Negroid Haven

10/07/2025

Proposed Scholarship and Bursary Fund Bye-law Scales First Reading at 7th Bakassi Legislative Assembly

Bakassi–In a step toward expanding access to education in Bakassi Local Government Area, the 7th Legislative Assembly on Wednesday conducted the first reading of a proposed bye-law aimed at establishing a Scholarship and Bursary Fund for students across the LGA.

The bill, sponsored by Hon. Nkoyo Okon, Councillor representing Ward 9 and Chairman of the House Committee on Education, seeks to create a legal framework for a sustainable financial support scheme targeting indigent and high-performing students at the secondary and tertiary levels.

Titled “A Bye-law to Provide for the Establishment of a Scholarship and Bursary Fund for Bakassi Students and for Related Matters 2025,” the proposed legislation was formally introduced at plenary, presided over by the Leader of the House under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Grace Etim Bassey.

Key provisions of the bill include the creation of a dedicated Bakassi Scholarship and Bursary Fund, the constitution of an Education Support Committee, and provisions for annual budgetary allocation, voluntary donations, and transparent selection processes based on academic merit and financial need.

Legislators commended the initiative during deliberations, describing it as timely and people-oriented. The Assembly unanimously agreed to move the bill to the next stage.

Following its first reading, the proposed bye-law hopes to undergo a second reading in the coming weeks.

If passed, the bye-law is expected to transform the educational fortunes of Bakassi youth and demonstrate the council’s commitment to inclusive governance and long-term development.

Bakassi–In a step toward expanding access to education in Bakassi Local Government Area, the 7th Legislative Assembly on Wednesday conducted the first reading of a proposed bye-law aimed at establishing a Scholarship and Bursary Fund for students across the LGA. The bill, sponsored by Hon. Nkoyo O...

07/07/2025

Youth Council Stakeholders Disown Dan Obo, Reaffirm Support for Senator Eteng

Calabar — Key stakeholders of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Cross River State chapter, have distanced themselves from Comrade Daniel Obo’s recent comments against Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, describing him as "inconsistent" and unqualified to speak for the state.

Speaking on Saturday in Calabar on the sidelines of an emergency NYCN stakeholders' meeting, former NYCN State Chairman and current spokesperson to the national president, Ndiyo Ndiyo, dismissed claims that Daniel Obo had been elected South-South Vice President of the Council.

“There is no election in the National Youth Council of Nigeria. We are heading to a congress by September under the leadership of Ambassador Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo,” Ndiyo said.

“There has never been any election or management committee constituted that brought in new leadership. The Ministry of Youth wrote to Sukubo, acknowledging the expiration of tenure by September and advised that due process be followed. A Congress Planning Committee (CPC) and Electoral College have already been set up for that purpose.”

Ndiyo, who traced the NYCN leadership journey from a 2021 Unity Congress in Calabar that brought all factions under Sukubo’s leadership, insisted that no legitimate election had occurred since then.

“The council was harmonized in 2021 at the Dome, Calabar Municipality. All factions — from Shagari to Mustafa to Niyi — came together. That congress gave Ambassador Sukubo a fresh four-year mandate, which expires this September,” he noted.

In a pointed response to Obo’s claim of being elected into a zonal position, Ndiyo said:

“There is no office like Vice President of the Youth Council in Cross River State at the moment. Nobody from Cross River has been elected into that office. Anyone contesting must come to the September Congress. You cannot represent Cross River without the State Chairman’s recommendation.”

Taking issue with Obo’s political loyalty, Ndiyo accused him of betraying benefactors and displaying erratic behavior over the years.

“He was once a staunch ally of Senator John Owan Enoh, then jumped ship to Usani Usani. He later defected to join SDP as a deputy governorship candidate, only to abandon the guber candidate and return to APC midway into the election. This pattern of inconsistency is dangerous,” Ndiyo emphasized.

