LEADPOC Gathered Youth Leaders in Kano on Anti-Corruption Movement in Nigeria- The Role of Youth

As a Nation, Corruption remains the biggest impediment to our quest for sustained growth, development, peace, stability & security. Tackling corruption which is an obstacle to national growth & development is a pre-occupation of every Nigeria patriot.
Corruption must be fought from childhood to adulthood and it's the responsibility of everyone. Every Nigerian need to imbibe zero tolerance to corruption early enough to secure the future of our dear country
It is the responsibilities of all the citizens to wage war against corruption. It has to start from us all. Everyone has a responsibility towards his country. Every individual should resist the temptation of being corrupt or carrying out corrupt practices. Let everyone have zero tolerance for corruption. “Mallam Nuhu Ribadu"
The July 2009 module focused on Anti-Corruption Movement in Nigeria –The Role of Youth. This month module seeks to endue in the Nigerian Youth the ideals of honesty, diligence, transparency, accountability and selfless service.

Kano State Government on Environmental Sustainability Project

The ecosystem and eco-environment of Nigeria desperately needs environmental facelift. Water, soil and air of the ecological landmass lack maintenance and requisite attention. Rubbish and debris are carelessly littered on the roadside and in the gutters. Some parts of Nigeria's landscape are being reclaimed by desert, erosion and gullies. Air in the major commercial centers is loaded with impurities. No adequate interest has been given to these disasters and the disfiguration of the environmental integrity of our great country Nigeria.

As a readjustment to reality of the situation, Kano State has embarked on an environmental project of finding a permanent solution to the management of solid waste by setting up an integrated waste disposal facility. This is an impressive development and a gallant effort to have a healthier state. The government of Kano state must be encouraged by the federal government in the effort to strategically collect, recycle and disposed her debris and waste materials in a safe and healthy procedural methodology. This paradigm initiated by Kano government is worth emulating. For this development the Afripol Organization honored the executive governor of Kano state: His Excellency Mallam Dr. Ibrahim Shekarau with the achievement award titled THE ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNOR OF NIGERIA. http://www.afripol.org/Governors.htm

This integrated disposal of waste connotes a solid waste service and prudent management which will be instituted for the collection, disposal and recycling of discarded materials in a manner that will be safe, efficient, environmentally sound and cost-effective. Landfills which are the final destination for the housing of waste materials will also be the center for collection and separation of materials for recycling. Recycling is not only cost effective but necessary, to ensure a greener environment and non-hazardous ecosystem, while simultaneously making available of much needed raw materials for further production and creation of wealth.

The next step for government of Kano state is to wage a mass education and public relationship campaign in order to inform her citizens of the importance of maintaining a clean ambiance in the state. The public must be given the informative tool to enable them comprehend the role they can play in the cost effective methodology of waste collection and disposal. When the public understands the importance of efficient waste disposal, they will partake in the process and become a committed partner in the keeping of the state clean.

For the enhancement of the standard operation procedure:"Trash containers are to be emptied at a minimum of once a week. All collected trash and debris will to be hauled to an approved landfill by licensed solid waste disposal vehicles. Vehicles used to haul the debris shall have a sealed bottom to prevent leaks or seepage, and the trash materials shall be covered while the load is in transit. All personnel will be instructed the correct procedure for trash disposal."

External monitors and strategists in the form of experts, consultants and managers are needed to work with government. The working together of the government and private entities will encourage transparency and accountability. The intervention of private industry in government bureaucracy introduces the dynamics of market place and curtails runaway cost of a project. It will also booster democratic capitalism and efficient application and utilization of scare resources.

With this venture, Kano state will become an example to the rest of Nigerian states and National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA). The advantages of a clean environment cannot be overemphasis including the drastic curtailed on misquotes and malaria, clean underground water, clean air and overall enhancement and enrichment of optimum health and well being for the citizens. One thing for sure: Sound health is great wealth.

TUCCAN Foundation is supporting the advocacy to promote and encourage free enterprise, democracy, sustainable green environment, human rights, conflict resolutions, transparency and probity in Africa.

Building Partnerships for Development in Water & Sanitation "Programme for Partnership Practioners in West Africa"

The Developing Partnerships in Practice: Programme for Partnership Practitioners in West Africa is a programme of Building Partnership for Development in Water and Sanitation.

