April 12, 2019

First Quarter Report of Year 2019

Introduction

In the first quarter of 2019, the Nigeria Network of NGOs (NNNGO) kickstarted activities by conducting needs assessments and review meetings of 2018 activities in relation to organisation development and growth of member organisations. The outcome of these meetings and assessments was the production of an annual report guide for nonprofit organisations titled “Practical Guide on Writing Annual Reports for Nigerian Nonprofits”. This publication was produced to aid nonprofits in their reportage of activities, outcomes and successes achieved during the year with the aim of improving communication with their different audiences while promoting transparency and accountability within the nonprofit sector.

The Nigeria Network of NGOs also worked to encourage creativity and innovative use of technology within the third sector to improve nonprofit work and put Nigerian CSOs on the global map by partnering organisations that provide technological tools and services to CSOs, across the world, at subsidized costs. This was done through the introduction Techsoup West Africa, a program supported by WASCI with the aim of giving all nonprofits that form part of NNNGO’s membership, the opportunity of easily accessing technological advancements.

NNNGO also actively worked to improve its book-keeping and accounting systems by employing the use of electronic accounting softwares. The use of these softwares have hitherto helped to eliminate human error, improve transparency and accountability. Meanwhile, work commenced on the 2019 phases of ongoing projects which had been undergoing implementation by the Network in previous years.

Overview of “Strengthening Statutory Regulations for Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria: Amending Part C of CAMA” Supported by the Commonwealth Foundation.

Activities for the third and final phase of the commonwealth foundation project began onJanuary 9, 2019 with the publishing of a newsletter titled; “The Part F of CAMA and its implications for Nigerian NGOs” This newsletter was produced to sensitize the civil society community on the new and efficient way of registering organisations with ease, minimizing compliance burden of non-profits as well as small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to bring Nigeria’s foremost commercial law in line with international best practices.

The second newsletter published in February focused on how NGOs incorporate trustees and their board of directors; it also stated the governing role of the board of trustees to ensure smooth operations and running of their non-profits. This learning was important in order to help nonprofits understand the role of their board and how best to appoint appropriate persons to form their board.

The third newsletter published in March paid particular attention to the filing of annual returns; stating the need to file and the advantage a nonprofit enjoys by filing annual returns with the Corporate Affairs Commission. Part of what was included in this newsletter were penalties attached to noncompliance and non-filing of annual returns as and when due.

In the next quarter, compliance workshops will be organised by NNNGO in different geopolitical zones across the country. The “Compliance Trainings on the Part F of CAMA” are a set of workshops designed to provide a comprehensive grounding on how to set up systems and procedures for complying with nonprofit regulatory requirements and holistically drive organisation wide-performance. The workshops will hold in four locations in different parts of Nigeria and provide a thorough grounding on how governance and financial systems are developed, implemented and comprehensively utilized to drive compliance across organisations. Attendees will benefit from case study examples of how this process can be achieved. This interactive workshop format will enable a combination of learning and peer-to-peer experience sharing among our members.

Part of activities for the second quarter include correspondence with newly-elected legislators while focusing on the need to create relationships based on mutual understanding and commitment towards providing an enabling environment for Nigerian nonprofits.

Overview of “Improving Engagement and Communication between NNNGO and its Members” Supported by Forus.

The Nigeria Network of NGOs embarked on a communication needs assessment consultation with members of the Network to ascertain their preferred communication tools in receiving updates from the network. This was done with an aim to engage, inform and share information, as well as build capacities based on the communication tools that can be easily accessed. This will further enable the Network to ensure that information shared with its members are received and read with necessary actions taken and also members are able to provide feedback, inputs and make enquiries with ease.

372 members of the network were reached and subsequently provided valid responses, with a coverage on the 6 geo-political zones -34 states and the FCT. Results show that member organisations preferred the use of EMAIL as a primary media for information dissemination.

