Some stakeholders have called for strategic collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Information to further place the State on the right pedestal globally.
This is part of efforts to strengthen synergy between the Lagos Government and organisations committed to development.
Delegations from the Bread of Hope Organisation, International Association of Research Scholars and Administrators (IARSA) and the European Union (EU) Funded Agents for Citizens-Driven Transformation (ACT) Local Organising Committee (LOC) on the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence gave the charge during their courtesy visits to the Ministry of Information and Strategy on Tuesday.
Speaking during the visit, the Founder, Bread of Hope Organisation, Vivian Elebiyo-Okojie, a Nigerian based in Ohio, United States of America, explained that the organisation is committed to improving the lives of children living in underserved communities across the globe, especially the indigent Children of the Slum at Makoko.
She revealed that, in line with its goals, the organisation recently organised an event tagged: “A Day of Dreams: Makoko Kids Disney Adventure” for 150 children from Makoko under its “Children of the Slum Initiative” where the children had the opportunity to watch the movie ‘Wish’ in the theatre. They also took rides on the BRT buses – a thrilling experience many of the children in the community have never witnessed before.
She said, “Our goal is to inspire the children in the slums so that they can have a better life. We are a self-funded organisation so we want to collaborate with the Ministry to keep these children in school.
“Many people don’t understand the gravity of the issues in Makoko. Hence, we need to do more as a people and inspire these children”.
She added that the organisation currently partnering with the Hope for Slum Floating School in Makoko founded by Deborah Adepoju who provides educational assistance to the children and requests for interventions from the Ministry to help the children achieve their dreams.
On his part, the Executive Director, International Association of Research Scholars and Administrators (IARSA,) Professor Akin Ogunsakin stated that the association was established in 2013 in Dubai and the visit aimed to seek ways to collaborate with the Ministry of Information and Strategy in terms of research, technology, economic development and information dissemination.
The Director of Corporate Service and Finance, IARSA, Professor Babatunde Akinsanya added that the association is an umbrella body of several professionals. “As you know, information is key to the success of every endeavour while research is the bedrock of every strategy and Lagos State is a hub where every other state learns from. Therefore, effective collaboration between IARSA and the Ministry will yield the desired results”, he explained.
Similarly, the EU-ACTS Local Organising Committee – a coalition of NGOs funded by the European Union – seeks the Ministry’s collaboration to eradicate Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in the State.
Speaking on the just-concluded 16 Days of Activism on Gender-Based Violence, themed: “Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls”, held between November 25th and December 10th, the LOC Chairman, EU Funded Agents for Citizens-Driven Transformation (ACT), Mrs. Bose Ironsi who doubles as Founder of Womens’ Rights and Health Project (WRAHP) noted that Lagos State is doing well in stemming the tide of SGBV with the creation of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA).
She explained that the Committee has several programmes lined up for 2024 on Lagos Television (LTV) and requests the Ministry of Information and Strategy to detail an officer to join them when these programmes commence, saying “We hope to raise awareness about GBV’s prevalence and impact, engage policymakers for comprehensive strategies against GBV and explore funding opportunities for initiatives preventing violence”, Ironsi added.
Another LOC member, Bola Nuga suggested that the Ministry’s monthly publication, Alausa Alert should dedicate a page to reporting SGBV issues to educate the public on the menace and proffer solutions.
The Director of the Strategy Centre in the Ministry, Mr Kayode Oyekanmi, who stood in for the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso and Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olumide Sogunle, thanked the visiting delegations for extending hands of fellowship to the Ministry. He stated that the State Government is working towards the urbanisation of Makoko through the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, while working out strategies to best transform the community.
He equally commended the efforts of the EU-ACTS LOC, urging them to take the prevention of SGBV initiative to the grassroots, schools and religious places to further drive home the need to rid the society of SGBV while assuring IARSA that the Ministry will look into its request.
In his contribution, the Director of Public Enlightenment and Community Relations in the Ministry, Mr. Goke Folayan also advised IARSA to work closely with the Lagos State Records and Archives Bureau (LASRAB) as it is a repository for research on the history of Lagos.
Other members of staff present during the courtesy visit include the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Mrs. Oriola Seriki; Head, Planning Unit, Mrs. Odumosu; Head of ICT, Mrs. Monisola Ayejoto; Director, Features/Editor Alausa Alert, Mr. Tayo Ogunbiyi, represented by Mrs. Omolara Otuyemi and Miss. Bukola Bakare of the Strategy Centre among others.