Also speaking, Hon. Ojie Jacob Etta, immediate past secretary of the NYCN Advisory Council in Cross River State, affirmed support for the current state chairman, Comrade Emmanuel Olayi, and expressed disappointment with Obo.

“Nobody is appointed or elected at the national level without the input of the State Chairman. What you see happening is illegal,” Etta said.

Although Obo hails from the Central Senatorial District like Etta, the latter dissociated himself from Obo’s recent actions.

“We in Central do not take him seriously. He has never won any election, not even his polling unit. His chairmanship of the Youth Council was made possible only through the goodwill of his predecessor,” Etta stated.

Etta went further to question Obo’s political integrity, recalling instances of financial and moral support from Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, which he said Obo later disregarded.

“Senator Eteng supported him during his father’s burial — gave him over a million naira, a cow, even paid his rent. But today, he is biting the fingers that fed him. It’s ungrateful and unfortunate,” he lamented.

The stakeholders reaffirmed their confidence in Senator Eteng’s representation, citing his youth empowerment initiatives, scholarship programs, and political inclusivity across the 66 wards of Cross River Central.

“Senator Eteng has empowered at least 10 youths per ward. What else do you want? He has done incredibly well,” Etta added, calling on Cross River youths to reject political opportunism and remain focused on unity and development.

https://www.negroidhaven.com/2025/07/youth-council-stakeholders-disown-dan-obo-reaffirm-support-for-senator-eteng/

07/07/2025

C'River: L*D Centre Awards Seed Grant to Grassroots Leader for Organic Farming Project in Bakassi

By Efio-Ita Nyok

CALABAR — The African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre L*D) has awarded a seed grant to Grace Etim Bassey, Executive Director of Support for Girls, Boys and Women Initiative (SUGBWi), to implement a transformative grassroots initiative titled “Pepper in Every Home” in Esighi community, Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River state.

The project is part of the Intersectional Leadership Incubator Fellowship which Bassey was selected for earlier this year. According to a letter of engagement sighted by NEGROIDHAVEN and signed by Monday Osasah, Executive Director of Centre L*D, the fellowship runs from May 18 to November 19, 2025, and includes a mix of residential training, virtual learning, mentorship, and ex*****on of a community-based pilot project. Fellows are supported with financial grants to execute their initiatives.

Bassey’s project, “Pepper in Every Home,” aims to empower 50 households in Esighi to grow pepper using organic farming methods, thereby promoting climate-smart agriculture, nutrition, household food security, and economic empowerment. Special emphasis is placed on supporting women, widows, youth, and persons with disabilities.

“This initiative is not just about growing pepper,” Bassey said in a statement. “It is about growing dignity, sustainability, and self-reliance. With the right knowledge and tools, our communities can feed themselves, earn income, and fight the impacts of climate change from the ground up.”

As part of the fellowship activities, Bassey is expected to design and implement the project, submit progress reports, and participate in an end-of-fellowship reflection session. The project will culminate in a Mini Pepper Festival to showcase the outcomes and impact of the initiative.

The African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development has praised the project as a demonstration of intersectional leadership, contributing to environmental justice, resource justice, and gender equity. In its fellowship mandate, Centre L*D encourages community-based solutions that align with sustainability, social inclusion, and participatory governance.

Volunteers, sponsors, and development partners are invited to collaborate with the project to deepen its reach and replicate the model in other parts of Bakassi and beyond.

https://www.negroidhaven.com/2025/07/criver-lsd-centre-awards-seed-grant-to-grassroots-leader-for-organic-farming-project-in-bakassi/







*D

07/07/2025

NYCN Cross River Debunks ₦5 Million Misappropriation Allegation, Affirms Unified Leadership Under Sukubo
..Claim that Dan Obo is VP South South of NYCN is fictitious –Stakeholders

Calabar— The Cross River State chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has strongly refuted allegations of misappropriation of ₦5 million, describing recent media claims attributed to its immediate past chairman, Mr. Daniel Obo, as "false, unfounded and malicious."

