Empowering Women and Girls With Disabilities in Africa

Every Dec 3rd, the world celebrates the International Day of Persons With Disabilities. It is time to reflect on this year's theme which is “Empowering persons with disabilities and ensuring inclusiveness and equality”.

Disabled women should be empowered

Millions of girls and women with disabilities particularly in Africa are being denied a fair and just chance in life. Without education and empowerment, they are exposed to serious insecurities and dangers, including early marriage, sexual exploitation, diseases, poverty and servitude. This crisis goes beyond the unfulfilled lives of girls and women who miss out on education and involves serious loss of economic benefits and opportunities.

There is ability in disability

Save Our Needy works to improve the living conditions of girls and women with disabilities in Africa. The organization believes that empowering people with disabilities will create a more inclusive and just society. As we look forward to celebrating the IDPD this year, it is important to note that there is "ability" in "disability."

Marvella Odili Attends Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Annual Seminar

The Hubert H. Humphrey (HHH) Fellowship Alumni hosted the 11th HHH Fellowship Annual Seminar in collaboration with the US Embassy, Nigeria, today, at BWC Hotel, opposite Eko Atlantic City, Lagos.

HHH Fellowship Alumni chose this year's theme to be "Youths and Transformational Leadership" because they believe that young people are key stakeholders in the country and should be given the opportunity to play their roles.

Russell Brooks, Public Affairs Officer, US Consulate, Lagos, addressing the audience.

Some of the notable faces at the well-attended event included US Ambassador to Nigeria, W. Stuart Symington, Taraba State Firstlady, Her Excellency, Barrister (Mrs.) Anna Mbasughun Darius Ishaku, Public Affairs Officer, US Consulate, Lagos, Russell Brooks, and Justice Eniola Fabanwo, Vice-president HHH Fellowship Alumni, Ogun State High Court Judge.

US Ambassador, W. Stuart Symington (middle), Barrister Mrs. Anna Ishaku, Taraba State Firstlady (4th right) with HHH Fellows

Dapo Oyewole, Yale World Fellow, moderated an interesting panel made up of Dr. Tunji Olaopa, Prof of Public Admin at Lead City University, Samson Itodo of the Not Too Young To Run movement and Abisoye Ajayi-Akinfolarin, the only African to be nominated for the 2018 CNN Hero award.

L-R Samson Itodo, Dapo Oyewole, Abisoye Ajayi-Akinfolarin, Ambassador W. Stuart Symington and Dr. Tunji Olaopa

According to Dr. Olaopa, transformational leadership entails leaders and followers working together, motivating each other to create change. He further stated that Nigeria needs to invest in human capital and make bold policies to enable the youths participate in the economic development of the country. 

Samson Itodo reiterated that young people need to be empowered with knowledge for non-violent change and to take on the role of leadership in Nigeria.  People should be empowered from a very young age in civic engagement and taking responsibilities in every sphere of life. In his words, a good leader should have the capacity, content (vision) and character to lead. A leader should be able to mobilize support, take responsibility and add value. 

US Ambassador, W. Stuart Symington affirmed that the youths should be active participants in the Nigerian democracy.

US Ambassador, W. Stuart Symington urging Nigerian youths to take active part in politics and leadership.

One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of the HHH Distinguished Alumni award to Her Excellency, Barrister (Mrs) Anna Ishaku. 

Marvella Odili, founder/CEO of Save Our Needy represented the organization at the event.

Marvella Odili, Founder/CEO, Save Our Needy, at the event.

Founder/CEO of Save Our Needy, Marvella Odili

The HHH Fellowship Program is a United States Program which provides ten months of non- degree academic study and related professional experiences to experienced men and women undergoing development or political transition. 

Fellows are selected based on their potential for leadership and their commitment to public service in either the public or the private sector. 

The HHH Program fosters a mutual exchange of knowledge and understanding about issues of common concern in the US and the Fellows' home countries. The Program offers Fellows valuable opportunities for leadership development and professional engagement with Americans and their counterparts from many nations. 

More than 5,700 men and women have been honored as Humphrey Fellows since the program began in 1978.

ONE launches Vote Your Future Campaign

Nigeria has enjoyed democracy for nearly two decades. However, this democracy has been marked by low turn out of youths during elections, corruption, unfulfilled promises, buying of votes and stuffing of ballot boxes.

Bisola Aiyeola arriving at the event

On Saturday, October 20th, ONE Campaign launched the Vote Your Future Campaign to give youths the chance to ask presidential candidates of the various political parties what their plans and agenda are for the nation, and particularly for youths.

