END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS IN NIGERIA

In the last few years, there has been an unprecedented increase in the rate of violence against women and girls in Nigeria. The inaction of the government in prosecuting offenders has been alarming to say the least. 

Save Our Needy joined other non-profit and civil rights organizations to demand that the government takes action to prevent violence against women and girls, and to ensure that victims get justice. Respecting the WHO recommendations on the prevention of COVID-19 by wearing masks and practising social distancing, we took to the streets of Lagos and Abuja to demand a State of Emergency on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Nigeria. In Lagos, we marched peacefully to the Lagos House of Assembly to protest against sexual violence. 

We urge parents to raise boys who will genuinely love and respect girls because boys grow up to become men. 

Uwaila Omozuwa, Tina Ezekwe, Azeezat Shomuyiwa, Jennifer and Favor (an orphan raped and beaten to paralysis in Ogun State) are some of the celebrated cases of rape and violence against women and girls that we have witnessed in 2020. 

CNN carried a report on the story:
https://edition.cnn.com/2020/06/09/africa/nigeria-women-rape-protests/index.html

#endviolence #saynotorape #enddomesticviolence #stoprapingwomen #stoprapinggirls

#stateofemergencyGBV #silenceisnotconsent #nomeansno #ItsTimeForAction 

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

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

ONE Members Campaign For Health Reform

Last Saturday, February 20^th, some ONE members took to the streets of Lagos, Nigeria to raise awareness on the need for reform in the health sector. The campaign drew a lot of interest from members of the public, some of whom joined the ONE members to urge the government to allocate more resources to the health sector in order to tackle the many issues plaguing the sector.They want a #PeoplesBudget2016.

Millions of women particularly in the rural areas still die during childbirth in Nigeria today. Another sad fact is that Nigerian children under the age of 5 are among the most malnourished children in the world today even though Nigeria’s economy is one of the largest in Africa.