2 million Nigerians, 100 communities get rights aid – Voice Initiative

The Voice Global Initiative has said that over two million Nigerians, comprising women, girls, persons with disabilities (PWDs) and other vulnerable persons across 100 communities, have received human rights intervention through the project implemented by OXFAM Nigeria. The Country Director, Oxfarm Nigeria, John Makina, said this on Sunday at the close-out ceremony of the two-day […]

The Voice Global Initiative has said that over two million Nigerians, comprising women, girls, persons with disabilities (PWDs) and other vulnerable persons across 100 communities, have received human rights intervention through the project implemented by OXFAM Nigeria.

The Country Director, Oxfarm Nigeria, John Makina, said this on Sunday at the close-out ceremony of the two-day event.

The Voice programme is an initiative within the policy framework of the Netherlands Foreign Affairs Ministry aimed at strengthening the capacity of civil society groups in Nigeria and over 30 other countries, including in Asia and Africa.

Makina said recognising the intersectionality of oppression and how individuals face multiple forms of discrimination based on factors such as race, gender, disability, sexuality and socio-economic status, calls for immediate action in addressing the complex realities of marginalised populations.

“A total of 115 grantees are being supported by Voice Nigeria to implement different projects affecting youths, persons with disability, women and other vulnerable Nigerians. We empower the communities of practice to identify this Grantees working together in specific areas of interest to promote knowledge sharing, experiences and find solutions to common problems encountered as they carry out their work,” he said.

Makina noted the creation of accessible infrastructure, including wheelchair ramps, elevators, and Braille signage, to ensure that people with disabilities are able to navigate public spaces seamlessly.

He said that though Nigeria is not where it used to be in terms of marginalization and discrimination, however, there is room for improvement and sustainability among right holders, state actors and policy-makers.

On her part, the Cognito Executive Director, Christy Asala, said Voice has reached over 30 countries, worked in over 100 organisations across Nigeria, including universities, custodial centres, rural settlements and urban slums.

She said, “The project has reach and impacted over two million Nigerians directly and indirectly. The project has adopted an approach –‘link learn and grow’– to connect and boost collaboration, exchange knowledge, innovation with the aim of transformative change for the most marginalised and discriminated groups.

During the opening of the one-day exhibition programme, panelist called for equal opportunity and inclusiveness for PWDs, internally displaced persons (IDPs) and children with cerebral palsy.

Akom Nya, the Programme Coordinator, Voice Nigeria, said that Nigeria, with its large population, suffers a significant development gap between rural and urban communities, and stressed the need for necessary infrastructure, as well as resources, to support economic growth.