News
NEWOMCII Seeks Stronger Government–CSO Collaboration to Deepen Grassroots Development
Joel Ajayi
In a renewed effort to bridge the gap between policy formulation and grassroots realities, the New Dawn for Women and Community Intervention Initiative (NEWOMCII) has called for stronger collaboration between government institutions and civil society organisations to enhance development delivery across Nigeria.
The call was made during a courtesy visit by the leadership of NEWOMCII to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in Abuja, where the organisation presented its development framework and outlined areas for strategic partnership.
Leading the delegation was the Founder and Chairman of NEWOMCII, Bolaji Raji, alongside the National Coordinator, Sa’adatu Adamu Bokane, and members of the organisation’s national executive team.
Speaking during the visit, Bokane explained that NEWOMCII was established to serve as a bridge between government policies and underserved communities, particularly in rural areas where access to development information and intervention programmes remains limited.
She noted that while government initiatives span critical sectors such as agriculture, education, health, and social welfare, many communities still face challenges in accessing or fully understanding these opportunities due to communication and structural gaps.
According to her, the organisation is designed to complement government efforts by ensuring that development programmes are not only implemented but also effectively communicated and accessed at the grassroots level.
Bokane disclosed that NEWOMCII operates through an extensive nationwide structure, comprising regional coordinators, state executives, and local government focal officers across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, enabling direct engagement with communities.
She further highlighted that the organisation deploys technical officers and consultants across its thematic areas to ensure professionalism, effective monitoring, and alignment with established development standards.
Agriculture, she said, remains a core focus area, alongside support for small businesses, women-led enterprises, skills development, education, healthcare, and community welfare programmes aimed at improving livelihoods.
“With Nigeria’s growing population and expanding development needs, collaboration is no longer optional but essential,” Bokane stated. “Government is doing a lot, but organisations like ours must support these efforts to ensure that no community is left behind.”
Responding, Dabiri-Erewa commended the initiative and underscored the importance of synergy between civil society organisations and government agencies in expanding access to development opportunities.
She emphasised that credible gr
assroots organisations play a crucial role in raising awareness of government programmes and ensuring that interventions reach their intended beneficiaries.
During the meeting, NEWOMCII presented its flagship programmes, including the Women Grow Initiative focused on agricultural support, the Creating the Future Programme for creative enterprise development, the Skills for Life Programme aimed at education and employability, the Care and Dignity Initiative for health and welfare, and the Mobility and Safety Plan designed to enhance community safety.
The organisation also highlighted ongoing interventions across several communities, including support for women in agriculture, provision of processing equipment to boost productivity, and medical outreaches to improve access to basic healthcare services.
In his remarks, Raji said NEWOMCII’s mission is anchored on practical community engagement, with a focus on ensuring that development reaches those at the margins of society.
He added that the organisation’s multi-level coordination system promotes accountability and efficient service delivery across regional, state, and local government structures.
Raji reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to working with government agencies and development partners to scale up its interventions nationwide.
The delegation described the visit as part of sustained efforts to strengthen institutional partnerships, expressing optimism that closer collaboration with NIDCOM would enhance awareness of development initiatives and improve linkages between Nigerians at home and in the diaspora.
Both parties reiterated the need for continuous cooperation between government institutions and civil society organisations in addressing Nigeria’s development challenges, with NEWOMCII pledging to remain at the forefront of grassroots empowerment and community transformation.
News
Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran
Joel Ajayi
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.
In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.
According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.
“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.
The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.
“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.
The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.
“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.
Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.
The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.
“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.
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