Awareness on the Istanbul Principle has started among members of the Network with the development and circulation of info-graphics on the principles. Also, four newsletters have been published focused on issues ranging from the need to effectively understand the Istanbul Principle to grants and opportunities for Nigerian nonprofits. The design and deployment of the NNNGO App is ongoing and advancing towards the grand launch by May 2019.

A capacity needs assessment survey questions; the Nonprofit Assessment Tool (NOPSAT) was developed in the first quarter. The aim of this assessment is to identify the areas of non-profit member organisations that needs strengthening and tailor their needs in the Networks capacity building workshops and toolkits.

NOPSAT is a tool that helps non-profits analyse their strengths and weaknesses to know the capacity needs of their organisation. It measures the governance strategy and structure, human resources and administration, programme management, monitoring and reporting along with its financial management and sustainability of your organisation.

Plans for the validation workshop based on the need’s assessment is ongoing as the Network collates more responses from member non-profits.

April 10, 2019

Profiling Cathy Life Builder Foundation

The Cathy Life Builder Foundation is a humanitarian organisation which believes that humans as special species rely on love, care and attention. They therefore dedicated their time, resources and efforts o ensuring that the underprivileged in the society survive, thrive and have some sort of sense of belonging. The Cathy Life Builder Foundation promises to continue in the spirit of service to humanity by paying attention to what matters most particularly in areas that are neglected and left behind while covering three states of the Federation – Plateau, Kogi and Benue states.

Some of their areas of focus include

Provision of support to families with sickle cell disorder.
Raising awareness on the need to “save the next generation”, “suffer not the innocent children in schools, prisons and orphanages”.
Providing sensitization and encouraging genotype testing
Sensitization on malaria prevention
Provision of counseling services.

In the area of gender concerns, the Cathy Life Builder Foundation works on:

Advocacy for the girl child on issues relating to teenage and unplanned pregnancy, early marriage and the dangers of abortion.
Assisting single mothers by empowering them on various skill acquisition and small scale businesses.
Raising awareness on dangers of drug abuse.

In the area of promotion of education and eradication of illiteracy, the Cathy Life Builder Foundation provides:

Skill acquisition for youths and prison inmates in different local government areas.
Scholarship to orphans/poor children from primary to secondary school level.

Efforts to combat poverty include:

Leading visitations to poor women, children, youth and the aged in their homes and communities.
Empowering single mothers to be able to care for their immediate families.
General assistance to the poor.

April 10, 2019

Grants and Opportunities for Nigerian Nonprofits (April, 2019)

Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) Grant
Deadline: April 20, 2019.

OSIWA seeks proposals aimed at achieving the following specific themes; economic governance and advancement, justice reform and the rule of law, free, quality and independent, media equality and anti-discrimination, democratic practice. See here for details.

OHCHR Seeks Proposals for Minorities Fellowship Programme 2019
Deadline: April 20, 2019.

The Minorities Fellowship Programme (MFP) is OHCHR’s most comprehensive training programme for human rights and minority rights defenders belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities. See more here.

TY Danjuma Foundation seeks Applications for Health and Education Projects in Nigeria
Deadline: April 30, 2019.

Civil Society Organisations are invited to submit applications to fund health and education projects in under-served and hard-to-reach communities across Nigeria. The call focuses on the following key areas: Preventable Blindness Maternal and Child Health Upgrading Teachers’ quality. See more here.

International Conference on Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, and Violence Across the Lifespan. Washington, DC
Deadline: May 1, 2019.

EVAWI is inviting workshop proposals for their 2020 International Conference. The conference promotes innovative techniques, unique approaches, and promising practices in responding to gender-based violence. See more here.

Proposals for NGOs Small Grant Opportunity 2019
Began on 1 April 2019, 9:00 AM GMT and ends 3 May 2019, 23:59 GMT.

See more here.

Apply for Commonwealth Digital Challenge 2019 Media Tech Accelerator
Deadline: May 3, 2019.

