According to the World Food Programme, the number of food-insecure Nigerians has dramatically risen from 66.2 million in Q1 2023 to 100 million in Q1 2024. Among these, 18.6 million are facing acute hunger, while 43.7 million are using crisis-level or worse coping strategies for hunger as of March 2024. In Northern Nigeria, the ongoing food crisis caused by security unrest remains a top priority. We are deeply committed to strengthening livelihoods to proactively address this critical issue. In response to this growing crisis, AYGF, in partnership with the WFP, has launched a wheat distribution project to support over 68,000 vulnerable households across 5 LGAs in Katsina State. The project launch, led by our Executive Director, Dr. Arome Salifu, was attended by esteemed dignitaries, including Dr. Hakeem Ajibola, UN WFP Representative; Maryam Sodangi, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Dikko Radda; and Madakin Katsina, Alhaji Hamza Abubakar-Duwan, representing the Emir of Katsina. This partnership demonstrates a united front in the fight against food insecurity. We remain dedicated to supporting vulnerable communities by providing essential food resources. Together, we are taking significant steps toward reducing hunger and offering hope to those in need, one household at a time. Our dedicated team of field officers is diligently working to ensure the seamless implementation and ultimate success of this vital project. Through this initiative, our primary objective is to eradicate food insecurity and empower the livelihoods of numerous beneficiaries.
AYGF KICKS-OFF RESTIPP PROJECT IN EDO STATE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH UNODC TO TACKLE HUMAN TRAFFICKING.
July brought a wave of good news as we launched a new project in Edo State called the Reintegration, Empowerment, and Sensitization for Trafficking in Persons Program (RESTIPP). This initiative, in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), aims to combat human trafficking by providing support and empowerment to women and girls, while raising awareness about the dangers and realities of trafficking. To kick off the project, the Edo team led by the Program Manager, Adams Omoba paid a courtesy visit to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) Edo Zonal Office. The team was received by the Zonal Coordinator Mr Ganiu Agangan, who commended AYGF for its effort in tackling issues related to trafficking and illegal migration. He expressed NAPTIP’s commitment to collaborating with AYGF for the success of the RESTIPP project. The RESTIPP project which will focus on women and girls for the next few months, aims to: As we move forward with the RESTIPP project, we are committed to making a lasting impact in Edo State and beyond. We look forward to sharing more updates and success stories as the project progresses.
AYGF EDUCATES 100 STUDENTS AT LEA 1 WUSE ZONE 2 ON SAFE PRACTICES TO PREVENT CHOLERA
Nigeria has had to grapple with an unexpected increase in Cholera cases in the last few weeks. A situation report from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) indicates over 1000 suspected cases, across 31 states. As part of our ongoing efforts to combat the Cholera Outbreak in Nigeria, AYGF recently took the awareness campaign to LEA 1 Wuse Zone 2. The team engaged with over 100 pupils, emphasizing the critical importance of handwashing, and other ways to prevent the spread of cholera.. Handwashing with soap can significantly reduce the transmission of cholera and other infectious diseases. It’s one of the simplest yet most effective measures to prevent the spread of germs. By educating children, we are empowering the next generation to adopt healthy habits that can protect their families and communities.
AYGF and IPCR MOU
AYGF signs a new MOU with Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution @ipcr.ng. This marks a significant step towards collaboration in peace building and conflict resolution. Together, we aim to build bridges, break down barriers, and pave the way for a brighter and more harmonious future.
AYGF Food Exhibition
AYGF present at the Ready to Use Therapeutic Food Exhibition organized by @usaid. The team exhibited complimentary feed designed during the innovation training.The primary aim of this feed is to contribute to the effective management of malnutrition. This event provided an opportunity for AYGF to showcase their efforts and commitment towards addressing malnutrition challenges.
Innovation Project
AYGF Kogi State implemented an innovation project in 4 local government areas. The project’s primary goal was to enhance the well-being of children by providing them with proper nutrition through the creation of complimentary feed. Together, we’re nurturing a healthier tomorrow, one child at a time!
