STRENGTHENING ADVOCACY AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT Quarterly Report Q3 FY2016 – April 1, 2016, to June 30, 2016
Submission Date: July 30, 2016
Contract Number: AID-620-C-14-00001 Project Start Date and End Date: January 2, 2014, to January 1, 2019 COR: Augusta Akparanta-Emenogu
Submitted by: Charles Abani, Chief of Party Chemonics International Inc. 1717 H Street, NW Washington, DC 20006 Tel: +1.202.955.3300 Email: [email protected]
This document was produced for review by the United States Agency for International Development Nigeria (USAID/Nigeria).
July 2008 1 Table of Contents
ACRONYMS ...... 3
1. Project Overview/Summary ...... 4 1.1 Project Description/Introduction ...... 4
1. Progress Summary ...... 6
2. QUARTER activity progress report...... 12 2.1 Quarterly Progress Summary ...... 12 2.3 Quarterly Progress Narrative ...... 19 2.3.1 Component 1: Capacity Building ...... 19 2.3.2 Component 2: Policy and Key Stakeholder Engagement ...... 24 2.3.3 Component 3: Public Awareness ...... 27 2.3.4 Component 4: Niger Delta ...... 34 2.4 Monitoring and Evaluation ...... 37
3. INTEGRATION OF CROSSCUTTING ISSUES ...... 37 3.1 Gender Equality and Female Empowerment ...... 37 3.2 Enabling Environment ...... 38 3.3 Youth Development ...... 40 3.4 Sustainability Mechanisms ...... 41 3.5 Policy and Governance Support ...... 42 3.6 Local Capacity Development ...... 42 3.7 Conflict Mitigation ...... 42
4. STAKEHOLDER PARTICIPATION AND INVOLVEMENT ...... 43
5. MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES ...... 44 5.1 Grants and Strategic Activities Fund (SAF) Administration ...... 44 5.2 Communications ...... 45 5.3 Human Resources ...... 45 5.4 Security ...... 46 5.5 Finance ...... 46 6. LESSONs LEARNED and implementation challenges ...... 48
7. PLANNED ACTIVITIES FOR Q3 FY 2016, INCLUDING UPCOMING EVENTS ...... 49
8. What does USAID not know that it needs to? ...... 49
ANNEXES ...... 52 ANNEX A: SUMMARY OF NATIONAL PARTNERS’ Q3 FY 2016 REPORTS ...... 52 ANNEX B: SUMMARY OF NIGER DELTA PARTNERS’ Q3 FY 2016 REPORTS ...... 67 ANNEX C: MEDIA TRANSACTIONS FOR Q3 FY 2016 ...... 79
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ACRONYMS
ANEEJ Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice ATT Advocacy Technical Team BMO Business Membership Organization CENSOJ Centre for Social Justice CEO Chief Executive Officer CISLAC Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre CITAD Centre for Information Technology and Development CSO Civil Society Organization CCIDESOR Citizens Centre for Integrated Development and Social Rights DESOPADEC Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission DRAC Disability Rights Advocacy Centre ESCFAL Edo State Farmers’ Cooperative Agency Limited GESI Gender Equity and Social Inclusion GON Government of Nigeria HDI Human Development Initiatives HERFON Health Reform Foundation of Nigeria ILF Issue Learning Forum IPDU Integrated Peace and Development Unit IR Intermediate Result ISWF Innovation and Spread the Word Fund JONAPWD Joint National Association of Persons with Disability LGA Local Government Area LITE-Africa The Leadership Initiative for Transformation and Empowerment M&E Monitoring and Evaluation MAISE Model Accessible and Inclusive Schools Environment MIS Management Information System MNCH Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health MSME Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises NCDF Nembe City Development Foundation PIND Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta PMP Performance Management Plan PPDC | HomeVida Public and Private Development Centre | HomeVida PWD People with Disabilities RFA Request for Applications SACE Strengthening Advocacy and Civic Engagement SDIC Social Development Integrated Center STAR System for Transformation and Results TAGG Transparency Accountability Good Governance TOT Training of Trainers USAID United States Agency for International Development USG United States Government WARDC Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre WDC Ward Development Committee WWD Women with Disabilities YAF Youth Alive Foundation
3 STRENGTHENING ADVOCACY AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT - QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT (Q1 FY 2016)
1. PROJECT OVERVIEW/SUMMARY
Project Name: Strengthening Advocacy and Civic Engagement
Activity Start Date And End January 2, 2014 – January 1, 2019 Date: Name of Prime Implementing Chemonics International Inc. Partner: Contract Number: AID-620-C-14-00001 Name of Subcontractors: Root Change Major Counterpart N/A Organizations Geographic Coverage Nigeria (cities and or countries) Reporting Period: October 1 2015 - December 31 2015
1.1 Project Description/Introduction
The Strengthening Advocacy and Civic Engagement (SACE) project is a $19.2 million USAID- funded project implemented by Chemonics International between January 2, 2014, and January 1, 2019. Its objective is to strengthen civil society’s ability to influence the development and implementation of key democratic reforms at the national, state, and local levels. The project will support increased engagement and efficacy of civil society to influence public institutions whose function it is to serve citizens’ interests. The project explicitly aims to engage marginalized populations; such as women, youth, and the disabled; in the process and emphasize the importance of leadership and innovation.
The program has four components:
1. Strengthened institutional, organizational, and technical capacity of targeted civil society organizations’ (CSOs) coalitions and networks to advance targeted democracy and good governance initiatives.
2. Strengthened partnership (engagement) between CSO-led coalitions and networks and targeted Government of Nigeria (GON) institutions and key stakeholders to advocate for and monitor select democratic reforms aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability, and responsiveness of government institutions.
3. Strengthened public awareness, discourse, and support for key democratic governance issues such as transparency, accountability, and good governance.
4. Strengthened capacity of partner business membership organizations (BMOs) and CSOs in the Niger Delta to advocate for inclusive economic reforms and equitable economic growth.
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The Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) is a strategic partner to USAID in the Niger Delta. The project will coordinate and complement PIND’s activities in the region under Component Four.
The SACE project supports the USAID Forward Initiative and its goal of increasing the number of procurements made directly with local organizations. In line with this goal and concurrent to improving civic participation in governance, the project will build the capacity of at least six select Nigerian organizations—with one of the six focusing on women’s participation in decision- making and another on the participation of people with disabilities (PWDs)—so that three are positioned to receive USAID funding after four years.
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1. PROGRESS SUMMARY
Table 1 below details the progress achieved versus planned for Q3 FY 2016 (with cumulative figures for Q1, Q2 and Q3 FY 2016).The figures are drawn from the Performance Management Plan (PMP), as revised together with USAID in January 2016.
Table 1: Strengthening Advocacy and Civic Engagement: Progress Report for Q1 FY 2016 (Oct.-Dec. 2015)
6
Annual
6 6 6 6
6
6 6 6
Performance Achieved to Indicator the End of
Baseline
Reporting Comments
Q2Actual FY1 Q2Actual FY1 Q3Actual FY1 Q4Actual
Q1 Target FY1 Q1 Target FY1 Q1 Actual FY1 Q2 Target FY1 Q3 Target FY1 Q4 Target
Annual Target FY1 Target Annual Period (%) Intermediate Result 1 (IR): Strengthened Institutional, organizational, and technical capacity of civil society organizations (CSOs), coalitions and networks to play a leadership role in advancing targeted democracy and good governance initiatives. Indicator 1.1: Number of 0 56 56 Reporting on this indicator is on an organizations showing net annual basis and will occur during change. Q4. Indicator 1.2: Number of unique 0 1150 250 281 400 432 250 369 250 94% The project is on course to achieve people trained in unique its target for the year subjects. Indicator 1.3 (GJD 2.4.1-11): 0 110 This represents an over- No. of USG-funded CSOs achievement to date. As clusters representing marginalized reach saturation point this will constituencies. decline and on target by year end National 70 25 25 15 19 15 2 15 65.71% The quarter saw a dramatic reduction in new marginalized groups. This is reflected by a limit to the capacity of clusters to bring further new actors to the table because of resource constraints
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Niger Delta 40 10 38 10 5 10 4 10 117.5% As predicted, the Q1 surge has not maintained. Reasons are stated above (see national). Total 110 35 63 25 24 25 6 25 84.5% The project remains on course to achieve this target within the year with the push on GESI coming in Q4 as a result of the upcoming TOT
Annual
6 6 6
6
6 6 6
Performance
FY1 Achieved to Indicator the End of
Actual FY1 Target
Baseline
Reporting Comments
Q2Actual FY1 Q2Actual FY1 Q3Actual FY1 Q4Actual
Q1 Target FY16 Q1 Target Q1 Q2 FY1 Q3 Target FY1 Q4 Target
Annual Target FY16 Target Annual Period (%)
Indicator 2.1: Number of cluster 0 60 30 30 The mapping is done semi-annually members with improved and will be reported during Q2 and networking. Q4. National 42 21 45 21 214% There was no review of improved networking during the quarter from a STARNET perspective. The project remains on course to exceed target annually. Niger Delta 18 9 0 9 0% Once the STARNET repeat surveys are conducted in Q4, the project anticipates it will meet target. Total 60 30 45 30 150% Overall, the project remains on course to meet its target for this indicator. Indicator 2.2 (GJD2.4.1-24): 0 16 The over-achievement here is Number of policies, regulations, accounted for by the fact that and administrative processes in partners are working on multiple development, passed, or being laws, policies and procedures at implemented as a result of USG once. We expect this trend to assistance. continue and to significantly over- achieve on this target. The
7 STRENGTHENING ADVOCACY AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT - QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT (Q1 FY 2016)
emerging Outcome Harvesting framework and Policy Tracker will provide a more predictable set of targets for 2017. This will be shared fully as part of the Annual Report. National 6 2 2 2 5 2 0 0 116.7% No new policies were recorded in the quarter. The project will, however, exceed target by year end. States 2 1 2 0 1 0 0 1 150% No new policies were recorded in the quarter. The project will, however, exceed target by year- end. Niger Delta 8 0 3 3 8 3 0 2 137.5% No new policies were recorded in the quarter. The project will, however, exceed target by year- end. Total 16 3 7 5 14 5 0 3 150% No new policies were recorded in the quarter. The project will, however, exceed target by year end. Indicator 2.3 (GJD 2.4.1-9): 0 88 All targets under Indicator 2.3 are Number of CSOs receiving USG reported annually and will appear assistance engaged in advocacy in the Q4/Annual Report. interventions. National 56 56 To be reported in Q4 Niger Delta 32 32 To be reported in Q4 Total 88 88 To be reported in Q4 Indicator 2.4: Number of 0 2 partnership (engagement) innovations initiated by funded CSOs.
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National 1 1 No target for Q3 1 0 0% With the late kickoff of the ISWF granting process, the project timeline for this has been moved. Niger Delta 1 There are three Niger Delta applications in process and the project anticipated achieving target for the year by the end of Q4 1 0 1 0% Overall, there are 7 applications being processed and the project Total 2 anticipates two being contracted by the end of Q4. The project is on course to meet its annual target
Annual
6 6 6
6
6 6 6
Performance
FY1
FY1 FY1 FY1
Achieved to Indicator the End of
Actual FY1 Target FY1 Target FY1 Target
Baseline
Reporting Comments
Q2Actual Q3Actual Q4Actual
Q1 Target FY16 Q1 Target Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Annual Target FY16 Target Annual Period (%) Intermediate Result 3 (IR): Strengthened public awareness discourse and support for key democratic issues such as transparency, accountability inclusive & good governance. Indicator 3.1: Number of public 0 9 9 Indicator is measured on an annual awareness campaigns on key basis and will be reported in Q4. democratic issues. Indicator 3.2: Number of public 0 64 The overachievement is an discourse on key democratic indication of a ramped up level of governance issues facilitated by partner engagement – we predict a CSOs and SACE. slight over achievement by year end. The learning will influence revised 2017 targets. National 40 10 13 10 8 10 7 10 70% Expected to overachieve slightly by year end Niger Delta 24 6 6 6 10 6 10 6 108.3% Expected to overachieve slightly by year end
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Total 64 16 19 16 18 16 16 84.4% Expected to overachieve slightly by year end Indicator 3.3: Number of media 0 200 The over achievement is accounted transactions to promote for principally by robust partner transparency, accountability and media engagement and the good governance initiatives. successes of the project’s Social Media Week and 2.0 Mindset Series National 120 60 46 20 40 20 68 20 128.3% Partner out-performing expectations. Targets for 2017 will be reviewed accordingly Niger Delta 80 20 35 20 40 20 92 20 208.8% Partner out-performing expectations. Targets for 2017 will be reviewed accordingly Total 200 80 81 40 80 40 160 40 160.5% Partner out-performing expectations. Targets for 2017 will be reviewed accordingly Indicator 3.4: Number of public 0 2 Two SACE-funded CSOs are awareness innovations initiated expected to unveil public by funded CSOs. awareness innovations in Q3 and Q4. National 1 1 0 0 With the late kickoff of the ISWF granting process, the project timeline for this has been moved. There are three Niger Delta applications in process and the project anticipated achieving target for the year by the end of Q4 N. Delta 1 1 No target for quarter Total 2 1 0 1 Overall, there are 7 applications being processed and the project anticipates two being contracted by the end of Q4. The project is on course to meet its annual target
10 STRENGTHENING ADVOCACY AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT - QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT (Q1 FY 2016)
Annual
6 6 6
6
6 6 6
Performance
FY1
FY1 FY1 FY1
ne Achieved to Indicator the End of
Actual FY1 Target FY1 Target FY1 Target
Baseli
Reporting Comments
Q2Actual Q3Actual Q4Actual
Q1 Target FY16 Q1 Target Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Annual Target FY16 Target Annual Period (%) Intermediate Result 4 (IR): Strengthened capacity of partner BMOs and CSOs in the Niger Delta to advocate for inclusive economic reforms and equitable economic growth Indicator 4.1: Number of 0 32 32 Reporting on this indicator will organizations showing net occur in Q4. change. Indicator 4.2: Number of unique 0 950 350 414 200 163 250 302 150 92.5% The project slightly over-achieved people (CSO members) trained in for the quarter and in on target to unique subjects. achieve annual target Indicator 4.3: Number of public 0 8 8 Reporting on this indicator will awareness campaigns on key occur in Q4. inclusive economic reform and equitable growth in the Niger Delta.
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2. QUARTER ACTIVITY PROGRESS REPORT
This report provides a summary of progress during the third quarter for the third year of the project (April 1 to June 30, 2016). The quarter saw the project continue to build on its achievements during FY 2016 so far. 2.1 Quarterly Progress Summary
During the third quarter, the project completed all its key activities and continued to see a growth and deepening of engagement by partners with key GON stakeholders and a continued surge in public awareness activities and public engagement work.
During the quarter, the project refined its approach to tracking progress on interim outcomes achieved as well as refining its policy tracker. The project used the Root Change surge technical support to complete the process of refining its Cluster Coaching model; refined its cluster outcome harvesting approach and completed design work on the policy tracker (this is now being rolled out to partners in Q4, mainly through the cluster-customized coaching and mentoring sessions).
During the quarter, the project and its partners continued the processes aimed at achieving policy reform. All partners continued to record progress and make progress across the key areas of capacity building, as well as in the engagement and commitment to action of GON stakeholders and public awareness, engagement and support. For example:
o The Extractives Cluster, under the leadership of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), made a number of significant strides towards achieving their objectives: . During FY 2015, CISLAC campaigned relentlessly for the reconstitution of the NEITI Board in order to improve performance. Government responded to this and in Q2 FY 2016, CISLAC staff and President Buhari appointed project partner Kola Banwo as CSO Representative. Since then, the NIETI Board, with contributions from the CSO representative, has dramatically improved reporting and engagement with government. For example, the audit report from NEITI has been fully published and, for the first time, presented to both Houses of the National Assembly. . The cluster also held a stakeholder strategic review of the approach to advocating for the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill, resulting in a greater emphasis on collaboration with the national assembly. This has resulted in proposal for joint work on extractives in Q4, FY 2016 o Building on developments from Q2, the Inclusive Education Cluster, led by the Joint National Association of Persons with Disability (JONAPWD), launched its research finding and its Model Accessible and Inclusive Schools Environment (MAISE) model. In addition, it set up state Advocacy Technical Teams (ATTs) in both Kwara and Akwa Ibom states to carry forward the advocacy points from its research in the
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coming quarters as well as providing advocacy training for the ATTS. It also undertook advocacy visits to the Lagos state government, which have contributed to renewed efforts for the government to pass the Disability Bill. o As a result of the new engagements and involvement of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria in the Women Lead Agriculture cluster, training was provided to 34 of its members (32 of whom were women) in advocacy skills to enable them engage better in Osun State o The Public Finance in Health Cluster, led by the Centre for Social Justice (CENSOJ), conduced robust advocacy during the public budget hearings around the health budget, resulting in very close collaboration with the National Assembly Committee on Health. The Committee has publicly thanked CENSOJ for its detailed information, support and arguments and promised to work closely with the closer in its role of oversight of the implementation of the 2016 budget and the appropriations process for the 2017 budget. In addition, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health acclaimed CENSOJ for its efforts in supporting increased transparency on Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) budgets. The cluster is currently analyzing the Capital budget as it relates to MNCH with a view to publishing this in Q4 in order to provide a critical resource for advocates nationwide who is working on monitoring budget implementation. This is key to increasing budget performance by the government. In addition, the cluster held an Innovative Financing workshop to look at new ways of generating funding for health. The introduction of a tobacco tax is a key area under consideration. This latter work will be followed up in Q4. o As part of ensuring effective government institutions for delivering services in the North East, the North East Social Accountability cluster, led by the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), engaged directly with the emerging legislative process around the setting up of the North East Commission. The cluster has been calling especially for the inclusion of citizens and CSOs and participatory processes in the legislation through a memo submitted to the public hearings conducted in April 2016 in the National Assembly. The North East Commission – like the Niger Delta Development Commission – will be charged with overseeing development efforts such as education and health and administering funds to assist in the recovery of the North East part of the country ravaged by the impacts of insurgency. The cluster also trained 33 participants in advocacy and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) skills, building from training provided by the project in Q2...
o The cluster working on Access to Health for Women with Disabilities, led by the Disability Rights Advocacy Centre (DRAC), continued to record significant progress. The Policy of Reproductive Sexual Health for Women with Disabilities, earlier submitted to the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Women’s Affairs, was Multi-Stakeholder Meeting on Access taken through a stakeholder joint to Health for Women with Disabilities validation process in June 2016. Led by National Policy on June 30, 2016
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the respective Ministries with DRAC, the stakeholder validation involved the GON, donors, and civil society. Following this and the stakeholder adoption, it is now before the Minister of Health awaiting approval for implementation. In addition, the cluster was able to secure strong commitment from the Bauchi State government’s Ministry of Health to implement the recommendations contained in the Policy once approved. o The Effective MNCH Cluster, under the leadership of the Health Reform Foundation of Nigeria (HERFON), continued advocacy for the implementation of the Primary Health Care Under One Roof Bill in both Kaduna and Katsina states. In the quarter, the cluster also provided intensive training to Ward Development Committees (WDCs) across four Local Government Areas (LGAs), reaching 97 persons around the Bill with a view to determining WDC roles and responsibilities. o The Accountability in Education cluster, anchored by Human Development Initiatives (HDI), achieved significant results from its advocacy work in Enugu and Ebonyi states. Cluster work contributed to both states now accessing close to N1billion in Enugu State (representing the entire of their 2014 and part of their 2015 Universal Basic Education matching grants) and nearly N2billion in Ebonyi State) towards delivery of education in the states. This represents about 20% of sums available for these governments to access, which had hitherto been untapped. The cluster also commenced pressure on the Lagos state Government to access its 2015 matching grant and successfully advocated for the completion of three abandoned school projects in the state. In the Niger Delta, a number of significant results were also recorded, including:
o The 10%4Youth campaign continued to gather momentum during the quarter with support from the Akwa Ibom state house of Assembly gaining momentum. The Speaker of the State House of Assembly (Hon Luke Onofiok) had earlier endorsed the campaign and during the quarter, the campaign secured the commitment of the Chief Whip (Hon Emmanuel Ekpenyong) of the State Assembly to sponsor the Bill in the State Youth Advocacy Cluster Mobilize Assembly. The Youth Alive Foundation Youth in Support of #10%4Youth (YAF) also met with the Special Assistant campaign on May 30, 2016 to the Governor on Technical Matters and Due Process (Mr. Ufot Ebong) to solicit his support for the Bill. During the quarter, the group, under the leadership of YAF, continued with intensive advocacy visits to various stakeholders to secure support and take on board feedback. The Bill is due for its first reading shortly. In addition, YAF provided training for 52 Youth advocates, developed two strategic bill boards calling for the bill (strategically located for maximum impact with key decision-makers), mobilized youth around the proposed bill on Nigeria Democracy Day, and continued with its highly successful interactive youth radio program (Youth HQ) which had 92 engagements (phone-in calls, text messages and tweets) during the quarter.
