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Development Stakeholders Strategize for Sustainable Future Beyond Foreign Funding

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Prosper Okoye

As global crises worsen and charity funds divert to more precarious nations, developmental stakeholders in Nigeria have initiated discussions about the future of humanitarian services using local donor funds.

The National Coordinator of the Association for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (AONN), Marcs Williams, told DAILY ASSET that, among other objectives, finding solutions to this issue had motivated the selection of their annual general meeting theme: “Improving the Quality of OVC Programming by CSOs in Nigeria.

“We chose this theme to ensure that the coordination of OVC programming in Nigeria is not only well-organized, but also delivers services of high quality to the children, thereby enhancing their well-being.

“Our aim is to guarantee that even when the donors who currently provide support are no longer available, we can continue delivering services at our own capacity and level using localized funding. This is important because if we lack the capacity to do so, we might become overly dependent on donor support, leading to potential problems and challenges.

“Any progress achieved in the lives of these vulnerable households would then be compromised. This situation would hinder epidemic control and exacerbate the plight of vulnerable children. We reject such an outcome and strive to avoid it by promoting sustainability through effective coordination,” he added.

AONN, which was established nearly two decades ago, has garnered substantial foreign grants and undertaken numerous projects, according to Dr. Grace Dafiel, the organization’s Board Secretary.

“The conception of AONN originated in 2005 through myself and my elder sister, as a Northern initiative. We envisioned bringing Northern Civil Society organizations together to enhance their capacity, thus enabling us to deliver high-quality services. In 2006, we convened our inaugural meeting with just ten organizations.

“However, following my attendance at an African Regional conference in Uganda in 2007, I returned with renewed fervor and a commitment to contribute to society. This led to my invitation to the initial ten organizations, who subsequently invited their associates. Furthermore, I extended invitations to others for whom I facilitated their Corporate Affairs Corporation (CAC) registration process as a lawyer. Consequently, our attendance skyrocketed to 55 organizations.

“During the meeting, participants proposed a shift from my initial Northern-centric agenda to establish a national movement. By 2007, AONN transformed into a national entity encompassing community-based, national, and regional organizations providing services for orphans and vulnerable children.

“AONN’s impact spans projects benefitting over 1 million children, funded by diverse grants. Reflecting on our journey, we have grown from the initial 55 organizations to 3,397 today.

“I attribute AONN’s enduring strength to its independence from external funding sources. Presently, there exists no facet of Nigeria’s efforts concerning vulnerable children in which AONN does not play a pivotal role. Our reputation and effectiveness have garnered recognition even from international partners such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM), PEPFAR through USAID, and CDC partners implementing vulnerable children’s programs in Nigeria.

“Notably, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs has essentially adopted AONN as a CSO response to matters involving vulnerable children. Reflecting on this, I take great pride in having contributed to the organization’s accomplishments, though we acknowledge that our journey is ongoing.”

Dr. Dafiel further emphasized that the organization has actively endeavored, through its members, to reduce and alleviate the vulnerability impact on Nigerian children.

Reflecting on the results, she added, “Today, some of these individuals have successfully graduated from higher institutions, while others have re-engaged in the development sector.”

 In a heartening incident, Dr. Dafiel shared her excitement: “just recently someone walked up to me and asked, ‘Ma, do you recall me?’ “I replied that I couldn’t remember. He went on, ‘In 2008, in Enugu State.’ “That triggered an immediate recollection, as he continued, ‘I am that child.’ “Presently, he works with an international partner, even holding a leadership position within one of the operational states.”

Addressing the impact of HIV and AIDS, Dr. Dafiel underscored AONN’s effective mitigation measures, particularly in ensuring comprehensive support for children whose parents died due to the virus, or was rendered incapable of caregiving due to the disease.

“AONN, operating through its members, assumed these responsibilities, thereby facilitating the children’s well-being and full integration into their communities. Stigma combat was integral, as AONN aimed to eliminate all forms of discrimination that could hinder these children,” she noted.

Reflecting on the past 18 years, Dr. Dafiel stated that she was exited at the progress made.

