A N E W D A W N L I T E - A F R I C A NEWS ALERT: N IGER DE LTA COMMUN IT IES SENS ITIZED ON CIVIC

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1 V O L U M E 4, I S S U E 1 L I T E - A F R I C A Leadership Initiative for Transformation and Empowerment (LITE- Africa) is a Nigerian Non - governmental organization operating in the Niger Delta region since LITE Africa develops and implements high impact, community centered programmes that fall within the thematic areas of Governance and Human Rights, Sustainable Livelihood & Health and Humanitarian Support Services. JANUARY-APR IL MAY EDITION NEWS ALERT: N IGER DE LTA COMMUN IT IES SENS ITIZED ON CIVIC EDUCATION AHEAD OF 2015 ELECT IONS I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E : Highlights: 2 TND Project Highlights: 3 PENDISA project Highlights: 4 NED Project for Security Personnel Highlights: 4 Human Rights Liaison Centre Highlights: 5 VPs Accountability Project 2015 Annual 6 VP Plenary In her bid to ensure that Niger Delta communities participate actively in promoting a peaceful and credible 2015 elections, LITE-Africa embarked on civic and voters education for rural communities in the Delta state. This critical activity was delivered courtesy of a project titled Tomorrow is a New Day (TND) funded by the European Union through Search for Common Ground. Cross section of community members at the civic education town hall section in The civic and voters education town hall sections kicked off on January 29 in Koko community Warri North and moved to Uzere, Isokoh South LGA on February 3 and Oporoza, Warri South West LGA on February 6, The town hall sections which were used to raise citizen awareness on electoral process and procedures, brought together a wide range of stakeholders including representatives of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Nigerian Security and Civil defence Corp (NSCDC), Local Government, Media, Vigilante, Community Leaders, Youths Uzere, Delta State and Women. The representative of INEC, Mr. Bienose I. Augustine, pre-reminded community members that any one not accredited by the card reader will not be eligible to vote. The Divisional Police Officer and Divisional Officer of NSCDC represented by Akpo Gabriel and Augustine Oputu respectively, speaking on security concerns assured citizens of adequate security arrangement during the elections. Hon. Jolomi Esiategiwa supervisory councillor for environment, Warri North local government council encouraged members of the community to put to practice all guidelines they were sensitised on in order to bring about the desired change in the forth coming elections. Mr. Jones Efele representative of Koko community expressed appreciation to the INEC, security and government officials for making out time from their busy schedules to sensitise community members reiterating that they are now better informed.

2 P A G E 2 HIGHLIGHTS: TOMORROW IS A NEW DAY (PHASE II) - BUILDING A PEACE ARCHITECTURE FOR 2015 AND BEYOND Participants practice conflict analysis in group during Advance Conflict Transformation training at Uzere Participants role playing on mediation during the Advance Conflict Transformation training at Uzere Introduction With the aim to support community-level conflict resolution and reintegration of ex-militants, the Tomorrow is a New Day (TND) Phase II is being implemented in 7 trend setting communities in the Niger Delta states of Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states. The 18 month project is funded by the European Union, managed by Search for Common Ground (SFCG) and implemented by LITE-Africa in Koko, Oporoza, and Uzere communities of Delta state. Setting of Local Project Committee (LPC). The LPC members in Uzere community were verified and inaugurated on January 28, The event which held at the Community town hall Uzere, was aimed at sensitizing LPCs on their roles, responsibilities and the project objectives. The LPC members were administered an oath of office by the immediate past Chairman of the community, Deacon Clement Oluku. participants were drawn from the most vulnerable groups from areas that were mostly affected by the 2011 community versus company violence which led to the dethronement of the former king and burning down of the king s palace. A total of 180 participants attended the training. Town Hall Meetings on Security Issues Related to the 2015 Elections The town hall meetings organised in Uzere, Koko and Oporoza on the 3rd, 9th and 16th of March 2015 respectively, brought together over 314 stakeholders. These meetings were used to raise awareness on the potential causes of violence Present at the meeting were representatives of the Nigerian Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Vigilante Group, Ex-freedom fighters and community members. At the end of the meetings, communities developed action plans and mechanisms to resolve conflicts around the elections. Training on Advanced Conflict Transformation in Project Communities. In a bid to enhance a culture of non-violence in communities, LITE-Africa facilitated a 3-day training on Advanced Conflict Transformation in Uzere community between February 18-28, The What s next? 1. Town hall meeting to discuss local challenges and youth led advocacy efforts at project communities. 2. Support Youth led collaborative actions and advocacy in project communities.