BPD is a non-profit membership organization run by a multi-stakeholder Board of Directors, Building Partnerships for Development in Water and Sanitation (BPD) works with strategic partnerships involving government, business, civil society and donors to improve access to safe water and effective sanitation in poor communities. Taking the lessons learned from these strategic partnerships, BPD promotes dialogue around institutional approaches for serving the poor, a more realistic understanding of multi-sector relationships, and the development of broad-based support for appropriate environments that enable partnerships to thrive. Through the development of a set of analytical and facilitation tools, BPD aims is to influence the way organizations work together in partnership.

The objectives of the training programme is to build awareness of available knowledge and resources about partnerships in water and sanitation; build and develop practical partnering skills; and support the application of skills and knowledge to current partnering challenges.

Participants are drawn from various water and sanitation sectors across the Africa countries (Ghana, Nigeria, Malawi, Cameroon, Liberia and Burkina). The 5 days training course from 15th – 19th June 2009 at the Erata Hotel in Accra gave opportunities for networking and experience sharing among the participants; and visitors from Water AID Ghana, UNICEF, Denmark Government Representative, Directorate of Utility in Ghana and the NGOs Coalition on Water and Sanitation.

The topics covered includes Developing an Enabling Environment for Partnership, Active Listening, Mapping Incentives, Plotting Incentives, Assessing Partnership Effectiveness, Partnership Accountability, Partnerships & Culture, Sanitation Partnerships, Community Engagement in Water & Sanitation Partnerships, Partnership Governance, Interest-Based Negotiation/Conflict Resolution, Exit & Transition Strategies and Facilitation Skills.

Making an Impact as a Global Changemaker

A Changemaker is a young activist operating through a range of national and international networks, who is able to influence his or her community as well as speak to authority with confidence and passion. Changemakers are not afraid to challenge either accepted ways of thinking or their convictions. Changemakers are forward looking; they take their ideas and put them into practice. A Changemaker accepts difference, is flexible, is able to take on new ideas and skills and will communicate them to others.

Becoming a Changemaker takes longer than one or two weeks: participants have to be prepared to commit to the programme for longer - but in return, the British Council commits to the Changemakers. The engagement may take a number of forms: for instance, taking part in regional or global think tanks, participating in awareness-raising campaigns and developing and running community projects on their return home. These projects will be supported by the Global Changemakers team, by country offices and by partner organisations.

Akeju Olukemi Abimbola as Global Changemaker participated in the just concluded African Youth Summit in Cape Milner Hotel, Cape Town South Africa from 2nd – 7th June 2009. The summit was powered by the British Council, Switzerland. The summit attracted about 70 young social activists representing different continents all other the world but with the highest delegation from the Africa Continent.
Olukemi had the opportunity to represent all the delegates on South African National Radio Station and the South African Broadcasting Corporation {SABC} to speak on the British Council Global Changemakers Initiative, Youth Participation, and Leadership Challenges in Africa.

The leadership challenges in Nigerian democracy: Equipping the youth

The Leadership Development for Positive Citizenship (LEADPOC) is an initiative of TUCCAN Foundation aimed at youth leaders from various institutions of higher learning and Youth Serving Organization (YSOs) to build the leadership capacity of young people who are catalysts for positive social change. The programme believes that helping young people realize their potential as development actors will create an enabling environment for youth to actively participate in the planning & implementation of development activities in their various communities thereby guarantying sustainability.

Those who can bring about freedom where it is absent and justice where it is denied are chiefly young people. Freedom and justice is a patient and often-difficult struggle that requires the strength, sacrifice, rigor and fortitude of young people to be attained. Often times the youth force retreat to dormancy and apathy for lack of perspective and coordination. In this frustration the youth force is hijacked and brought into conflict by belligerent, insurgent and other terrorist war lords either to resist possible democratic transition or to meet their deadly goals.

Youths are valuable tools to safeguard against violation of basic human rights and government excesses if youths could take up their responsibilities and play their role as political actors during and after the transition process of their infant democracies. Too long young people are judged as not being fit to participate in societal development because of dormancy and political apathy.

The May 2009 Module of LEADPOC will be focused on “Equipping the Youth Force to Combat Leadership Challenges in Nigeria

Leadership Development for Positive Citizenship (LEADPOC)- April 2009 Module

Leadership Development for Positive Citizenship (LEADPOC) is a monthly initiative of Communication Support Centre & TUCCAN Foundation aimed at youth leaders from various institutions of higher learning and Youth Serving Organization (YSOs) to build the leadership capacity of young people who are catalysts for positive social change. The programme believes that helping young people realize their potential as development actors will create an enabling environment for youth to actively participate in the planning & implementation of development activities in their various communities thereby guarantying sustainability.