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o Both the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) and the Leadership Initiative for Transformation and Empowerment (LITE-Africa) continued to build momentum around their campaigns for greater transparency and accountability of Niger Delta Institutions. Key results include: . ANEEJ and LITE-Africa have been campaigning for greater transparency and access to information on the Niger Delta Development Commission. This pressure contributed to the publishing of the first quarterly report by the Commission, under the tagline ‘New Face of Progress’. This report is notable in that the commission had not previously published these. . ANEEJ secured added commitment from the Edo State Speaker of the State House of Assembly (Hon Elizabeth Ativie) to increased overstate by the state assembly on the matters relating to the state agency Edo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission. . LLITE-Africa conducted advocacy visits to the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) who committed to completing a significant number of abandoned projects before the end of 2016. The idea of CSO involvement in project monitoring was also broached with DESOPADEC and there was a commitment to put this before its Board by the head of the agency. . LITE-Africa ran its radio program calling for increased engagement of citizens in monitoring project implementation and engaging with the relevant agencies in project identification and prioritization. . ANEEJ also held a Tweet Meet – lasting two hours - using its catchy hashtag #EyeonNDIs – aimed at sensitizing the public. This reached over 145,000 twitter users with good engagement.
o In Imo state, the Open Budget cluster advocating for the completion of abandoned capital projects, led by the Citizens Centre for Integrated Development and Social Rights (CCIDESOR), continued to consolidate on its gains - 12 abandoned projects saw varying degrees of work during the quarter. For example, in Isiala Mbano, Contractors have resumed work on Four (4) abandoned projects in Isiala Mbano. The Primary School Projects at Central School Amaraku, Community school Anara, Central School Umuduru, MDG School Umunachi have been completed and are in use, while those of Primary School Ogbor, Umunkwo Central School and Central School Umuaro have been completed but not put into use. In Oguta, four primary school blocks have been completed during this quarter. They are Oguta Girls Primary School, Township Primary School, Central School Obudi Agea (completed, but wind recently damaged the roof), and Central School Uwaorie Agwa Oguta. In addition, work has resumed in the following school at Central School in Mgbala – Uba ward, all in Oguta LGA. At Ohaji Egbema LGA, work has resumed at Etekwuru Rescue Primary School, where granite, sand, rods and materials for construction have been brought to the site.
o The Open Budget cluster also inaugurated its Citizens Accountability Assemblies across all six LGAs where it operates, published its Capital Projects report and commenced planning to host the Imo State Citizens Accountability Summit – slated
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for the first month in Q4, FY 2016. The cluster aims to use this to bring attention to the issue across the state and secure high-level government buy-in. The cluster also continued with its aggressive media and public awareness strategy, providing training to 18 members of the Guild of Editors in the state and recording 33 media transactions in the quarter under review.
o In Bayelsa state, building of the inauguration of the Central Peace Working Committee – involving representatives of the Nigerian Police, Department for State Security, Joint Task Force, and Nigerian Civil Defense Corps, gained NCDF: CONFLICT AVERTED significant stakeholder support and The Peace Advocacy Cluster and commitment for its work. Specifically, the the Central Peace Working State Ministry of Women’s Affairs, The State Committee intervened in a brewing conflict with the Police and the Special Assistant to the State Paramount Ruler of Ikarama Governor on Security matters all endorsed Community Chief James Kalakou the work of the cluster and committed to on 29th June, 2016 at Chief working closely with the cluster. James Kalakou Residence Significantly, the cluster’s efforts helped to Ikarama. The intervention was avert a major breach of the peace in follow-up on the process for Ikarama community (see box). In addition, peaceful resolution of the incident the Cluster commenced on its ambitious of alleged dethronement of program to reach students across the state Highness, Chief James Kalakou by setting up is first schools-based Peace reported by community peace champions through the IPDU’s Club, training 45 students as well as conflict early warning system. The reaching 85 community members across Paramount Ruler confirmed the five communities. The lead organization, the incident, and committed to make Nembe City Development Foundation peace with the three autonomous (NCDF), also continued with its radio communities created out of program (Izon Keme - ‘The Peace Maker’s - Ikarama i.e. Ikarama 1, Ikarama 2 Compound) and Zion on the agreed terms. o The Open Budget cluster, led by the Social Development Integrated Center (SDIC), undertook a number of Freedom of Information requests for copies the state budgets to the respective Ministries of Budget, Education, and Information in Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta and Edo states between June 8th and 28th. None have been formally replied to at the point of writing this report in spite of follow-up – except in Akwa Ibom, where the Ministry of Budget asked what SDIC wanted the reports for and referring them to other agencies for the information instead of providing this directly – a clear violation of the Freedom of Information provisions. In addition, SDIC conducted a Press Release in Rivers State, urging the state government to publish its budget (and influencing others to make similar calls). SDIC also conducted an Open Budget Rally in Rivers State in collaboration with the National Union of Road Transport Workers – reaching over 200 people and calling on government to publish its budget. It is hoped that this will be repeated in the other focal states. o The two BMOs did not undertake activities during the quarter as the project took various actions to conclude the follow-on grants for these two partners. It is anticipated they will resume activities in Q4. A fuller summary report of partner activities and progress are provided in Annexes A and B.
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Growing examples of Collective Impact
The project continued to witness collaboration not only within clusters, but also across clusters. For example:
o The joint advocacy work of the clusters led by LITE-Africa and ANEEJ yielded dividend with the publishing of the first quarterly report of the Niger Delta Development Commission. The two organizations also carried out a joint advocacy visit to the Ministry of Niger Delta where the Ministry undertook to take on board the findings from their joint Citizens report card survey. o Growing examples of cluster members taking action built on the model of collective impact – International Centre for Women Empowerment and Child Development – a member of the Open Budget Cluster – used the model to advocate for inclusive approaches to the proposed roll out of the Sustainable Development Goals in Delta state. During the planning meeting organized by the Delta State Office for the Millennium Development Goals and Sustainable Development Goal, the idea of a ‘collective impact’ approach was endorsed following the presentation made by the International Centre for Women Empowerment and Child Development at the meeting – who advocated for community project planning and joint monitoring teams to reduce the incidence of abandoned projects. o In addition, during the quarter, the project utilized a range of capacity building opportunities and cluster coaching sessions to commence the roll out of System for Transformation and Results (STAR) Feedback (which replaces STAR Mobile). Overall, the project clusters reported increased collaboration as evidenced by improved communication, greater clarity of roles and responsibilities; and improved ownership of outcomes across cluster Open Budget Cluster carried out a mobilization event called Open Budget members; Rally in Port Harcourt to create awareness on Open Budgets and the Strong Direct Project activity role of citizens on April 30, 2016.
The project itself undertook a range of activities that advanced the overall project goals as well as contributed to the success of partners during the quarter. These include:
o A total of 20 capacity building activities reaching 663 people conducted by the project nationally and in the Niger Delta (284 women, 379 men, 26 PWDs, and 311 youth). These included generic capacity building activities of the project, specific cluster coaching visits, and 14 partner-led capacity development activities. o Technical partner Root Change completed a three-week technical assignment with the team which focused on working with the team to provide training for the new M&E Advisor, providing in-depth coaching to implement the jointly revised
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Cluster Coaching Model, STAR Feedback, and further training on STARNET and provision of further detailed documentation and support for the project team. o The project launched the Innovation and Spread the Word Fund (ISWF) Annual Program Statement in April 2016. A total of 149 applications were received. The project shortlisted seven from the first batch. The shortlisted applicants were then taken through an Innovation Design Lab workshop in June 2016 and are now finalizing full applications for submission and funding in Q4. o The project initiated the processes linked with a 2016 grant to the Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) | HomeVida which will support the to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance (TAGG) issues within the Nigerian film industry. This award is expanded to include support to young scriptwriters and producers as well as an endowment to a film that best portrays issues of TAGG. o The project held a further Mindset 2.0 Series Event in Uyo, attracting the high- level participation of the Awa Ibom State Speaker of the State Assembly, Hon Luke Onofiok – where the Speaker declared his support for the Youth Empowerment Bill being proposed by YAF. o The project, through the joint efforts of partners and the project itself, reached nearly 7 million Twitter accounts (with an exposure in excess of 45 million) and exceeded all its media targets for the year to date. o The project held a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Meeting for CEOs of anchor partner organizations. Many CEOs are not involved in the day-to-day project activities and the purpose of this event was to bring them up to speed with developments, solicit their high-level buy-in to project priorities and mutually discuss and address implementation challenges. All 16-project partners attended with 14 CEOs and 2 CEO representatives. o The project launched the second round Request for Applications (RFA) in the Niger Delta (using the Niger Delta Fund) seeking to identify and onboard two additional project partners with a focus on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The project also conducted a Bidders conference on June 15 – full applications and selection will take place in Q4. o The project also launched a ‘Follow-on” RFA for existing Niger Delta project partners as current grants end on October 2016. Given the desire to broaden the base of partner profiles to include MSMEs, only six of the current eight partners will be awarded follow-on grants. The full applications and selection will take place in Q4. o The project provided $163,856 to funded partners, staying within projections, approved four sub-grant manuals for partners, and concluded modifications for the two BMOs – submitting these for USAID approval. o The project successfully completed the onboarding of the Grants Assistant, additional cleaner, and commenced recruitment processes for the M&E Manager (the current post holder left during the quarter) as well as re-advertised the post of Senior Program Officer (formerly titled Institutional Strengthening Advisor) following the failure of the earlier recruitment.
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With these activities, the project has succeeded in firmly moving from a primary focus on capacity building to supporting clusters to use the capacity to drive for issue-specific results with key targets as well as building public awareness.
2.3 Quarterly Progress Narrative
2.3.1 Component 1: Capacity Building
This component focuses on strengthening the capacity of selected partners and their cluster members to develop the appropriate skills to be effective at generating and catalyzing reforms on key TAGG issues nationally. During the quarter, the project continued apace with the projected activities as per the work plan – focusing on deepening skills in key areas identified as essential through the STAR approach and beginning to shift to cluster-by-cluster intensive coaching. In addition, key partners undertook capacity development step-down and cascade training within their clusters, reaching more cluster members. During the quarter, all anticipated activities under this component were fully executed according to the Work Plan and project Calendar. Details as they relate to the Indicators in the PMP are set out below.
Performance Status against Indicators
Indicator 1.1 Number of Organizations showing Net Change:
This indicator measures the progress of national partner organizations (Anchors and Cluster members) towards having the capacity to catalyze reform on their issues. Progress is measured against performance on their issues, using the STAR Index approach, STARNET, and (from Q4 FY 2016) STAR Feedback (which is being rolled out from Q2 FY 2016 following its Pilot in FY 2015 and Q1 of FY 2016). The project measures this indicator annually during Q4 of the respective year; therefore, no result is expected in this present reporting period.
Key activities: Even though reporting will not take place until Q4, the project has continued to undertake activities that will contribute to the results to be reported. For example:
With the completion of the Cluster Coaching approach during the quarter, cluster coaching commenced in earnest. This is a key activity in supporting partners to document, visualize and analyze their progress and plan next steps in relation to the key STAR drivers they are using. This will be critical in properly completing the Annual Progress Index ad determining Net Change. The project has also facilitated discussions around elements of the Drivers (with a special focus on Cluster relations) using the STAR Feedback Survey Monkey tool to generate discussions and action points to help the anchor and cluster members to refine roles, responsibilities and begin the process of inter-cluster feedback which is an essential part of the process of net change. Key Challenges. The project identified the important challenge during the quarter and has begun work toward its resolution during the remainder of FY 2016.
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Ensuring that clusters stay ‘stable’ in their membership will be key to generating coherent and informed responses in the Annual Progress Index process and the Annual Learning Summit. During the last quarter, we have seen increased stability in clusters. Priorities for Q4.
The project will refine the design for the Annual Progress Index, building on experience from FY 2015. Administer the Annual Progress Index Design, facilitate and run the Annual Learning Summit
Indicator 1.2 Number of unique people (CSO members) trained in unique subjects:
This indicator measures the number of unique people trained, coached, and mentored in unique capacity areas during the quarter. The priority for the quarter (and the rest of the year) is linked to supporting partners to increase impact, especially in the areas of advocacy and public awareness.
Key activities: During the quarter, the project slightly exceeded its target – reaching 361unique individuals – representing 147.6% of the 250 target, and achieving 94% of the annual target. With one quarter to go, the project is confident of achieving and slightly exceeding its annual target for his indicator. This was achieved from four project driven activities and nine partner-driven activities. These activities included:
Project events: Advanced M&E and Knowledge Exchange for National Partners
The project M&E and Knowledge Sharing Workshop – which aimed to deepen understanding of the advanced skills for M&E, with a specific focus on ‘Outcome Harvesting’ as well as build skills for knowledge sharing. The event, attended by 58 cluster members, was held in Kaduna on the 24 – 26 May 2016. The Innovation Design Workshop: This workshop was designed to assist IWSF-shortlisted applicants to think through social innovation, revisit their proposals, deepen and refine their applications for final consideration by a project Technical Evaluation Committee. Cluster coaching sessions with two clusters in Lagos for the Women Lead Agriculture and Basic Education Clusters, anchored by the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) and HDI respectively: These were the first two cluster coaching sessions run with the full revised Cluster Coaching model and looked at three key
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dimensions – progress on their advocacy issue, progress within the cluster, and networking and alliance building. As indicated under 1.1 above, these activities will enrich the Annual Learning Index process and provide critical evidence to support the actual progress of each cluster and each cluster member within each cluster. The project also held a training session for the four partners who are proposing to make sub-grant awards to cluster members in the current year. These are CISLAC, HDI, CITAD, and WARDC. The training was to provide them with a full understanding of the sub-award process and equip them to assess cluster members and start the process to making sub-awards. This is a critical piece in preparing partners to receive direct USAID funding. In addition, four partners – WARDC; JONAPWD, CITAD, and HERFON – held activities
WARDC ran two events focused on ‘organizing and mobilizing for policy engagement’ and ‘capacity building for women farmer leaders’ CITAD conduced step-down/cascade training for wider cluster members on Advocacy and M&E JONAPWD conducted step down training for its Akwa Ibom Advocacy Technical Team on Advocacy and understanding the MAISE concept and defining next steps at State level HERFON ran four workshops for Ward Development Committees to bridge gaps on advocacy and monitoring identified through their assessment of this is targeted LGAs Details of these activities, with disaggregated attendee data, are set out in the summary table below:
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Total CSOs/ Event Date Location M F Total PWD Youth Adult BMOs SACE National Training USAID-SACE Sub-granting Training April 12-13, 2016 Abuja 6 2 8 0 4 4 4 SACE M&E and K/Sharing Workshop May 24-26, 2016 Kaduna 28 30 58 8 22 36 43 Cluster Coaching to WARDC June 29-30, 2016 Lagos 3 9 12 0 4 8 7 SACE - Innovation Design Workshop June 23-24, 2016 Lagos 8 6 14 0 8 6 7 Cluster Support Visit to HDI June 30-July 1, 2016 Lagos 10 4 14 0 5 9 7 Total, SACE National Training 55 51 106 8 43 63 68 National Partners' Training: WARDC: Organizing & Mobilizing for Policy May 6, 2016 Lagos 2 38 40 0 4 36 Engagement in Agric Sectors JONAPWD-: State level training for ATT in June 7-8, 2016 Uyo 19 7 26 8 7 19 Akwa-Ibom State CITAD-: Advocacy Workshop June 2, 2016 Gombe 20 13 33 4 14 19 CITAD-: M&E Workshop June 3, 2016 Gombe 20 13 33 4 14 19 WARDC: Capacity building for Women May 6, 2016 Lagos 2 32 34 0 5 29 Farmers Leaders Batagarawa HERFON: training for WDCs April 11-12, 2016 19 5 24 0 4 20 LGA HERFON: training for WDCs April 13-14, 2016 Kafur LGA 22 4 26 0 4 22 Kaduna HERFON: training for WDCs April 19-20, 2016 17 6 23 0 4 19 South LGA HERFON: training for WDCs April 21-22, 2016 Igabi LGA 19 5 24 0 8 16 Total, National Partners' Training 140 123 263 16 64 199 SACE & NATIONAL PARTNERS TRAINING PROGRAMS 195 174 369 24 107 262
Key challenges:
The key challenge the project faces is supporting partners to move from activity reporting to ‘outcome’ reporting and identifying success stories. A key focus of the workshops has been to ensure that clusters are more capable of reporting outcomes. Getting anchors to step back and assign lead roles to cluster members continues to present a challenge. Supporting clusters to align their actions and priorities to clear policy outcomes presents a further challenge, which the project will continue to work on into the next calendar year. Bridging the gap between what local cluster members are doing with the overall cluster goal and clear policy reforms continues to be a work-in-progress. It is likely that significant sub-granting from partners to their cluster members may not be achieved this year, as partners work towards operationalizing the sub- granting manual and process. Priorities for Q4.
The Roll out of the Cluster Coaching to a further 12 clusters as per the calendar schedule. Implementation of the Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) Training of Trainers (this was deferred from Q2 for operational reasons)
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Support, as necessary, to partner-led capacity building activities. The project will also run a project Program reflection and learning event to take stock of progress and plan as a result of key learning. Indicator 1.3: Number of USG-funded organizations representing marginalized constituencies trying to affect government policy or conducting government oversight
This indicator measures the participation and engagement of marginalized constituencies in processes. The indicator counts cumulatively, the number of organizations. Organizations may only be counted once during the year, though their activity will continue long past the point they have been counted.
Key activities: The direct activities of the existing clusters and their members are the key mechanism by which this work is carried forward. During the quarter, six new organizations were identified as being involved – through engagement directly with the project and through the work of clusters. This represents a significant shortfall on the quarter’s target of 25. The key driver for this is that clusters have reached close to their ‘saturation’ point within the constraints of existing resources. In addition, the postponement of the GESI Training for partners from Q2 to Q4 has had an impact on the prioritization of this issue by all clusters. While this shortfall was recorded, record participation in Q1 will offset this deficit and the project remains confident of achieving its target for the year. To date, 93 organizations (from a target of 110) have been reached. The list of organizations is provided below.
Table 1: New organizations of Marginalized Groups engaging with project activities
Date Cluster Activity New Cluster Members Location Count Group Focus NCDF: Training of 45 NDU Students on Niger Delta University April 3, 2016 Conflict and Use of Amassoma 1 Youth Students IPDU platform in Amassoma YAF: One-day training May 26, 2016 for 52 Grass Root Youth Advocates Uyo 1 Youth Advocates WARDC: STARNET May 16, 2016 Women Farmer Groups 2 Women Mapping NCDF: Training of 50 Nembe National Grammar School pupils Nembe Nat. Grammar May 16, 2016 Nembe 1 Youth on Conflict and Use of School Peace Club IPDU platform in Nembe YAF: Mobilization and National Association of June 16, 2016 sensitization for 10% Uyo 1 Youth Nigerian Students Uyo for Youths
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Challenges:
As reported in the last quarter, the Niger Delta continues to lag behind on including persons with disabilities and their organizations in the work. During the quarter, the project team engaged with the leadership of JONAPWD to find ways to foster links between the Niger Delta clusters and Disabled Persons Organizations. The GESI TOT will focus on this issue especially. As reported in Q2, the decision to defer proposed follow on training and actions around GESI until Q4 is having an impact on the overall achievement of this target. Priorities for Q2.