3 V O L U M E 4, I S S U E 1 P A G E 3 H I G H L I G H T S : PROMOT ING EFFECT IVE N IGE R DELTA IN STITUT IONS THROUGH IMPROVED SOCIAL ACCOUNT ABIL ITY (PE NDISA) Introduction PENDISA is a Strengthening Advocacy and Civic Engagement project (SACE) project aimed at improving engagement between Niger Delta Institutions and communities in the region on good governance and economic. It is being implemented in Delta and Ondo states in a bid to strengthen citizens demand and voices in relation to Niger Delta institutions by ensuring that they become more transparent and accountable, through evidence-based advocacy. The project is funded by USAID/PIND. Project kick off meeting As an integral part of the project implementation, a project kick off meeting was held on January 22,2015. The meeting brought together representatives from Morgan Smart Development Foundation (MSDF), Chevron Nigerian Ltd, Egbema Gbaramatu Development Foundation (EGCDF), Itsekiri Regional Development Council (IRDC) and Ilaje Regional Development Council (IRDC). The meeting provided an opportunity for stakeholders to get acquainted with the project, develop a workplan, review responsibilities and share ideas on ways the project will be implemented to ensure a effective result. Consultative meetings with held with the management of Morgan Smart Development Foundation (MSDF),Niger Delta Development Corporation( NDDC), and Itsekiri Regional Development Council (IRDC) between Feb 10 March 26. These meetings enabled LITE-Africa to seek and secure the buy-in of these stakeholders towards the success of the PENDISA project. It provided a platform to strengthen engagement and partnership. CRC design workshop A two-day 2-Day Citizen Report Card (CRC) Design Workshop for project stakeholders and partners held on the 8th-9th April The objective of the workshop was to enable stakeholders develop a CRC survey tool that will be utilized for data collection on the needs and desires of residents in targeted Niger Delta communities and their perception of Niger Delta Institutions. 14 participants attended the workshop among which were representative of MSDF, EGCDF, and African Network for Environment and Economic (ANEEJ). What s next? 1. CRC Assessment/Data collection in 12 communities 2. Data input/analysis/development of Draft Report 3. Quarterly sharing of information to stakeholders on the findings from the CRC and via bulk SMS 4. Twitter Conference Consultative meeting

4 P A G E 4 H I G H L I G H T S : NED STRE NGTHEN ING TH E CAPACITIES OF SECURITY FORCES ON THE VOLU NT ARY PRINCIPLES ON S ECURIT Y AND HUMAN RIGHTS I N THE NIGER DE LTA Introduction SHRPSS project funded by the National Endowment for Democracy is an intervention designed with the aim to strengthen the capacity of security forces that operate in the Niger Delta by equipping them with human rights framework to guide their work and actions. The project is in her third phase, complementing the successes recorded during the second phase and building on the challenges and lessons learnt. The ultimate aim of the project, as in the pilot phase is to strengthen democratic institutions in Nigeria through the promotion of human rights, increasing respect for and adherence to the human rights instruments of which Nigeria is signatory. Radio Jingle and Bulk SMS Radio jingles which sensitizes the public on their civic duties in view of the 2015 elections were produced by LITE-Africa. It is currently been aired on Crown FM 88.9MHz..The jingles also enlighten citizens on the availability of LITE-Africa human rights coordination center which provide guidance on human rights framework should their rights be violated. Three bulk SMS was sent to 1500 recipients in Delta State, sensitizing them about the 2015 elections and encouraging them to vote and shun violence. Project monitoring On, Monday 20th March 2015, two days after the Presidential and National Assembly election were conducted, a project monitoring was embarked upon. Members of the Community Monitoring Group (CMG) in project communities reported that the SHRPSS project has been helpful in increasing human rights awareness. They noted that the massive participation during the election in project communities was as a result of the sensitization on civic education and human rights created by the project. One of the CMG member was elected as a presiding officer during the election. What's next? Stakeholders forum H I G H L I G H T S : HUMAN RIGHTS LAISON CENTRE The Human Rights Liaison Centre situated at LITE-Africa corporate office has recorded a huge success in helping the public resolve human rights issues and other issues that could lead to violation of human rights. The centre which was established through the SHRPSS project funded by NED has witnessed over 30 person who visited to lodge various complains. Currently, the centre has been able to resolve some of the cases by providing orientations on human rights and issues that constitute human rights violation.