Programme Objectives
o To build the capacity of youths for active and meaningful participation in community development
o To help youths develop plans for action in their various communities
o To develop in the youth the core values needed for good leadership
o To promote gender equity, youths-youths and youths-adults partnership for community development
o To inculcate in the youths the virtue of patriotism, good governance and democracy
o To identify motivational tools for an effective leadership delivery

The April 2009 module focused on Climate Change & Renewable Energy Awareness among the youth populace; and how young people can take leadership role in advocating for the reduction of green house gases; raise awareness as part of the global United Nations campaign ‘UNite to Combat Climate Change’ through the media, partners and other social networks and create a synergy with individuals and organizations, with the goal of tackling issues related to protection of the environment.

Climate Change and Renewable Energy Conference

Preamble

The international conference “Climate Change and Renewable Energy Week” held in Lome, Togo from the 11th to 15th February 2009. The conference was organized by Jeunes Volontaires pour I’Environnement (JVE), ENDA Tier Monde and the Togo Ministry of Mining, Energy and Water in partnership with Friends of the Earth Norway. The event attracted over 100 participants from the different countries in West Africa and Europe. The participants were representatives of governmental organizations, NGOs, CSOs, business/private sector, student bodies, academic institutions and the media. The event was declared open by the Togolese Minister of Mining, Energy and Water.

The conference was organized with the objectives to create a regional platform for stakeholders in the West African Sub-region to influence policy on climate change; contribute to the international climate change negotiations; and to popularize the use of the diversity of renewable energy products available in the West African sub-region. The event featured paper presentations, discussions, resolutions and exhibitions.

Observations

The participants at the Climate Change and Renewable Energy Week observed that:

• Policy makers in West Africa are ignorant on climate change issues and are unable to represent the region effectively in international fora on climate change
• Members of local communities in the West African region are not well informed on climate change issues, thus they lack the capacity to cope with the impacts of climate change.
• Energy profile in West Africa shows low production and huge untapped potentials.
• The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) of the Kyoto Protocol is not working for the region.
• Renewable energy projects are poorly funded by governments in West Africa
• There are not adequate policies in the region to mitigate climate change and enhance adaptation in the region. Existing policies are not properly implemented.
• Civil society in West Africa are poorly represented in the international climate change negotiation forum especially the Conference of Parties (COP) meeting of the United Nations
• Poor technological development in the West African region which is hindering the development of renewable energy

Resolutions

The participants of the conference thus resolve as follows:

• That stakeholder in the West African region should create awareness on climate change among policy makers and local communities in region. They are particularly encouraged to befriend the media to achieve this objective.
• Called on the need for policy makers in West Africa to be educated on the issue on climate change
• To review existing policy on renewable energy and to scale-up renewable energy market in West Africa
• Called on the need to hold regular meetings comprising of stakeholders from the countries in the region to discuss climate change and strategize to make input into international discourse on climate change
• Participants called on governments in West Africa to commit adequate funds for climate change programmes/projects and for the development of renewable energy technologies
• NGOs should work in partnership with governments in their countries to combat climate change in the region
• Governments and other stakeholders in the region should popularize the use of renewable energy and build technological capacity in their citizens to develop renewable energy technologies
• Governments should commit adequate fund to embark on collaborative research to combat climate change impacts and develop renewable energy technology
• Relevant government agencies in the region should design a mechanism to send early warning to farmers at the event of hash weather condition resulting from climate change
• Governments should support vulnerability evaluation study in the West African region
• Governments in the region should integrate climate change regulatory frameworks into national policy to manage conflict arising from the use of natural resources
• Stakeholders in the West African sub-region should embark on activities that will enable them to make inputs into the post-Kyoto document
• Stakeholders should build a network on climate change in the region
  

Conference Outcome

The conference led to the formation of network of African organizations. The network was unanimously named West African Coalition on Climate Change (WACCC). WACCC will comprise of organizations from countries in West Africa. Countries in West Africa are expected to form their national coalition on climate change and join the WACCC, which will in turn join the Climate and Development Network currently being managed by ENDA-TM. JVE will coordinate WACCC. To be eligible for membership of WACCC, intending members must first be members of the associated national coalitions. All organizations that participated in the JVE conference in Lome are automatically members of WACCC.

