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ACT supports media, CSOs to form a coalition in Kano
Nasiru Yusuf
The Agents for citizens-driven transformation (ACT) programme has kicked started a new initiative aimed at bringing Civil Society Organisations and media practitioners under one proof.
KANO FOCUS reports that a one day roundtable between Civil Society Organisations and journalists was conducted on Monday to chart ways forward on sustainable relationship.
Speaking at the occasion the ACT program State Focal Person, Hajiya Rabi Adamu said the meeting is to strengthen the relationship between media and CSOs to influence government on its responsibilities.
She also said the gathering will create synergy between CSOs and the media for sustainable development.
“That is to set Agenda setting for the media and CSOs for better partnerships. Facilitate a constructive dialogue on how to improve CSO-Media relationships. To discuss EU-ACT support to CSOs in the State. To engage the high level media personnel and compliment their effort in nation building as drivers of change,” Mrs Adamu said.
Turning to ACT, Mrs Adamu said the objectives of the program is to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development in Nigeria through improving the credibility of CSOs and enhancing their role as independent development actors and drivers of change.
According to her, to achieve this objective, the programme will focus on strengthened selected CSOs, Networks and Coalitions working in EU focal areas in 10 States, across the country.
She said,’’The Agents for citizens-driven transformation (ACT) programme works with civil society organisations to enable their effectiveness, and credibility to become drivers of change in Nigeria.’’
‘’ACT is implemented nationwide, with work in Lagos, Kano, Abuja, FCT, Adamawa, Edo, Enugu, Rivers, Sokoto, Borno and Plateau states.’’
In a paper titled ‘The Role and Impact of Civil Society in Strengthening Civic Space’ the Executive Director, Organization for Community Civic Engagement (OCCEN) Nigeria, Abdulrazaq Alkali said robust civic space is essential for good governance, the rule of law and for enabling citizens to shape their societies.
He said that civic space refers to an enabling environment that empowers members of the society to communicate and interact freely, address issues of concern, air grievances without hindrance, engage in dialogue as well as influence various delicate public processes affecting them.
He said it is undoubtedly true that open and pluralistic civic space that guarantees freedom of expression and opinion as well as freedom of assembly and association is a prerequisite for democratic consolidation and sustainability.
‘’Unfortunately, today civic space is under pressure due to politics, repressive laws with increased restrictions on the freedom of civil societies to express, participate, assemble and associate in a civic space.
‘’Though new technologies have helped civil society networks to grow, but they’ve also given governments excuses to control civil society movements and media freedoms, often under security pretexts.
‘’The civil society operating environment is getting titter with regulations, civic activists and journalists are being repressed and some are forced into exile,” the activist said.
Alkali lamented that civil society movements, political activism and political advocacy in Nigeria have been largely held back due to antecedents in the country’s political history’ and rivalry among the geopolitical regions.
‘’Negative politics of ethnicity and regionalism have created apathy and lack of trust, resulting in many civil societies to fold hands in moments that require collective actions. As a result, civil societies have failed to distinguish their affiliation from the government in a manner that can affirm and promote their autonomous and independent growth.
“Ultimately, such a posture has undermined the civil society’ cause and has confined them to issues that do not fundamentally challenge or affect the status quo,” he observed.
On her part, the chairperson of Nigerian Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Kano state chapter Bilikisu Ado Zango said media collaboration with the CSOs would enhance good governance, transparency and respect for rule of law in the society.
In her paper titled ‘’Finding common grounds in addressing negative perception between Media and CSOs’’, Zango said civil society organisations and the media can play key oversight role in the different sectors and build public support for more accountable democratic governance
‘’Efforts are needed to promote an enabling environment for civil society and the media. Initiatives should include ongoing dialogue to foster cooperation and trust between the government, civil society (broadly defined) and the media, ‘’ Mrs Zango said.
Also speaking Khadija Abdullahi Yahaya said the media is part and parcel of civil society. Adding that having access to the media is critical to actors involved in pursuing transparency and fairness to the voiceless.
The one day round table resolved to ensure more synergy between the media and CSOs to achieve the set goals and encourage periodic meetings with the two actors.
The meeting also observed the need to create a common platform for CSOs journalists where they will exchange information.
The program, Agents for Citizens-driven Transformation (ACT) is a four-year programme (2019 – 2023) funded by the European Union and implemented by the British Council.
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has emerged as a beacon of hope for graduates left stranded due to the previous administration’s negligence regarding academic certificates.
His determination to rectify these injustices has culminated in decisive actions to secure the future of Kano’s youth. Ibrahim Adam, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information, shared these developments with the media.
On December 9, 2024, Governor Yusuf traveled to Cyprus with a mission to obtain the overdue academic certificates for Kano students affected by the prior administration’s failure to meet its educational financial obligations.
