The recent visit of Mrs. Lydia Odeh, Chief of Party (COP) of the USAID-funded SCALE (Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement) Project, marked a significant step towards bolstering civil society and governmental partnerships in Nasarawa State. Hosted by the Centre for Women Youth & Community Action (NACWYCA), the two-day visit, spanning August 25th and 26th, 2024, underscored the critical roles that advocacy, transparency, and sustainable service delivery play in fostering a more accountable and democratic Nigeria.
Mrs. Odeh’s visit began on August 25th, with an early morning reception at the Lafia City Gate by the NACWYCA team led by the Centre’s Executive Director, Dr. Nawani Aboki. The delegation’s first engagement was with the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajia Aisha Rufai. The atmosphere was charged with optimism as the Commissioner welcomed the COP’s delegation with open arms, expressing her excitement over the collaboration between the state and the SCALE project.
In her address, Mrs. Odeh commended the Honourable Commissioner for her unwavering support in the successful domestication of the Child’s Right Law in Nasarawa State, an achievement made possible through the persistent advocacy efforts led by NACWYCA and its partner organizations. The COP highlighted the importance of appointing Assessors to aid judges in adjudicating cases under the Child’s Right Law and called for the equipping of Juvenile Homes across the state to ensure the effective implementation of the law.
Responding, Commissioner Rufai expressed her gratitude to Mrs. Odeh and her team for their dedication to improving the welfare of Nasarawa’s children and other vulnerable groups. She pledged continued cooperation with NACWYCA, assuring that her ministry would do everything within its power to ensure the sustained success of these initiatives. The Commissioner emphasized the importance of collaboration between civil society and government in achieving tangible outcomes that directly benefit the people of Nasarawa State.
Continuing her visit, Mrs. Odeh stopped by Breeze FM, Lafia, where she participated in a live interview hosted by the station’s Chairman, Dr. Nawani Aboki. During the 30-minute segment, Mrs. Odeh articulated the objectives of her visit and the broader mission of the SCALE project in Nasarawa State. She addressed a range of issues, including the ongoing challenges surrounding children’s rights in Nigeria and the critical need for increased domestic funding for Tuberculosis (TB) programs in Northern Nigeria. Mrs. Odeh’s candid responses during the interview underscored the urgency of these issues and the pivotal role that civil society organizations (CSOs) play in advocating for change.
In addition to her media engagements, Mrs. Odeh took time to interact with young participants at the NACWYCA Youth Camp. Her message to the youth was one of encouragement and empowerment, urging them to fully immerse themselves in the camp’s activities and absorb as much knowledge as possible to become future leaders. The youth camp, a hallmark of NACWYCA’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders, provided a fitting backdrop for Mrs. Odeh’s message of hope and responsibility.
A tour of NACWYCA’s facilities followed, where Mrs. Odeh observed firsthand the organization’s efforts in empowering women, youth, and communities. The facility tour highlighted the impact of NACWYCA’s work, which aligns with the SCALE project’s objectives of strengthening local capacities and promoting sustainable development across Nigeria.
Mrs. Odeh’s visit also included a courtesy call to the Honourable Commissioner of Health, Dr. Gaza Gwana, at the Ministry’s Headquarters on Jos Road, Lafia. During the meeting, Mrs. Odeh expressed her appreciation for the Ministry’s support of CSO-led public health initiatives, particularly those focusing on TB. She reiterated the importance of continued collaboration between the Ministry and organizations like NACWYCA in addressing public health challenges and improving health outcomes in the state.
In his response, Commissioner Gwana lauded the efforts of SCALE and NACWYCA in driving positive health interventions in Nasarawa State. He assured Mrs. Odeh of the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to supporting all health-related initiatives proposed by international partners and local CSOs, acknowledging the significant benefits these collaborations bring to the state’s residents.
The climax of Mrs. Odeh’s visit was a courtesy call on the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, at the Government House in Lafia. The meeting was a testament to the strong partnership between the Nasarawa State Government and civil society organizations in the state and especially NACWYCA working under the SCALE project.
Mrs. Odeh conveyed her gratitude to the Governor for his administration’s open and supportive stance towards CSO activities in the state. She presented a series of requests aimed at furthering the state’s progress in key areas, including the appointment of Assessors to support the judiciary in implementing the Child’s Right Law and the timely release of budgeted funds for the Child’s Right Law and TB programs.
In his response, Governor Sule welcomed the COP and her team, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to supporting initiatives that directly impact the well-being of Nasarawa’s citizens. He assured Mrs. Odeh of his willingness to release funds for programs that improve the quality of life for the people of Nasarawa State and expressed his openness to new ideas that could drive the state’s development forward.
Mrs. Lydia Odeh’s visit to Nasarawa State underscored the vital importance of collaboration between government and civil society in driving sustainable development. Through her engagements with key state officials, media interactions, and her inspiring message to the youth, Mrs. Odeh highlighted the SCALE project’s commitment to strengthening local capacities, promoting transparency, and improving service delivery in Nigeria.
The success of this visit sets a positive tone for future collaborations between SCALE, NACWYCA, and the Nasarawa State Government. It also serves as a reminder that with the right partnerships and sustained advocacy, meaningful change is possible, and the dream of a more accountable, transparent, and democratic Nigeria is within reach.