International Peace Ambassadors Award

The International Youth Peace Tourism Ambassadors (IYPTA), an initiative of International Youth Peace Tourism & Development Initiative (IYPTDI) was founded with a global mindset to raise action-oriented, dynamic young men and women from all the nations of the world to lead in the change process of making a difference in our world. Embodying the universal and shared principles of first being, as to create substantial change that will usher in a new global era of young people leading in local and international peace building processes mainstreamed through tourism and all fields of life and development, rural and urban, private sector and government, e.t.c.

The appointment of notable young people unto this global platform is designed as an annual international event. Nominated youths, pre-screened from different communities, culture and race around the world, those already serving and making a difference in their constituencies are confirmed and appointed as Youth Peace Tourism Ambassadors. A renewed sense of purpose and commitment is emphasized to address the more pressing development issues affecting young people such as Poverty and others as outlined in the Millennium Development Goals (MDG's).

Over the past decades, various issues have confronted Africa, seriously threatening the very existence of the upcoming youth generation. In Nigeria issues of youth restiveness in the Niger Delta Region, escalating cases of crime and violence in South Africa, civil wars in Cote D'Ivore and Liberia, genocide in Rwanda and others of which we hear of everyday also happening in many other regions of the world.

Although the Niger Delta Oil Rich Region produces immense oil rich wealth for our country and has since become the engine room and mainstay of Nigeria's economy, the region can unfortunately not boast of any real dividend in infrastructure or the well being of her people, especially the youth. The region presents a paradox. Her vast resources have not corresponded in touching the lives of the people's own local poverty. Consequently these and other formidable challenges have impeded the development of the region, which has resulted to marginalization, fear of extracts from the Nigerian polity, resentment against other ethnic nationalities and multi-national corporations. Today, the cumulative effects of these have created cases of random kidnappings, general apprehension and insecurity of the area and obviously a visible threat to national peace, Security and unity. Despite the creation of government interventions such as Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and now the newly created Niger Delta Ministry, The question is “what tangible and substantial hope lies ahead to resolve the crucial concerns of the region?

Youths all over the world especially in the less developed countries are always victims of violence either by choice, force or manipulations by selfish leaders as a means of survival.

The further lack of quality “role models” and mentors among the parent generation and some of our political leaders have not met the expectations of the younger generation, has been seen among the youth as a “betrayal” of their destiny. The youth (who form the majority i.e 60% of the world’s population), from rural communities to urban cities and their surround, have also met with many tumultuous challenges and disappointments, the harsh reality of today’s difficult and global economic recession have resolve to violence as a way of life.

In order to address these issues and provide lasting solutions that can create a ‘paradigm shift’ from the present challenges faced by the youth in both the developed and less developed world, it became imperative that we lay a foundation for posterity by rekindling faith in the youth for creative developments, rebuild their self esteem and confidence through the strategic platform of the INTERNATIONAL YOUTH PEACE TOURISM AMBASSADORS at all levels right to the grass roots to act as and represent the hope of a desirable future and as “role models” in the “global leadership community.” Incidentally, youth, tourism and peace development concerns are multi-sectored, i.e. they affect every sector of human endeavor globally. Therefore the IYPTA General Assembly is the annual forum where Ambassadors critically consider and resolve on key issues, that will advance the platform's local and global agenda in line with current development trends and innovations designed to introduce youths and or young people at all levels of decision making, to the emerging but powerful concept of “building a culture of peace through Tourism” as a strategy to address real life root causes of the primary youth challenges such as poverty, violence, e.t.c.

In October 2008 at the Reiz Continental Hotel, Abuja, a pioneer set of Change Agents of our great country, Africa and the world were honored with appointments as prestigious International Youth Peace Tourism Ambassadors (IYPTA's),. Now this incredible and unprecedented initiative is set to soon become a global network of youth leaders from all walks of life mainstreaming YOUTH PEACE TOURISM to “Make A Difference” and “Be The Change” in our world.

IYPTDI sincerely believe that the IYPTA initiative can do so much to play a strategic role in partnering with government and other development partners to reposition the region for effective development change that will obviously make a difference in the Niger Delta Region. Already we have a handful of notable and dynamic Youth Peace Tourism Ambassadors who have taken this as a challenge and we must support them. Our distinguished friend and colleague Hon. Ambassador Sunny-Goli, Special Adviser to the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State on Youth Matters, who led a sizeable delegation of Bayelsa Youth leaders to the inaugural ceremony and leadership seminar last year, in Abuja, had announced that Bayelsa State Government will take the Privilege to host this year's International Youth Peace Tourism Ambassadors Award 2009, come October 30TH, 2009 and we have given them the hosting rights in principle.