Roll out of the GESI TOT and support to implement the policy framework documents being generated. Ongoing cluster-specific support to encourage and increase GESI within clusters Explore strategies to increase the participation of PWDs in the Niger Delta. 2.3.2 Component 2: Policy and Key Stakeholder Engagement
This component focuses on strengthening the ability of partners to directly engage, establish and deepen partnerships with key stakeholders, especially those within GON, on specific advocacy issues. This is a major focus for the third year of the project across all indicators and is key to moving the project toward results. With clear GON stakeholder personnel now largely in place, work on this has gained significant momentum during the quarter as reported in the Summary narrative above. Additional highlights are presented below. Specifically, there is also a fuller narrative on ‘Improved Networking’ as this is reported every six months.
Performance Status against Indicators
Indicator 2.1: Number of cluster members with improved networking:
A key proxy for increased engagement and advocacy is improved networking (a core driver within the STAR model). Partner networking is mapped using STARNET, an online platform that maps relationships across both demand and supply lines while measuring the increase in number of links (N1) and the complexity of these links (N2, or clique count change). The project measures these bi-annually. During the current quarter, while some clusters have continued to map, no measure is taken. The next measure point is in Q4 and the overall picture will contribute to the overall assessment of Net Change (Indicator 1.1 above) for Anchors and cluster members.
Priorities for Q3.
Completing the STARNET remapping across all National and Niger Delta Clusters
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Providing ongoing mentoring to all clusters to build on the recommendations agreed following their STAR Feedback mapping as these are key to improving the quantity and quality of ‘improved networking’.
Indicator 2.2: Number of laws, policies, or procedures drafted and proposed by USG-funded CSOs:
The key measure for reforms that promote TAGG in the project is the number of policies, laws and administrative procedures being developed, drafted, proposed, adopted, and implemented by partners.
Key activities: During the preceding quarter, the project had already significantly over- achieved against target for the year to date. Through Cluster Coaching, SACE began to identify a disconnect between partner activities and forward progress in identified policy areas. The Policy Tracker brought this into sharp relief during Cluster coaching processes. During the quarter, therefore, the project has focused its efforts on aligning the actions of clusters to clear policy areas. This process is ongoing. Key activities have focused on sharing the detailed Policy Tracker (which provides evidence for this Indicator) with clusters and ‘cleaning up’ the clear policy areas (Bills, Policies, Cluster Coaching Session with Women in Procedures) which partners are working on Agriculture and aligning their priority actions to achieving these. The overall target will be exceeded by year-end, but the project has deemed that it is much more important to build understanding and use of the Tracker by clusters in the Q3 and Q4 and will use the results from Q4 o report annually on progress. The key mechanism for building this process will be through the cluster caching sessions. In addition, further work with Root Change is required to align the Strategy/Outcome Harvesting Framework with the Policy Tracker. This work will commence in Q4. Already though, the summary narrative highlights key achievements of partners (and this is not repeated here)
Key Challenges.
Building partner understanding around the Policy Tracker and its linkages to the Outcome Harvesting Framework.
Strengthening the project’s conceptual grasp of these two tools and their inter- relatedness.
Refining partner policy work areas in line with the USAID standard indicator for bills, policies, and procedures, so that progress can be accurately mapped in Q4.
Priorities for Q3
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Build project and partner understanding, through our internal review and cluster coaching, to enable the full utilization of the Policy Tracker (in conjunction with the Strategy/Outcome Harvesting Framework)
Track policy progress accurately against a clearer set of policy areas with partners.
Indicator 2.3 Number of CSOs receiving USG Assistance engaged in Advocacy Interventions:
The target for FY 2016 is annual, as all core partners, cluster members, and collaborators will contribute to and participate in advocacy interventions – with 88 organizations involved. No ‘Actual’ to be reported for this quarter.
Priorities for Q3.
Ongoing support to clusters and collaborating groups to implement their advocacy agendas
Support to clusters to identify and bring on board appropriate cluster members and collaborators
Indicator 2.4 Number of Partnership (engagement) Innovations Initiated by Funded CSOs:
This indicator measures progress on innovations that promote engagement and partnership across clusters and with key stakeholders, especially GON stakeholders. The target for the quarter is zero. However, the project undertook a number of activities towards achieving targets for Q3 and Q4 FY 2016.
Key Activities. Building on work from the last quarter, the project undertook the following key activity with regards to this indicator:
The project received 149 applications under the ISWF APS call. With support from USAID and PIND, the projected formed an initial list of 15 potential applications and a short list was then narrowed down to seven concept notes for final development and consideration.
All seven short-listed applicants attended the Innovation Design Workshop to help them to fine-tune their applications, which are due for submission and award in Q4.
The development of innovation projects under the ISWF grant mechanism is a rigorous process, designed specifically to whittle out weak applications and reduce risk of failure. The pace of progress on this is therefore significantly slower than originally envisaged. The project may therefore, across this and Indicator 3.4, only award a very limited number in FY 2016 as our preferred approach is to use the design phase to reduce risks and increase confidence in the conceptual clarity of potential awardees. Full applications are due at the beginning of August. The project has a pool of applicants that will enable
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us to meet the targets set here (and in 3.4 below). We may make less awards in FY 2016 than indicated in the target. This will be discussed on an ongoing basis with USAID as final applications are assessed. . Priorities for Q3.
Evaluate and select appropriate applications through a Technical Evaluation Committee in early August Commence processes for awards to final selected successful applications 2.3.3 Component 3: Public Awareness
This component focuses on strengthening public awareness, engagement and support by the public for key issues that project partners are working on as well as broader project activities, which strengthen public engagement on TAGG issues. The key activities and progress made in this regard is reported in more detail below under the key indicators.
Key activities at broader level included:
Project held the sixth edition of the 2.0 Mindset Series in Uyo on April 6, 2016. The event provided a major platform for YAF to gain strong political backing for its Youth Empowerment Bill The project concluded processes to award PPDC | HomeVida a grant aimed a working on TAGG issues with the Nigerian film industry. The grant has two broad components – supporting young scriptwriters and producers to develop film that focuses on TAGG issues; and supporting the endowment of the film, which best portrays TAGG issues at the 2016 Nigeria Integrity Film Awards set to hold in Lagos in December 2016. The grant has been submitted to USAID for approval in the quarter.
Performance Status against Indicators
In addition to the activities outlined above in the brooder eco-system, the project has recorded the following successes against its indicators as listed below.
Indicator 3.1: Number of Public Awareness campaigns on key democratic issues:
This indicator refers to the number of discrete campaigns undertaken by partners during the year and is reported annually. Therefore, no targets exist for the current quarter.
Key Activities: Although reporting is annual, partners continued to hold campaign activities. For example, during the quarter, the CESOJ-led MNCH cluster started working on an innovative financing bill for MNCH – arising from their workshop on innovative financing. Other examples at national level include JONAPWD’s public advocacy on
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MAISE, and WARDC’s 10-point demand for women in agriculture, and numerous radio programs (such as the Extractive Cluster’s radio program “Extractives and U’). In the Niger Delta, YAF, CCIDESSOR, NDCF and SDIC all undertook public campaign work. The cluster coaching with clusters will also strengthen these as the year-end approaches. The project is on course for fully achieving its target under this indicator.
Priorities for Q4
Implement the PPDC | HomeVida initiative on TAGG issues with the entertainment industry using the Integrity Film Awards. This work will stretch into Q1 of FY 2017. Continue to provide ongoing coaching ad mentoring support to project partners around their campaigns using the Cluster Coaching approach to refine campaigns and link them more tightly to proposed advocacy outcomes and the Policy tracker. Indicator 3.2: Number of public discourse on key democratic governance issues supported/facilitated by civil society partners:
This indicator measures the quality of engagement ad discussion on key issues. During the quarter under review, the project recorded a continued expansion in discourse by partners. Against a target of 16 discourses (reflecting a planned discourse per cluster per quarter), the project exceeded this – achieving 17 discourses (representing 106% of target). This reflects the growing capacity of clusters to engage and put increasing pressure on their issues.
The planned Niger delta Civic Engagement Forum, scheduled for Q3, was postponed until Q1, FY2017. This decision was made (jointly with USAID and PIND) to better align the event with the PIND Niger Delta Development Forum. The event will now run as a civil society pre-event, feeding recommendations into the more policy-focused Niger Delta Development Forum.
Given the current trajectory of increased engagement by partners, the project remains on target to achieve its target for the year against this indicator.
Key Activities: The project held the sixth edition of the 2.0 Mindset Series in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on April 6, 2016 which was headlined by the Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Luke Onofiok and he promised to ensure that the government of Akwa Ibom State tows the line of transparency and accountability in governance by placing the state’s budget on public platforms and accessible.
Partners also reported some key outcomes in relation to public discourse and engagement. Nationally, partners working on health and education created unique fora to further their project goals and activities. Find below highlights in the quarter:
A multi-stakeholder dialogue was organized on June 30, 2016, by the Access to Health for Women with Disabilities cluster led by DRAC to finalize and adopt the National Policy on Sexual and Reproductive Health for Women and Girls with Disability in Nigeria. The policy was drafted in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Federal Ministry of Women Affairs. The meeting, which was attended by a cross-section of GON Ministries,
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Departments, and Agencies, civil society and development partners, provided an opportunity for stakeholders to review and converse on the policy document. The document will now be presented to the Minister of Health and National Council on Health for approval.
Also on health, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Primary Health Care, Communicable and Non-communicable Diseases has pledged the committee’s support for increased collaboration with civil society groups on MNCH funding in Nigeria. He made this commitment at a public discourse forum on Innovative Funding for MNCH, which was organized by the MNCH Cluster led by CENSOJ on April 26, 2016 in Abuja. The Chairman, Sen. Ohuabunwa also called for fiscal federalism and public private partnerships in funding community health issues; an increase in local drug production to bridge the funding gaps in MNCH; to ensure government creates value for money in health spending by reducing health care needs through introducing more preventive care interventions. He is committed to working with the cluster to find innovative approaches in closing funding gaps on MNCH.
In education, the Inclusive Basic Education Cluster, anchored by the JONAPWD, publicly launched their baseline survey, factsheet, policy briefs and the MAISE (Model for Accessible & Inclusive School Environment) prototype on April 19, 2016. The cluster used the opportunity to call on the Federal Government to ensure an enabling environment for children with The Inclusive Basic Education Cluster disabilities by implementing policies Launched the Model Inclusive School and on inclusive education. They also Baseline Research organized a one day Stakeholders Forum on April 20, 2016 to bring stakeholders up to speed on the need to synergize efforts towards engendering inclusive Universal Basic Education for Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria and within focal states.
In the Niger Delta, partners also carried out series of public discourse activities especially around youth empowerment, conflict resolution and community participation in governance. Highlights include:
The Youth Advocacy Cluster led by YAF, this quarter, participated and strategically leveraged on several public activities to get support for their #10percent4youth campaign.
. On the celebration of Democracy Day in Nigeria on May 30, 2016, the Youth Advocacy Cluster carried out a public sensitization activity to mobilize the youth in Akwa Ibom state to support the #10percent4youth campaign and the Youth Empowerment Bill when introduced into the House of assembly. The activity led by YAF used
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the opportunity to engage young people on how democracy has fared in the past 1 year and get support signatures for the #10%4youths campaign. 129 youth signed up for the campaign during the outreach.
Concerning conflict mitigation and public discourse, the Projects Central Peace Working Committee of the Peace Advocacy Cluster intervened to douse the tense conflict condition in Ikarama Kingdom, Yenogua Local Government in Bayelsa State. The community had reported the tense conflict situation to the Integrated Peace and Development Unit (IPDU) sms platform concerning the dethronement of the paramount ruler of Ikarama , which generated tension in the area. The Central Peace Working Committee invited the parties involved to a conflict resolution public discourse on June 5, 2016, which allowed the aggrieved leaders to commit to finding an amicable solution.
The cluster also inaugurated a Peace Club in Nembe National Grammar School to promote peace among youths in the communities. The student’s capacity was built on the IPDU conflict early warning system and Conflict Sensitivity on June 28, 2016. The Open Budget Cluster led by Social Action also carried out a mobilization event called Open Budget Rally at Mile 3 Park in Port Harcourt to create awareness on Open Budgets and the role of citizens on April 30, 2016 which made a lot of citizens become aware of their roles in fiscal governance and the need for Open and participatory budgeting.
For communities to take ownership for projects implemented in their communities, the Open Budget Cluster in Imo State led by CCIDESOR launched Citizens Accountability Assembly. The Assembly role is to create avenues for public discourse and to hold government accountable for abandoned projects in Imo State. The Assembly was inaugurated in six local governments: Obowo, Ngor Okpala, Ohaji Egbema, Ahiazu Mbaise, Isiala Mbano and Oguta LGA. The Signing of Accountability Charter with over 160 The Inauguration of the Citizens Citizens Accountability Assembly Accountability Assembly in Oguta LGA of Imo State by the Open Budget members during the inauguration in Health and Education Cluster. signifies the agreement and commitment of the people towards the realization of accountability objectives which the project seeks to achieve.
Other forms for discourse took place using various mediums of communication. Effective Resource Mobilization Cluster anchors, LITE-Africa and ANEEJ held several tweet dialogues using #TalkNDIs and #EyeOnNDIs respectively calling on
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Niger Delta citizens to be proactive in engaging Niger Delta Institutions to demand accountability in project implementation in the region. CENSOJ and WARDC also used their #MNCH and #WomenleadAgric to galvanize support for their campaigns.
Priorities for Q4.
. 2016 Niger Delta Civic Engagement Forum Preparations . First Issue Learning Forum hosted by DRAC
Indicator 3.3: Number of media transactions to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance initiatives:
Media transactions are activities taken by partners on the project aimed at promoting TAGG reported in the media. The key media covered by this include traditional media made up of newspapers and radio, new media made up of online news sites and social media. The project continued its high performance in the quarter, significantly over- achieving the quarter target. The project recorded 160 media transactions, far outpacing the projection of 40.
Key Activities: Highlights include:
Radio/TV/Newspapers: Partners used traditional media platforms of radio and TV for their campaigns and to sensitize the public on the need to engage the government. For instance, the Accountability in Resource Management of Niger Delta Institutions Cluster led by LITE-Africa has called for more citizen engagement with Niger Delta Institutions in the Niger Delta during its 30 minutes weekly radio program on Crown FM in Delta State and Orange FM in Ondo State, which ran for four weeks in the month of June. The Women in Agriculture cluster noticed a surge in the number of women who have joined their cluster after they started airing their radio program in Osun State. Sixty women farmers joined the cluster member Osun Women Farmers Association in Osun State to advocate for inclusive agriculture policies in Osun State. This was as a result of the Women Lead in Agriculture Cluster campaign on Osun State Gold FM Radio Program called “Obirin la gbe” in Osun State which calls on government to include women smallholder farmers in local, states and national levels in decision-making processes on agriculture. Clusters led by YAF and CISLAC also ran paid radio airtime to sensitize the public on their issues while JONAPWD, ANEEJ, CCIDESOR, Social Action and DRAC got free time to discuss their projects and the impact they are making.
In support of the campaign led by CCIDESOR, Imo State chapter of the Guild of Editors has dedicated newspaper pages, which highlights abandoned projects in the State. This has ensured that CCIDESOR projects receives adequate cover in the local dailies as related to abandoned projects. The same goes for JONAPWD, which received media support during the launch of its baseline survey and MAISE prototype. CISLAC, CITAD and CENSOJ have good rapport with the media as their press releases and opinion piece get feature on the pages of the dailies, which are sometimes linked, to the newspapers online sites.
Social Media: Partners held several tweet dialogues, which was captured in 3.2, but the analytics are captured under media transactions. Partners focused more on using Twitter platforms for identified events as the ideal platform for engagement.
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Project Accumulated Exposure on Twitter for Q3 2016
Twitter Project Name Campaign Reach Exposure 2.0 Mindset Series SACE 33615 443945 in Uyo ANEEJ #EyeonNDIs 145,000 581,749
CENSOJ #MNCHfunding 128,944 5,619, 816
WARDC 14345 116923 #WomenLeadAgric LITE-Africa #TalkNDIs 24,506 389656 YAF #10%4youth 48,872 31,000 TOTAL Q3 2016 395, 282 7,183,089 46,524, Total Q1 + Q2 + Q3 6,920,579 893
The project’s ‘Let’s Talk Governance’ Facebook page following is also steadily increasing. The page has moved from 1766 in the last quarter to 1814 followers. The Facebook page also indicated that more men than women engage with the Projects posts and announcements. Still on social media platforms, the projects twitter followers has grown from 299 in January 2016 to 731 followers. The project was able to record the following analytics over Q3 on Twitter
Month Tweet Impressions Profile Visits New Followers
April 390 27,500 45
May 13,400 149 75
June 13, 200 225 91
Total 54,100 764 211
Other tools: Newsletters: The Social Accountability in Education in Northeast Cluster, on May 6, 2016, launched a newsletter called North East Watch with the aim to support their advocacy and campaign to improve the state of education in the Northeast. The editorial hub rests with the anchor organization, CITAD while the core cluster members from the six states in region serve as state correspondents. An electronic version can be found here: http://www.citad.org/wp- content/uploads/2016/05/NorthEast-Watch-for-2-clr.pdf
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Billboards: The YAF cluster also mounted two billboards on their #10percent4youth campaign at strategic spots in the Uyo, the state capital of Akwa Ibom state on June 11, 2016 with the purpose to situate them where Government officials can see it as a constant reminder of Bill as it being debated in the House and to raise public awareness on the campaign.
Memos and Press Releases: These were also used to engage the public on partner issues. For instance, the Social Accountability in Education in Northeast Cluster submitted a Memo to the House of Representatives public hearing on the Northeast Development Commission Bill. The cluster endorsed the Bill and called for its speedy passage. The memo is in line with the clusters press conference of March 2, 2016, in Bauchi where it called for the establishment of the necessary agency or structure that will implement government intervention programs for the rebuilding and reconstruction of the region. The Bill responds to certain recommendations made by the cluster. They noted that some amendments need to be made in certain areas of the bill especially in the areas of community participation in the activities of the Commission to hold the Commission accountable and ensure social inclusion. They requested that the Commissions’ board should include three persons representing PWDs, Internal Displaced Persons groups and youth who are to be nominated by the President. This will ensure that these large stakeholder groups are represented on the Board of the Commission. Drafting the memo was a collaborative process involving all cluster members. They also issued press releases calling on the Northern Governors Forum to include Education in the Northeast as top in the agenda of its April Meeting in Kaduna and on the poor performance of the Northeast states in the 2015 May/June West African Examinations Council results, with a call for state of emergency in the education sector of the states in the Northeast.
ANEEJ also produced memos on their research finding and recommendations as contained in the Citizens Report Card. The memos were sent to the Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Minister of Niger Delta Affairs and Managing Director of DESOPADEC. Open Budget cluster led by SDIC also issued press statements on the lack of budget documents in Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Delta and Bayelsa states on June 6, 2016, which was reported on Sahara reporters, twitter feed. A full list of media transactions for the quarter is provided in Annex C
Priorities for Q4.
Launch an online monthly newsletter for the project Plan advanced media training for media partners
Indicator 3.4: Number of Public Awareness innovations initiated by funded CSOs:
The results and targets for this indicator are driven by the initiation of the ISWF Annual Program Statement mechanism. In Q3, the project identified seven potential pilot innovation projects and is currently evaluating the potential of success of the proposals
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under the ISWF. Themes profiled include taxation, asset declaration by public officials, mapping abandoned projects, gaming app on governance, improving quality of education in the Northeast, right to shelter in Lagos State, and budget and data visualization.
These projects, as approved will feed both Indicator 3.4 as well as Indicator 2.4 above. The delay in getting the ISWF grant mechanism going (as discussed more fully under 2.4 above) explains why the project is off target for the quarter. The project fully anticipates being on course for its annual target with work for the year.
In addition to ISWF driven innovations, partners have carried out activities that can be considered innovative. The Open Budget Cluster led by SDIC Shortlisted Organizations at the has created a Freedom of Information Tracker, Innovation and Spread the Word (ISWF) which is used to track all Freedom of Information Innovation Workshop requests made by the cluster to various state agencies in five states, requesting information on fiscal procedures. The result of the responses of these agencies will feed into an open budget survey and form the basis of future interactions with these government agencies.
Priorities for Q4:
• Select and make awards to successful ISWF Project applicants
2.3.4 Component 4: Niger Delta
Component 4 builds on the approach set out in the first three components but with a specific focus on CSOs in the Niger Delta and with a view toward influencing policy in a way that promotes inclusive economic growth in the region.
