September Newsletter 2022

Dear Reader,

September was a month filled with great activities and impact for the Voice grantees under the Voice Naija Project. From advocacy to implementation among rightsholders, we bring to you a summary of the amazing work carried out in September.

The goal of the Voice Project is to improve the lives of rightsholders - persons with disabilities, the vulnerable elderly, youth, women facing exploitation, abuse and/or violence, indigenous people and ethnic minorities.

We also reflect on the International day for the elderly which coincides with the Independence day celebration in Nigeria.

Before sharing updates from the Voice Grantees, did you miss our Twitter space held on October 1st to mark the International Day for the elderly?

You can listen to the recording here:

https://twitter.com/i/spaces/1DXxyvkkAObKM

CARE, an organization that has been supporting improved access to aviation services for persons with disabilities (PWDs) , enjoyed the spotlight on their impressive work so far in a televised discussion that aired on AIT this month.

The TV session emphasized CARE’s effort in advocating for the implementation of the Disability Inclusion Act in the Aviation sector.

Watch the Video here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=636890361098803

ARTvocacy Community Meeting and Open Mic Session

Art has the power to tell stories, change perspectives, and help unite communities on various causes and issues. ARTvocates, who are young people using creative arts to make a positive difference in society, have continued to use their monthly meetings to strengthen their communities.

At the FCT September edition of the Open Mic and Community Meeting, singer-songwriter and creative entrepreneur, Jessica Bongus gave a talk on how participants can get the best from the entrepreneurial world using their creative abilities and talent. They were taught how to be employable, negotiate rates and leverage platforms and networks to attract better opportunities.

Jessica Bongos Ikwue is also the Program Coordinator at Yes Academy Nigeria & American Music Abroad Virtual Academy. The daughter of a legendary musical icon, Bongos Ikuwe, she also shared her journey in the entertainment industry with the participants of the event.

Read more: https://voicenaija.org/Newsroom/Blog?blogId=180

Ending The Menace Of Police Brutality

On September 29, 2022, Citizens Common organized a robust roundtable discussion on police brutality with journalists and development experts in attendance. The event was one of Citizens Commons conversations about ending the menace of police brutality in Nigeria.

Citizen Conversations is a series of public events where citizens, policymakers, civic society leaders, and social impact practitioners come together to discuss topical issues that affect the lives of citizens. It is a space to share, connect and engage in honest conversations.

Citizens' Common is a citizen action organization, committed to empowering everyday citizens to take social action targeted at solving small and big societal challenges using the power of community, collaboration, innovation and technology.

To know more about Citizens Common and to follow their updates click here: https://www.instagram.com/citizencommons/

The SUSO Program released a press statement on the International day of Peace which was commemorated on 23rd September 2023. As this year’s event was organized toward ending racism, the SUSO press release emphasized the importance of dialogue, appreciation of diversity, unity, inclusiveness, justice, conflict prevention, and peacebuilding as Nigeria tackles emerging peace and security challenges.

Speak Up, Stand Out - a.k.a The SUSO Program is an initiative that aims to empower young people with media and information knowledge and grassroots mobilization skills to participate meaningfully in the socio-political development of their communities by maximizing digital platforms for social mobilization, amplifying youth voices and developing people-led campaigns on issues that affect youths

To read the full press release:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1W-fm9Bs3go6ZxNWZ6cAxaIk-_4JyceP3/view

For the full story click here: https://voicenaija.org/Newsroom/Blog?blogId=176

Sorosoke Project Team Welcomes Voice In Imo State

On September 21st 2022, the Center for Social Awareness, Advocacy and Ethics welcomed the Voice Nigeria team at their head office in Owerri, Imo state, to review their impact thus far on the Sorosoke project.

The team deliberated on the different ways the project has empowered young people to advocate against the violations of human rights and police brutality. The highlight of the meeting was the interactions with the Youth Anchors that were present to give real-life testimonies. The youth anchors shared amazing testimonies of how the project has affected them positively and how they are using the knowledge and network gained during the course of the project to affect the lives of others in their communities.

“During the Sorosoke Bootcamp, they taught us how to advocate for human rights violations by engaging the justice system. When I got home, I decided to intervene in one of the EndSARS casualty cases that resulted in the death of a young girl”.

Read the full story here: https://voicenaija.org/Newsroom/Blog?blogId=175

Young Activists Promoting Reconciliation

I am now a better person than I was. I can now discuss reconciliation, healing, and forgiveness with people. For effective peacebuilding, there is a huge need for us to address the trauma of the people - Barr. Ene Audu

The SUSO project since its inception has observed that people are becoming more open about the healing powers of forgiveness and reconciliation and how it helps in peacebuilding. People are now more open to reconciliation and participating in activities geared towards peacebuilding. The project is empowering activists and advocates with the knowledge, skills and resources to organize activism for social impact.

Read more here: https://www.voicenaija.org/Newsroom/Blog?blogId=172

Youth Champion Speaks on Transforming Literacy Learning in schools

My passion for social change, youth development, and national transformation motivated and inspired my application to join the SUSO program. I am passionate about quality education in Nigeria; therefore, I saw the SUSO program as an opportunity to express my vision and passion for advancing the frontiers of education in Nigeria. – Ruth Ogwuche

Ruth Ogwuche (nee Ngoka) is another SUSO advocate activist, who is a lecturer and researcher in the Department of Political Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. She recently shared her story in an interview documented on the Voice Naija Platform. She is advocating for quality education for all. She discussed how her work is bridging the gap in literacy.

Read the full article here: https://voicenaija.org/Newsroom/Blog?blogId=171

Conflict Resolution and Fundamental Human Rights Without Discrimination

The Know Your Rights Project has continued to build the capacity of project beneficiaries through the facilitation of workshops and events aimed at strengthening their capacities on key methods for achieving peace and resolving conflicts. These methods operate at the intersection of democracy, human rights, gender, poverty, and governance. Participants at the recent event identified how to engage key stakeholders in the fight against discrimination and abuse of human rights.

Read the full report here: https://voicenaija.org/Newsroom/Blog?blogId=170

Care Advocacy Meeting With Handling Companies And Airline Operators

CARE shared updates on the Voice Naija website on their advocacy meeting with handling companies and airline operators. The team demonstrated the use of equipment that can support people with disabilities at the meeting.

CARE hopes that the handling company’s cooperation will improve services at the airport. The team also received feedback on how to improve the equipment. “We hope to hear feedback on how the partnership would lead to an increase in the use of assistant equipment” - CARE representative.

Read the full story: https://voicenaija.org/Newsroom/Blog?blogId=168

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 October activities.

Please do ensure to follow @voiceglobal @oxfam_in_nigeria @wearecognito @infonine and also all the grantees on the Voice program, on social media.

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