“Beyond the children’s well-being, the organizations for which AONN enhanced capacity have also begun to access grants, thus initiating resource mobilization endeavors for sustainable community impact.”

Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS), represented by Dr. Okezie Onyedinachi, the Head of Clinical Services, shared his thoughts about the meeting with DAILY ASSET.

“We are thrilled to take part in this scientific conference as it is aimed at empowering local organizations to actively take the lead in project implementation processes through partnerships,” said Dr. Onyedinachi.

Furthermore, he shared a piece of wisdom handed down from his father: ‘Don’t rely on another person’s eyes.’ This saying he said, emphasizes the significance of self-sufficiency and autonomy in resource management.

He mentioned examples, such as the governor’s wife in Kwara State funding the OVC program in her state, and how his organization also supports out-of-school children through funding from the Oando firm.

Dr. Onyedinachi stressed that obtaining local funding is feasible. “However, the organization’s structure to meet donor requirements, including implementing a governance system with a well-structured board and strong financial management, will determine the level of donor trust,” he said.

Pact ACHIEVE Project OVC Consultant, Ijeoma Lai-Labode, said the session titled “Implementing Local OVC Programming: The Pact Experience” taught the participants how the Pact project carried out its OVC program, which was successful.

She pointed out the changing focus of OVC programming towards a more clinical approach, especially for organizations that receive PEPFAR funds.

“These organizations are now required to meet specific goals related to HIV. Regrettably, challenges persist for children and teenagers who live with HIV/AIDS, affecting how successful their treatment is and the overall program goals,” she said.

She told the DAILY ASSET that the positive progress and rebranding of AONN offered hope for supporting other NGOs in the network to address this challenge and in turn address youth unemployment, “as the NGOs are also employers of labour.” She said building the capacity of the NGOs would benefit the country in general.

The United States Department of Defense’s OVC program specialist, Silas Idoko, emphasized the importance of the participants collaboration to achieve sustainable development in Nigeria.

“This is especially crucial given that the entire program is transitioning toward sustainability. As funding cuts off, we must strategize within the country to determine the most suitable approach,” he said.

Idoko urged participants to extend their partnerships beyond the OVC network.

“They should seek collaborations with those not engaged in OVC implementation and provide them with valuable resources, thus preventing resource wastage. It’s crucial to establish OVC-to-OVC partnerships to avoid duplicating efforts and to ensure the replication of best practices from one state to others where they have not yet been implemented,” he added.

AONN FCT Coordinator, Kiema Ogunlana, expressed her delight that the annual general meeting had been successful.

“The aims and objectives are being met,” she said.

Additionally, the Coordinator stated that the network remains open to more collaborations.

NEWS

Ugbor Sues Alia for Defamation, Seeks N10bn Damages

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From Attah Ede Makurdi

The controversy trailing the truck of palliatives seized by Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia yesterday took another dimension as member House of Representative for Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency; Terséer Ugbor has engaged a team of lawyers to challenge the action of Governor Hyacinth Alia and the Benue State Government in court.