During a critical meeting with the management of Near East University, the governor focused on facilitating the release of certificates for students who graduated between 2015 and 2019, particularly in essential fields like Medicine and Nursing.
This was confirmed by Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor’s spokesperson.
In a significant move, Governor Yusuf has settled the outstanding fees of €1.4 million (approximately ₦2.5 billion) owed to the university for 84 medical and2015 to 2019.
This substantial financial commitment honors the dedication and hard work of these graduates, restoring their hopes for a future that had previously been unjustly delayed.
According to Ibrahim Adam, the certificates are set to be handed over to the Kano State Scholarship Board through the Nigerian Ambassador to Turkey, marking a pivotal moment for the affected students.
Governor Yusuf acknowledged the challenges faced by the graduates, declaring, “This situation has been a significant setback for our children, hindering their dreams and aspirations, and it has also affected our state, which is in dire need of their expertise.”
His vision for a prosperous Kano is centered on prioritizing education, ensuring that talented individuals can make valuable contributions to the state’s advancement.
The governor’s proactive measures not only address the systemic issues in the education sector but also inspire renewed hope among Kano’s youth.
By fulfilling his promises, he emphasizes the crucial role of supporting young people in achieving their aspirations, which is vital to the state’s growth.
As this milestone is celebrated, it is evident that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s relentless pursuit of educational reform signals a transformative era for Kano State.
His administration’s unwavering focus on education stands as a vital investment in the futures of individuals and the overall development of the state.
Under his leadership, Kano State is poised to realize its full potential, with eager graduates ready to make impactful contributions to their communities.
Governor Yusuf’s commitment to empowering the youth serves as an enduring reminder that with dedication and decisive action, a brighter future is attainable for all.
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has been named Governor of the Year 2024 (Good Governance) by Vanguard Newspaper, in recognition of his transformative achievements in the education and healthcare sectors.
The recognition was announced in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Saturday.
Governor Yusuf received the award at a prestigious event held in Lagos, where eminent personalities from across the country were honoured for excellence in leadership and service.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of the occasion, Atedo Peterside, emphasized that the selection process was based on merit and verifiable impact, commending the awardees for their outstanding contributions to national development.
Vanguard’s Editor-in-Chief, Eze Anaba, praised Governor Yusuf for setting a high standard in governance through his commitment, innovation, and focus on people-centered policies.
In his remarks, Governor Yusuf expressed gratitude to Vanguard for the recognition, dedicating the award to the people of Kano State.
He reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to continue investing in sectors that directly impact the lives of citizens, especially education, health, and social welfare.
Other recipients of the Good Governance Award included Governors Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Charles Soludo (Anambra), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta) and Hope Uzodinma (Imo).
Governor Yusuf was accompanied to the ceremony by members of the State Executive Council, lawmakers, special advisers, local government chairmen, and close political allies.
This latest honour comes just four days after he received the Governor of the Year (Education) award from Leadership Newspaper.
The Governor is also scheduled to receive the Africa Good Governance Award from Heritage Times Magazine later this month in Morocco.
By Aminu Abdullahi Ibrahim
Kano State has the highest number of zero-dose immunization cases in Nigeria, with 15 local government areas (LGAs) identified as high-burden, according to Save the Children.
This alarming figure has prompted the launch of targeted interventions under the Boost Project, a collaborative initiative by Save the Children and GSK aimed at reducing the number of zero-dose and under-immunized children in the country.
During an engagement meeting held on Thursday with the Kano State Community of Practice (CoP) on Immunization, stakeholders renewed commitments to tackling the issue.
The project is currently being implemented in Kano and Lagos States, with focused interventions in Ungogo and Gezawa LGAs, which are among the most affected areas in Kano.
Speaking at a media and civil society dialogue, Taiwo Folake, Coordinator of the Boost Project, emphasized the critical role of public engagement in reversing the trend.
She called for increased media support to drive awareness and community action on immunization.
Folake explained that the Boost Project works closely with state and local governments, traditional and religious leaders, and caregivers to ensure that children who have never received routine vaccines are reached, while also reintegrating those who have dropped out of immunization schedules.
Dr. Itunu Dave Agbola, Policy and Advocacy Coordinator of the project, said the initiative is also focused on improving domestic resource mobilization for immunization funding, strengthening governance, and developing a Kano-specific immunization policy to enhance planning, funding allocation, and accountability.
She noted that building trust through community leadership is vital for vaccine acceptance.
Also speaking, Salisu Yusuf, Co-Chair of the Kano CoP on Immunization, reiterated the group’s commitment to working with all stakeholders to reduce the number of high-burden LGAs.
He dismissed widespread misconceptions about vaccine safety, assuring that vaccines are safe and scientifically approved.
Yusuf pledged to intensify sensitization efforts through media outreach, house-to-house campaigns, and community meetings.
The meeting marks a renewed drive to improve immunization coverage in Kano State, with a strong emphasis on reaching vulnerable and underserved communities.
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