Talk Me Out Africa

07/10/2025

The Executive Secretary for Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Pharm. Chisom Uchem, committed to SIDEC Project IMPACT call for the passage of Special Seats Bill...

04/10/2025

Honorable Commissioner for Information, Honorable Law Mefor, has reaffirmed his commitment to SIDEC's campaign for the passage of the Special Seats Bill through stakeholder engagements under Project IMPACT.

This crucial bill aims to promote gender equity and increase women's representation in governance. By working together with stakeholders, we can create a more inclusive and representative democracy.

Project IMPACT, implemented by Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room in partnership with SIDEC and supported by FCDO, the project seeks to empower women, youth, and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to participate in decision-making processes and promote inclusive governance.

We appreciate Honorable Commissioner Law Mefor's dedication to this cause and look forward to continued collaboration in advancing the rights and interests of marginalized groups.

Together, we can make a difference and create a brighter future for all.
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03/10/2025

Executive Director SIDEC opening remarks during Project IMPACT validation meeting...

Distinguished guests, esteemed stakeholders, and fellow citizens,

I am honored to welcome you to this critical validation meeting for Project IMPACT's baseline study on women, youth, and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) participation in elective positions in Anambra and Imo States.

As we gather today, we are faced with a stark reality: women's representation in governance is alarmingly poor. In Anambra State, we have just 1 female lawmaker out of 30 in the State Assembly, while Imo State has none out of 27. Nationally, women hold only 3.7% of Senate seats and 3.9% in the House of Representatives.

The Special Seats Bill, a proposed constitutional amendment to reserve seats for women in legislatures, offers a bold step toward gender equity. However, awareness and grassroots support for the bill remain low, especially among the women it aims to empower.

Our study also reveals chronic voter apathy, with Anambra recording only 10% turnout in its 2021 gubernatorial election. Youth and marginalized groups often perceive elections as corrupt, violent, or irrelevant. Disinformation further erodes public trust, suppresses participation, and distorts democratic choices.

Through this validation process, we aim to:
Present key findings and collect feedback to strengthen the report's accuracy and relevance
Build consensus on baseline indicators to track project progress
Foster shared ownership and credibility among stakeholders

I look forward to a productive discussion and to working together to drive meaningful participation, counter disinformation, and strengthen democratic governance in Anambra and Imo States.

Together, we can create a more inclusive and representative democracy that truly reflects the voices and aspirations of all citizens, including women, youth, and PWDs.

02/10/2025

Anambra State has kicked off its 2026 budget preparations with a key meeting between the Budget Committee and stakeholders. The proposed budget, as highlighted by Coordinating Commissioner Hon. Chiamaka Nnake, aims to incorporate Gender and Intersectionality across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

Some key areas of focus for the 2026 budget may include.
Promoting Fiscal Justice: Ensuring equitable distribution of resources and addressing revenue leakages.
Prioritizing Social Spending: Focusing on essential sectors like health, education, and agriculture to benefit grassroots communities
Encouraging Citizen Engagement: Fostering transparency and accountability in budget implementation.
Supporting Vulnerable Groups: Addressing the needs of poor and marginalized individuals, including women, youths, and persons with disabilities.
Infrastructure Development: Investing in critical infrastructure like roads, water schemes, and energy projects.

The budget process involves:
Stakeholder Consultations: Gathering input from various groups to align spending with community needs and priorities.
Budget Committee Deliberations: Reviewing and refining budget proposals to ensure effective resource allocation
Government Priorities: Aligning budget objectives with the administration's development agenda and policy thrust.

By incorporating diverse perspectives and prioritizing key areas, the Anambra State government aims to create a more inclusive and effective budget that benefits its citizens.

02/10/2025

*Nov. Guber: Group Tells Anambra Electorate to Use High Turnout to Defeat Manipulation*

A social and behavioural change advocacy group, the Social and Integral Development Centre, has appealed to residents of Anambra State to turn out enmasse

01/10/2025

, we had the honor of hosting Mr. Ruben Alba Aguilera, Head of the Governance, Security, and Migration Section, and Mr. Osaro Odemwingie, Political Adviser, both from the European Union Delegation to Nigeria 🇪🇺.

In a timely discussion with our Executive Director, Ugochi Agalaba-Ehiahuruike, recognized as the CSO focal person, conversations centered on the political environment in Anambra State ahead of the November 8th gubernatorial election.

At SIDEC, we continue to serve as a hub for dialogue, partnership, and civic engagement — ensuring that critical voices and stakeholders are connected in shaping a peaceful and credible electoral process.

01/10/2025

This Gen Zee Farmer Evans really dealt with me, No be lie.

30/09/2025

https://coretruth.net/2025/09/29/anambra-2025-sidec-urges-voters-to-elect-credible-leaders-reject-vote-buying/

Anambra 2025: SIDEC urges voters to elect credible leaders, reject vote-buying

30/09/2025

SIDEC in partnership with INEC, Voter Education and Sensitization Across Anambra State...

In a collaborative effort, SIDEC and INEC have launched a comprehensive voter education and electoral sensitization program across all communities in Anaocha Local Government Area. Building on the success of their recent exercise at Oye Ichida Market, the initiative aims to empower residents with knowledge on:
Voting Process:
How to properly cast your vote
Importance of citizens' voices in democracy
Electoral Integrity:
Credibility of BVAS and the Commission
Dangers of vote-selling and electoral malpractices
Community Engagement:
Strengthening trust in the electoral process
Encouraging active participation in the democratic process

The program involves :
Community Outreach: SIDEC and INEC teams will engage with residents in various communities, addressing concerns and promoting credible elections.
Sensitization Sessions: Interactive sessions will be conducted to educate residents on the electoral process and the importance of their participation.
Distribution of Materials: Voter education materials, such as flyers and posters, will be distributed to reinforce key messages.

By working together, SIDEC and INEC aim to:
Increase Voter Turnout: Educate residents on the importance of voting and encourage them to participate in the electoral process.
Promote Electoral Integrity: Emphasize the credibility of BVAS and the Commission, and discourage vote-selling and electoral malpractices.

The initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the upcoming governorship election in Anambra State, fostering a more informed and engaged citizenry.

29/09/2025

Some people are asking me why do I farm by myself...