Hello Enabler,

As usual, I am here to keep you abreast of all we did this past month, welcome you into a new month, and share opportunities for you to join us in creating positive change. It seems May brought us out of our shells and we explored our creative side more!

Enjoy the read!😊

#EdoAndOndoDecides2024 RSVP Campaign

To kick-start the off cycle election season, we launched the #EdoDecides2024 and #OndoDecides2024 RSVP Campaign last month. We partnered with MiND Initiative on a CVR exercise observation and support mission where we deployed volunteers across the three senatorial districts of Edo State.

These volunteers played a pivotal role in assisting the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) staff and ensuring a smooth registration process for the citizens.

Our ongoing #RSVP Campaign didn’t stop with the CVR exercise as we have gone ahead to update our Religious Toolkit, a resource that equips religious leaders with the right information needed to sensitise their congregations on elections. Volume 9 has been specifically tailored to the Edo and Ondo off-cycle elections and we commence engagement with religious leaders in earnest.

Research and Infographics

In June, we released an infographic highlighting the alarming trend of law enforcement agents cracking down on journalists in Nigeria. Our research documented 12 verifiable instances of heavy-handed tactics used against journalists and media outlets. These cases suggest a concerted effort to suppress free speech and stifle constructive criticism - both vital components of a healthy democracy.

GLT Nation Builders Summit, 2024

We are always looking for every relevant opportunity to contribute to nation-building and promote a more informed and participatory citizenry. This is why we took part in the 2024 edition of the GLT Nation Builders summit themed, Building A Nation Of Excellence. This time around, taking civic education to religious circles, our Executive Director, ‘Yemi Adamolekun spoke on the topic: The Church in Local and National Politics.

Recognising that active citizenship is crucial for building a nation of excellence, we distributed 100 copies of our #OfficeOfTheCitizen passports to event attendees. These passports serve as a tool to encourage and promote civic engagement in our nation-building efforts. Have you downloaded the updated version?

OOTC Radio

In June, our #OfficeOfTheCitizen radio show on Sparkling FM Calabar maintained its focus on Nigeria's quarter-century of continuous democratic rule. We examined various aspects of this theme. This approach allowed us to explore multiple facets of Nigeria's democratic experience, with a particular emphasis on local governance in Cross River State.

In the first week of this month, we've delved into the topic “People Power in Action: Kenyan Protests and Lessons for Nigeria” and as the month progresses, we plan to continue building active citizens through these impactful discussions.

Thursday Talks 

As debates intensified between the federal government and organised labour over a suitable minimum wage, our June #ThursdayTalks topic was: "The Minimum Wage Palava." This virtual discussion brought together expert economists and policy analysts to examine the complexities of the minimum wage issue and its potential impact on citizens.

The panel also explored what would constitute a reasonable minimum wage increase for workers, considering economic factors and living costs.

#myLGA

We are gearing towards our town hall meetings across all our project implementation states as we have recorded considerable success in receiving commitments on the setting up of the Office of the Citizen (OOTC) help desks at the Local Government Areas in our focus states of Abia (3/3), Ebonyi (4/6), Ondo (5/6), Nasarawa (6/6), and Yobe (3/6) States. However, given the politicking in Anambra state regarding the LG elections, we have experienced some minor setbacks in our advocacy efforts to the LGAs. As we plan for our town hall meetings in the coming weeks, we look forward to securing positive commitments from all pending LGAs where the project is being implemented.

We are closer to our goal! Which is to bridge the gap between citizens and their local governments via advocacy and education.

The #myLGA project is funded by the National Endowment for Democracy.

Support Our Work

And there you have it Enabler, you're now up to speed on our key activities and, most importantly, the impacts we've made in June.

We Value Your Feedback!

Please send your comments and suggestions to: [email protected].
Your insights help us improve and provide better content.

Thank you for your support!

Till next time!