At an overall component level, the key points to report for the quarter include:
- The project successfully launched the second Niger Delta Fund RFA to select up to two new project partners who have a focus on MSMEs. These partners are expected to be on boarded in Q1 FY 2017; - The project successfully launched a follow-on RFA for existing partners whose contracts end in October 2016. It is anticipated that at least six partners will receive follow-on grants to commence during FY 2017. - The project completed follow-on grants for FY2016 for the two BMOs and has submitted these for approval by USAID. During the quarter, owing to delays in concluding the approval, the BMOs did not engage in project activities. However, they continued to attend and participate in al project capacity building activities. In Q4, following approval, full partner activity will resume.
Performance Status against Indicators
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Indicator 4.1: Number of CSOs showing net change:
This indicator measures the progress of national partner organizations (anchors and cluster members) towards gaining the capacity to catalyze reform on their issues. Progress is measured against performance on their issues using the STAR Index approach and STARNET.
As with Indicator 1.1, this indicator is measured annually during Q4 of the respective year. Therefore, no result is expected for this quarter. However, the project did undertake a number of activities with Niger Delta partners that will contribute to greater accuracy of results under this indicator.
Key activities: Even though reporting will not take place until Q4, the project has continued to undertake activities that will contribute to the results to be reported. For example:
Using the Cluster coaching framework, the project has used its capacity building events to support partners to develop and deepen their project areas using the Strategy/outcome harvesting framework, STARNET roll out, and STAR Feedback to strengthen partner performance. Priorities for Q4.
Support individual clusters building on the Outcome Harvesting results for each cluster to be better able to map interim outcomes and identify priorities for action until the end of FY 2016. Continue to support Niger Delta partners to conclude the STARNET survey and build capacity in understanding the STAR drivers
Indicator 4.2 Number of unique individuals (CSO members) trained in unique subjects:
This indicator measures the numbers of unique people trained, coached and mentored in unique capacity areas during the quarter. As indicated earlier, the interventions for FY 2016 are derived from progress made in the previous year and priorities to increase impact especially in the areas of advocacy and public awareness. The project exceeded its target for the quarter – reaching 302 unique individuals (as opposed to 250 projected in the PMP). This represents 120% of the quarter target – this was driven by a robust quarter of partner activity. Overall, for the first three quarters, the project has achieved 92.5% of its target and fully anticipates a slight overachievement for the year by the end of Q4. Advanced Advocacy and Public Awareness Workshop for Niger Delta Partners
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In the current quarter, the result was achieved through two project-led events and five events delivered by partners.
Key Activities. Project activities include the following:
The Advanced Advocacy and Public Awareness workshop: This workshop was aimed at improving advocacy and public awareness skills as well as building capacity on the use of the Strategy/Outcome Harvesting Framework, introducing the Policy Tracker and embedding the STAR Feedback tool (formerly STAR Mobile). A total of 46 individuals participated in this event, held in Uyo between 5 – 8 April 2016 The M&E and Knowledge Sharing workshop, which aimed to deepen understanding of the advanced skills for M&E, with a specific focus on ‘Outcome Harvesting’ as well as build skills for knowledge sharing. The event, attended by 48 cluster members, was held in Benin from June 7 to 9, 2016. Some Niger Delta partners also attended the Innovation Design workshop as they have applications that were shortlisted. These include CCIDESOR, ANEEJ, YAF and LITE-Africa. The workshop and its numbers are already reported under 1.2 above and are not repeated here to avoid duplication. In addition to these project-led activities, project partners NCDF, YAF, CCIDESOR, and ANEEJ also held capacity development activities for partners.
Details of these are set out in the summary table below.
Event Date Hotel/ Venue M F Total PWD Youth Adult
SACE Niger Delta Training Programs, Q3 2016 SACE Advanced Advocacy & Public Awareness April 5-8, 2016 Uyo 26 20 46 1 20 26 M&E/Knowledge Sharing Workshop June 7-9 2016 Prestige Hotel, Benin City. 31 17 48 1 22 26 Total Niger Delta Training Programs 57 37 94 2 42 52 SACE N.Delta Partners' Training: NCDF: Training of 45 Students on Conflict and IPDU April 3, 2016 Bayelsa 30 15 45 0 44 1 platform use YAF: One-day training for 52 Grass Root Advocates May 26, 2016 Uyo 39 21 60 0 51 9 CCIDESOR: Training on Accountability Media Advocacy April 26, 2016 CCIDESOR Freedom Hall 12 6 18 0 8 10 /Economic Literacy for Media ANEEJ: Budget Advocacy, Project Monitoring, Reporting May 27-29, 2016 Warri, Delta State 25 14 39 0 20 19 & Partnership; Development NCDF: Training of 50 students/ inauguration of Peace Disciples into a Peace Club in Nembe National Grammar Nembe, Bayelsa state 27 19 46 0 43 3 School (NNGS), Nembe, in Nembe LGA. Partner Totals 133 75 208 0 166 42 TOTAL, SACE + Partners' Training in the N.Delta 190 112 302 2 208 94
Priorities for Q4
The Roll out of the Cluster Coaching to a further 12 clusters as per the calendar schedule.
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Implementation of the GESI Training of Trainers (this was deferred from Q2 for operational reasons) Support, as necessary, to partner-led capacity building activities. The project will also run a project Program reflection and learning event to take stock of progress and plan as a result of key learning.
Indicator 4.3: Number of Public Awareness Campaigns on Inclusive Economic reform in the Niger Delta:
This indicator reflects the campaigns, which each cluster is carrying out in the Niger Delta. The indicator is measured annually but activity on campaigns is ongoing.
Key Activities. As reported under 3.1 above, the project partners continued with their campaigns. These have been variously mentioned throughout this report and are not repeated here to avoid duplication.
Priorities for Q4.
Full-fledged engagement by BMOs around their campaign priorities Cataloguing Campaign demands into the Advocacy Tracker Ongoing campaign support for partners 2.4 Monitoring and Evaluation
During the reporting period, the key achievements for M&E were:
Further refinements to the Strategy/Outcome Harvesting Framework and its roll out through cluster-by-cluster coaching sessions. Finalization of the Policy Tracker. As indicated earlier in this report, further work will be done in Q4 to align partner reporting to the Tracker and ensure a better synergy between the Tracker and the Strategy/Outcome Framework above... Full implementation of the project Management Information System (MIS) has been achieved and the MIS is now fully operational. There is a backlog of data from previous quarters, which the project team is entering.
3. INTEGRATION OF CROSSCUTTING ISSUES
3.1 Gender Equality and Female Empowerment
In spite of the postponing of significant follow on work on GESI, the Project remained on track in achieving its target for the year on issues of gender, social inclusion, and women’s participation and empowerment. The highlights from the quarter are:
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The Project was able to bring on board six organizations of marginalized groups on board this quarter. This falls short of the quarter target of 25 but this would not affect the overall annual target as the GESI training of trainers (TOT) earlier scheduled for last quarter but rescheduled for next quarter and associated partner and Project activities would easily ensure that the deficit is made up in Q4. It will be recalled that the project was over-achieving on this target by the half-year point.
Internally the Project welcomed two female National Youth Service Corp interns, which ensured that its strong performance on staff diversity is still on track. The two new female interns followed the completion of service by the two others that the Project had in the previous service year.
The project and its partners trained and provided capacity for 278 female participants at its training, coaching and other capacity building activities. This represents 43 % of all participants.
Challenges this quarter
- The postponement of TOT on GESI earlier scheduled for the quarter to August affected the numbers this quarter
- This quarter, there was a drop on the average on the number of PWDs, Youth and Females in training overall. This is a factor of the reduced number of training activities by partners who concentrating more on Engagement and Public Awareness activities
- Working with PWDs in the Niger Delta remains a challenge.
Priorities for Q4
- GESI follow-on work, including the GESI TOT
- Engaging with JONAPWD to support Niger Delta clusters to identify potential PWD partnerships 3.2 Enabling Environment
The Project continued to prioritize its enabling environment work during the quarter. This is premised on the underlying assumption that the work of the project and its partners will not have the desired outcomes and impact if the civic environment is sub-optimal. The project continued to undertake its regular political economy analysis, which informs program decisions and contributes to the improvement of the civic ecosystem in some significant manner.
The enabling environment context remains challenging during the quarter
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The anticorruption campaign of the incumbent government continues to dig deep as high profile cases involving politically exposed persons continues apace. During the quarter the trial of the Senate President Bukola Saraki at the Code of Conduct Tribunal over false assets declaration continued. In addition, the Senate President, the Deputy Senate President and a Former Clerk of the Senate were made to face criminal charges for their presumed roles in the alleged forgery of the Senate Rules. This has led to deepening conflict and gulf within the ruling All Progressives Congress on the one hand, and continues to heat up the political and social space on the other as well as deepen mistrust around the real intentions of the reforms. A number of political commentators are of the view that the trial of the presiding officers of the Senate could be adduced as the main reason for some legislative efforts to amend the Constitution in order to offer them immunity, as is the case for President, Vice President, Governor and Deputy Governor. Secondly, the anticorruption agency, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission during the quarter took steps that many view as compromising the Constitutional immunity of the Governor of a State when it froze the personal account of the Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose as part of its investigation into the Arms deal. This and a number of others are leading many to be of the view that the anticorruption war is skewed against opposition interests.
On the economic front, following the shaky performance of Nigerian Naira due to the dual exchange rate, the Government introduced a ‘floating exchange’ (flexible) exchange rate mechanism, which upon introduction led to the Naira gaining about 31% over the US Dollar. However, the currency does seem to be experiencing more depreciation than was anticipated and that seem to be creating some tension among economic stakeholders. While the introduction of the flexible exchange rate policy led to some level of certainty and assured a number of investors that they could continue to do business in Nigeria, the high rate being experienced might lead to further economic tension down the line.
During the quarter, the Federal Government introduced a new petroleum products supply and pricing framework. The policy fixed a maximum price per liter of fuel at N145.00. This, along with other policies such as the ban on importation of many staple commodities, has had far-reaching implications on the price of goods and services in Nigeria. Basic commodities have all increased in price – up to 100% or more in some cases – reducing citizens’ economic power and spending capacity. To further complicate matters, a number of states are many months behind on salary payments. The social tension being created by these policies and governments inability to meet their financial obligations has the likelihood of affecting project implementation in the end and the project is closely watching with a view to appropriately react and advice as need arises. Already inflation is said to be in the neighborhood of 15% from 12.77% in March 2016.
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Security continues to be a major concern during the quarter across the country. The broad areas that remained in focus throughout the quarter included.
o In the Niger Delta, the militant Group, Niger Delta Avengers continued to attack oil pipelines and installations of major oil companies (especially Shell and Chevron) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation. The Federal Government continues to seek ways of engaging them and at some point ruled out negotiation, then turned around to unilaterally declare a cease-fire to enable negotiations. As pipeline sabotage continues, this is affecting foreign reserve earning and influencing negatively on the economy. Resolving this crisis is a priority for government.
o Secondly, the menace of ‘Fulani Herdsmen’ attacking farming communities and causing mayhem across the country has deepened during the quarter – the major ones being the Agatu (repeat attacks), the Nimbo in Uzo- Uwani LGA of Enugu State attacks, Ekiti, Niger, Nassarawa, Abia and a number of other states across Nigeria continues to experience periodic attacks from purported Fulani Herdsmen. The proposed Grazing Bill has generated significant controversy.
o Thirdly, the activities of Boko Haram in the North East continues in some states and localities with stories of Nigerian Army Soldiers combing the localities for what is left of them but sporadic attacks continuing. o The Biafra movement continues to present a challenge to the government with clashes between security forces and citizens resulting in deaths and further discontent in the south east – which is calling for greater autonomy The self-determinist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra, continues to remain in the news – either for its violent clashes with the police and other law enforcement agents or comments associated with the continued detention and trial of its Leader, Nnamdi Kalu.. o Finally, kidnapping even though not as high profile as earlier cases continued to be of concern during the quarter.
The appointment, within the quarter of a new (acting) Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Kpotum Idris (following the retirement of Solomon Arase is expected to pep up policing and managing of some of the mentioned security challenges during the quarter, going forward. So far, Project activities have not been impacted by any of the security issues enumerated and the Project will continue to monitor the situation and engage accordingly.
3.3 Youth Development
The quarter saw the Project’s engagement with the Youth continue to gather momentum for improved results as it improve in numbers and outcome. Data wise youths keep making strong showing in partner activities. The highlights include:
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CITAD – presented a strong showing on youth involvement this quarter. Of 66 trainees in its Advocacy and M&E Workshops, 28 were youths YAF – mobilized and trained 52 youths this quarter on advocacy and legislative engagement skills to ensure that they are able to directly engage with their legislators in the coming months as its proposed Law formally gets the State House of Assembly NCDF – Trained 79 youths (representing 60.8% of its trainees this quarter through various interventions on its issue. Cumulatively as indicated by the chart below, the number and percentage of youths benefiting and contributing to the achievement of the Project’s and partners objectives continues to be on the rise. This quarter 303 Youths (representing 47% of total participants) participated in the Projects training and other capacity building activities.
Challenges
Whereas the total number of individual youths benefiting from project activities including trainings and other capacity building activities continues to increase, the Project and its partners have not done as well in terms of the number of youth organizations this quarter. This has not in any way affected annual target for the year for marginalized constituencies as the Project is set to outperform its target. However, the Project will continue to work towards increasing the number of youth organizations and other marginalized CSOs next quarter and through the life of the Project. 3.4 Sustainability Mechanisms
This quarter the key sustainability efforts relate to:
Improving on the delivery of training for Clusters: The Project finalized the development and formal roll out of the Cluster Coaching tools. The tool allows Cluster engagements to be more intense and issue-focused. The tools allow project Staff (as coaches) facilitate a number of sessions to look at progress on issues, priority areas, cluster relations, and opportunities and challenges. This is critical to the cluster sustainability agenda.
The Project facilitated the first Innovation Design Workshop under its ISWF Annual Program Statement, which was issued in the previous quarter. With seven potential grantee organizations attending, the activity is expected to contribute to the sustainability of the proposed innovations of applicants.
The Project also issued two Request for Applications targeted at the Niger Delta. Niger Delta Fund RFA 002 is exclusively for existing Project partners in the region whose present grant would end by October 31, 2016. Niger Delta Fund RFA 003 targets a new set of grantees – that would focus on Associations of MSMEs in the Niger Delta region. Both calls are meant to further expand the
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focus of the Project in that region and support the Niger Delta partners improve sustainability of project interventions in the region
The Project began preparations for another of its enabling environment intervention activity - the Issue Learning Forum (ILF). The ILF is focused on supporting individual Issue Clusters to share lessons from their specific advocacy efforts with a wider community off CSO practitioners and other stakeholders. The first ILF is scheduled for Abuja on July 14, 2016 (with the Access to Health and Reproductive Rights by Women with Disabilities Cluster (anchored by DRAC) hosting the first event.
The Project continues to rely on local expertise except for its long term technical partner Root Change all other Consultants hired during the quarter were local and contributes to the overall objectives of USAID Forward. 3.5 Policy and Governance Support
This remained a key thrust of the Project and its partners’ activities during the quarter.
With regards to government, the Project interfaced with the Chair of the National Assembly committees on Civil Society, and proposes to work with these committees on legislation over the next quarter. In addition, the Project also supported its Niger Delta Partners – ANNEJ and LITE Africa in their interface with the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs (who was represented), and, directly interfaced with the Minister (through a meeting with the chief of party) – this will be deepened in Q4. 3.6 Local Capacity Development
The Project came out strong during the quarter on this, exceeding its quarterly target of 250 by 97 individuals (or 39%) through a range of activities implemented directly and through partners (see further analysis under indicators 1.2 and 4.2 above). Through other activities other than training which nonetheless had elements of capacity building like the Bidders Conferences, the Project reached a further 102 individuals this quarter. 3.7 Conflict Mitigation
The Project and its partners continue to mainstream the key principles of Do-No-Harm into its work. Having received appropriate training and guidance project partners remained conscious of this and ensured its application appropriately. During the quarter under review, one conflict situation was reported as follows:
NCDF reported a major success. Building on its work in the previous quarter of inaugurating the Central Peace Working Committee, the Peace Advocacy Cluster intervened to douse the tense conflict condition in Ikarama Kingdom, Yenogua Local Government in Bayelsa State. The community had reported the tense conflict situation to the IPDU sms platform concerning the dethronement of the paramount ruler of Ikarama, which generated tension in the area. The Central Peace Working Committee invited the parties involved
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to a conflict resolution public discourse on June 5, 2016, which allowed the aggrieved leaders to commit to finding an amicable solution. Other achievements of the Peace Cluster led by NCDF have been covered elsewhere in the report.
The Project was not directly affected by any conflict situation, will keep monitoring the situation and report as appropriate. The key issues reflected earlier in the political economy context section of the report did not affect the project or its partners directly.
4. STAKEHOLDER PARTICIPATION AND INVOLVEMENT
The quarter witnessed continued engagement across different stakeholder groups by the project and its Partners nationally and in the Niger Delta.
Both federal, state and local government level GON officials were engaged by Clusters on their issues across the 28 project states at different times during the quarter. This is already outlined under Indicators 2.2, 2.3 and 2.4 reports and, section 3 above.
The project continued to have very cordial and productive engagements with USAID particularly through its Contracting Officer’s Representative and the Contracting Section. The project has particularly focused on discussing and agreeing mechanisms for managing the challenge around the project financial obligation and reached acceptable agreement on the way forward. Regular meetings were held to discuss Project’s approach and elicit USAID input through the COR.
The project maintained a constructive and positive relationship with PIND throughout the period. Key outcomes in this regard relate to the decisions made jointly with PIND regarding project partner expansion (leading to Niger Delta Fund RFA002) and follow on grants to existing partners (leading to Niger Delta Fund RFA003). Other areas include collaboration on the Niger Delta Development Forum, finalizing reporting templates, and agreeing the project in-kind funding.
The project also participated and made a presentation at the UK Department for International Development Nigeria Governance/M&E Knowledge Sharing event during the quarter, at which it shared its groundbreaking Outcome harvesting tool and its usefulness in governance programming.
In addition, the project also participated in other activities related activities during the quarter like the BudgIT (an innovative CSO using info-graphics to engage on the budget) presentation with a number of Federal Agencies on the 2016 Federal Budget, interfaced with Delegation of the European Union to Nigeria and Consultants working on the European Union’s anticipated civil society intervention project in Nigeria.
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5. MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES
5.1 Grants and Strategic Activities Fund (SAF) Administration
During the quarter under review, disbursements to partners averaged lower than expected. This was due to partner delays in finalizing their work plans and agreeing to their annual budgets, which caused some organizations to run up to the ceiling of their obligations. As of the end of Q3, all partners have fully executed obligations for the 2016 calendar year, and grantees are working to ensure their activities are implemented in line with their annual work plans. Also in this quarter, the project released an Annual Program Statement for funding opportunities through the ISWF, as well as an RFA targeting Niger Delta organizations MSMEs. The project also released a limited RFA to our current Niger Delta grantees to request applications for follow-on grants, as their current funding streams expire in early Q1 FY2017.
Administrative activities from this quarter include:
The project remains within projections of grant disbursements, funding $163,856 in programming across all 16 core partners nationally and in the Niger Delta.
Agreement modifications to both realign core grantees’ budgets following their annual work planning process and increase obligations for the upcoming year concluded for all grantees.
Close out of the expired grants for the project’s two support BMOs commenced in Q3. Grants to Edo State Farmers’ Cooperative Agency Limited (ESCFAL) and the Ugboroke Progressive Fish Farmers Association will be completely closed in Q4, and it is expected that follow-on grants will be approved by USAID during the same period, allowing the two organizations to continue with their advocacy and internal capacity strengthening until the end of the project.
The projects submitted for USAID approval a grant for PPDC | HomeVida. This award will fund PPDC | HomeVida activities promoting TAGG issues within the Nigerian film industry. This award is similar to the one issued by the project in Q1, with additional funding for scriptwriting training and the production of a movie from the winning script.
The project held an innovation and design workshop in Lagos for the seven organizations shortlisted during the first-round evaluations of concept papers under the ISWF Annual Program Statement. Organizations will submit their full applications by mid-Q4.