The Changed Children Project- CCP

The “The Changed Children” TUCCAN Project

The “Changed Children” Project is an initiative of Foundation for Turning Community Concern into Citizen Action in Nigeria Project. CCP is focusing on what the Almajiri children need to survive and have opportunities to lead stable, rewarding lives. CCP is advocating for the rights of the Almajiri children to survive; to be safe; to belong; and to develop. CCP believes in SAVE THE CHILDREN vision that all children are equally entitled to have rights; and promoting children’s rights to children provides a platform for healthy personal development and respect for the civil and political forces that underpin stable societies.

The CCP education is aimed at preparing the Almajiri’s child for responsible life in a free society, in the spirit of understanding, peace, tolerance, equality of sexes and friendship among all peoples, ethnic, national and religious groups and persons of indigenous origin.

CCP Objectives

o to argue for the elimination of the most hazardous and exploitative forms of children’s work
o to advocate for support of Almajiris’ schools, the root cause of children needing to work
o to highlight the need to improve children’s rights for appropriate education, healthcare and recreation to all concerned actors
o to ensure that Almajiris children have the opportunity to play an active role in making decisions that affect their lives
o developing a way to build good and healthy relationship between the Almajiris children, other children and the communities at large
o challenging discrimination
o providing services for Almajiris children, such as informal moral education, free health care and intellectual recreation activities
o co-coordinating family tracing and reunification programmes for the Almajiris families so reducing the risks faced by the Almajiris

The CCP conducted focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews (IDIs) with relevant actors and the Almajiri children in order to:

o Provide children with an opportunity to define their needs and in particular their daily experience in tackling hunger and of other social problems.

o Document the circumstances in which the Almajiri children meet their basic and other needs of their families or themselves through street begging.

o Provide recommendations to inform programme decisions, i.e., to strengthen programmatic approaches to address underlying causes of Almajiri child abuse.

o Document findings in order to conduct advocacy with relevant stakeholders (Community heads and religious leaders, Islamic scholars, government at all levels and the private sector) to support the rehabilitation these innocent children.

The CCP is rehabilitating the Almajiri Children in Kano State through:

o Advocacy & Lobbying to all relevant stakeholders
o Provision of free moral education to Almajiri children to prevent them from social vices
o Provision of free health services to Almajiri children in their different schools to tackle their health problem with the help of volunteer doctors
o Recreational and Intellectual activities to encourage and help the Almajiri children develop their talents.

CCP Strategies

Foundation Stage

o Situation Analysis
o Advocacy & Lobbying
o Community Mobilization

Critical Stage

o Tackling Child Abuse & Child Labour
o Education & Empowerment
o Rehabilitation & Capacity Building
o Admission into vocational trainings

Communiqué Issued at the National Dialogue to Promoting Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency in Nigeria -ParkView Hotel Abuja

Preamble

A National Dialogue to Promote Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency in Nigeria was organized by the Community Research and Development Centre (CREDC). The conference received financial support from the Global Greengrants Fund (GGF) and the Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN). The conference took place on the 10 – 11 November 2008 at the Parkview Hotels, Abuja. The event attracted 50 participants from different parts of Nigeria. The Special Guest of Honour was the Honorable Minister of the Federal Ministry of Environment, Housing and Urban Development ably represented by Dr. Victor Fodeke, Head of Special Climate Change Unit who delivered the Keynote address.

Participants in the conference were representatives of civil society organizations, NGOs, religious organizations, academic institutions, the private sector, government and the media. The conference featured paper presentations, exhibitions, discussions, resolutions and the development of a roadmap to integrate energy efficiency into Nigeria’s policy framework.

Conference Objectives

The conference had the following objectives:

• Enhance stakeholders’ capacity to advocate for energy efficiency and promote renewable energy technologies.
• To create awareness on the concept of energy efficiency.
• To develop strategies to integrate energy efficiency policy into Nigeria’s policy framework.

Conference Outcomes

The following were achieved at the end of the conference:

· Awareness creation on the concept of energy efficiency among policy makers and other stakeholders

· Development of a road map to integrate energy efficiency policy into Nigeria’s policy framework

· Development of strategies to promote the concept of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies at the institutional, local, state and national levels

· Development of a network named Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Network (REEEN) that will promote renewable energy and energy efficiency in Nigeria.