The Media Tech Accelerator challenge is now open and aims to help young, aspiring and tech-savvy entrepreneurs from the Commonwealth to develop an app, digital idea or tool to improve the work or solve challenges encountered by, journalists, communicators and media organisations within the Commonwealth. See more here.

Applications Open for Trust Conference Change Makers Programme 2019
Deadline: May 3, 2019.

Trust Conference Changemakers Programme is inviting all applicants working in the areas of modern slavery, women’s rights, economic empowerment, refugee support and other human rights areas. See more here.

Future Leaders Connect

Deadline: May 6, 2019.

Visit here to connect with a long-term network of emerging leaders from around the globe, who want to change the world through policy making. As a member of Future Leaders Connect, you will travel to the UK for ten days of advanced policy and leadership development programme at leading institutions to discuss big global challenges, in the UK Houses of Parliament, meet inspirational leaders and the Møller Institute, Churchill College, University of Cambridge.

2019 D-Prize Grant to Recognise New Entrepreneurs who Increase Access to Proven Poverty Interventions
Deadline: May 12, 2019.

The world has already invented ways to end poverty, yet the best interventions are not being distributed at mass-scale. Can you design a business or NGO that solves distribution challenges? See more here.

Key Population Community HIV Services Action and Response (KP-CARE 1)
Deadline: May 13, 2019.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID/Nigeria) seeks applications from organisations working on HIV services, action and response in Nigeria. See more here.

Orange Social Venture Prize Africa & Middle East 2019
Deadline: May 30, 2019.

This contest aims to reward the best innovative and socially responsible projects in Africa and the Middle East. See more here.

Call for Proposal for Climate Chance Summit Africa 2019
Deadline: May 31, 2019.

Applicants are invited to apply for “Climate Chance Summit – Africa 2019” which will take place in Accra from October 16th until October 18th at the International Conference Center in Accra. See more here.

Skål International Sustainable Tourism Awards 2019 are now open
Deadline: May 31, 2019.

Skål International is an Affiliate Member of the UNWTO whose mission is to promote the development of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. See more here.

This newsletter is supported by Forus. However, the ideas and opinions presented in this document do not necessarily represent those of Forus, NNNGO or any other organisation mentioned.

April 8, 2019

Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) Grant (April, 2019)

Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) Grant

Deadline: April 20, 2019.

OHCHR Seeks Proposals for Minorities Fellowship Programme 2019

Deadline: April 20, 2019.

TY Danjuma Foundation seeks Applications for Health and Education Projects in Nigeria

Deadline: April 30, 2019.

Civil Society Organisations are invited to submit applications to fund health and education projects in under-served and hard-to-reach communities across Nigeria.The call focuses on the following key areas: Preventable Blindness Maternal and Child Health Upgrading Teachers’ quality. See more here.

International Conference on Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, and Violence Across the Lifespan. Washington, DC

Deadline: May 1, 2019.

Proposals for NGOs Small Grant Opportunity 2019

Began on 1 April 2019, 9:00 AM GMT and ends 3 May 2019, 23:59 GMT.

See more here.

Apply for Commonwealth Digital Challenge 2019 Media Tech Accelerator

Deadline: May 3, 2019.

The Media Tech Accelerator challenge is now open and aims to help young, aspiring and tech-savvy entrepreneurs from the Commonwealth to develop an app, digital idea or tool to improve the work or solve challenges encountered by, journalists,communicators and media organisations within the Commonwealth. See more here.

Applications Open for Trust Conference Change Makers Programme 2019

Deadline: May 3, 2019.

Trust Conference Change makers Programme is inviting all applicants working in the areas of modern slavery, women’s rights, economic empowerment,refugee support and other human rights areas. See more here.

Future Leaders Connect

Deadline: May 6, 2019.

2019 D-Prize Grant

Deadline: May 12, 2019.

Key Population Community HIV Services Action and Response (KP-CARE 1)

Deadline: May 13, 2019

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID/Nigeria) seeks applications from organisations working on HIV services, action and response in Nigeria. See more here.

Orange Social Venture Prize Africa & Middle East 2019

Deadline: May 30, 2019.