Speaking during a state executive meeting held in Calabar on Saturday, the NYCN State Chairman, Comrade Emmanuel Olayi, denounced the rumour as an attempt to discredit the current leadership and sow division among youths in the state.

“To state clearly, the information on the social media space about a missing five million naira is false. It is unfounded. It is not true. I saw that just like you all saw it,” Olayi declared.

He explained that upon seeing the report, he reached out to Mr. Obo, who was quoted in the story, but received no feedback.

“The first person I called that morning was the immediate past state chairman, who was quoted by a journalist to have said that. He promised to call back immediately, which he never did,” Olayi recounted.

“There is a Latin maxim that says ei incumbit probatio qui dicit, non qui negat—he who alleges must prove. So the burden of proof lies on the person who said something is missing.”

Olayi affirmed that since assuming office, the council has judiciously managed its limited resources:

“The little resources we had, we appropriated to all the structures of this youth council—from local governments to volunteer organizations to the state executive. Even this youth house that we are currently seated in was part of that appropriation.”

No Division in Cross River NYCN — Undie

Also speaking at the event, Engineer Chris Undie, former NYCN Vice Chairman, Cross River North, dismissed insinuations of factionalism within the state chapter of the council .

“Does it mean that Cross River State, too, is in faction?” he asked rhetorically.
“The answer is very clear. Do you have another NYCN State EXCO in Cross River State? You don’t. So the issue of faction is out.”

Undie also questioned the legitimacy of those claiming new leadership outside the structure of the council especially challenging the authenticity in the claim of Dan Obo emerging NYCN South South Vice President:

“Was there any endorsement from the state branch for the purported new leadership? No. So if there’s that breach, it means that is a nullity.”

He pointed out the inconsistency in the narrative pushed by the opposition:

“If someone is now made NYCN VP South-South, has he communicated with the State Chairman? No. So nothing is actually happening there. It’s all political fiction.”

NYCN National President Still Sukubo — Ndiyo

In a passionate submission, Prince Ndiyo Ndiyo, former NYCN State Chairman and current spokesperson to the national president, Ambassador Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, dismissed recent leadership claims circulating on social media.

“There is nothing that exists like Adodo and the so-called Daniel Obo’s leadership of the South-South. It does not exist,” Ndiyo asserted.

He highlighted the procedural violations by the group challenging the leadership:

“For you to expel someone from the council, there is a process. For any other leadership to emerge, it has a process. And the highest decision-making body of the council is the congress. Was there any congress? No.”

Ndiyo further emphasized that the current national president remains Ambassador Sukubo, who midwifed the state’s last congress:

“The conscience of the council in Cross River state is held in trust by Emmanuel Olayi. And Emmanuel Olayi is a member of the National Management Committee. He was not at any meeting where a new leadership was declared. That tells you everything you need to know.”

He condemned what he called “a show of desperation and wickedness,” aimed at distracting the council from its upcoming national congress in September.

Unified Front Ahead of National Congress

Comrade Olayi reaffirmed the state’s preparedness for the forthcoming national congress where a new national leadership of the NYCN is anticipated to emerge, contrary to recent claims that a new national leadership had already emerged:

“There is only one National Youth Council of Nigeria in Cross River State, and it is under the leadership of Ambassador Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo. We are not divided. We are going to that congress ready—and we are not coming back empty.”

He concluded by calling on the youth of Cross River to stay focused and resist attempts to sow confusion within the ranks:

“We must come together to protect what belongs to all of us. There is no five million naira missing. It is a fabrication—and it ends here.”