· Development of partnership with government to achieve the goals and outcomes of the conference.

Observations

The participants at the National Dialogue to Promote Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency in Nigeria observed that:

• Nigerian policy has underestimated the importance and gains of energy efficiency on the environment and economic development.
• The Nigerian government has given so much attention to energy generation and distribution with little or no attention given to the efficient use of the energy generated.
• Nigeria can save over 50% of the energy we spend for lighting if we use energy efficiency light bulbs.
• The obstacles to the development of energy efficiency in Nigeria are lack of awareness; lack of energy efficiency policy; inappropriate energy pricing and cost subsidies; lack of trained staff, operators and maintenance workers; lack of capital and importation of used machines and vehicles; proliferation of inefficient equipment and desire to minimize initial cost; and low income.
• The efficient use of energy will help to minimize the building of new power stations and thus free up capital for other investments like health and welfare and reduce electricity bills.
• The efficient use of energy will leave more energy available to extend energy supply to all parts of the population.
• Energy efficiency will increase the efficiency and resilience of the economy – including reduced reliance on oil and thus improve balance of payments.
• Energy efficiency will reduce the negative environmental and human health impacts from energy production and use and increase employment through interventions in the industry, housing, transportation etc.
• The inefficient use of biomass to generate energy is contributing to the emission of greenhouse gases and leading to high rate of deforestation and desert encroachment in Nigeria.
• Energy efficiency is one of the main drivers of sustainable development worldwide.
• The importation of used and inefficient vehicles into Nigeria is contributing to inefficient use of fuel.
• Energy saving of up to 30% can be achieved by shifting from energy-intensive transport to a less energy-intensive transport and by adopting traffic management schemes.
• The demand for gasoline and diesel could be cut by 30% by emphasizing public transportation over private transportation and putting in place good road networks that enhance the smooth flow of vehicular movement.
• Nigeria is not benefiting from the CDM.
• Nigeria is blessed with abundant renewable energy sources which are being under utilized

Resolutions

It was thus resolved by the participants that:

• Government should partner with the civil society and other stakeholders to develop policies on energy efficiency and integrate them into current energy policy
• The government should partner with civil society organizations and other stakeholders to implement energy efficiency policy in Nigeria.
• There is need for NGOs/government/civil society/media partnership to create awareness on the concept of energy efficiency in Nigeria.
• NGOs and relevant stakeholders should carry out pilot projects to enhance the awareness creation process.
• Government and organizers of trade fairs around the country should create renewable energy and energy efficiency stands during trade fairs.
• NGO and civil society groups should partner with Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) and the Ministry of Environment and Urban Development to promote energy efficiency.
• Policy should be made to ban the importation and manufacturing of incandescent bulbs and encourage the use of energy saving light bulbs such as compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs).
• Government should encourage the use of public transportation over private transportation.
• Government should develop efficient transport schemes to enhance the efficient use of fuel thus reducing the emission of greenhouse gases.
• Government, NGOs and relevant stakeholders to embark on one-on-one awareness creation on energy saving tips.
• Stakeholders should target religious organizations to educate them on renewable energy and energy efficiency.
• The legislative arm of government should make laws to back up energy efficiency policy.
• Multinational companies should deemphasize on activities that are environmentally unfriendly and use technologies that are energy efficient.
• Government and relevant stakeholders should integrate energy efficiency courses into school curriculum in Nigeria.
• Civil society organizations should develop strategies to mainstream energy efficiency and renewable energy into manifestos of political parties in Nigeria
• Government should establish agency to promote the use of energy efficiency products and ensure energy efficiency practices
• Government should develop appropriate drivers for the implementation of energy efficiency policy
• Government should commit more funds to the development of renewable energy technologies to provide electricity for many Nigerians that do not have access to electricity especially those in the rural areas.

The participants then called on the Nigerian government, NGOs, international partners and the private sector to support the implementation of the resolutions made during the conference and support the implementation of the roadmap developed by the participants to integrate energy efficiency policy into Nigeria’s policy framework.

The 50 participants of the conference then organized themselves into a network which was unanimously named the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Network (REEEN). The mandate of REEEN is to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency in Nigeria. The network will be coordinated by the organizers of the conference.