This contest aims to reward the best innovative and socially responsible projects in Africa and the Middle East. See more here.

Call for Proposal for Climate Chance Summit Africa 2019

Deadline: May 31, 2019.

Skål International Sustainable Tourism Awards 2019 are now open

Deadline: May 31, 2019.

Skål International is an Affiliate Member of the UNWTO whose mission is to promote the development of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. See more here.

April 6, 2019

THE PASSION THAT CONNECTS- Celebrating Sports for Development and Peace

In the last two decades, there has been a concerted effort to re-mobilize sport as a vehicle for broad, sustainable social development, especially in the most disadvantaged communities in the world.

According to WIKIPEDIA, sports include all forms of competitive, physical activity which through casual or organized participation, aim to use, maintain or improve physical ability and skills while providing entertainment for spectators.

The UN system also defines sports in the context of development and peace as all forms of physical activity that contribute to physical fitness, mental well-being and social interaction, such as play, recreation, organized or competitive sport, indigenous sports and games for the attainment of specific development and peace objectives.

For centuries, the role and impact of sports in the society has been a subject of debate. For some observers, sport is a physical activity always associated with competition among teams or nations for the pride and glory of winning, while for some it is a sort of pure entertainment.

Sports; games and physical activities are present in virtually every society, its popularity transcends political, national and ideological borders. While it remains the most unifying and networking tool for peace in the world, sport is a passion shared by women and men world over. It is a force for physical well-being and social empowerment. Research reveals that since the advent of Olympics in 1896, more athletes have come to agree that sports unite the world.

Football for instance, the most popular game in the world, is estimated by FIFA in 2007 to be played by about 2 billion people, while other games such as cricket, basketball and baseball, attract the interest of millions more worldwide.

2005 saw the establishment of the United Nations Office for Sport, Development and Peace (UNOSDP), with an objective to raise awareness about the use of physical activity, sport and play as powerful development tools in the advancement of development and peace.

UNESCO also indicates that to achieve the goals of peace and development, it is important to recognize the cultural dimensions of sport. Additionally, several agencies within the UN system (UNDP, WHO, ILO, IOM) also use sport as a factor in their projects for peace and development, hence the declaration of 6th April as the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, to celebrate the contribution of sports and physical activity to education, human development, healthy lifestyles and a peaceful world.

The international Day of Sport for Development and Peace is a day when some of the world’s sports’ finest work together with community sports with the aim of enriching the lives of children and youth world over.

In more recent years, the use of sport to tackle issues related to equality and social justice emerged as a response from different sectors to even instances of violence and intolerance especially in most disadvantaged communities in the world while promoting good education, quality health-care, development and peace in its wake.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development further reveals and acknowledges sport’s role for social progress: it clearly emphasizes the need for developed countries in aiding developing countries to achieve a “global partnership for development” and sport is definitely one good source of this partnership.

Further studies conducted by The Population Council and Harvard School of Public Health, evidenced the importance of sports through development and its positive effects on children and youth. These studies have also documented grassroots soccer model’s effectiveness in significantly improving students’ knowledge, attitudes, communication and decision-making skills.

This progress so much so influenced FIFA to launch the Football for Hope initiative in 2005 to help improve the lives of youth world over.

WHAT SPORTS CAN DO FOR YOU

Playing sports helps reduce body fat and controls body weight.
Sports can help you fight depression and anxiety.
Sports allows you to challenge yourself and set goals.
Sports help aid coordination, balance and flexibility.
Sports can help improve stamina and concentration.
Sports allow you to experience the highs and lows of winning and losing
Sports are a great way of bonding with families and friends.
If you are into sports, you are more likely to have a healthy life.

Every year, physical inactivity leads to an estimated 3.2 million deaths. This is why UNESCO joined forces with the World Health Organization to combat sedentary lifestyles, starting with quality and inclusive physical education for all youths which has considerable benefited children and youth in several countries.