The legal team is expected to examine the accusations and consider taking appropriate action to safeguard the image of Ugbor in order to set the record straight in the court of law.
Ugbor, who spoke with our correspondent through a WhatsApp chat, said he was suing the Alia for defamation of character even as he demanded N1bn as compensation.
While attending the United Nations General Assembly in the USA, Ugbor learned that the governor had confiscated and handed over a truck load of relief materials to anti-graft agencies which he secured for his constituents from the National Emergency Management Agency, (NEMA) for investigation by operatives of EFCC and ICPC.”While in the USA for the United Nations General Assembly at the invitation of the Presidency, I have learned that NEMA has approved additional palliatives for Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency in response to my requests for more assistance”.A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Tersoo Kula says the “truck was caught offloading relief materials meant for IDPs of the Kwande/Ushongo federal constituency at a private residence in Makurdi”.According to Tersoo Kula, “It was later discovered that the goods were released from a National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) warehouse in Jos, and were supposed to be sponsored by the state government and lifted by the State Emergency Management Agency”.The statement quotes Governor Alia, who ordered the impounding of the truck at Government House as expressing dissatisfaction with the findings and directed anti-graft agencies to carry out further investigation, even as he called on relevant officials to ensure that the materials were distributed to the rightful recipients.However, in a swift reaction, Representative Terseer Ugbor disputes the accusations, claiming that the governor’s actions were unnecessary and politically motivated.”I have decided to defend my reputation and ensure that the palliatives get to those in need. Despite the challenges, I encourage my constituents to stay strong and peaceful.”In light of this development, I have instructed my legal team to examine the accusations and consider taking appropriate action to safeguard my reputation and set the record straight in court.”My support for the transportation, storage, and distribution of palliatives to displaced individuals in Kwande is not a new endeavor, yet it has seemingly provoked the governor’s displeasure”.”My duty is to help secure benefits for my constituents. In other states my efforts would have been acknowledged with gratitude”The current climate crisis championed by Governor Hyacinth Alia in Benue State is “unusual “. The claim that SEMA was not informed was premature because the seizure of the palliatives occurred upon their arrival in the state before any unloading, raising suspicions of political motives behind the ordeal.”Accusations that the palliatives were unloaded at a private residence are unfounded, as the truck was parked in front of a well-known warehouse in Makurdi, not in a clandestine location”, Ugbor explained.He urged the people of Kwande /Ushongo to remain resilient and peaceful during these difficult times, remembering the words of Psalm 30:5: “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”

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Police Detain Man over Alleged Murder of Business Partner in Yobe

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The Police Command in Yobe, says it has detained a man, Yunus Isa, in connection with alleged murder of his business partner, Lawan Adamu.

This is contained in a statement by the Spokesman of the command, DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, in Damaturu on Thursday.

Report says that Adamu’s body was found on Sept.

15, with deep throat cut and stab wounds at Nayinawa area of Damaturu.

Abdulkarim said credible intelligence led to the arrest of a prime suspect in the case, Isa, at Shago Tara near Nayinawa.

“Investigation revealed that Lawan Adamu was his employer and business partner in the engine oil trade.

“He (the suspect) borrowed N500,000 from Adamu last year with a profit-sharing agreement.

“However, when he failed to meet the agreement terms, the deceased demanded repayment.

“Isa callously murdered Adamu to avoid repaying the debt, killing him in cold blood,” he said.

The spokesman noted that the swift resolution of the case demonstrated the command’s commitment towards ensuring justice and public safety.

He said the suspect would soon be charged to court. (NAN)

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Maiduguri Flood: Over N12b Support Generated for Victims 

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Borno Government says it has realized over N12b cash and material donations for victims of Alau Dam flood disaster in Maiduguri. 

Abdurrahman Bundi, the Senior Special Adviser on New Media to Borno Governor, gave the update on the donations for the Maiduguri Relief Fund on Thursday in Maiduguri.

Bundi said the donations came from corporate entities, state governments, State and National Assembly members, individuals, and Non-Governmental Organisations.

List of donors showed that the North East Development Commission (NEDC) donated N3b and food stuff, Aliko Dangote N2b, Aminu Dantata N1.5b, and Mohammed Indimi N1b.

Other donors were Borno LGAs; N1.

2b, Oluremi Tinubu; N500m, Bauchi and Niger states; N250m each while the people of Southern Borno donated N200m.

Dahiru Mangal, Atiku Abubakar, Rep. Mukhtar Betara, Ali Modu Sheriff,  House of Representatives, Abdulsalam Kachala, and JAIZ Bank states comprising Kebbi, Yobe, Kano, Taraba, katsina, Kaduna and Zamfara gave N100 each.

The Director General of the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA), Buba Marwa and Matrix Energy donated 10 trucks of fertiliser and foodstuff worth over N120m each.

Those who gave N50m include Adamawa state, Mr Peter Obi, Rabiu kwakwanso, Ahmed Lawan, Mohammad Maifata, Ibrahim Umar, Mohammad Imam, Ali Dalori, Bauchi APC chapter, Sen. Tahir Monguno, and  Sen. Kaka Kaka Shehu and I8th Engineering Company, while the State Assembly donated N60m.

The Nasarawa Government also presented six trucks of rice, spaghetti and sugar. 

Many other people donated between N1m and N30m respectively. (NAN)

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