In late Q3, the project launched an RFA under the Niger Delta Fund for organizations supporting MSMEs in late Q3, and a well-attended bidders’ conference held on June 15 to familiarize potential applicants with the project’s goals under the Niger Delta Fund and how to apply. The project will evaluate first-round applications in the upcoming quarter, with successful applicants notified by late Q4, following the Design Lab Workshop for shortlisted candidates.
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The project also issued an RFA targeting our current six Niger Delta organizations (not including the BMOs). The end goal of the process is the issuance of follow-on grants to the organizations who have shown promising progress in the strength of their internal systems, as well as their advocacy and public awareness work.
During this quarter, sub granting manuals were approved for the four national partners who possess the capacity to compliantly issue sub awards. Partners are finalizing budget negotiations and necessary documentation, and the project expects sub grants for approval by the end of Q4.
The project conducted program monitoring and compliance visits to ANEEJ, ESCFAL, and CISLAC this quarter, and compliance visits to YAF, HDI, and WARDC. 5.2 Communications
The project has already provided extensive reporting on outward facing communications and public awareness under Component III above. In addition to this, the project achieved a number of results:
Successfully submitted Weekly reports for the period under review and the project was variously highlighted during the quarter in USAID Bulletins Maintained the initiative social media sites – Let’s Talk Governance (Facebook) and GovtalkNG (Twitter) Commence production on monthly online Newsletter from July 2016 Work on the website has been concluded and the project awaits USAID approval. 5.3 Human Resources
Key Personnel. The project’s key personnel complement was fully staffed this quarter.
Long-term staff. This quarter saw the departure of M&E Manager Chukwudi Odili in June. The project initiated recruitment processes for the position, with several qualified candidates having already been identified. Following salary negotiations with the successful candidate and USAID approval, it is expected that M&E manager position will be filled by the end of quarter. In the meantime, M&E Advisor Tessy Ochu will overseeing M&E processes during the typically less active Q4 period.
Recruitment processes are also under way for the senior program manager position, which has a slightly modified scope of work from that of the CSO institutional strengthening advisor. The approved candidate for the position declined to take up the role on the project following a counter offer from her current employer that the project could not match. A new approval request will be submitted to USAID in mid-Q4 following the outcome of the current recruitment process.
The project welcomed Stanley Osayi as the newest addition to the grants unit as the project’s grants assistant. A new position, the grants assistant will assist the unit in
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processing grantee reconciliation paperwork and advance requests, allowing the manager and officer to devote more time to receipt verification and processes such as budget realignments, RFAs, and awards toward the end of the calendar year.
The project also welcomes back Delta Program Officer Rosemary Lawson, who returned from maternity leave in June 2016. In her absence, the project engaged Morounmubo Humble-Okere as a short-term program officer to ensure project programming was not interrupted.
Short-term technical assistance. The project used strategic consultants throughout the quarter to augment or temporarily cover program staff skill sets, thereby enabling the project to meet and exceed targets for the quarter.
Senior M&E, Knowledge Management and Sharing Expert – Mohammed Bawa
Delta Program Officer – Morounmubo Humble-Okere
Photographer - Nguher Zaki
GESI follow-on work: The project also submitted request to USAID for Ngukwse Surma and Ekaete Umoh
5.4 Security
The security situation during this quarter was fluid (see also the Enabling Environment section and political economy analysis section above). There was an upsurge in criminal activity nationwide, and this can be attributed to the continually deteriorating economic situation. Home invasions, robbery, kidnapping, and cultism have all became issues of concern. Pastoralists, who have created increasing anxiety among agrarian communities in the Middle Belt region of the country, have now extended their activities to the eastern and western parts of Nigeria, with many deaths recorded in the wake of their attacks.
Boko Haram has also continued attacks on soft targets in the North East, though with less intensity compared to the same time last year. Activities of the Niger Delta militants known as the Niger Delta Avengers have seriously degraded oil exploration in the region, thereby affecting revenue generation, and gas and power supply. This has affected the project in the area of generator costs owing to limited power from the national grid. All other activities went on smoothly without significant hitches. 5.5 Finance
During the reporting period, the project managed numerous changes in staffing, the overall macroeconomic position of Nigeria, and program scheduling that resulted in an overall decrease in spending when compared to the project’s Q3 budget projections at work planning. In light of the recent 40 percent deprecation of the naira and continued obligation challenges, the project expects to realize an even slower burn rate in the upcoming quarter as well. A description of line items whose actual spending differs markedly from budget figures is contained below.
46 STRENGTHENING ADVOCACY AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT - QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT (Q3 FY 2016) Salaries. This was the first full reporting period with Finance and Administration Manager Joseph Urban’s salary billed to the project. An expatriate, Mr. Urban replaced a local finance and administration manger in late Q2. Despite this, the depreciation of the naira from N199 to roughly N275 in June resulted in lower USD billings of local staff salaries. Additionally, the expected filling of the new institutional strengthening advisor position in this quarter did not occur, as the successful candidate ultimately declined to leave her current employer.
Fringe. Local direct fringe decreased this quarter in light of the naira depreciation and is expected to be similarly lower than budgeted next quarter as well.
Allowances. This line item contains the first full quarter of Mr. Urban’s danger pay, post differential, and COLA allowances. In addition, Mr. Urban’s two months of TQSA are located in this line item, as well as one year of his LQA rental payment. These costs were not envisioned during work plan budgeting in October 2015.
Other Direct Costs. As mentioned in the previous quarterly report, the project’s office rent was expected to be paid in Q2. The project delayed paying rent until a suitable new office was found, and in mid-Q3, the project moved into the newly vacant former Monitoring and Evaluation Monitoring Services II office. As a result, the project’s two- year rental payment was made during this reporting instead.
Training. As usual, the majority of the training line item was funded through the SAF, which in Q3 was budgeted at $81,250. This combined with the work plan budget for known, necessary trainings is 100 percent of actual training expenses this quarter.
Grants. Grants spending was challenged this quarter due to the naira depreciation at the end of the reporting period, as well as delays in reconciliation and advance processing due to the project’s routine verification of grantee expenses. This particular quarter saw an increased number of grantee costs that required detailed follow up by the Grants Unit, which necessarily slowed down reconciliation of certain grantees’ previous advances and issuance to them of new advances. While spending in naira terms will increase in Q4, as the verifications are now complete, USD spending will be similarly lower due to the naira devaluation.
47 STRENGTHENING ADVOCACY AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT - QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT (Q3 FY 2016) 6. LESSONS LEARNED AND IMPLEMENTATION CHALLENGES
In terms of key emerging lessons, we would like to highlight the following:
Coaching is deepening Cluster understanding of progress and priorities: The project has now fully commenced Cluster Coaching and is learning that this is a really useful approach not only for harvesting interim outcomes but also for enabling clusters to plan and prioritize targeted interventions which will lead them to achieve their goals in ‘real time’. In due course, this will imply the need for more flexible and responsive work- planning processes. We will discuss this more deeply during the Annual Learning Summit and in the FY 2017 planning processes in order that clusters can be more responsive in their future programming.
More work needed to understand the impact of expanding Public Awareness work: During the quarter (and in the year to date), clusters are gaining huge momentum in terms of public awareness engagement (especially in terms of media transactions). The project will need to invest time in understanding how better to understand the real impact of this on policy issues (as opposed to simply aggregating transactions). This work will be done over Q4 FY 2016 and in Q1 f FY 2017. In addition, the project will need to look again at the targets for FY2017 and FY 2018 and align them to our learning (probably increasing the targets).
Work is needed to begin the process of assigning financial values to emerging outcomes: The project is beginning to record interim outcomes (such as financial releases, budget increases, policy achievements and so forth) which have a potential financial value. The project will need to consider and develop a clear methodology for assigning financial value to interim outcomes in order to demonstrate the benefits of the work of clusters in those terms. The project will work on this over the next two quarters.
ISWF work needs to proceed at a slower pace: The expectation that ISWF awards could be made in Q3 has not been met. We have learnt that while innovative ideas are abound, honing them into implementable projects (that have been adequately thought through and reasonably de-risked) takes time. We have therefore decided to move the first round of applicants through a slower process that enables them think through their ideas. The Innovation Design workshop was useful in this regard. The project will consider other support actions in Q4 (especially for the technology driven innovation applications that will further enable them to refine their proposals and budgets (for example, the project is considering running a specialized ‘Technology for Social Innovation’ Boot camp in Q4).
With regards to challenges:
1 This total is not reflective of associated indirect cost rates not subject to public disclosure. 2 Refer to Year 3 work plan, page 10. This total also includes the SAF budget of $81,250.
48 STRENGTHENING ADVOCACY AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT - QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT (Q3 FY 2016) Gender Equity and Social Inclusion will need a push in Q4: Following the decision to postpone the follow-on GESI work arising from the work conducted and reported in Q1, the analysis of Q3 results implies that the project needs to focus on this in Q4 in order to ensure we achieve intended outcomes. There is a plan in place for this now.
7. PLANNED ACTIVITIES FOR Q3 FY 2016, INCLUDING UPCOMING EVENTS
The planned activities for FY 2016 build on the learning from FY 2015 and are set out clearly in the project Annual Work Plan FY2016. Highlights for the next quarter include:
Cluster Coaching for all clusters (various locations - ongoing as per calendar)
Annual Progress Index Design and administration (Abuja, July/August 2016)
USAID Financial Review (Abuja, Lagos, Uyo – July 2016)
Project Team Program Reflection (Abuja, July)
DRAC Issue Learning Event (Abuja, July)
CCIDESOR Capital Projects Report launch (Owerri, July)
CISLAC/National Assembly Oil Stakeholder Event (July, Abuja)
Niger Delta Fund RFA003 and Niger Delta Fund RFA003 selection processes (August, Abuja)
Staff recruitment for M&E Manager, Senior Program Manager (July/Aug)
Gender and Social Inclusion TOT (Keffi, August)
Annual Learning Summit (Abuja, September)
Media Training (Abuja, September)
Niger Delta Partner Close out Workshop (September)
8. WHAT DOES USAID NOT KNOW THAT IT NEEDS TO?
The SACE project continues to work effectively within the current obligation, having rescheduled some activities to accommodate potential delays in securing an additional obligation. Based on current projects, which were shared with USAID on July 15th, SACE
49 STRENGTHENING ADVOCACY AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT - QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT (Q3 FY 2016)
anticipates fully expending the current obligation by November 7th. Chemonics appreciates the efforts of USAID to provide an additional obligation and will schedule a call with the Contracting Officer to discuss this further and agree on the way forward.
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51 STRENGTHENING ADVOCACY AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT - QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT (Q3 FY 2016)
ANNEXES
ANNEX A: SUMMARY OF NATIONAL PARTNERS’ Q3 FY 2016 REPORTS
CENSOJ: (Public Finance Management for MNCH Cluster): Capacity Building: CENSOJ carried out a training on innovative funding for its cluster members and other key stakeholders on the 26th of May 2016 at the Denis Hotels, Abuja. At this training were major stakeholders such as Senator Mao Ohuabunwa and Hon John Okafor of the House of Representatives, who presented papers on the perspective of innovative funding from the legislative angle. Furthermore, a paper was presented by David Agu on Devising Innovative and Improved Funding for Maternal, New Born and Child Health in Nigeria. Following these presentations and discussions, participants were able to learn some best approaches towards health funding as obtained in other countries. Another paper presentation on Innovative Funding Strategies for MNCH in Nigeria provided further insight into the relevant laws and policies that support innovative funding for health. Present at the training were members of the National Assembly, the CSOs and the press with 65 participants comprising of 42 male and 23 females.
OUTCOMES: Following this training, the key outcome was the drafting of a bill to be presented to the National Assembly on innovative funding. This draft had input from all stakeholders present. Engagement: CENSOJ engaged with the Chairman Committee on Primary Health Care in the Senate and the Chairman House committee on Health Care Services, including the Director Child Health Division in the Ministry of Health. The engagements were fruitful as the legislative engagement led to the attendance of the legislators to the innovative funding workshop. In addition, that of the Ministry of Health led to their indication of interest to participate in the MNCH capital budget monitoring exercise alongside with the MNCH cluster in the six geopolitical zones of the Federation. The E.D of the National Primary Health Care, engaged the Lead Director of CSJ to moderate a session on sustainable Immunization Finance on April 24th.
The MCH cluster group through Vision trust foundation in Kaduna have been able to engage the state house of Assembly, for the passage of free MCH bill into law; previously, the cluster had succeeded in previous engagement in the passage of PHCUOR in the state. Ongoing engagement through save the children is on with the Katsina state government to pass the PHCUOR in the state; there have been positive remarks by the House leader and the speaker of the house that the PHCOUR would take priority in the next quarter.
A cluster member, The International Center for Development and Budgeting (A Youth based organization) organized an advocacy visit to a Primary Health Care Center in Osun state and obtained report on the state of their facilities. The findings were reported back to the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) for positive actions to be taken to redress the shortfalls of the findings.
52 STRENGTHENING ADVOCACY AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT - QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT (Q3 FY 2016) The PFM – MNCH cluster reviewed the 2016 budget and put together a Policy Brief on MNCH and the 2016 Federal Budget, the recommendations made on the having earlier been submitted to the National Assembly, was adopted, leading to the increase of allocations to vaccines by 70% as against 30% in the overall NPHCDA allocation. Public Awareness: The Accountability in Public Finance Management on MNCH cluster, had a major tweet session on the innovative funding workshop on MNCH, the hashtag of the tweet was #MNCHFunding, the tweet was able to generate about 5,619, 816 impression and it reached 128,944 persons
Live coverage of the Innovative MNCH Funding Engagement and workshop took place by the NTA and AIT. HERFON hope to have a radio discussion on the implementation of the 2016 MNCH budget
WARDC (Women Lead Agriculture Cluster) Capacity Building: On the 6th of May 2016, WARDC (Women Lead Agric cluster) carried out a capacity building for the leaders of the women farmers association in Lagos, with the following objectives; To enhance the skills of women farmers leaders, cluster members and relevant stakeholders on gender and its linkages to Agriculture To Improve the skills for community mobilization, organizing and engagement with policy makers through advocacy To sustain women mobilization platforms for continuous engagement for good governance and accountability A total of 34 participants were trained with 32 women and 2 male farmers on advocacy and gender accountability in the agricultural sector.
OUTCOMES: Following this training, women groups pledged their commitment to work together and adapt success stories gathered during the experience sharing for better result in their advocacy actions. They also committed to share more information and update on success recorded in their respective states. Engagement: WARDC and her cluster members engaged with eight government institutions and carried out advocacy visit at the state level by clusters in the four project states during the reporting period thus: In Osun- The Governor and Ministry of Agriculture engaged with cluster members leading to; i. women for the first time included in a 13 member AFAN Osun state executives inaugurated by the state governor ii. Women got Agricultural grants and Plantain milling machine supplied by the state government iii. The second engagement by AFAN Osun state was with the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Agriculture on subsidized leasing of tractor to the women farmers by the government, which they got at subsidized rate. iv. The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Agriculture also promised to allocate state farmlands to some women farmers slated for July 14, 2016.
In Benue- The Ministry of Agriculture and Executive council were engaged with
53 STRENGTHENING ADVOCACY AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT - QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT (Q3 FY 2016) In Kwara- The Permanent Secretaries Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Women Affairs; CCEPE and AFAN Kwara state consistent engagement with policy makers contributed to the allocation of a line item in the 2016 Agriculture budget to small holder women farmers in Kwara state In Enugu- The Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Women Affairs ; Women Rice farmers also got Agric loans in Enugu state for the first time partly due to the advocacy efforts of small holder women farmers led by AFAN Enugu state
Following a learning outcome from previous engagements with small holder women farmers, WARDC carried out an Expert Consultations on Specific Gender Agriculture and Validation of Research Report from Benue, Enugu, Kwara and Osun states and it was discovered that there are identifiable specific gender issues peculiar to each of the 4 focal states, At the validation workshop it was discovered that the women are facing similar challenges with different levels of severity, hence a 10 point demand was drafted as a result of the activity which would be presented to the policy makers in each state and at the national level by small holder women farmers groups during the third quarter and the last in 2016.
OUTCOMES: 2 women for the first time included in a 13 member AFAN Osun state executives inaugurated by the state governor Women got Agric grants and Plantain milling machine supplied by the state government The second engagement by AFAN Osun state was with the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Agriculture on subsidized leasing of tractor to the women farmers by the government which they got at subsidized rate The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Agriculture also promised to allocate state farmlands to some women farmers slated for July 14, 2016. CCEPE and AFAN Kwara state consistent engagement with policy makers contributed to the allocation of a line item in the 2016 Agriculture budget to small holder women farmers in Kwara state Women Rice farmers also got Agric loans in Enugu state for the first time partly due to the advocacy efforts of small holder women farmers led by AFAN Enugu state Public Awareness: During the reporting period, several public awareness reports such as Newspaper reports, Radio programs, tweets took place, the objectives of the public awareness are:
Change the poor perception and practices that hinders women small holders farmers voices and participation in the Agricultural sector by creating public awareness showcasing the role and contribution of small holder farmers in Nigeria Agricultural sector To create strong linkage between the women farmers groups and the media in order to document their stories (challenges and success) to draw the attention of policy makers to the issues affecting women farmers To improve citizen’s participation, voice and accountability in the Agricultural sector To demand for inclusive Agriculture from policy makers.
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Public discussion on engendering Agric policy and programs was done through Newspaper during the capacity building workshop for women farmers leaders and a radio program on Gold FM in Osun state ran for 12 weeks during the reporting period. Discussants included women farmers’ leader and opinion leaders in the Agricultural sector. A tweet meet was conducted on April 22, 2016; the analytics shows that there were 14,345 accounts reached with 116,923 impressions. It recorded 26 tweets 11 re- tweets of women in Agricultural Campaign and 20 likes.
OUTCOMES: Citizen’s attention was drawn to the issues of small holder women farmers
The contribution of women to the Agricultural sector was also discussed and the challenges confronting them
Small holder women farmers also got connected with the media and were able to speak about their issues themselves
Awareness was created on the challenges confronting Nigeria Agricultural sector in terms of policy and practices that needed change
JONAPWD: (Inclusive Education Cluster) Capacity Building: In the period under review, JONAPWD Organized a 2day State-level training of Advocacy Technical Teams (ATT) in Akwa Ibom state between 7th – 8th of June, 2016 , there were a total of 26 participants in attendance following which Participants are better enlightened and prepared on strategies for advocacy and engagement drives for policy influencing at the focal states. Participants expressed positive perceptions and willingness to continually support the implementation of Inclusive Basic Education project in the state.
Key outcomes of the training were:
The commitment of the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Education to integrate the Model for Accessible and Inclusive School Environment (MAISE) into the Ministry’s ongoing framework for Quality Universal Basic Education (QUBE)
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare pledged the Ministry’s support for the successful implementation of the Project in Akwa-Ibom state. SUBEB’s interest in JONAPWD’s Model for Accessible and Inclusive School Environment (MAISE), and commitment to ensuring that it is integrated into SUBEB’s plans for quality school environment.
Engagement: Subsequent to the MEDIA launch of the inclusive Basic Education project for Children with Disabilities in Nigeria, JONAPWD organized a One day Stakeholders Forum on the 20th April 2016 at Hotel De Bently Utako Abuja with the view to bring stakeholders up to speed on the need to synergize efforts towards engendering inclusive Universal Basic Education for Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria and within focal states. The forum had in attendance 29 participants including members of JONAPWD Board, State leads of the Advocacy Technical Teams and other critical stakeholders from the CSO community.
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The key outcome of the forum was the development of action plans which amongst others, included the Setting up of ATT in Kwara and Akwa Ibom, Trainings of ATT in focal states, Mapping of regular schools to implement the MAISE, and Stakeholders Mapping in the States. Also, a key outcome was the unflinching commitments of participants to take the message of Inclusive Basic Education to their various states (non within focal states), as well as engage with critical stakeholders and report success stories to the National secretariat irrespective of no cost funding from USAID/SACE.
In furtherance to engaging with critical stakeholders in Akwa-Ibom State towards engendering inclusive school environments for children with disabilities in the State, the 10-Man Advocacy Technical Team on inclusive basic education paid an advocacy visit to the Hon commissioner for women Affairs in a bid to create awareness on the status of inclusive education in the state where the cluster shared Factsheets, Policy briefs, Baseline Survey report and the Model for Accessible and Inclusive School Environment (MAISE) poster as well as solicited the support of the Ministry for the development and enactment of an Inclusive Basic Education Policy for the State vis-à-vis the implementation of the MAISE in major school facilities around the State. In attendance were the Hon Commissioner for Women Affairs, six Directors of the Ministry and the 10 Man Advocacy Technical Team Members.