NG-CARES Methodology Harmonization Workshop
The NG-CARES Methodology Harmonization Workshop for Third Party Monitors Consultants spanned two days. On the first day, the Third-Party Monitors (TPM) presented their findings on the Inception Report and shared their strategies for executing their projects. Representatives from the World Bank, Federal Cares Support Unit (FCSU), and Bank of Industry (BOI) provided feedback and suggested adjustments to the presentations. The projects were categorized into three result areas, each further divided into six Disbursement Link Indicators (DLIs) – DLI (1.1), (1.2), (1.3), DLI (2.1), (2.2), (2.3), DLI (3.1), (3.2), and (3.3). During the second day, the workshop focused on syndicate group discussions, where all TPMs collaborated to develop a standardized reporting template and monitoring plan. They also conducted stakeholder mapping, identifying primary, secondary, and tertiary stakeholders. Various data collection tools, beneficiary reporting templates, and other relevant aspects were addressed as part of the workshop’s objectives.
Local Fundraising
In a bid to expand its operations in Nigeria, West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) in partnership with Ford Foundation under the Changethe Game Academy program, delivered a training session for nine civil society organizations in Abuja. The training session which lasted from Monday 17 to Friday 21 July, 2023 had in attendance, Mr. Abdulrahman Abubakar and Mr. Clement Enenmoh, MPH of Africa Youth Growth Foundation (AYGF). This course which was on Local Fundraising was aimed to equip CSOs and NGOs in Nigeria to fundraise within the country.Throughout the training, participants gained valuable insights andknowledge on effective fundraising strategies within the local context. Our Program Officer, Mr. Clement Enenmoh, MPH was recognized as the MOST OUTSTANDING male participant for the training. AYGF now stands at the dawn of a new era, armed with the right knowledge to advance her mission and make positive impacts.
World Social Justice Day
2023 Theme: Overcoming Barriers and Unleashing Opportunities for Social Justice. Today is World Day of Social Justice! It’s a time to reflect on how we can create a more equitable and fair world for all. In 2009, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution recognizing February 20th as the World Day of Social Justice. This day is dedicated to acknowledging the importance of social justice in promoting world peace, security, and progress. The day is to promote efforts to tackle issues such as poverty, inequality, exclusion, and social injustice. It aims to raise awareness about the importance of social justice in promoting peace and security, reducing poverty and unemployment, and achieving sustainable development. The 2023 World Day of Social Justice aims to promote global solidarity and rebuild trust in governments by working towards achieving the recommendations of Our Common Goals. The focus for this year is “ overcoming barriers and unleashing opportunities for social justice” thereby advancing towards this goal. This day presents an occasion to engage in discussions with stakeholders regarding the actions necessary to reinforce the social contract that has been undermined by the growing disparities, conflicts, and weakened institutions meant to safeguard the rights of workers.These crises notwithstanding, there exist numerous opportunities to form a coalition for social justice and encourage more investments in decent jobs, with a specific focus on the green, digital, and care industries, as well as the younger generation. Violent extremism as one of our focus, is a complex phenomenon with multiple causes, and it affects individuals and communities in different ways. However, at its core, it is an expression of injustice and a rejection of the values of tolerance, diversity, and respect for human rights. To prevent and counter violent extremism, we must address its underlying drivers, which include political and social marginalization, economic inequality, identity-based discrimination, and lack of access to education and social services. We work to address these drivers by promoting social justice and building resilience in communities. We work with local partners to empower individuals and communities to challenge extremist ideologies, promote tolerance and respect for diversity, and foster a sense of belonging and identity. We also advocate for policies that promote social justice and human rights, and support efforts to address the root causes of violent extremism. On this day, AYGF reaffirms its commitment to preventing and countering violent extremism. We believe that justice and peace are inextricably linked, and that a just society is one that is resilient to the appeal of violent extremism, discrimination,and marginalization of any kind. We amplify the theme of “ overcoming barriers and unleashing opportunities for social justice” On this World Social Justice Day, let us come together to promote social justice and create a more equitable world for all. We must continue to work towards a world where everyone can live in dignity and security, free from the threat of violence and discrimination. Join us in this vital mission!