In many countries, opportunities to participate in sports are limited by significant infrastructural, social and political barriers. For example, people with disabilities are marginalized in many societies, thus preventing their active involvement in sports.

And so as the world stays true to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the world must do all to support sport to ensuring no one is left behind. Sport leaders and lovers must be ready to demonstrate commitment to creating a better world, despite shortcomings like geographic and social barriers.

Regardless of age, gender or ethnicity, we cannot take away the special love the world has for sports, it is enjoyed by all and sundry, sports build self-esteem, physical and mental health and nurtures positive connections with many.

The rights of every person to engage in sports must be respected and should be enforced worldwide. Government, Corporate Bodies, public and private sectors must all come together to create a world for sports which must not only be considered as a form of entertainment but rather an important investment in our present and our future for a lasting peace and development.

March 29, 2019

NNNGO Newsletter on Understanding the Companies and Allied Matters Act – March, 2019

An annual return refers to profit made on investment, over a period of time. In Nigeria, corporate entities registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) are mandated to file annual returns with the Commission (CAC) on a yearly basis.

Even though nonprofit organisations do not make profit on investments, Section 55 of CITA specifically makes it clear that ALL companies, registered with the CAC are to file returns irrespective of tax exemptions conferred on their income,in order to encourage transparency.

Generally,organisations must file annual returns not earlier than 30th June or later than 31st December every year (except the year the organisation was incorporated). However, newly registered organisations begin filing their first annual returns, not later than 18 months after incorporation while older organisations file their annual returns not later than 42 days after their Annual General Meeting.

To file annual returns with the Corporate Affairs Commission, an organisation is expected to visit the CAC website, download and fill out an Incorporated Trustees Annual Returns form (CAC/ IT 4), attach an audited financial statement signed by a chartered accountant and two trustees of the organisation or a statement of affairs, in cases where the organisation is yet to commence operation along with a fee of #5,000.

Complying with this law will aid the maintenance of good organisational structures as it encourages a culture of record keeping and puts compliant organisations on good standing with the commission- accurate and updated records of said organisations will be accessible to the commission which gives room for transparency and accountability.

Failure to file annual returns within the stipulated period will incur an additional cost of #5,000 for every year of noncompliance as penalty. Persistent noncompliance to this law could result in eventual de-registration of errant nonprofits as the commission is left to assume that this organisation is non-operational.

Filing annual returns with the Corporate Affairs Commission as and when due helps to keep the company’s name on the commission’s register, saves time in situations where a nonprofit needs a post incorporation service or documents from the commission and also prevent nonprofits from payment of penalties that apply for late filing of annual returns.

This newsletter is supported by the Commonwealth Foundation. However, the ideas and opinions presented in this document do not necessarily represent those of Commonwealth Foundation, NNNGO or any other organisations mentioned.

March 29, 2019

Human Rights and Social Justice in Nigeria (March, 2019)

Fundamental human rights are the “inalienable rights of people”. These are legal entitlements enjoyed by every citizen of a country without fear of violation from government or fellow citizens. In every country, these rights are protected and enshrined in the National constitution- chapter 4 of the 1999 constitution of Nigeria states what are considered as the rights of every Nigerian citizen and how they can be protected.

However, shreds of evidence show that despite the entrenchment of human rights in the Nigerian constitution, continuous restrictions on some aspects of citizens’ rights continue to undermine the status of human rights in the country. Over time, the civic space has been threatened. There have been cases of human right violations, ranging from the intimidation and harassment of human right defenders, restrictions on the freedom of expression, assembly and association, among others.

The Sustainable Development Goals address the importance of protecting citizens’ rights. Goal 16 of the SDGs delineates the need to provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels and the civil society must, in line with the Istanbul principle of development effectiveness, which emphasizes the need for “respect and promotion of human rights and social justice; carry out the responsibility of bringing accountability by exposing and following up on human right violations.

Accordingly, CSOs are effective as development actors when they develop and implement strategies, activities and practices that promote individual and collective human rights, including the right to development with dignity, right to decent work, social justice and equity for all people.