OUTCOMES: Major outcomes included the commitment made by the Honorable Commissioner on behalf of the Ministry to support the Inclusive education project in the State and ensure that more children with disabilities can go to school. A follow up Visit on the commitments made is scheduled for 14th July 2016
Public Awareness: Having concluded the research on inclusive education for persons with disabilities, JONAPWD organized her Media Launch of the inclusive basic education project and officially presented the baseline survey report, factsheets, policy briefs and the MAISE (Model for Accessible & Inclusive School Environment) poster to the public on 19 April 2016 at Hotel De Bently Utako Abuja. In attendance were 146 participants including the Honorable Minister of Education represented by the Director Basic & Secondary Education, the Honorable Minister for Women Affairs and Social Development represented by the Deputy Director Rehabilitation Department of the Ministry, the UBEC Executive Secretary represented by Deputy Director Social Mobilization, others included participants from the NOA, NACA, 29 Media practitioners from 8 TV stations, 6 Newspapers, 6 Radio stations, members of CSOs/DPOs Community, NNPC, ECOWAS, NWTF, NDI, TMG, CCD, CISLAC, WACSOF, CSJ, USAID, the SACE Team and a Honorable Member of the House of Representatives. The official LAUNCH of the project on Inclusive basic education was another milestone in JONAPWDs’ drive for advocacy engagement with critical stakeholders and public awareness creation. The key outcomes are:
Distribution of IEC materials to critical stakeholders Increased public awareness on the USAID/SACE Inclusive Education in Nigeria project Critical stakeholders pledged their support for Inclusive Basic Education for Children with disabilities in Nigeria and made commitments to collaborate with JONAPWD for the
56 STRENGTHENING ADVOCACY AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT - QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT (Q3 FY 2016)
mainstreaming and rights protection of the over 25 million persons with disabilities in Nigeria.
The Nigerian National Association of Persons with Intellectual Disability (NNAPWID) OYO state chapter held a meeting on the 23rd April 2016, at the assembly hall of Cheshire High School, Ibadan. In attendance were media practitioners from Nigerian Tribune, Radio Nigeria, Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State and Space FM. Mr. Tajudeen Alade of Radio Nigeria on behalf of other journalists promised to ensure that positive actions were taken by the press in consonance with the Inclusive Basic Education project in terms of production of jingles, regular features and interviews on Inclusive Education in the media.
OUTCOMES: The key outcome was the agreement that two journalists will eventually join the Advocacy Committee being setting up in Oyo state on Inclusive basic and Accessible Education to make effective public awareness of the issue a reality and copies of Fact sheets on the role of the media in the project were distributed to all in attendance.
The Federal Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Education Sector Support Programme in Nigeria (ESSPIN), has developed a draft National Policy on Inclusive Education with the active participation of stakeholders including JONAPWD which aims at ensuring that school environment, curricula and assessment systems are continuously adjusted to the needs of all learners instead of the present situation where learners adjust to the requirements presented by the school.
OUTCOME: The draft policy is awaiting final adoption to become operational. Though this is not a direct grant support from SACE, the skills gathered during the SACE Capacity building activities were effectively used by JONAPWD to bring about a good product.
Further public awareness activities include:
At the ATT intensive training in Akwa Ibom, representatives of the Honorable Commissioner for Education, the Honorable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, the SUBEB Executive Chairman, the 10-man Akwa-Ibom Advocacy Technical Team were presented with the IEC materials. The Akwa-Ibom state ATT were presented with factsheets, national and Akwa Ibom state policy brief and the MAISE in order to effectively engage with stakeholders. IEC materials were shared with the TY Danjuma Foundation, the World Bank and UNDP representatives amongst others during TY Danjuma Foundation’s Annual Call for Concept Notes Planning Meeting held on the 22nd June 2016 at TY Danjuma Office, Wuse II, Abuja. During JONAPWD Media launch, copies of the IEC materials were distributed to participants consisting the representatives of the Honorable Minister of Education, Minister for Women Affairs and Social Development, Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), a Hon. Member of the House of Representatives, the Media, USAID, SACE Team, TMG, NDI,
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Nigerian Women Trust Fund, CSO & Media advocate, ATT states leads and JONAPWD disability Clusters, During JONAPWD’s one-day stakeholder forum, copies of the IEC materials were distributed to participants who attended. The OYO state chapter of Nigerian National Association of Persons with Intellectual Disability (NNAPWID) held a meeting on the 23rd April 2016, at the assembly hall of Cheshire High School, Ibadan. In attendance were media practitioners from Nigerian Tribune, Radio Nigeria, Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State and Space FM. At the close of the meeting, copies of Fact sheets on the role of the media in the project were distributed to all in attendance. IEC materials have been uploaded on the JONAPWD website for easy access, which will further strengthen our advocacy drives with critical stakeholders.
Awareness has been created on the inclusive education project through publications on both electronic and print media such as Punch, Pioneer newspaper and Akwa-Ibom Broadcasting Corporation (AKBC radio).
JONAPWD media launch of the inclusive basic education project for children with disabilities in Nigeria and official presentation of baseline survey report, factsheets, policy briefs and the MAISE poster was aired on both electronic and print media: Daily trust, Tuesday, April 19, 2016 (online); Saturday, April 23, 2016 page 16 http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/news/general/fg-tasked-on-education-roadmap-for- children-with-disabilities/143153.html Leadership, Tuesday, April 19, 2016; Thursday, April 21, 2016 page 23; Friday, April 22, 2016 (online) http://leadership.ng/news/519878/edo-guber-plwds-will- monitor-polling-units; http://leadership.ng/news/520563/7m-children-disabilities- school-nigeria-unicef National Mirror, Thursday, April 21, 2016 page 37 The Authority, Thursday, April 21, 2016 page 37 http://www.authorityngr.com/2016/04/Nigeria-needs-inclusive-education-for- children-with-disabilities/ Vanguard, Thursday, May 5, 2016 page 30 http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/05/children-disabilities-lack-education-nigeria- jonapwd/; http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/05/7m-children-disabilities-demand- review-education-policies/ NTA, Tuesday, April 19, 2016 at 4pm Galaxy, TV Wednesday, April 20, 2016 at 7pm and 10pm LTV, Wednesday, April 20, 2016 MITV, Friday, April 22, 2016 at 9:30pm AIT, Friday, April 22, 2016 at 6:30pm, 8pm; Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 12am, 12noon, 4pm STV, Saturday, April 23, 2016 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6y2dOSGtXE&feature=share Vision FM 92.2, Tuesday, April 19, 2016 at 6pm news Kapital FM 92.9, Tuesday, April 19, 2016 at 6pm Wednesday, April 20, 2016 at 6am Eko FM 89.75, Tuesday, April 19, 2016 Amplified radio, Friday, April 22, 2016 http://www.amplifiedradio.net/143-2/
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FRCN, Tuesday, April 19, 2016 YouTube Inclusive Education A right for Children With Disabilities in Nigeria...Click to watch news excerpts on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6y2dOSGtXE&feature=share Jenny Chisom blog Tuesday, April 19, 2016http://www.jennychisom.com/2016/04/ceosfounders-with-disabilities- make.html http://allafrica.com/stories/201604220744.html http://www.flexlearnstrategies.net/2016/04/25/fg-tasked-on-education-roadmap- for-children-with-disabilities/ http://nnu.com.ng/7m-children-with-disabilities-out-of-school-in-nigeria-unicef/ http://pulse.ng/student/unicef-7m-children-out-of-school-in-nigeria- id4949342.html http://nigeriaonline.ng/2016/04/20/edo-guber-plwds-will-monitor-polling-units/ http://ylap.org/hon-prince-adeyemi-calls-for-the-establishment-of-special- university-for-persons-living-with-disabilities/ http://jideojong.blogspot.com.ng/2016/04/nigeria-needs-inclusive-education- for.html http://www.thebriefng.com/2016/04/19/address-school-kids-disabilities-group- urges-fg/ https://www.today.ng/news/national/110606/children-with-disabilities-out-school- nigeria-unicef http://www.nigeriadailynews.news/news/282179-why-children-with-disabilities- lack-education-in-nigeria-%E2%80%94-jonapwd.html Press Release: JONAPWD lauds President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB) on signing the 2016 appropriation bill into law; demands budget implementation in an all-inclusive manner:- Social Media Platform (Facebook) 9th May, 2016 ‘’JONAPWD lauds PMB’’ https://t.co/uqbr9D5kXX Amplified Radio, 9th May, 2016 ‘’JONAPWD demands an all-inclusive 2016 budget implementation for Persons With Disabilities’’ http://www.amplifiedradio.net/jonapwd-lauds-president-muhammadu-buhari-pmb- signing-2016-appropriation-bill-law-demands-budget-implementation-inclusive- manner/ Punch, 10th May 2016, page 8 ‘‘Budget Implementation’’
JONAPWD Social Media updates JONAPWD has received increased visibility and followership on her social media platforms, which further strengthen anchor-cluster relationship and ensure effective public awareness. Social Media: (Btw April - June) Facebook: 44 posts, 535 likes, 95 shares, 127 comments, 261 friend requests, 102 page like. Twitter: 58 Twits, 41 likes, 76 retweets, 32 comments, 42 followers. Website: Updates on Press releases, 72 Pledges on Inclusive Education and 24 comments
CITAD (Accountability in Education cluster) Capacity building: CITAD: ADVOCACY Workshop:
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The accountability in education in the North East cluster, organized a one-day advocacy step down training for her other cluster members, the activity took place on 2nd June 2016 at the Gombe Jewel Suites, Gombe State. The objective was to enhance the advocacy capacity of the CSOs in the region on how to carry out an effective advocacy. There were 33 participants at the training, which include 20 male and 13 female from the six North East project states of the cluster. Key topics covered at the training were; Understanding the concept of Advocacy, Power mapping in advocacy, Developing effective advocacy messages and Planning for effective advocacy. OUTCOME: Following the training, participants were able to effectively develop advocacy messages and advocacy plans, which they would use in furthering the goals of the project.
CITAD: M&E Workshop: The cluster also carried out a one day training on 3rd June 2016 at the Gombe Jewel Suites, Gombe State on Monitoring and Evaluation for her other cluster members based in the six project states of North East Nigeria. The main objective of the training was to develop M&E capacity of the participants for effective performance and Managing for Results. The CITAD staff and other core cluster members formed the main facilitators with the assistance of a SACE staff. There were 33 participants at the training. They include 20 male and 13 female. Specific topics covered at the training include; Introduction to Monitoring and Evaluation, definitions of monitoring and evaluation, Terms and concepts applied in M & E Processes, difference between monitoring and evaluation, and a host of others. Participants were also introduced to the SACE STAR Concept (STAR Drivers). OUTCOME: Following the training, the cluster members were able to understand the key concepts of M&E and subsequently develop an M&E plan for each of their individual organizations. Engagement: CITAD: Engagement with National Assembly During the reporting period, the cluster obtained a copy of the Bill before the National Assembly seeking to establish the North East Development Commission did a comprehensive study and submitted a written memo to the National Assembly during its public hearing on the Bill. The cluster supported the bill but proposed a number of suggestions to make the Commission more representative and accountable to the people when established.
Public Awareness: PRESS CONFERENCE 1. Press Conference on Plight of Trapped Communities of North East: On 31ST May 2016, a press conference was addressed in Kano on the plights of communities who were dying of lack food, water and shelter in communities trapped by the Boko Haram insurgency, particularly in Borno and Yobe State. The addressed which was covered by the media called among other things on the need to urgently extend humanitarian services outside of urban areas like Maiduguri so that those communities that are daily facing the challenges of starvation can be rescued 2. Press Statement on the poor performance of the Northeast states in the 2015 May/June WAEC Result: The objective was to renew our call for state of emergency in the education sector of the states in the Northeast reflecting on the poor performance of the states in the Northeast in the said examination as one of the reasons for the states of emergency. The 2015 May/June WAEC Result
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showed that Yobe State came last with only 646 (4.37%) candidates obtaining five credits and above including English and Mathematics out of the fourteen thousand, seven hundred and eight-four students, comprising 10, 807 males and 3,977 females, sat for the examination in the state. Apart from the disheartening performance of Yobe state, none of the Northeast states made it to the best 20 performing states in the ranking. The statement was covered by different electronic and print media including Guardian, (http://guardian.ng/news/group- seeks-state-of-emergency-in-north-east-education-sector/), Dailytrust, Peace FM (Borno), etc. 3. Publication of Monthly Newsletter (NorthEast Watch): The objective of the monthly newsletter (though not funded by SACE project) is to support our advocacy and campaign for social accountability in the Northeast. The first edition (http://www.citad.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/NorthEast-Watch-for-2- clr.pdf) was published in May 2016 and the second edition was published in June 2016 and a third edition in July. The publication will continue on monthly basis.
HERFON (Effective MNCH cluster):
Capacity Building: HERFON: WDC training The effective MNCH cluster conducted a training for the Ward Development Committee members in their project states (Katsina & Kaduna states). The training took place between the 11th and the 22nd of April 2016 at one week per state. The objectives of the training were; To improve WDC performance by building their capacity to bridge gaps identified from the functionality assessment. To remind the participants of the composition of WDC. To discuss roles and responsibilities of WDC To discuss operation of WDC How to mobilize for health resources for development To discuss the operation of Drug Revolving Fund Expected Outcomes of the training: Members to know the composition of WDC Know their roles and responsibilities Understand the operational guidelines of WDC Understand planning process Know how to source for fund and other materials Members to know how to operate a Drug Revolving Fund Following the trainings, members showed understanding of the expectations next after the training and committed to apply what has been learnt focusing on redressing issues and result oriented activities Following the training of WDCs, see below the number of participants per local government L/G Area FEMALE MALE TOTAL
IGABI 5 19 24
KD/SOUTH 6 17 23 KAFUR 4 22 26
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BATAGARAWA 5 19 24
Engagement:
During the WDC training, an advocacy visit was paid to the Local Government Chairman of Kafur LGA. Having been primed earlier about the training, he expressed his appreciation of the project and the various activities going on in the state and his local government. He also pledged his support for the SACE project and to identify himself with all and subsequent activities. Members of the Katsina State MNCH clusters were invited to make inputs into the bill on PHCUOR and the bill is currently under review having passed through second hearing at the Katsina State chapter Public awareness: During the WDC capacity, building in Kaduna State held on the 19th of April 2016, different media like the TV, radio and newspaper attended i.e. DITV/Alheri Radio, Nagarta Radio, KSMC Radio and Daily Trust. The State HERFON Chairman at the opening of the exercise briefed the press on the relevance of the reactivation and capacity building for the state WDCs.
HDI (Accountability in Education cluster)
Engagement: HDI Engagements: HDI commissioned a Research on States Access to UBE FG Matching Grants and the report as well as policy brief emanating thereof was shared with SACE for feedback and approval. The research seeks to investigate how States in the Country access the Federal Government Universal Basic Education (UBE) matching grants provided under the auspices of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) particularly with reference to Federal Capital Territory, Lagos, Enugu, Kano, Ebonyi and Ogun States. The revised versions of the two policy briefs produced by the Consultant alongside the research report have been shared with SACE Team for approval. Planning has commenced for a validation meeting scheduled for Wednesday 3rd August 2016 in Lagos.
HDI: cluster advocacy Following an accountability in education cluster members’ (Youth Child Support Initiative, YCSI) concerted advocacies and engagement, Enugu and Ebonyi States have started to access FG-UBE Matching Grants. The two states paid their counterpart funds and accessed Universal Basic Education (UBE) Federal Government matching grants allocation to States of the Federation including Federal Capital Territory. This development was ascertained by Alhaji Dikko, the Executive Secretary of UBEC during a telephone conversation with Mrs. Olufunso Owasanoye, Executive Director, Human Development Initiatives. According to him, Ebonyi State accessed 2013 - N1,030,797,297.30; 2014 - N932,347,645.26; and 2015 - N 876,756,756.76 funds, adding up to N2,839,901,699.32 leaving N19, 949,652.04 unaccesed in 2014. Meanwhile, Enugu State has fully accessed 2014 - N952,297,297.30 and part of 2015 UBE FG grant. It is expected that the States will further release funds to Local Government Education Authorities (LGEAs) and ensure the judicious use of such funds
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particularly for improving the quality of basic education at the grassroots, hence the strategy moving forward for the clusters in those states is to monitor the effective implementation of the grants. The accountability in education cluster sent an appeal to LASG to Access 2015 FG UBE Matching Grant from the unaccessed 2015 Federal Government Universal Basic Education (UBE) intervention fund. This was contained in a letter dated June 2, 2016 addressed to Dr. Oluranti Adebule, Deputy Governor, Lagos State signed by Mrs. Owasanoye, Executive Director, HDI on behalf of the Accountability in Education Cluster. Information released by UBEC as at 7th March 2016, revealed a total sum of N876,756,756.76 being the unaccessed FG 2015 allocation to Lagos State”. Also copied in the letter were Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly; Hon. Olanrewaju Michael Ogunyemi, Chairman, House Committee on Education, Lagos State House of Assembly; Dr. Ganiu Oluremi Sopeyin, Executive Chairman, Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board and Mrs. Olabisi Ariyo, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Education. Following HDI’s Advocacy Visit to Hon. Olanrewaju Oshun, member of the Lagos state House of Assembly, representing Lagos Mainland II Constituency on Tuesday, 26th April 2016 to do a follow up on letter of appeal on the completion of abandoned school projects earlier sent to him. The letter had tasked him specifically on completion of three abandoned school building projects situated in his Constituency. The schools are Onike Girls High School, Fazil Omar High School and St. Francis Junior Grammar School. The Honorable member noted that he had approached the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Education on the matter and that the schools alongside two other schools were now earmarked for completion. He also pledged to support the cluster in the course of implementing the project Public Awareness: Radio Programs: Interviews scheduled to hold during the quarter under review specifically on the theme “Quality Universal Basic Education in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects for Actualizing SDG” could not hold due to several rescheduling of appointments and unavailability of the Guest Speakers who agreed to feature during the radio programs.
Radio Jingles: Airing of jingles aimed at sensitizing and enlightening the public on local governance issues with reference to universal basic education ended in this quarter across selected radio stations in project locations. These include Lagos - EKO FM and Radio Lagos; Enugu: Radio Nigeria; Kano: Kano State Radio Corporation; Abuja: Kapital FM.
SMS Blast: SMS blast relating to governance of UBE has currently been put on hold. This is linked to a directive received from the SACE team requiring HDI to stay action on sending of the SMS. The SACE team noted that the messages were beginning to deviate from the core of the advocacy drive and further suggested that the messages be reviewed and shared with SACE for approval.
DRAC (Access to Health for WWDs): Capacity building: During this reporting timeline, there was no capacity building activity by the cluster. Engagement: As part of efforts to strengthen policy and programming environment for inclusive health for WWDs, DRAC in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health commenced the development of a Policy Framework on the Sexual Reproductive Health of women and
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girls with disabilities in Nigeria last year. A draft copy of the policy was developed after a policy development stakeholders’ meeting last year. In continuation of the policy development process, DRAC convened a technical review meeting involving various stakeholders to review the contents of the Draft Policy. Participants at the meeting were representatives of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities, Development Partners, Representatives of various Civil Society Organizations and Networks as well as representatives from Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies such as the Federal Ministry of Health, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency. While working in groups, participants critically reviewed each section of the policy and made inputs and corrections on the document. This draft copy was then presented to a broad base of stakeholders during a meeting where further discussions were held and the document was then harmonized and finalized during a meeting held on 30th June, 2016, after which stakeholders present then adopted it for onward forwarding to get Ministerial endorsement. DRAC: cluster Advocacy meeting Center for Independent Living Jos, a cluster member of DRAC in the SACE Project, conducted advocacy visits to the SSA to the Governor to advocate for inclusion in governance and for access to the health facility by women and girls with disabilities in Jos and in Nigeria as a whole, they also paid an advocacy visit to the Female member in the Plateau state House of Assembly who incidentally is the Chairman of the House committee on Disabilities who committed to setting up a meeting with the cluster and the commissioner for Health in the state in order to organize a training for medical personnel in the state on the issue of Access for Women With Disabilities and to also to educate them on the draft policy awaiting Ministerial endorsement. Public awareness: On increased Awareness on WWD Sexual and Reproductive health and Access to Health among the general public and various other categories of stakeholders, DRAC, on an invitation to Armed Forces Radio on 29th of June 2016, had the opportunity to further discuss issues relating to access to health for women and girls with disabilities in Nigeria. This activity was a medium to create awareness on the health issues of WWDs in Nigeria among a larger public audience. It was also a medium for the public to be engaged in advocating for the health issues of PWDs as the members of the public phoned in and sent in their tweets/sms messages in support of the issue discussed.