Recall that Obo the immediate past state chair of the NYCN in Cross River, last week, alleged that Olayi of the NYCN in state had misappropriated the sum of 5 million Naira, part of the annual subvention from the state government. He also alleged to have been recently elected to the office of national vice president (South South), NYCN.

https://www.negroidhaven.com/2025/07/nycn-cross-river-debunks-%e2%82%a65-million-misappropriation-allegation-affirms-unified-leadership-under-suku

04/07/2025

‘We The People’ Holds Townhall to Amplify Female Voices in Extractive Zones
..Women in Cross River Mining Communities Engaged on Rights, Legal Empowerment

By Efio-Ita Nyok

Mfamosing— A civil society organization, We The People (WTP), has taken steps to amplify the voices of women living in mining host communities in Cross River State, by educating them on their rights and promoting legal empowerment.

At a town hall meeting held Thursday (3rd July) in Mfamosing, Akamkpa Local Government Area, the organization brought together women from five impacted communities—Akansoko, Akwa Ikot Effanga, Mfamosing, Abiati, and Mbobui—to share experiences and explore strategies for community-led justice and engagement with mining firms.

According to Nsikak Peter Udofot, Programme Officer for Mining and Forestry at WTP, the event was part of the Strengthening Women in Mining (SWIM) initiative, supported by the Fund for Global Human Rights, in partnership with the Legal Empowerment Fund (LEF) and the Grassroots Justice Network (GJN).

“The aim is to build collective power among women in mining communities—especially those who have historically been excluded from negotiations with companies. We want them to know their rights, use the law, and even shape the law in ways that serve their communities,” Udofot explained.

He noted that women are disproportionately affected by the environmental, health, and social impacts of extractive activities, yet are frequently sidelined in corporate-community dialogues. The SWIM project, he added, is designed not just to raise awareness, but to produce paralegals from within the communities who can advocate effectively for justice without relying entirely on external organizations.

“This is only the beginning,” he said. “Follow-up trainings will equip these women with tools to respond to injustice and advocate for their rights.”

Udofot also revealed that We The People is tracking the reported divestment of Lafarge’s assets to Huaxin Cement Company Ltd, a Chinese firm, and is working to ensure communities are informed and involved in the transition process.

During the interactive session, many women from the affected communities expressed both appreciation and frustration over the activities of Lafarge, one of the major mining operators in the area.

While acknowledging efforts such as school renovations and the construction of a town hall in Mfamosing, the women stressed that these were inadequate in comparison to the environmental degradation and socio-economic losses they endure.

Rev. Rita Henshaw, women leader from Akwa Ikot Effanga, lamented the state of their drinking water and the air they breathe, both of which she said have been severely polluted by mining. “Empowerment is not just about money—it’s about knowledge. And knowledge is what we have gained here today,”* she declared.

Hon. Beatrice Ntui from Mbobui criticized the company’s employment practices, saying locals are largely excluded from senior roles despite losing their lands to mining activities. She also raised concern about respiratory health challenges due to dust pollution.

Lady Anthonia Bassey from Mfamosing recounted how some women were paid meagre compensations for destroyed farmlands—a move that nearly sparked protest. “We lost our means of livelihood, and they gave us tokens. That’s not justice,” she said.

Rt. Hon. Angelica Bassey of Abiati recounted that “since 2005 when this company came, women have been in tears, and no one has wiped those tears.” She noted that management positions at Lafarge are dominated by non-indigenes, with locals relegated to menial jobs.

From Akansoko, Cassandra Lenelson confirmed the widespread sentiment: “Women are never carried along. We see nothing from the company’s activities.”

Despite their grievances, the women expressed deep appreciation to We The People for facilitating the dialogue and giving them a platform. Many described the town hall as transformative and empowering.

“It opened our eyes,” one participant said. “Now we know that we can speak—and be heard.”

https://www.negroidhaven.com/2025/07/we-the-people-holds-townhall-to-amplify-female-voices-in-extractive-zones/

02/07/2025

₦5 Million Missing? S/South NYCN VP Obo accuses C/River Youth Council Chair Olayi of financial mismanagement
..NYCN Vice President Dan Obo Alleges Financial Mismanagement Under Cross River Youth Council Chair Emmanuel Olayi

By Efio-Ita Nyok

Calabar –The Vice President (South South) of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Dan Obo, has made explosive allegations against the current State Chairman of the NYCN in Cross River, Emmanuel Olayi, accusing him of financial opacity and questionable administrative practices in the management of youth subvention funds.

