability Act in detail, explaining the rights of PWAs and how they can access justice if their rights are violated. The experts also provided practical examples and case studies to help the PWAs better understand the provisions of the act.

The workshop was highly interactive, with PWAs actively participating in discussions and asking questions. They expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to learn about their rights and how they can use the provisions of the Disability Act to improve their lives.

The workshop was a huge success and the PWAs left feeling empowered and informed about their rights. The workshop organizers are already planning their next event to continue the conversation and provide ongoing support for PWAs.

The sensitization workshop for PWAs in Jos highlights the importance of understanding the 2018 Disability Act and the rights of individuals with disabilities. By empowering PWAs with knowledge, we can work towards a society where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

COSROPIN & Dewdrop mark valentine’s day with Older Persons in FCT

The Coalition of Societies for the Rights of Older Persons in Nigeria (COSROPIN) and Dewdrop Foundation partnered to deliver a health talk, exercise, dance, and games to the elderly in the New Kuchingoro IDP Camp, Abuja, in commemoration of the Valentine's day celebration. According to Senator Eze Ajoku, the President of COSROPIN, the gesture aimed to combat depression among them and put a smile on their faces. Mallam Ishaku Abdullahi, Chairman of Older Persons in the camp, thanked the organizations for the gesture and appealed to others to remember people in IDP camps as they celebrate Valentine’s Day.

Later in the week, the organization also had a football match between team COSROPIN and Youngstars FC as a post-valentine celebration.

In a remark, the Head of Administration, Dewdrop Foundation, Vivian Ugwu, said the Foundation would continue to collaborate with COSROPIN and other stakeholders towards making life more meaningful for the elderly and less privileged in the society.

YIAGA Africa launches “Run to Win” jingle ahead of the 2023 Elections

In the bid to sensitize the youth to participate in the forthcoming elections YIAGA Africa with support from Voice, created and launched a jingle which served as an innovative approach to meeting its advocacy goals. Here is a link to the jingle on the Voice platform.

FIRC trains Ex-Inmates on the production of reusable sanitary pads

Female Inmates and Returned Citizens Cooperative Society of Nigeria (FIRC) conducted a training program on reusable sanitary pad production for ex-inmates from Enugu and Lagos. The aim of this initiative is to address the challenge of providing female inmates access to sanitary pads while in custody, which has been a persistent problem across the country. The trainees are expected to go on to share their knowledge by training others in their respective custodial centers. This means that the impact of this program will be felt beyond the initial group of trainees, as more women will be equipped with the necessary skills to produce their own sanitary pads.

Female Inmates and Returned Citizens Cooperative Society of Nigeria (FIRC) conducted a training program on reusable sanitary pad production for ex-inmates from Enugu and Lagos. The aim of this initiative is to address the challenge of providing female inmates access to sanitary pads while in custody, which has been a persistent problem across the country. The trainees are expected to go on to share their knowledge by training others in their respective custodial centers. This means that the impact of this program will be felt beyond the initial group of trainees, as more women will be equipped with the necessary skills to produce their own sanitary pads.

CARE Nigeria pays a visit to FAAN to discuss seamless travel of PWDs.

The Center for Ability, Rehabilitation, and Empowerment (C.A.R.E. Nigeria) recently paid an advocacy visit to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and The Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCOL), the top aviation handling company that manages the nationwide smooth travel of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), on 22nd February, 2023 in Abuja. The visit was aimed at discussing the challenges faced by stakeholders and rightsholders, and the need for more synergy to maximize the use of the Ambi Lift, a PWD assistive device, which was funded by the Voice Grant.

During the visit, both Mr. Charles Nwatuzor (SAHCOL), the Manager of the Abuja Airports, and Mr. Oyenekan Oloyede, the Head of Operations at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), were there to welcome the CARE team, which was headed by Dr. Chike Okogwu, the Chief Responsibility Officer. The hosts restated their commitment to ensuring smooth travels for PWDs in Abuja while commending CARE and OXFAM VOICE IN NIGERIA for their innovative intervention.

A few mechanical and electrical modifications were suggested, and everyone agreed that with the increase of PWD travellers recently, the Abuja Airport cooperation of the stakeholders was satisfactory so far, with plenty of room for improvement.

Thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter. We hope you found it informative and engaging. If you have any questions or comments, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Finally, I urge you to stay curious, stay connected, and as always, stay awesome!

Until next time,

Cognito/NINE Team.

Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Kindly watch out for updates on the Voice Naija Platform (www.voicenaija.org) as the Voice grantees have started uploading exciting updates from 2023

Don’t forget to follow @voiceglobal @oxfam_in_nigeria @wearecognito @infonine and also all the grantees on the Voice program, on social media.

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