In an effort to boost and encourage democratic practices and rights activism in Nigeria, Organization for community civic engagement (OCCEN) has trained human rights activists and pro-democracy campaigners in Northwest Nigeria.
The training which involves participants from Kano, Katsina, Kaduna Zamfara and Jigawa states is aimed at building their capacity and equip them with modern ways of practice.
OCCEN Executive Director, Abdulrazaq Alkali said, the aim of the one day sensitization seminar for democracy and human rights activists in northwest Nigeria is to sensitize the participants on how best to go about their activities in the region.
He said, the purpose is to strengthen the capacity of young activists on how to demand good governance and political accountability in society.
“The main objective of the seminar was to equipped the participants with knowledge and skills that will help them do their work safely amidst increasing harassment and intimidation from power holders”
The project which is supported by National endowment for democracy (NDA) will continue to coach the youth in how to claim and demand their rights on political Arena and political accountability in Kano, Kaduna, Katsina , Zamfara and Jigawa states.
Josephine Omajari, OCCEN Project senior officer lamented over failure of authorities prioritize and meet the needs of citizens in these states.
She said, youth continue to suffer from democratic deficits despite concerted efforts by civil society and donor communitie to enhance youth political participation during recent elections.
“”Youth continue to suffer disproportionately from these democratic deficits. Despite concerted efforts by civil society and the donor community to enhance youth’s political participation during the recent elections, they remain largely absent from leadership ranks of the government, parties, and traditional structures that wield authority”
“OCCEN will design and broadcast civic engagement radio programs to educate local youth and citizens on political processes, government policies and legislation, accountability and transparency to enable them to participate in political discourse as informed members of society.
“”Approximately ten episodes of the radio program will be aired. Panels of experts will be drawn from civil society, academia, and political parties for each episode to provide citizens with a varied perspective on political processes and government performance. OCCEN will also design and produce information, education, and communication (IEC) materials that will stimulate discussion with clear messages aimed at empowering citizens to build movements in their struggle for good governance in Nigeria.
These materials will be distributed during major public events as part of the sensitization effort.
On his part, a humar right lawyer Barrister Abba Hikima said, the rights to freedom of speech and freedom of Assembly are fundamental human rights that play a central role in the functioning of democratic societies.
He said, these rights enable individuals to express their thoughts, ideas, and opinions without interference or punishment from the government and to gather in groups for a common cause or purpose.
“While these rights are enshrined in international human rights frameworks and national constitutions, their precise definitions can vary across legal systems and scholars.
He said, the right to freedom of speech refers to the right of individuals to express their thoughts, ideas, opinions, and beliefs without undue government interference.