Obo, a former Cross River State Chairman of the Council, made the remarks during an interview with NegroidHaven.com on Tuesday, asserting that Olayi failed to account for ₦5 million out of a ₦10 million subvention approved by the state government for the Council’s operations.

“The ₦10 million was paid into the NYCN account through Globus Bank. What we got was ₦5 million. The other ₦5 million is missing till today,” Obo alleged. “And when you ask questions, you’re in trouble.”

He further claimed that the funds were meant for the general benefit of the state's youth population but were handled with a lack of transparency and accountability under Olayi’s watch.

“I Was Asked to Leave ₦5 Million Behind” — Obo Reveals Transition Controversy

Obo also revealed that during the transition of leadership in 2023, unnamed actors allegedly attempted to pressure him to reserve ₦5 million from the Council’s finances for the incoming administration—a request he said he firmly rejected.

“Someone said I must leave ₦5 million behind. I said, ‘No, I won’t.’ Instead of leaving money behind arbitrarily, I kept it safe for the next administration,” he said.

He maintained that he officially handed over ₦10 million to the new leadership, adding that he had earlier raised the subvention from ₦5 million to ₦10 million during his term.

On the Alleged Exploitation of Local Government Candidates

The NYCN South South VP also criticized the hike in administrative charges for those seeking local government youth leadership positions, saying the form fees were increased from ₦80,000 to ₦120,000 without a proper justification.

“We were very clear during our time—₦80,000 was the total cost. But now, that cost has been inflated. It doesn’t make any sense,” he argued.

Obo lamented the monetization of the Council’s internal politics, warning that such practices threaten the integrity and independence of the organization.

Despite Criticism, Obo Pledges Support for Olayi

Despite the criticisms, Dan Obo noted that he still considers Emmanuel Olayi a “fantastic and simple gentleman,” adding that as a national officer, he would protect the stability of the Council in the state and resist efforts to plunge it into factional crisis.

“Power is given by God. We’ll support him, and nothing will happen to him as long as we remain in national leadership,” he said, while also referencing past crises that led to parallel leadership structures in 25 states across the country.

He added that during his own controversial exit, he chose not to push back in order to protect the state's image and prevent factionalism, even though his preferred successor was sidelined.

“We Left the Council Better Than We Met It” — Obo on His Legacy

Reflecting on his tenure, Dan Obo proudly stated that he left the NYCN Cross River chapter in a stronger position, both structurally and financially.

“We took it from Angus Bar with no roof; we gave it a roof. From ₦5 million in subvention to ₦10 million. From only LG structures to fully functional ward structures,” he said.

He also cited major milestones, including convening three assemblies of the Youth Parliament—a feat he described as unprecedented in the state.

Vision for the South-South: Expanding the Cross River Model

On his new role as Vice President for the South South zone, Obo said his primary mission would be to expand the Cross River success model to the other five states in the region—Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom.

“We already have functioning leadership structures in five states. For Akwa Ibom, we’ll address some gaps. My goal is to replicate our programs—on agriculture, education, political engagement—across the region,” he said.

Obo promised to maintain availability, grassroots presence, and youth-driven programming, stating that his leadership philosophy was built on service, sacrifice, and accessibility.

A Cautionary Note on Power and Responsibility

In closing, the NYCN VP expressed concern that youth energy in Cross River was becoming inwardly destructive rather than outwardly productive, especially when it comes to national representation.

“Our strength as young people is used against ourselves. We are not daring enough to compete nationally. We need to change that mindset,” he cautioned.