Signed:

Etiosa Uyigue – Chairman

Surveyor Efik – Secretary

Ms. Agharese Edevbaro – Member

Tom Aneni – Member

Ms. Olukemi Akeju – Member

Mansur Bako Matazu – Member

(Communiqué Drafting Committee)

About TUCCAN Project

Turning Community Concern into Citizen Action in Nigeria (TUCCAN) Project is a not for profit, Non – Governmental, Civil Society Organization (CSO) working to ensure the interest and representation of unnoticed, excluded, underprivileged and vulnerable Nigerian citizens are brought to the centre of National discourse to be included in development processes; ensuring participatory reform in the delivery and management of women, youth and children empowerment programmes to improve its effectiveness; develop strategies to ensure government meet her obligations to provide basic rights to her citizens by responding to challenges faced by these groups in HIV/AIDS, Human Trafficking, Reproductive Health, Child Survival & Abuse, Child Labour, Safe Motherhood, Basic Education, Youth Empowerment, Climate Change & Energy Efficiency and Economic & Political Empowerment. TUCCAN is also committed to promoting and implementing socio-economic development services in partnership with other local, national, and international organizations/agencies with focus on the well being of Nigerian citizens through Policy Advocacy, Behavior Change Communication (BCC), Community Mobilization & Participation, Research and documentation.

Vision

To strengthen the voice of excluded, unnoticed and underprivileged Nigeria citizens; and their inclusion in political, socio-economic processes; and in ensuring development policies translates into effective and accountable development actions.

Mission Statement

To provide accurate information; develop and implement activities that will tackle the problems faced by the often excluded or marginalized groups through proper integration of citizen participation at all levels into developing national strategies programmes towards effective implementation of local and national policies and strategies that reflect changing development needs of these groups.

Objectives
The aims and objectives of TUCCAN shall be:-

· To support the reduction of maternal mortality rate through policy advocacy; and to empower rural and low income earned women with skill for self reliance and encourage women participation in national development

· To support policies and activities towards reducing mortality rate of under five children, child abuse and child labour

· To help young people realize their potential as development actors; and create an enabling environment for youth to actively participate in the planning & implementation of development activities in their various communities.

· To ensure the excluded, unnoticed Nigerian citizens have access to their leaders/representatives through active and useful engagement as well get involve in opportunities around their communities through participation in policy development and implementation.

· To provide accurate knowledge on the issue of HIV & AIDs, Malaria, climate change, and energy efficiency where individual and communities have access to information that guides informed choice and informed decision.

Strategies

· Strategic Communication
· Capacity Building
· Behaviour Change Communication
· Policy Advocacy
· Community & Resource Mobilization
· Networking & Mentorship
· Research and Documentation
· Monitoring and Evaluation

Focus

· Ensuring local development priorities
· Centralizing women and children concerns in national development plans & processes
· Integration of citizen participation at all levels into National strategic planning, implementation and assessment
· Building legitimate governance mechanism for decision making & accountability
· Empowering youth to ensure sustainability
· Researches to access development needs

Get Involved

Be part of TUCCAN…………

· Contribute financially
· Join TUCCAN fund drivers
· Sponsor a TUCCAN event or program
· Sponsor a capacity building program
· Be a local implementing partner
· Be a volunteer

Partnership

TUCCAN seeks partnership with development organizations seeking to support advances in the effectiveness and scale of communication interventions for positive development of the often exclude or marginalized groups in Nigeria. TUCCAN also welcome support from:
· Corporations
· Charitable Foundations
· Government Agencies
· Private Organizations and
· Individuals

Contact Office:
C/O Communication Support Centre
98, Hadejia Road, Opp. Buhari Complex,
Tel : +23703 524 3360, +234702 846 9221
E-mail:- cimalpfuture@yahoo.com