A participant at the event

The well-packed event saw youths from all over Nigeria converge at Abuja to witness and participate in the historic event.

The #VoteYourFuture campaign is all about reinforcing the fact that citizens' action of voting (or not voting) affects their future. It affects the future of families, children and can have an impact on advancement in life. Voting matters. Not only that, how you vote matters. How you select candidates is of critical importance.

#VoteYourFuture

Event venue

It is important that candidates know the issues that affect Nigeria, and most importantly how to solve them. Candidates might not have all the answers, but they must know how to get the answers and they must demonstrate that knowledge when ordinary citizens, ask them questions. 

Celebrities and influencers including Bisola Aiyeola, Bankole Wellington aka Banky W and Folarin Galena aka Falz The Bad Guy were some of the speakers at the event.

L-R: Banky W and Bisola Aiyeola

Falz The Bad Guy (Folarin Falana)

The event was hosted by renowned host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu.

L-R: Serrah Makkah ( ONE Director, Nigeria) and Ebuka Obi-Uchendu

Save Our Needy Empowers Girls With ICT and Digital Skills

Over the years, Save Our Needy has successfully implemented projects that have positively impacted the lives of marginalized girls and helped them unlock their potential through training, support and advocacy. We realize that girls need to be empowered in order for them to reach their full potential.

 

 

Computer training in session

 

This year, we are celebrating the International Day Of The Girl with the "Tech Girls" Project. The project which began a week ago, aims to empower 50 marginalized adolescent girls with ICT and digital skills as well as leadership development skills. 

 

 

The trainer excitedly explains coding to the girls

 

During the program, the girls are taught coding with Python and Scratch. They are also mentored by successful women in technology who help build their self-esteem and confidence to enroll in STEM classes and excel as technology leaders. 

 

 

Mentorship session during the program

 

The program is preparing girls for 21st century jobs and for becoming ICTpreneurs. The ultimate goal of the program is to bridge the gender technology gap in Nigeria.

Save Our Needy believes that an educated girl becomes an empowered woman.

Marvella Odili Is Finalist At AWIEF Forum "Empowerment Award" 2018

The Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) has officially announced the finalists for AWIEF Awards 2018. The aim of the AWIEF Awards is to promote excellence in entrepreneurship and innovation amongst women-owned businesses in all sectors and across the 54 African countries.

“Women-owned businesses are a vital part of our African economy, commented Irene Ochem, AWIEF founder and chief executive officer. “ The massive response to the AWIEF Awards underscores the fact that women in Africa are resilient and seeking recognition and celebration for their achievements and contribution to the economy and Africa’s sustainable development”.

“Given the huge number and quality of the nominations received this year, I must say that female entrepreneurship is strong and thriving all across African countries”, said Ochem.

The AWIEF Awards Panel of Judges is made up of nine (9) high-calibre industry experts and thought leaders spread across the continent.

Forty (40) women founders and entrepreneurs have been selected as finalists, from twelve (12) different African countries, across eight (8) categories.

Marvella Odili AWIEF Award

The AWIEF Awards will follow the 2018 AWIEF conference and exhibition holding on 8 – 9 November at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cape Town.

AWIEF Awards category winners will be announced at a glamorous blacktie ceremony and gala dinner on Friday, 9 November, at the prestigious The Westin Cape Town Hotel.

YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR AWARD CATEGORY FINALISTS

Jane KAGIRI – CreativeEdge Solutions – Kenya

Nomso Faith KANA – Sun n Shield 84 Tech – South Africa

Juliet NAMUJJU – Kimuli Fashionability – Uganda

Kunmi OTITOJU – Minku – Nigeria

Bidemi ZAKARIYAU – LSF|PR – Nigeria

TECH ENTREPRENEUR AWARD CATEGORY FINALISTS

Benji COETZEE – Empty Trips – South Africa

Faith KIMEU – Dial A Pad – Kenya

Beth KOIGI – Majik Water – Kenya

Darlene MENZIES – Findfind – South Africa

Juliana ROTICH – BRCK.Org – Kenya

SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR AWARD CATEGORY FINALISTS

Essma BEN HAMIDA – Enda Inter-Arabe – Tunisia

Madalitso CHIDUMU – IMPACT-CEED – Malawi

Shamim NABUMA KALIISA – Community Dental and Reproductive Health – Uganda

Lorna RUTTO – EcoPosts – Kenya

Amina SLAOUI – Groupe AMH – Morocco

GLOBAL BRAND AWARD CATEGORY FINALISTS

Sarah COLLINS – Wonderbag – South Africa

Adele DEJAK – Adèle Dejak, Kenya

Renchia DROGANIS – Africology – South Africa

Njeri RIONGE – Wananchi Group – Kenya

Bethlehem TILAHUN-ALEMU – SoleRebels – Ethiopia

AGRI ENTREPRENEUR AWARD CATEGORY FINALISTS

Ngabaghila CHATATA – Thanthwe Enterprises – Malawi

Elorm GOH – Agrisolve – Ghana

Jeanne GROENEWALD – Elgin Free Range Chickens – South Africa

Joyce KYALEMA – Josmak International – Uganda

Jane MAIGUA – Exotic EPZ Ltd – Kenya

EMPOWERMENT AWARD CATEGORY FINALISTS

Emma DICKS – CodeSpace – South Africa

Kate EKANEM – Kate Tales Foundation – Nigeria

Chiedza Daneek Nobuhle KAMBASHA – Hemmingworth Cartwright – Zimbabwe

Irene KIWIA – The Women of Achievement – Tanzania

Marvella ODILI – Save Our Needy Organisation – Nigeria

CREATIVE INDUSTRY AWARD CATEGORY FINALISTS

Folake FOLARIN-COKER – Tiffany Amber – Nigeria

Nana Akua OPPONG-BIRMEH – Archxenus – Ghana

Soraya PIEDADE – Soraya da Piedade Ltd – Angola

Abai SCHULZE – ZAAF Collection – Ethiopia

Winnifred SELBY – Afrocentric Bamboo – Ghana

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD CATEGORY FINALISTS

Iyalode ALABA LAWSON – NACCIMA Business Women Group – Nigeria

Margaret HIRSCH – Hirsch’s Homestores – South Africa

Tabitha KARANJA – Keroche Breweries – Kenya

Wendy LUHABE – Women Private Equity Fund, South Africa

Jennifer RIRIA – Echo Network Africa/Kenya Women Holding – Kenya

Congratulations to our Founder/CEO, Marvella Odili on adding another feather to her cap.

#AWIEFAwards

Marvella Odili Becomes African Changemakers Fellow 2018.

Founder and CEO of Save Our Needy Organisation, Marvella Odili, was recently selected as an African Changemakers Fellow. 

The African Changemakers Fellowship (#ACFellowship) Program selects impressive African visionaries between the ages of 25-40 to train and empower them to change their communities positively across Africa and beyond. These committed changemakers know best how to transform their communities and businesses.

Selected Fellows are passionate about people, planet and process. They are never satisfied with the status-quo. They push their limitation button. They think outside the box and make things happen. They take action.

More than 1,830 people from 40 African countries applied for the second cohort of the Fellowship.

Congratulations Marvella! Keep rising.

Read more about the program here: http://africanchangemakers.org/acfellowship-cohort-2-women/

20 Lucky Winners Emerge In the GTBank #SimpleChangeBigImpact Challenge.

Twenty lucky people have been selected to make their ideas reality and positively impact their communities in the GTBank's #SimpleChangeBigImpact Challenge.

Winners were declared after members of the public voted on social media for social innovations with the best potential to transform communities. Each winner will receive N1 million to implement their project which should not take more than 5 days. 

This Challenge is the first of its kind organized by GTBank Nigeria to uplift communities and encourage innovation.

More than 400 entries were received and only 40 were selected by a panel of judges made up of CSR experts and social innovators.

The final stage of the competition was decided by members of the public who "liked" their favorite community development projects on the GTBank Instagram page.

Congratulations to the lucky winners!

Below is a list of the top 20 entries.

Nigeria Makes Great Strides In Healthcare

The house of representatives has passed a bill authorising free healthcare for pregnant women in the country.

The bill seeks to mandate free antenatal and postnatal health services to pregnant women in government hospitals.

Sponsored by Tony Nwoye from Anambra state, the bill was presented at plenary on Thursday.

If passed into law, women would be able to receive up to three months of free medical services after child delivery.

During previous debates on the bill, Nwoye had explained it would also address discrimination against pregnant women in their place of work.

He said the bill would ensure that every pregnant woman in the country is registered in a government hospital within three months of conception.

“Funding for the programmes for the bill is expected to come from funds earmarked for the basic healthcare provision fund and statutory provisions from the federal budget,” he said.


Culled from Cable

5 Nigerian Girls Break Record In Technology

Five teenage girls from Regina Pacies Secondary School Onitsha, Anambra State in Nigeria were crowned world champions at the World Technovation Challenge in Silicon Valley, San Francisco, United States, last night. The girls beat teams from USA, Spain, Turkey, Uzbekistan and China to clinch the gold medal.

