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300 CSOs Pass Vote Of Confidence On N’East Devt Commission MD, Alkali
…urge public office holders to emulate his giant strides
Civil Society Organizations, CSOs, numbering 300 under the auspices of the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria, COCSON, Tuesday, unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the Managing Director, North East Development Commission, NEDC, Dr. Mohammad Alkali, over his landmark achievements and transparent leadership.
This is just as the coalition called on public office holders across the various agencies of government to emulate the giant strides of the NEDC managing director.
The Coalition made this stance known during a press conference held in Abuja, where they pointed out that the Alkali-led NEDC has been on track and really addressing the socioeconomic issues affecting the North East States, and are all out to support his efforts to change the narrative in the region.
Spokesperson for the coalition, Mr Obiora Bartholomew said: “We, the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria (COCSON), have gathered here today to address important developments regarding the North East Development Commission (NEDC), specifically the leadership of its Managing Director appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“COCSON, as a coalition committed to the promotion and protection of the interests of the Nigerian people, recognizes and appreciates the significant achievements made by the Managing Director since his appointment.
“We have extensively analyzed his performance, engaging closely with stakeholders involved in the North East Development, and we are pleased to announce the passing of a vote of confidence on the Managing Director.
“We commend the Managing Dr. Mohammad Alkali Director for his tireless efforts in addressing the challenges faced by the people of the North East region. Under his leadership, the NEDC has successfully implemented various development projects aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of the region.
“Notable achievements include; Infrastructure Development: The NEDC, under the guidance of the Managing Director, has constructed and rehabilitated critical infrastructure such as roads, schools, hospitals, and bridges. These projects have enhanced accessibility, connectivity, and essential services for the people of the region.
“Empowerment Programmes: The Managing Director’s leadership has resulted in the successful implementation of numerous empowerment programs, including skills acquisition initiatives, microfinance schemes, and vocational training. These programs have provided opportunities for sustainable livelihoods and economic growth in the region.
“Humanitarian Aid and Reconstruction: The NEDC, under the guidance of the Managing Director, has effectively coordinated humanitarian aid efforts and reconstruction projects in conflict-affected areas in the North East.
This has facilitated the safe return and resettlement of internally displaced persons, rejuvenating communities and fostering social cohesion.
“Stakeholder Engagement: The Managing Director Mohammad Alkali has actively engaged with various stakeholders, including local communities, government agencies, and civil society organizations, to ensure the sustainable development of the North East region. This inclusive approach has facilitated collaboration, transparency, and accountability in the implementation of development projects.
“Based on these achievements and the significant progress made under his leadership, COCSON confidently passes a vote of confidence on the Managing Director of the North East Development Commission. We believe that his exemplary commitment to service, dedication, and results-oriented leadership will continue to drive the development agenda in the North East region.”
“Additionally, we urge other public office holders to emulate the good work demonstrated by the managing President and also ensure that the renewed hope agenda of President bola Ahmed Tinubu is sustained for the benefit of all Nigerians.
We call on all relevant stakeholders to recognize and appreciate the accomplishments made thus far, demonstrating their commitment to the development, stability, and prosperity of the North East region”, they stated.
It is recalled that some of the CSOs include, Society for Community Development and Empowerment (SCODE), Progressive Initiative for Sustainable Development (PRISD), Justice and Equality Advocacy Network (JEAN), Civic Engagement and Governance Institute (CEGI), Grassroots Empowerment Network (GEN), Advocates of Social Change and Responsibility (ASCR), Transparency and Accountability Initiative (TAI).
Others are, Generation for Human Rights and Development (GHURID), Sustainable Development and Advocacy Movement (SDAM), Health and Education Research Alliance (HERA), Urban Renewal and Livelihood Enhancement Organization (URLEO), Initiative for Democratic Governance and Economic Development (IDGE), Youth Empowerment and Leadership Foundation (YELF), Women’s Empowerment and Rights Organization (WERO), and Civil Society Alliance for Good Governance (CSAGG).
Featured
NAPTIP Restates Commitment To Fighting Human Trafficking
Joel Ajayi
… decries corruption in law enforcement, weak legislation
The Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi, has pledged the agency’s commitment to fight human trafficking.
Waziri-Azi gave the assurance during an anti-corruption radio program, PUBLIC CONSCIENCE, produced by the Progressive Impact Organization for Community Development, PRIMORG, in Abuja.
The commitment by NAPTIP follows an investigative report by Human Angle Media exposing how many Nigerians trafficked to Egypt are inhumanely treated and exploited by their sponsors.
Represented by the agency’s Director of Public Enlightenment, Mrs. Kehinde Akomolafe, decried the rising number of Nigerians who are victims of trafficking, pledging that “NAPTIP is fighting on all sides to curb human trafficking.”
Akomolafe disclosed that the agency is aware of the report of Nigerians trafficked to Egypt and has already commenced interventions to rescue them while warning citizens to be wary of “offers that are too good to be true.”
She identified weak legislation, lengthy judicial processes, and corrupt law enforcement officials as factors aiding and abetting trafficking in Nigeria and elsewhere in the world.
“Corruption is endemic and cuts across other countries of the world, and that’s why trafficking is easily perpetrated in Nigeria and around the globe. You find law enforcement officials aiding and abetting traffickers. Some of them know these traffickers from their operations either at the entry or exit point. They give them something or become too familiar with them.
“Apart from the bribery aspect, we also have officials turning a blind eye to trafficking activities, and that’s why for us at the agency (NAPTIP), we are not resting.”
According to her, the agency, from inception, secured 672 convictions, 67 in 2023, and 35 persons so far this year (2024). She added that “NAPTIP is winning the war against trafficking but still wants stiffer punishment for traffickers and the support of the judiciary in hastening cases.
“weak legislation is aiding trafficking. That’s why the agency continues pushing for amendments. Currently, NAPTIP is pushing for stiffer punishment against traffickers that will lead to confiscation of their monies and property.
“NAPTIP Director-General (Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi) is fighting on all sides against human trafficking.
“Where law enforcement officials are found complicit, NAPTIP Director-General does not take it lightly; she doesn’t compromise her anti-corruption stance even when a staff is involved,” Akomolafe stated.
According to the Editor of Southern Operations, Human Angle Media, Kabir Adejumo, many Nigerians trafficked to Egypt engage in forced labour. They are also living in fear as authorities go after illegal immigrants.
Adejumo said victims interviewed during the investigation are willing and interested in returning home, but their sponsors refuse to release their travel passports and threaten to implicate them.
He also revealed that the NAPTIP and Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) are aware of the plight of Nigerians trafficked in Egypt and have currently rescued one person.
On her part, the Programme Manager of the Human Angle Foundation, Angela Umoro-David, expressed satisfaction at NAPTIP’s response to trafficking cases while urging the agency to stay on course with their mandate.
Umoro-David called on Nigerians to use a Freedom of Information platform (foi.humananglemedia.com) to help citizens navigate requests for public records from different government parastatals and agencies.
She stressed that the platform “is a website where people can submit their FOI requests to us (Human Angle), and we’ll submit it on their behalf to the particular agency. So we act as middlemen, connecting these government parastatals to the citizens”.
Public Conscience is a syndicated weekly anti-corruption radio program PRIMORG uses to draw government and citizens’ attention to corruption and integrity issues in Nigeria.
The program has the support of the MacArthur Foundation
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