He also criticized the “politics of entitlement” that he believes has crept into Cross River politics, where people now expect blind loyalty in return for minor gifts.

“If someone gives you an exercise book or 100K, they believe you owe them political support. That’s not how democracy works,” he concluded.

https://www.negroidhaven.com/2025/07/%e2%82%a65-million-missing-s-south-nycn-vp-obo-accuses-c-river-youth-council-chair-olayi-of-financial-mismanagement/

30/06/2025

How Nigerian Gospel Music Conquered Cameroon
..A Cultural Bridge Beyond Borders

By Efio-Ita Nyok
Calabar, Nigeria

A recent viral video by Cameroonian vlogger, journalist and TV host Darling Lyonga Official on the evolution of Nigerian gospel music has reignited conversation about the overwhelming influence of Nigeria’s gospel music industry across West and Central Africa—Cameroon being a prime example of this cultural diffusion.

In the video, which has sparked reactions and shares, Darling Lyonga celebrates Nigeria’s gospel music legacy from the 1990s to the present day. She describes the genre as a “dominant force” that shaped her upbringing and continues to resonate with Cameroonian audiences today.

Her reflections opened a floodgate of nostalgic, political, and cultural commentary in the thread below her post—highlighting how gospel music serves as both spiritual nourishment and a conduit for regional identity.

“The reason why you think Nigerian music is dominant in Cameroon is because Cameroon and Nigeria are actually the same,” wrote Lanre Omatsheye Iwalehin, who dismissed the borders created by colonial governments as artificial.

Another user, Doctta le Parisien, pinpointed Igbo gospel music as the spearhead of Nigeria’s musical reach into Cameroon. He attributed this to the large population of Igbo traders and settlers in major Cameroonian towns, who not only brought their business acumen but also their cultural and spiritual expressions.

“Most of the Nigerians I knew growing up in Cameroon were Igbo. And when it comes to gospel music in Cameroon, just leave it to Nigerians,” he commented. “Even our best, Elizabeth Teke, sang in a Nigerian style.”

Adding historical weight, a commenter named LinkMoment referenced the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), a nationalist political party that once represented both regions before independence. He argued that the cultural kinship predates modern boundaries, stating that “Nigeria and Cameroon are one and the same.”

The thread was awash with praise for gospel legends like Agatha Moses, Tope Alabi, Panam Percy Paul, Buchi, and others whose music became spiritual staples in Cameroonian homes, churches, and public spaces.

“I love Mom Agatha Moses so much,” one commenter enthused. “This song can make you feel calm, humble, and can take you to heaven. It touches my soul.”

Others described how the music evoked deep emotions and memories of growing up in Christian or Muslim households where gospel songs were universally loved.

“If you didn’t know these songs as a child—Muslim or Christian, East, West or North—then you didn’t know gospel music,” another user quipped.

Not all the comments were sentimental. Some addressed contemporary controversies, such as Cameroonian artist Pancho CY International’s “80/20” campaign advocating for more local airplay. But these criticisms were generally dismissed as “ignorant noise” by those who embraced the deeper cultural connections between both nations.

“The world is thinking AI and space travel, and some people are still drawing borders in music. We’re one people,” another user noted.

Darling Lyonga’s video is more than a retrospective on music—it is a reminder that while colonialism drew lines, art keeps dissolving them. Gospel music, in particular, has proven to be a bridge of faith, culture, and brotherhood.

In a region grappling with complex postcolonial identities, this digital conversation reaffirms that music remains one of Africa’s most potent forces for unity—and Nigeria, undeniably, is leading the choir.