The girls namely Promise Nnalue, Jessica Osita, Nwabuaku Ossai, Adaeze Onuigbo and Vivian Okoye are reported to be attracting a lot of attention in the world's greatest technological hub.

The Nigerian team at the event

The team representing Nigeria won the Challenge with a mobile application called the FD-Detector which they developed to help tackle the challenge of fake pharmaceutical products in Nigeria.

Under the tutelage of Uchenna Onwuamaegbu-Ugwu the CEO of Edufun Technik STEM, the Golden Girls spent five months researching and developing FD-Detector which swept through over 2,000 competing applications to get to the finals in San Francisco.

Technovation is a programme that offers girls around the world the opportunity to learn the programming skills they need to emerge as tech-entrepreneurs and leaders.

Every year, girls are invited to identify a problem in their communities, and then challenge them to solve them by developing Andriod applications that would address those problems.

115 countries participated in the qualifiers but only 12 teams from all over the world were selected as finalists for the pitch in Silicon Valley.

The girls will also be attending field trips, life-changing workshops including a networking session during their one week stay in America.

Marvella Odili Gets International Recognition

Award-winning humanitarian, Founder and CEO of Save Our Needy, Marvella Odili, has been nominated for the Vigor Awards International "Achievement Award." Marvella was nominated for her exceptional selfless service to humanity.

Vigor Awards International is a non-profit organization aimed at celebrating, honoring, rewarding and showing appreciation to heroic individuals who have shown selflessness and dedication to others. These individuals have made impact in the world by bringing positive changes, improving, encouraging or empowering other people's lives.

It is an annual two-day event where nominees, award-winners, presenters amd friends come together to wine and dine, network and most importantly, give back to the finest people I'm the world through an award ceremony.

Community leaders, philanthropists, humanitarians, religious advisers and volunteers have been celebrated at the event.

Some of the people who have been honored include F.A Cole (Award-winning humanitarian and anti-FGM activist), Dele Momodu, (Nigerian Publisher of Ovation Magazine), Bret "The Hitman" Hart (retired WWE professional wrestler) and Art Barron (President of REACH International).

The award ceremony takes place in Canada annually.

                                        Congratulatory letter sent to Marvella Odili.

Marvella Odili Wins Systers Pass-It-On Award

Marvella Odili, Founder/CEO of Save Our Needy recently became a recipient of the Systers Pass-It-On award for her project entitled Tech Girls. The award is an initiative of Anita Borg organization (AnitaB.org) which encourages and supports women in technology.

Tech Girls project is designed to empower disadvantaged and marginalized girls with ICT and digital skills. Participants of this program will also benefit from career counseling from leading Nigerian women in technology.

Read more about her project here: 

https://anitab.org/profiles/pio-award-recipients/marvella-o/

Ooni of Ife Formally Launches Hopes Alive Initiative

The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, formally launched the Hopes Alive Initiative TV Advocacy yesterday at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos. The TV advocacy, first of its kind in Africa, is solely dedicated to promoting the works and activities of non-profit and non-governmental organizations in Africa in order to help eliminate poverty. The beautiful event was held together with the Give Back Concert which is an annual event to raise funds for charity by the House of Oduduwa Foundation founded by the Ooni of Ife.

His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife making a speech

In his speech, His Imperial Majesty reiterated his commitment to support NGOs and non-profit organizations particularly in Nigeria. He stressed the need to support their work both financially and materially to encourage them.

Princess Temitope Adesegun, the Deputy Convener and organizer of the event, gave a pat on the back to NGOs and non-profit organizations in Nigeria, and urged them to continue their good work.

Marvella Odili at the event

L-R: Alex Asogwa, Marvella Odili and Tobi Bakre

Comedian and MC, Gbenga Adeyinka the Ist compered the grand event. Other comedians including Kenny Blaq, Seyi Law and Woli Arole performed to the delight of guests. Veteran artiste, Sir Shina Peters was also on hand to thrill guests. There was a talent discovery session where some of the less privileged children who had benefitted from the Ooni's generosity also performed to a standing ovation.

Jerry Odili, Founder/CEO Tech ME at the event

Monarchs, high chiefs, government officials, captains of industry, celebrities and representatives of selected non-profit organizations were all present at the event. Also present at the event were social media influencers, the versatile and talented Tobi Bakre and Alex Asogwa of BBN Season 3.

Save Our Needy was represented by Marvella Odili, Founder and CEO, as well as the Program Manager and Finance Manager. It was indeed a memorable event.

Marvella Odili admiring a portrait 

Marvella Odili, Founder/CEO, Save Our Needy at the formal launch of Hopes Alive Initiative