CISLAC (Accountability in extractives cluster) Capacity building: No capacity building activity took place from the cluster during this reporting period. Engagement: Engagement: Following SACE’s trainings on the STAR methodology and specifically on strategy and tactics, CISLAC seized the opportunity of the Anti-Corruption Summit in the UK in May 2016 (though not funded by SACE) and leveraged her position as the National Contact for TI in Nigeria to collaborate with the TI International Secretariat to encourage the Federal Government to sign on to the OGP. During the African Regional Meeting of the Open Government Partnership in Cape Town, South Africa, May 5-6, 2016. The TI Chair assessed the President on May 11 with the message that Nigeria’s being part of the EITI and committing to fighting corruption, the OGP would promote good governance. Nigeria committed to sign on May 12. This was followed by an Open Alliance Strategy Meeting on June 2, 2016, a CISLAC imputed TI Press Release on June 15 aimed at ensuring that a Letter of Intent was sent to the OGP. This was accomplished on June 22, 2016
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with a letter dated June 20. The Commitment of May 12 had specific Extractive Sector Provisions and the letter alluded to EITI implementation in its background for OGP membership application. Public engagements and awareness were enhanced though these activities.
Advocacy visit: CISLAC and other extractive sector clusters carried out Advocacy for the NEITI to undertake wider dissemination of her audit report has resulted in formal presentation of the reports to the NASS, EFCC, Auditor-General’s Office. Upon the release of the report on May 23, CISLAC undertook advocacy and a media campaign to secure direct Legislative Intervention for implementing its recommendations. For the first time, the reports were formally presented to the leadership of both chambers of the NASS and then to the plenary session of the Senate which then set up an ad-hoc Committee to oversee its implementation. This represents a change in both NEITI approach and NASS response since the inception of the Process Nigeria and reflects CISLAC advocacy position in its intervention in the sector.
Public awareness: Media Campaign: Sustained Advocacy through the media remained a major strategy in advocacy for transparency and accountability in the sector. The focus was to continue to place emphasis on the sector in the light of the overall fight against corruption, which has a tendency to distract. While the messages continue to demand fulfillment of campaign promises made in respect of the sector, CISLAC continued to build momentum around multiple partners to pressure government to make more commitments and policy positions that will deepen transparency in the sector. This explains why collaboration with the Transparency international Secretariat, the Open Alliance Nigeria made the demand for beneficial ownership and contract transparency an issue and secured such commitments as will directly impact on improving transparency and accountability in the sector. The OGP and NEITI’s buy-in into the advocacy for beneficial ownership and co tract transparency addresses the root causes of corruption and opacity in the sector. Following the release of the 2013 NEITI reports, CISLAC facilitated the appearance of the Director of Publications of the NEITI on AIT’s Kaakaki, to discuss highlights of the reports and circulated copies of the simplified reports across by email to several linkserves and CSO platforms. This activity contributed immensely to public engagement and awareness. Press Release : The cluster had a press release on the need to for the NASS to become more involved in the remediation-the implementation of recommendation from the NEITI audit reports was made on May 23, 2016, after the release of the report. This was in addition to advocacy for the NEITI secretariat to make a formal presentation to the NASS. The presentation was made the Leadership of the House of Representatives on May 26, 2016, that of the Senate on May 31, 2016. A commitment was secured from the Senate President to have the report presented in Plenary on May 31. CISLAC followed up with another statement on June 3 calling on the Senate President to honour this commitment. The
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presentation to Plenary was held on June 15, 2016. These also contributed to public engagement and awareness as they attracted wide media coverage. The Radio Program A radio program called Extractive Revenues and You is being aired on Nigeria Info 95.1 FM, Abuja every Thursday by 12.50 pm-1.00pm. The program is a live and allows for audience participation through phone, sms and social media platforms. Nigeria Info claims a listeners’ reach of about 7 Million people across the FCT and four States. The program is part of its mid-day Dialogue package, which had a wide followership, and it can be estimated that at least 25% of the listeners would have followed at least one of the editions aired. This will amount to about 1.3 Million, including the social media platforms and online listeners. This is in addition to those reached through newspaper and online publications of statements and releases carried by many leading media platforms with national reach. The Radio program is to support the Youth Outreach campaign as Nigeria Info has a huge youth audience as its target. Development of IEC Campaign materials: As a part of the public awareness tool kit, 2,000 wristbands and 500 t-shirts conveying three different campaign messages were produced. These would be deployed in our campaigns especially the youth outreach in Tertiary Institutions and mobilize young people and students to action in demanding transparency and accountability in the extractive sector.
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ANNEX B: SUMMARY OF NIGER DELTA PARTNERS’ Q3 FY 2016 REPORTS
LITE-Africa and ANEEJ (Accountability in Resource Management of Niger Delta Institutions Cluster): Capacity Building: LITE-Africa held a training workshop on budget advocacy, project monitoring, reporting, and partnership development from the 27th -29th of April at Little Paradise Hotel in Warri Delta State. 39 Persons were trained comprising of 26 males and 13 females. The participants gained improved knowledge and understanding of issues relating to proper management, partnership, transparency and accountability of the NDIs and advocacy action plans to engage NDIs were developed by participants. Also, participants’ commitment to engage NDIs and other relevant arms of government for effective NDIs was secured especially on the need to complete numerous abandoned projects in the region.
ANEEJ participated in the workshop alongside her cluster members and a few community representatives from GREENCODE, RIVCHO, GADA and three community representatives from Edo and Cross River States. Engagement: In this quarter, the accountability in Resource Management of Niger Delta Institutions Cluster engaged with various ministries, agencies, and government bodies: Project monitoring visit: In June 2015, ANEEJ and LITE-Africa team carried out citizen report card survey in 845 communities across 24 communities in eight Local Government Areas within four States in the Niger Delta. In May 2016, ANEEJ and its cluster members embarked on follow up monitoring visit to the projects identified during the CRC survey to ascertain whether work have resumed specifically with the abandoned and ongoing projects. A total of 45 projects were visited in six LGAs (Orhonmwon, Ovia North East –Edo State; Bakassi, Akpabuyo, Calabar South and Calabar Municipal – Cross River State). Out all the project sites visited it was noted that a total of six projects received have been receiving attention in Ikobi and Obozogbe Nugu both in Orhionmwon LGA in Benin . Out of the six, one borehole project in has been completed in Obozogbe community and is currently in use, the primary and secondary schools and a borehole are currently been renovated in Ikobi community. In addition, the community advocated for a market and currently one is about to be built in the community. These project were previously abandoned by the oil company operating in the community (SEPLAT Nigeria) On the 16th, 17th and 23rd of MAY, 2016, LITE-Africa embarked on the monitoring and verification of abandoned, substandard and in-need of repair projects in nine project communities of Jirinwo, Odofado, Gbagira and Igo in Ondo and Tisun, Jakpa, Opuama, Tsekelewu and Omadino in Delta states. The monitoring created opportunity for the team to assess the level of changed since the last CRC assessment. The monitoring exercise revealed that no significant changed has been made on the status of the projects in all communities visited except, in Odofado and Omadino. At Odofado, the basic health center has been equipped and staffed. It was functional and being put to use by community members as at the time of the visit. In Omadino NDDC has revisited the abandoned water project. As at the time of visit, the stanchion and water tank previously damaged during the project integrity check has been re-erected, but the project is still far from completion.
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Advocacy Visits: On May 18th, 2016, ANEEJ paid an advocacy visit to the leadership of Edo State House of Assembly at the House of Assembly Complex, Chief Anthony Enahoro Complex, Kingsquare, Benin City. The purpose of the visit was to present to the speaker Hon. (Mrs.) Elizabeth Ativie the CRC report and a policy brief, which is focused on improving the House oversight role on EDSOGPADEC. Outcome: The Speaker, Hon. E. Ativie recognized ANEEJ leading role in civil society work in the region. She made a promise to go through the reports carefully and also made a commitment on the issues identified in the reports will be looked into especially with respect to funding to the Commission. She agreed that the House need to step up their level of oversight on the Commission, she promised that there will surely be an improvement on their part in that direction and that it will no longer be business as usual. She expressed the willingness of the House to collaborate with ANEEJ to provide the needed solution to many of the problems that were identified in the reports. She equally accepted to attend the Civic Engagement Forum to declare it open. On the 25th of May 2016, ANEEJ and LITE-Africa alongside some of their cluster members paid advocacy visit to DESOPADEC at the Commission’s office in Warri, Delta State. The team met with the top management staff and the Executive Director of Social Service Development - Hon. Ochor Ochor. The purpose of the visit was to share with DESOPADEC outcome of research and CRC, which have been summarized in a policy paper. Outcome: The leadership of DESOPADEC made the following commitments; The 2016 budget will be made available on the commission’s website, once it is signed and previous budgets and names of the Commission’s contractors will be up loaded to the website as well. Most of the abandoned projects will be completed before the end of the year as the commission allocated 60% of capital budget to complete ongoing project and only 40% to new projects. The commission will ensure that communities are consulted during project selection using the bottom – top approach. The commission will work to ensure a synergy between the commission and the other NDIs, to address the issues of project duplication and waste of resources. The possibility of CSO involvement in the monitoring of development projects by DESOPADEC will be discussed at the board meetings, although the ED also underscored the importance of independence monitoring by CSOs. On the 6th of June 2016, ANEEJ and LITE-Africa paid advocacy visit to the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs at their Ministry’s office, Federal Secretariat Abuja. The objective of the meeting purpose of the visit was to share with the Minister outcome of research and CRC, which have been summarized in a policy paper, however the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs was not on ground but was represented by the Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics, Mr. Ibrahim B. Ruben.
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Outcome: Due to the absence of the Minister, it was difficult for the team to secure any form of commitment from his representatives. However, the representative of the Minister noted that the advocacy team acted in good faith by pointing out to them areas they have done well and other areas they need to improve, and that he will make sure that such good intention is get to the permanent secretary and the Minister. He expressed confidence that they will study our reports and that the issues we raised will be given serious consideration. On the 29th of June 2016, ANEEJ Executive Director, Rev. David Ugolor visited NDDC for a follow up visit as a result of previous engagement with the Commission during the interactive session with Niger Delta CSOs held in January 2016, where ANEEJ presented the CRC report to NDDC with specific recommendations. ANEEJ Executive Director met with the Acting Managing Director of NDDC, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari and commended her for steps taken to improve transparency, accountability and effectiveness of the commission, through the publication of the quarterly report tittles NDDC first quarter report, December 18, 2016 – March 18, 2016. This was part of the commitment the commission made to CSOs during the interactive session. Outcome: • The Acting MD immediately designated his Principal Secretary; Mr. Patterson Ogon to be the focal person that CSOs can liaise with on behalf of the commission to facilitates and promotes easy interaction and engagement. • On the issues of project monitoring, the Acting MD gave ANEEJ the go ahead to undertake NDDC project monitoring and report back to the commission but expressed worry on how the monitoring process will be funded. An understanding was reached that the monitoring process should be independent and therefore does not require funding from NDDC. • She equally agreed to convey a follow up meeting with CSOs and other stakeholders to share the second quarterly report of the commission, which is due for release. She appealed to ANEEJ to assist in facilitating the meeting. ANEEJ agreed to facilitate the meeting. In this quarter, LITE-Africa Presented and shared the CRC report and NDIs policy brief to Egbema Gbaramatu Community Development Foundation (EGCDF) on the 21st of June 2016 and to Ilaje Regional Development Council (IRDC). LITE-Africa inform the GMoU bodies on the need to utilize the reports as useful tools to engage the NDIs for the socio-economic development of the various communities. The GMoU bodies committed to engaging the NDIs with the reports presented. Public Awareness: Tweet meet: Resource Management of NDIs cluster led by Riverine Communities Health and Development Organization (RIVCHO), organized a twitter Conference on Tuesday May 3, 2016, from 12.30pm to 1.30pm. The topic of the tweet: Abandoned projects in the Niger Delta by Niger Delta Institutions, the way forward (Federal Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, NDDC, EDSOGPADEC and DESOPADEC in focus). The #EyeOnNDIs was used. The tweet meet featured- John Onyeukwu, Deputy Chief of Party, USAID SACE and Ken Henshaw, Acting Executive Director, Social Action. The tweet meet recorded a total of 500 tweets, 30 users, 145,266 reach and 581,749 impressions. Some of the most influential accounts include @RamatIdiake, @NDlink, @FrankWaive, @johnonyeukwu, @Ken_Henshaw, @aneejnigeria
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LITE-Africa also hosted a twitter conference with the topic “Increasing citizens’ participation in the activities of the Niger Delta institutions. The conference reached over 24,506 with the impression of over 390,000. It served as an avenue to educate the citizens on the need to begin to engage and participate in the activities of the NDIs in order to ensure effective resource management by development agencies in the region
Radio Program: A half hour phone-in radio program was held on Vibes FM 97.3, Benin on May 12, 2016, from 11.30 – 12 noon and Hit FM, Calabar on Friday 20th May 2016. The topic for discussion was “Improving Citizen’s Engagement with Niger Delta Institutions. Leo Atakpu and Innocent Edemhanria appeared on Vibes FM Benin while Duke Efion and Barr. Ekpenyong Adim from Ekpri Ikang community appeared on Hit FM, Calabar.
The program on Hit FM, Calabar recorded six phone-in and here are feedback: • The callers urged NDDC and the Ministry of Niger Delta Affair to also properly identify their project with signboard so that the people can have clarity as to the specific institution to engage to ask for completion or clarification. • Several of the water project, street light projects and roads initiated by NDDC were non-functioning • Callers reached out to the respective NDIs to re-visit the projects they have abandoned. To sensitized citizens on the mandate of the NDIs and amplify citizen’s voice on the activities of the NDIs, LITE-Africa hosted six episodes of live radio discussion program in Delta and Ondo States in two of the radio stations rated as most widely listened to by members of the communities. Four of the live episodes were aired at Crown FM 89.9 Warri while the other two episodes were aired at Orange 94.5 FM Akure from 31st May to 27th June, 2016. The radio programs has reached an estimated number of 5 million persons based on the coverage of the two stations and has equally provided a platform for citizens to provide feedback, and demand for improved service delivery from the NDIs.
Press release and articles in print media: As part of effort on public awareness, ANEEJ issued press statement to further the interest of the project. See links to the press statement: ANEEJ lauds NDDC for transparency, accountability: http://nigeriantimes.ng/news/aneej-lauds-nddc-for-transparency- accountability/. Can Niger Delta Institutions Ever Be Effective? http://independentnig.com/2016/04/06/can-niger-delta-institutions-ever- effective/ Can Niger Delta Institutions Ever Be Effective? http://www.news247.com.ng/news/can-niger-delta-institutions-ever-be- effective Can Niger Delta Institutions Ever Be Effective? http://www.naijaheadlines.com/agency/daily- independent/20160406/741923/can-niger-delta-institutions-ever-be-effective- http://independentnig.com/2016/05/10/making-the-foi-effective-with-niger- delta-institutions/
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CCIDESOR (Accountability in Health and Education Budget Cluster) Capacity Building: In this quarter, the Imo state guild of editors were trained to sustain the accountability drive of the project and to popularize the need for government to complete all abandoned projects in Imo state. They were trained on media advocacy and economic literacy exposing the effects of abandoned projects and what the state loses by not getting them completed. The training also focus on the root causes of project abandonment which bring home the need for the editors to provide more space for public awareness on the need for open budget system in Imo state. 18 editors were trained comprising of 6 females and 12 males.
The cluster also Produced the report on abandoned projects titled “what delays Democracy Dividends in Nigeria” which will be launched in the month of July 2016. Engagement: On the 11th of April 2016 had a meeting with the News Agency of Nigeria Imo State chapter, the objective of the meeting was to get their commitment on their issue. The meeting was attended by editors of African Herald Express, Innonews.com an online news platform, Standard Democrat, Central News Newspaper, the Record Express Newspapers, Nigeria Spectator, Announcer Express, White Paper Newspaper and Daily Facts News Paper. The cluster obtained the support and commitment of the media to advocate for the completion of abandoned projects and promote open budget in Imo state, which resulted in the project witnessing unprecedented media attention.
In this quarter, the cluster inaugurated Citizens Accountability Assembly in all the six local government areas. CAA was inaugurated in Oguta and Ohaji Egbema on the 13th of May, in Isiala Mbano on the 20th of May, in Obowo on the 27th of May, in Ngor Okpala on 28th of May and in Ahiazu Mbaise on 18th of May. A total of 167 members made up of 113 males and 54 females were inaugurated across the six LGAs. The Assembly would serve as a voice to the voiceless; ask relevant questions about the completion of uncompleted/abandoned projects, which might have become social/environmental hazard in their various forms of dilapidation and abandonment using the recommended SACE advocacy strategies. At the inauguration, the members of the citizen accountability assembly signed a Charter affirming their desire to advocate for open budget, accountability and completion of all abandoned projects in Imo state.
Due to the intense and sustained advocacy efforts of Citizens Accountability Assembly and the accountability in health and education budget cluster:
Contractors have resumed work on Four (4) abandoned projects in Isiala Mbano. The Primary School Projects at Central School Amaraku, Community school Anara, Central School Umuduru, MDG School Umunachi have been completed and in use. Primary School Ogbor, Umunkwo Central School and Central School Umuaro have been completed but not put into use but the rest of Primary School Projects in the L.G.A. are still uncompleted or abandoned. In Oguta, four primary school blocks have been completed during this quarter. They are Oguta Girls Primary School, Township primary school, Central School Obudi Agea, (completed but wind recently blew up the roof), and Central school,
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Uwaorie Agwa Oguta. In addition, work has resumed in the following school at central school in Mgbala – Uba ward, all in Oguta LGA. At Ohaji Egbema LGA, work has resumed at Etekwuru Rescue primary school, where granite, sand, rods and materials for decking have been brought to the site. One hospital located at Umuobasi Amaraku in Isiala Mbano has recently received positive attention from the contractor as the newly inaugurated Citizens accountability assembly paid him series of advocacy visits and summons in the last 3 weeks. It is also noted that the effect of our advocacy efforts has led to the completion of hospital outside our project LGA. Example of completed hospital includes Abo Mbaise General Hospital. The work has advanced at Obowo general hospital, seven and half junction. Public Awareness: Due to CCIDESOR’s media publicity, Imo state government has set up a panel to investigate the status of capital projects. The Citizens Accountability Assembly in Ahiazu Mabise encountered them when they were taking the pictures of abandoned project at Oru primary school Ahaira Mabise but the panel has been evasive in terms of formal contact with CCIDESOR.
In this quarter the open budget cluster engaged the media extensively, below are the published news briefs both in National and local newspapers: 1. The Record Express Newspaper of April 12th, 2016 on page 3: Imo , A graveyard for Uncompleted Projects –CCIDESOR 2. African Herald Express Newspaper of April 14th, 2016 on page 1&7: Promoting accountability through participation and engagement Advocacy Statement. 3. Central News Newspaper of April 18th, 2016 on page 1&3: Imo State: Yard of Abandoned Capital Projects. 4. The White paper of April 17th, 2016 on page 9: The need for the completion of all Capital Projects. 5. Announcer Express of April 15th, 2016 on page 5: Group enjoins Communities to Demand Project Information within Area. 6. Horn Newspaper of April 18-19th, 2016 on page 7: NGO holds economic training for Journalists 7. National mirror of April 18th, 2016 on page 10: NGO seek adoption of Zero budgeting System 8. Spectator Newspaper of April 18-24th, 2016 on page 7: Can abandoned Projects be completed in Imo? 9. Trumpeta Newspaper of April 19th, 2016 on page 4: CCIDESOR challenges Imo Government on abandoned Projects 10. White-paper Newspaper of April 19th, 2016 on page 9: NGO Advocacy for Zero of Budgeting in Nigeria. 11. African Herald Express Newspaper of April 21st, 2016 on page 7: How State Governments use budgets to loot treasuries 12. Daily Facts Newspaper of April 21st -24th, 2016 on page 7: Joining the strong voices for completion of abandoned projects in IMO. 13. Trumpeta Newspaper of April 21st 2016 on page 6: Joining the strong Voices for completion of Abandoned projects In IMO 14. Announcer Express of April 22nd 2016 on page 7: Joining the strong voices for completion of abandoned projects in Imo.