© 2025 NEGROIDHAVEN | All rights reserved.

https://www.negroidhaven.com/2025/06/how-nigerian-gospel-music-conquered-cameroon/

29/06/2025

South-South Rallies Against Child Neglect, GBV at Regional Forum in Calabar
..Stakeholders Unveil Framework for Alternative Care of Abandoned Mothers and Children

By Efio-Ita Nyok
Calabar, Nigeria

In a move to tackle the deeply entrenched issues of gender-based violence (GBV), child neglect, and the abandonment of teenage mothers, development actors, government officials, civil society leaders, and international partners converged on Thursday for a pivotal South-South Regional Forum in Calabar, Cross River State NEGROIDHAVEN can report.

Organized by Gender and Development Action (GADA) and supported by the Ford Foundation, the summit, themed “South-South Regional Partnerships on the Application of Alternative Care Guidelines as a Framework for Addressing GBV in Neglected and Abandoned Child Mothers,” provided a platform for policy dialogue, synergy-building, and unveiling of a regional framework for alternative care systems.

Welcoming participants, Mfreke Asigbe of GADA described the forum as “a moral call” to end the silence surrounding child mothers and their children. “This is not just a policy issue. It is a collective conscience—an affront bold enough to disrupt the destructive cycles that rob young mothers and their offspring of dignity, safety, and future,” she declared.

From Policy to Practice: A Regional Shift

Key messages echoed the urgency of institutional reforms and grassroots integration. Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo, founder of GADA, presented a draft of the South-South Framework for Alternative Care of Child Mothers affected by GBV—an ambitious model built to align policy with practical, community-rooted interventions.

Speaking on behalf of NAPTIP DG Binta Bello, Mrs. Tolu Odugbeson emphasized intergenerational violence against teenage mothers as one of Nigeria’s underreported humanitarian crises. Referencing national surveys, she lamented that “29% of women aged 20–24 gave birth before age 18,” stressing the link between child motherhood, trafficking, baby factories, and systemic institutional failure.

NAPTIP, she added, is implementing expanded prosecutorial powers in collaboration with state Ministries of Justice and working to mainstream the ECOWAS TRB Plus strategy alongside the VAPP Act 2015 and National Guidelines on Alternative Care as a tripod of protection for vulnerable populations.

First Ladies, Government Officials Weigh In

Archbishop Margaret Ene-Ita, representing Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, wife of the Cross River Governor, affirmed the state's alignment with the framework, noting that “child mothers are not statistics—they are girls who deserve structured support, not shame.”

Speakers from Rivers, Delta, and Edo States’ Ministries of Women Affairs praised the framework’s vision and affirmed their commitment to full implementation.

Rivers state’s Permanent Secretary for Women Affairs decried cultural stigmas and harmful traditions as drivers of neglect. She cited tragic real-life examples of abandonment and incestuous abuse, reiterating that “no child can give consent” and calling for stronger enforcement of child protection laws.

Chief Bisi Idaomi, Edo State Commissioner, highlighted their ongoing work with SOHC Nigeria on domesticating the national guidelines, while Pat A. Ajudua of Delta expressed hope that the summit would produce a regional roadmap.

UNFPA, CPN, and Others Reinforce Commitments

The UNFPA Resident Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Gifty Addico, spotlighted their support for Cross River's Young Moms Clinic—a project aiding over 80 adolescent girls annually with maternal care and counselling. “We must protect the silenced and stigmatised,” she said.

Olakunle Sanni, National Coordinator of the Child Protection Network (CPN), pledged continued collaboration across Nigeria's 36 states to mainstream the alternative care model.

Panel Discussions, Calls to Action

Two panel sessions explored gaps and recommendations for strengthening the framework and scaling it across the South-South region. Civil society organizations, state representatives, and government officials contributed insights on improving policy enforcement, community coordination, and survivor support systems.

The summit ended with a strong call for political will, intersectoral collaboration, and action beyond paper resolutions.

“Let this not be another classroom. Let it be a turning point,” GADA's Mfreke Asigbe charged, echoing the forum’s collective resolve.

https://www.negroidhaven.com/2025/06/south-south-rallies-against-child-neglect-gbv-at-regional-forum-in-calabar/