5 V O L U M E 4, I S S U E 1 P A G E 5 H I G H L I G H T S : C O R D A I D S T R E N G T H E N I N G C S O S C A P A C I T Y T O P R O M O T I N G V O L U N T A R Y PRINCIPLES ON SECURITY AND HUMAN RIGHT - V P S A C C O U N T A B I L I T Y P R O J E C T : Project communities unanimously agreed that the implementation of the VPs by the oil companies and the Nigerian Government will help to avoid crises and bring about improved relationship and sustainable development. The following recommendations were made; The VPs Accountability project is a one year project which aims to strengthen the Nigeria CSO Coalition on Business and Human Rights to build and enforce measures of corporate accountability and ensuring the Nigerian government and Oil companies commit to the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights. The project is funded by the Catholic Organization for Relief and Development Aid (CORDIAD). Project Evaluation: In a project evaluation conducted in the month of December 2014,community members in Beneku and Koroama project communities noted that their knowledge of the VPs has been solely through the sensitization sessions conducted by LITE- Africa in the communities. In Koroama community the leaders now utilize the knowledge gained on the VPs to interact with oil companies during Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) meetings. Cross section of CMG members during the project monitoring in Beneku community. Beneku community members have been unable to include VPs on their meeting agenda, as community members who attended the sensitization sessions on the VPs have been unable to step down the training to other members. Community women lament that they live in fear of loss of their lives and livelihood due to incessant crises and pollution. Many community members have reportedly died of cancer and organ failure recently. NGOs should put more effort in sensitizing communities on the VPs, enabling more community members to participate, dissemination and apply knowledge gained. Oil companies should be encouraged to abide by the tenets and provision of the VPS. NGOs Efforts should be intensified to get the Nigerian content monitoring board responsible for community rights to recognize and buy into the VPs in a bid to advocate for VPs implementation by oil companies. Liaison offices should be created in communities to enlighten community members. Cross section of community members during the project monitoring in Koroama community

6 P A G E 6 LITE-AFRICA PARTICIPATES AT THE 2015 ANNUAL The 2015 annual plenary meeting of the voluntary principles on security and human rights (a multi stakeholder initiative focused on security and human rights concerns) was held in London, March 17 18, The event was attended by a wide representative of members from the Government, Corporate and NGO pillars. Discussions at the plenary focused on initiatives in line with a strategy document adopted by VPs to guide its activities. LITE-Africa and the Government of Netherlands made presentations on the VP implementation outreach in Nigerian and its challenges. PLENARY OF THE VPS Eight new entities including the Government of Ghana, and New Nigerian Foundation joined the VPs since the 2014 Annual Plenary Meeting and were recognised. At the end of the meeting, participants agreed to work together to: promote the provision of security in a manner that respects human rights; continue to focus on implementing the principles on the ground; increase host government and country outreach; increase the number of participants in the Initiative; and improve accountability. HEADQUARTERS: UTI extension, opp Little Paradise Hotel, Ugbolokposo Warri. Delta State. SATELLITE OFFICE: 68,Yenizue-Epie Road, Yenagoa. office@lite-africa.org Office phone: This newsletter is published by Leadership Initiative for Transformation and Empowerment (LITE-Africa).