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15. Orient Daily Newspaper of April 26th, 2016 on 7: Complete old projects before new ones, Imo Government urged 16. News Break Newspaper of April 25-26th, 2016 on page 4&5: Joining the strong voices for completion of abandoned projects in Imo 17. Nigeria Weekend Moment Newspaper of April 22-25th, 2016 on page 9: NGO advocates for public hearing on budgets in Nigeria 18. Nigeria Horn of April 25-26th, 2016 on page 5: Joining the strong voices for completion of abandoned projects in Imo 19. Central News Paper of May 3rd-4th ,2016 on page 9: Joining the strong voices for completion of Abandoned projects in Imo 20. White paper of May 13th, 2016 on page 10&13: Lingering corruption cases in Nigeria: the threat to Nigeria Economy –Ononamadu. The need for the completion of all capital project 21. The Nigerian Horn of May 16th, 2016 on page 7: CCIDESOR Inaugurates Accountability Assemblies in Ohaji/Egbema 22. Newsbreak of May 16th,2016 on page 9: Abandoned projects: NGO inaugurates Citizens Accountability platform 23. White paper of May 16th, 2016 on page 17: CCIDESOR Inaugurates Citizens Accountability Assemblies in Ohaji Ebgema 24. Trumpeta of May 17th, 2016 on page 8: CCIDESOR Inaugurates Oguta Chapter 25. Central News May 17th, 2016 on page 6: NGO Inaugurates Accountability platform To Ensure completion of Abandoned Projects 26. City star of May 18th, 2016 on page 11&12: Capacity building for Journalist: Editors, group commend CCIDESOR. 27. White-Paper of May 23rd to 24th on page 8: Eze Oleka decries state of abandoned projects in Ahiazu-Mbaise. 28. National Newsbreak of May 25th to 26th on page 8: Why Imo communities are under-developed- Monarch 29. Nigeria News point of May 25th on page 11: Abandoned projects have under- developed communities- traditional Ruler, NGO 30. Orient Daily of May 31, 2016 on page 21: Abandoned projects, bane of development- Monarch 31. Nigeria News point of June 1, 2016 on page 9: NGO inaugurates accountability platforms in Obowo, Ngor-Okpala 32. National Mirror of May 31, 2016 on page 10: Group, USAID to monitor abandoned projects in Imo 33. Orient Daily of June 7, 2016 on page 22: NGO inaugurates platform for development
NDCF: (Peace Advocacy Cluster) Capacity Building: In the quarter, the Peace advocacy cluster trained 45 students comprising of 30 males and 15 females from the Niger Delta University, Amassoma Bayelsa state on conflict and use of the Integrated Peace and Development Unit–IPDU platform (an SMS based early conflict warning/response system. This is in addition to the 85 people selected from the five communities already trained in the last quarter, the purpose of the training was to equip community members and students to be able to report conflict incidences within their localities in ensuring sustainable peace and development. Engagement:
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The peace advocacy cluster carried out five advocacy engagements with government agencies in this quarter they include; Ministry of Women Affairs, Ministry of Education, The Police Public Relation Officer, Nigerian Police Force, Bayelsa state Command, The Special Assistant to the Governor on Security and the House Committee on Security and Special Duties Bayelsa state House of Assembly.
Outcomes of the engagement: The Permanent Secretary of ministry of women affairs promised to involve the peace advocacy cluster in women organized programs and events to educate them on the need to support the peace project and report conflict issues. The ministry of education also supported the project and gave approval letters to engage the various secondary schools in the five community for the formation of peace clubs. The Police Public Relation Officer (PPRO) requested formal application from Ekeni community for possible establishment of a police post and made commitment to making input in the monthly conflict tracker. The Special Assistant (S.A) to the Governor on Security, Dr B. Spero-Jack fully supported the project especially the Integrated Peace and Development Unit (IPDU) platform. The S.A also promised to nominate a representative into the Central Peace Working Committee (CPWC). The Bayelsa State House Committee on Security and Special Duties is prepared to partner and collaborate with the Peace Advocacy Cluster to build peace in Bayelsa State. Hon. Bernard Kenebai, Chairman, House Committee on Security and Special Duties made the commitment when the cluster paid him an advocacy visit on June 13, 2016. He stated that the House would discuss with the Special Assistant to the Governor on security to allow the cluster to leverage on the state owned security platform in addition to the Integrated Peace and Development Unit, which is an SMS platform for reporting conflict incidents. He also promised that the House would expedite action on a proposed bill to establish security structures like the peace champions established under the USAID Strengthening Advocacy and Civic Engagement Project across the state and solicited input on the bill from the Peace Advocacy Cluster. Also in this quarter, the Peace Advocacy Cluster and the Central Peace Working Committee intervened in a brewing conflict with the Paramount Ruler of Ikarama Community Chief James Kalakou on 29th June, 2016 at Chief James Kalakou Residence Ikarama. The intervention was follow-up on the process for peaceful resolution of the incident of alleged dethronement of Highness, Chief James Kalakou reported by community peace champions through the Integrated Peace and Development Unit`s (IPDU) conflict early warning system. The Paramount Ruler confirmed the incident, and committed to make peace with the three autonomous communities created out of Ikarama i.e. Ikarama 1, Ikarama 2 and Zion on the agreed terms. Public Awareness: The radio drama series of the project “Izon Keme (The Peace Maker’s) Compound” is still in progress on the Bayelsa Broadcasting Corporation (Glory FM 97.1). It is aired every Saturday by 3.30pm. Within the quarter, we recorded two media transactions on Gloryland TV. The television station aired the advocacy visit to the House Committee on Security and Special Duties, Bayelsa state House of Assembly.
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YAF (Youth Advocacy cluster) Capacity building: On the 26th May 2016, a capacity-building workshop was held with the purpose of training grass-root advocates to have a thorough understanding of the campaign, legislative process for active participation in the campaign, to engage with their representatives for the enactment of the 10percent4youth law and grassroots organizing to deliver on the campaign. A total 52 persons comprising of 39 males and 21 females attended the training.
On the 21st April, 2016, the youth advocacy cluster held a one-day strategy meeting with their cluster members for the purpose of evaluation of partners’ level of engagement, step down training on Collective Impact/Cluster Model, Outcome Framework, Starnet Mapping, and also shared the cluster Declaration. The meeting produced four working groups: Advocacy/lobbying, Social media/Public awareness, Mobilization, research, and Policy analysis groups. A questionnaire was also used to help access partnership engagement in order to decide to know the level of partnership engagement and decide what to do to increase engagement. A total of 37 persons attended the meeting from 21 cluster partner organizations comprising of 9 females and 28 males. Engagement: On the 4th of April, 2016 the youth advocacy cluster paid an advocacy visit made to the Speaker Akwa Ibom State House f Assembly Rt. Hon. Barr. Onofiok Luke. The purpose of the visit was to officially pitch and present the Bill to the Speaker. The Speaker commended the steps and efforts taken by the cluster and he made a commitment to sit with his colleagues in the House of Assembly and look at the bill and its credits. He emphasized that there is adequate need to know that the legislature is about lobbying.
On the 27th of April 2016, the cluster paid an advocacy visit to the Head of Legal Services Akwa Ibom state - Barr. Bassey Umoren with the aim of getting his buy-in lobby for the 10percent4Youths campaign. The Barrister expressed his willingness to help the Research and policy analysis team of the cluster in the strengthening of the proposed bill but also expressed some of the fears he has concerning the bill saying that: • It is often NOT desirable for laws to be made based on gender or age group” • Our bill could prove to be extra budgetary and may cause the government to refuse the passing of the bill or ignore the bill after it has been passed • Harmonize whatever we want to do with other ministries, go through the science park bill or try making it an executive policy instead. He however could not ensure the sustainability of an executive bill. • He said happens with most good ideas, of the Empowerment Fund after being passed being hijacked by politician or special interests and used for purposes opposed to the original plan. • Due to the current economic issues, he said the bill could be ignored or impossible to implement even as a law for lack of funds, that many laws are in the statutes but are not implemented.
• Care should be taken to ensure that other laws are not duplicated in our proposed bill. • Once the House passes a bill the governor sends it to the Attorney General (AG) for advice before deciding whether to implement or not. Hence he suggested we meet the AG on the issue as well as the Governor and try to
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pass the bill as an executive bill at once ensuring the governor’s consent as to implementation. • He stated that our proposed bill is too open-ended. • He said in other to incorporated other already set youth associated laws and independent organizations such as AKIPOC into the Youth Empowerment Fund umbrella, set laws would have to be amended which entails a lot of work and a series of processes. • He said that the impact on the Youths after establishment should be included in the bill.
On May 11th, the cluster visited the Senior Special Adviser on technical matters and Due Process to the Governor, Mr. Ufot Ebong with the aim to brief him about the campaign and get his input on how to get an audience from the Governor. He appreciated the cluster effort and that it was a very good idea but expressed fears on some sections of the bill especially on the 10% from the oil revenue saying that the government would be skeptical as it had with impunity refused to set up an oil development board like seen in other states in the Niger Delta. So he suggested the title of the bill to be changed as it was too frightening to the government based on the economic conditions in the state and proposed getting maybe a youth development policy first then add the funding inside of it.
On the June 15th, the cluster together with Mr. John Onyeukwu paid an advocacy visit to the Chief Whip Honorable Emmanuel Ekpeyong Member Representing Ini Constituency. The purpose of the visit was to get a reaffirmation of his commitment to be the lead sponsor of the #10Percent4Youth Bill. The chief whip promised to facilitate the first reading of the bill before the house goes on recess by first week of July, 2016. He made this commitment during an advocacy visit by the Youth Advocacy cluster led by Youth Alive Foundation on June 15, 2016. He also promised to lobby his colleagues to co- sponsor the Bill and advised the cluster to put on hold the proposed press briefing until after a successful first reading of the bill in house in July. The cluster is now following up with the chief whip to ensure that the bills gets its first reading in the house.
Public Awareness: In this quarter, the cluster visibility was enhanced by the two Billboards they mounted at strategic points in the city capital on June 11th. The Billboards were situated where Government officials can see it as a constant reminder of Bill as it being debated in the House and also raise public awareness on the campaign. The first one is located at one of the busiest roundabouts in the city and directly opposite the entrance of the State Secretariat. Everyone going in and out of the state secretariat cannot miss it. That includes all the Commissioners who make up the Executive Council while the second one is located on the expressway from the airport, so everyone coming from the airport cannot miss it. The road where the state house of assembly is located is of this expressway. Due to the frequent air travel of all legislators and government officials, they cannot miss it. This visibility will remind House of Assembly Members at the various reading on the House Floor.
Radio Phone Program: 30 minutes phone-in radio program (Youth HQ)/Podcast. In the quarter under review, the Youth HQ radio program has recorded the highest level of
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engagements from the public. The 30 minutes Radio Program which continues to be the clusters major public awareness activity aimed at creating a public space for conversations around youth issues and the #10Percent4Youths campaign has recorded under the quarter 92 inputs (Calls and Text messages). The program stills airs on Planet 101.1 FM Uyo by 3pm Tuesdays
Social Media/Website Public Awareness Drive. YAF Social Media Reach and website Statistic reflect progress in our drive to ensure that the campaign is getting constant visibility and public awareness.
Facebook fans base as at 30th March 2016 was 2763 by the 30th June 2016 it was 3269., 506 new page Likes which is 18% increase over last Quarter and People Reached 48,872 with Post Engagement 8,737
The website has continued to attract visitors on a daily basis. Website Statistics for the Quarter is as follows: From Google Analytics Unique visitors to the website is 95 a huge drop from last quarter of 995. After investigations, it was observed that there was code error from google on the website. This is currently being worked upon.
The story is different from the internal analytics from the www.yafnet.org Website Analytics tool, shows the number of all visitors including return visitors, and it reflects a high rate of return visits.
Frequently Asked Questions on #10percent4youths Produced. To ensure the clarity among all stakeholders, the advocacy team has produced a frequently asked questions sheet to assist in answering some of the seemly tough and recurrent questions about the campaign. 2000 copies are being printed for dissemination.
Engagement: To further its campaign to make budgets and other relevant information which should ordinarily be proactively available are more open, participatory and accountable, Social Action sent out targeted Freedom of Information requests to specific agencies in Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta and Edo states. Aside from Edo state, requests were sent to the Commissioners responsible for budgets, information and education in the various states. The responses or otherwise of these agencies will feed into an open budget survey currently being developed.
Requests for budget documents were deployed within the framework of Freedom of Information requests to five Niger Delta states between 8th and 28th June 2016. In Bayelsa, Rivers and Edo states, no responses were received until writing this report, in clear violation of the response time spelt out in the FoI. In Akwa Ibom state, the team was requested to disclose what it needed the budget information for. This is contrary to the provisions of the FoI, which does not require an applicant to state why the information is needed. The team also subsequently received an email response asking it to apply to another office for the said document, again in violation of the provisions of the FoI Act. Though the stipulated time for the responses to be received has elapsed, the team still looks forward to receiving replies from these agencies. Public Awareness:
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Press Release and high-level media campaign on the lack of budget documents in Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Delta, and Bayelsa states: - Press Release titled ‘State Budgets Should not be treated as Secret Documents’ was sent out on the 6th of June 2016 to over 20 print, electronic and online news media platforms. - Radio interview was carried out on the 7th of June 2016 on Rhythm 93.7 - Further radio interviews were carried out on Garden City FM on 8th of June 2016 - Other Radio stations used the Press release in their various news bulletin - Online news platforms like Sahara Reporters reported on the Press Release - Following the press release, the Chairman of the Rivers state branch of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria Comrade Chika Onuegbu released a similar statement on the secrecy surrounding the Rivers state 2016 budget, and demanding that Rivers state and other indicted states of the Niger Delta make their 2016 budget available for public scrutiny. - Following the press release and subsequent media coverage, the Rivers State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning went on air in 2 separate radio stations to say that the state budget was available for public ‘viewing’ in his office. Open Budget Rally at Mile 3 Park in Port Harcourt to create awareness on Open Budgets and the role of citizens The Open Budget Rally held on the 30th of April 2016 at the busy Mile 3 Park in Port Harcourt, it was an opportunity for the open budgeting of government institutions clusters to extend its open budget campaign to the grassroots, and meet a wider segment of citizens with possible interest in contributing to building an open budget movement. The objective of the rally was to cultivate new citizens budget advocates, increase awareness at the grassroots on open budgets.
The rally was carried out with the partnership and collaboration of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Mile 3 Park Branch, campaign fliers and posters were distributed at the Park and citizens were recruited into the Open Budget Campaign through text message to a dedicated number. In all, the rally harvested over 200 respondents.
The following notable outcomes were recorded as a result of the Open Budget Rally: - A wide range of citizens became aware of their roles in fiscal governance and the need for Open and participatory budgeting - Many citizens indicated interest to participate in the open budget campaign
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ANNEX C: MEDIA TRANSACTIONS FOR Q3 FY 2016
Online: http://guardian.ng/features/youthspeak/caring-for-mothers-and-children-is-anecessity/
http://nationalmirroronline.net/new/ngo-tasks-fg-on-neitis-findings-anti-corruptionwar/
http://nationalmirroronline.net/new/neiti-report-cislac-decries-unremitted-funds-bynnpc- others/
http://newsdiaryonline.com/cislac-decries-recurrence-damning-findings-neiti-auditreport/
http://news.nigeriannation.com/cislac-decries-recurrence-of-damning-findings-in- neitiaudit-reports/
http://newsdiaryonline.com/coalition-urges-northern-governors-accord-northeastpriority- attention/
http://guardian.ng/news/group-seeks-state-of-emergency-in-north-east-educationsector/
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/05/fg-accused-abandoning-women- smallholderfarmers/
http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/news/general/fg-tasked-on-education-roadmap-forchildren- with-disabilities/143153.html
http://www.flexlearnstrategies.net/2016/04/25/fg-tasked-on-education-roadmap- forchildren-with-disabilities/
http://www.thenewswriterng.com/?p=18299
http://www.thetidenewsonline.com/2016/04/06/group-urges-public-interest-onbudgets/
http://todayfmlive.com/news/item/1593-civil-society-organisations-operating-withinthe- niger-delta-are-demanding-the-release-of-details-of-2016-budgets-of-stategovernments- in-the-region.html
http://independentnig.com/2016/04/06/can-niger-delta-institutions-ever-effective/
http://www.news247.com.ng/news/can-niger-delta-institutions-ever-be-effective
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6y2dOSGtXE&feature=share
http://www.naijaheadlines.com/agency/daily-independent/20160406/741923/canniger- delta-institutions-ever-be-effective-
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http://independentnig.com/2016/05/10/making-the-foi-effective-with-niger- deltainstitutions/
http://www.thenigerianvoice.com/news/214175/joining-the-strong-voices-forcompletion- of-abandoned-projec.html
http://globalpatriotnews.com/speaker-akwa-ibom-house-of-assembly-onofiok-othersto- speak-at-2-0-mindset-series-event-of-usaid-civil-society-project-in-uyo/
http://uyocalyaxis.com/attend-the-6th-edition-of-the-2-0-mindset-series-uyogovtalkng- lukeonofiok/
http://leadership.ng/news/519878/edo-guber-plwds-will-monitor-polling-units
http://www.authorityngr.com/2016/04/Nigeria-needs-inclusive-education-for-childrenwith- disabilities/
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/05/children-disabilities-lack-education- nigeriajonapwd/
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/05/7m-children-disabilities-demand-revieweducation- policies/
http://www.jennychisom.com/2016/04/ceosfounders-with-disabilities-make.html
http://allafrica.com/stories/201604220744.html
http://www.flexlearnstrategies.net/2016/04/25/fg-tasked-on-education-roadmap- forchildren-with-disabilities/
http://nigeriaonline.ng/2016/04/20/edo-guber-plwds-will-monitor-polling-units/
http://ylap.org/hon-prince-adeyemi-calls-for-the-establishment-of-special-universityfor- persons-living-with-disabilities/
http://jideojong.blogspot.com.ng/2016/04/nigeria-needs-inclusive-education-for.html
http://www.thebriefng.com/2016/04/19/address-school-kids-disabilities-group-urgesfg/
https://www.today.ng/news/national/110606/children-with-disabilities-out-schoolnigeria- unicef
http://www.nigeriadailynews.news/news/282179-why-children-with-disabilities- lackeducation-in-nigeria-%E2%80%94-jonapwd.html
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http://www.amplifiedradio.net/jonapwd-lauds-president-muhammadu-buhari-pmbsigning- 2016-appropriation-bill-law-demands-budget-implementation-inclusivemanner/
http://www.amplifiedradio.net/143-2/
Newspaper: Imo Residents Appeal to Buhari to Cushion People’s Hardship, The Guardian Newspaper, page 6, April 9th
Imo, A Graveyard for Uncompleted Projects –CCIDESOR, The Record Express Newspaper, page 3, April 12th
Promoting Accountability through Participation and Engagement Advocacy Statement, African Herald Express Newspaper, pages 1 and 7, April 14th
Group Enjoins Communities to Demand Project Information within Area, Announcer Express, page 5, April 15th
The Need for the Completion of All Capital Projects, The White Paper, Page 9, April 17th
Imo State: Yard of Abandoned Capital Projects, Central News Newspaper, page 1 and 3, April 18th NGO Seeks Adoption of Zero Budgeting System, National Mirror, page 10, April 18th NGO Holds Economic Training for Journalists, Horn Newspaper, page 7, April 18-19th
Can Abandoned Projects be Completed in Imo?, Spectator Newspaper, page 7, April 18- 24th
CCIDESOR Challenges Imo Government on Abandoned Projects, Trumpeta Newspaper, page 4, April 19th
CSR Should Cater for MNCH, Leadership Newspaper, page 44, April 28th
Caring for Mothers and Children is a Necessity, The Guardian, page 9, May 11th
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