CSOs should be at the forefront towards ensuring the protection of these rights and the strengthening of civic space in Nigeria. Although some measures have been put in place by the government to improve the human rights situations in Nigeria, there is still room for improvement.

This newsletter is supported by Forus. However, the ideas and opinions presented in this document do not necessarily represent those of Forus, NNNGO or any other organisation mentioned.

March 29, 2019

NNNGO Newsletter on Understanding the Companies and Allied Matters Act – March, 2019

March 29, 2019

Filing of Annual Returns (March, 2019)

An annual return refers to profit made on investment, over a period of time. In Nigeria, corporate entities registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) are mandated to file annual returns with the Commission, on a yearly basis.

Even though nonprofit organisations do not make profit on investments, Section 55 of CITA specifically makes it clear that ALL companies, registered with the CAC must file returns irrespective of tax exemptions conferred on their income. This helps to encourage transparency, accountability and to keep record of all functioning organisations, operating within the country.

Generally, organisations must file annual returns not earlier than 30th June or later than 31st December every year (except the year the organisation was incorporated). However, newly registered organisations begin filing their first annual returns, not later than 18 months after incorporation while older organisations file their annual returns not later than 42 days after their Annual General Meeting.

Complying with this law will aid the maintenance of good organisational structures as it encourages a culture of record keeping and puts compliant organisations on good standing with the Commission accurate and updated records of said organisations will be accessible to the commission which gives room for transparency and accountability.

Failure to file annual returns within the stipulated period will incur an additional cost of #5,000 for every year of noncompliance, as penalty. Persistent noncompliance to this law could result in eventual de-registration of errant nonprofits as the commission is left to assume that this organisation is non-operational.

Filing annual returns with the Corporate Affairs Commission as and when due helps to keep the organisation’s name on the commission’s register, saves time in situations where a nonprofit needs a post-incorporation service or documents from the commission and also prevents nonprofits from payment of penalties that apply for late filing of annual returns.

This publication has been produced with the support of Commonwealth Foundation and the Nigeria Network of NGOs (NNNGO). However, the contents of this publication do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Commonwealth Foundation or NNNGO.

March 25, 2019

Jaldhaara Foundation on World Water Day

At Jaldhaara Foundation, it is everything freshwater. Jaldhaara Foundation’s slogan ‘Quenching A Bigger Thirst Nigeria’ speaks volume on the essential need of water for all Nigerians.

With the foundation’s 5-point Agenda, JF aims to make available fresh water for left-behind communities in Nigeria.

Incorporated to remediate the problems in the areas of Safe Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), JF has been able to streamline the percentage of those who are short of fresh water while vigorously working on a quick and effective impact as regards clean water.

By 2020, Jaldhaara Foundation plans to drive the WASH objectives in a large number of communities by implementing sustainable WASH solutions in over two thousand (2,000) communities and by building preference for safe water, sanitation and hygienic practices in unaddressed, isolated and marginalized communities.

By virtue of expansion and in the bid to make fresh water accessible to all, Jaldhaara Foundation together with an established strong partnership with Water Health Nigeria and other related organizations intend to have a structured phase approach which is meant to address the life cycle of water management (i.e. water provision, purification and waste water management) to the marginalized communities, which include: communities and habitations that are underserved and face significant water contamination.

*Jaldhaara Foundation will provide safe drinking water access to these communities through the conventional model i.e. a WHC.

*About 140 communities will definitely have safe water access.

The intention also extends to installation of 140 WHCs across various communities in Nigeria which would mean that more than 4 million people will have safe water access which would automatically result in the reduction of waterborne disease with an increase in annual savings in households due to reduction in medical expenses.

First Quarter Report of Year 2019

Profiling Cathy Life Builder Foundation

THE PASSION THAT CONNECTS- Celebrating Sports for Development and Peace

WHAT SPORTS CAN DO FOR YOU

Jaldhaara Foundation on World Water Day

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