The Almajiris Children - Empowering them to secure the FUTURE

The Child Rights Act 2003 seeks mainly to re-enforce the rights of the child to education, among other fundamental rights. Although rights abuse is not restricted to the girl-child, theirs is a precarious situation given their peculiarities and some misconceived and obfuscating variables with religious and sociological denotations.
The Almajirins syndrome or destitution, and religious misnomer have necessitated concerted efforts at tackling the factors militating against girl-child education, particularly in the northern part of Nigeria.
Child destitution, otherwise known as 'Almajiri', is another social problem in most parts of the north and has posed an obstacle to girl-child education, which is an integral part of the Child's Rights Act. The National Council for the Welfare of Destitutes in Nigeria says there are about seven million children and teenage beggars - or Almajirai, in the north of the country. Kano State accounts for more than a million. This classless homesapiens fall squarely into Frantz Fanon's classic: "The Wretched of the Earth". The World Health Organization says over three percent of this group suffers sexual abuse and neglect.
"Almajiri" is derived from the Arabic word "Al-muhajirin", meaning a seeker of Islamic knowledge but in Nigeria, Almajiri is any child or adult who begs for assistance in the streets or from house to house even though Islamic teachings strongly prohibit begging except in special circumstances when a man losses of property in a disaster, or when a man has loaned much of his money for the common good, such as bringing peace between two warring parties.
Children in their dozens are not only found roaming the streets in the north especially in Kano state which is the largest state in Nigeria with the population of about 14 million people and the state with the largest number of the Almajiris children; some of these innocent children have also been "exported" to other towns around the country as house helps. Car parks, sidewalks, filling stations and other public places have since been taken over by such children who are deprived of any form of formal education or skill acquisition to ensure successful adulthood. Health workers say they are vulnerable to diseases and social crimes. These beggar children are found on major streets in Kano city. In order to survive, they beg from dusk to dawn everyday. After begging, they return to their makaranta, or school, or are left on the streets.
“The Almajiri child is present only as a begging street child. People of the society have used the Almajiri system to abuse the right of these innocent children, to traffic the children for child labour, sometime use for rituals; these children are vulnerable to all source of diseases, unsafe conditions and to some extent expose them to terrorism, thuggery and other menaces, to be used as social destructors, and to some extent also be used as sex hawkers or homosexuals in particular.
The privileged ones among them have a few hours of Quranic recitations with their Mallams, or Islamic teachers, in a traditional Islamic schooling system called Tsangaya. Unlike in western school systems, Almajiris are taught how to recite and memorize the Holy Quran and Hadiths.
Education has been recognized as the most potent weapon used by man to conquer his environment and chart his destiny and even that of others.
Efforts by governments, international agencies like ENHANSE and non-governmental organisations at redressing the trend have not been quite successful. The senate is pushing a bill seeking to establish a national commission for the eradication of child destitution. The Bill aims at creating an agency of government charged with the responsibility of formulating policies and strategies from the eradication of child destitution in Nigeria. It is also to be mandated with the task of modernizing the "Almajiri" system of education.
Sponsor of the bill, Senator Umaru Tafidan Argungu (PDP Kebbi North), with 31 other senators from all parts of the country, argues that the menace of child destitution has become an embarrassing spectacle in our country. True, the menace of having children roaming the streets begging is not an attribute of a nation that targets to join the league of world industrialized nations in the next 12 years. There could be another BARRACK OBAMA in this neglected group.
“If the Almajiri system is reformed, that means the social and security threats will also be minimized. There’s also the issue of economy. If people are dependent on others, they become unproductive; they don’t contribute to the economy of a given society.

It is far easier to build STRONG CHILDREN than repair BROKEN MEN

Kano State is the largest city in Northern Nigeria with an approxiamtely population of about 14 million people. Islam is predomnately religion of the Hausa-Fulani ethnic populace. Kano State is characterized by over-crowding, high youth unemployment, over-burdened social and economic infrastructure, which results in occasional outbreaks of violent unrests. About 40% of the Kano population are children and majortity of these children are street children generally referred to as Almajiris who are sent out from local communities to major cities to acquire arabic knowlegde from Islamic teachers but end up begging for arms; run domestic errands and engage in minor jobs like cleaning of cars on major roads for their daily sustainance. These children ages 6-15years suffers hunger daily and are expose to various health & environmental hazzards to make a living. They are socially excluded and therefore grow up to be yandabas (unrest youths) who are mostly hijacked and brought into conflict by belligerent, insurgent and other terrorist war lords to meet their deadly goals in the past cultural and religious riots in Northern Nigeria. The Turning Community Concern into Citizen Action in Nigeria Project (TUCCAN) for the Almajirins is working with Mallams of Quaranic schools, Community Leaders, Religious leaders and other stakeholders through advocacy, sensitization campaigns, lobbying, and mobilization to demand for proper formailization of the arabic schools to cater for the socio-economic needs of these innocent childen who are our future leaders. The TUCCAN Project Positive Value Curriclum is used by the project volunteers in inculcating positive values in these future hope in different Islamiyya schools in Kano State.