Caritas Nigeria

In a collaborative effort to address gender-based violence (GBV) and celebrate International Day of Human Rights, yesterday, Caritas Nigeria Gender Services team in our #Enugu field office hosted a stakeholder meeting with community leaders from Enugu-Ezike Local Government Area (LGA). The aim of the gathering was to foster dialogue, enhance community engagement, and strategize on sustainable solutions to end #GBV within their #communities. The event brought together the Social Welfare Officer of the local government, women leaders, traditional rulers, human rights activists, security personnel and other key stakeholders. They discussed the impact of GBV on victims while emphasis was placed on the need for a multi-sectoral approach, incorporating cultural, legal, and societal perspectives to mitigate violence and promote gender #equality for a safer society. The traditional leaders affirmed their commitment to using local platforms, such as town hall meetings and cultural gatherings to spread awareness. #16days #EndGBV #Genderequality #Humanrightsday #Orangetheworld #16daysofactivism #Communityapproach

International Human Rights Day, marked today, caps the #16daysofactivism against gender-based violence. At the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, where Caritas Nigeria is headquartered, staff of agencies of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) joined the rest of the world to mark this remarkable day in a thanksgiving Mass, in honour of the survivors of #GBV. The officiating priest and Secretary of the CSN Migrants and Refugees Unit, Rev. Fr. Augustine Akhogba, assured staff of God's comforting presence among his people, especially those facing various forms of social injustice. He emphasized the need for collective action in promoting dignity, love, and respect and admonished oppressors to desist from abusing the #rights of others. Following the liturgical celebration, staff, once again, convened for a brief lecture anchored by #Caritas Nigeria's Gender Focal Person, Charles Aneni. The session shed light on our efforts in combatting GBV and promoting human rights by strengthening support systems and collaboration. #SDG #16days #EndGBV #Equality #Humanrights #Orangetheworld #16daysofactivism2024

From December 2nd - 6th, 2024, Caritas Nigeria partnered with JDPC Maiduguri to host an end-of-year consortium review meeting with Caritas in #Abuja. The meeting reviewed the year's achievements and lessons learned on the Food Security and Humanitarian Protection for Victims of the Lake Chad Crisis project funded by Auswärtiges Amt (Federal Foreign Office) Germany through Caritas in Germany , as well as plans for 2025. During the meeting, our Deputy Executive Secretary, Rev. Fr. Peter Babangida Audu and the Director of Humanitarian Services, Nkese Udongwo, expressed heartfelt gratitude to our partners for their commitment to the success of the project's second phase. In the same vein, the Country Representative of @Caritas_web, Amos Arubi, acknowledged the consortium's remarkable efforts in ensuring the intervention addressed the #basic needs of target populations. #Foodsecurity #Reviewmeeting #Consortiumpartners #Humanitariansupport #Partnershipforchange

On Sunday 8th of December Caritas Nigeria workers in Abia State celebrated God’s blessings and protection throughout the year with a thanksgivingg Mass at St. Mary’s Parish, Umuopara, #Umuahia. Staff members at the liturgical celebration, which was officiated by Rev. Fr. David Aguneri reflected on their individual and collective accomplishments and renewed their commitment to #humanitarian service.   #Gratitude  #Faithinaction #Communityservice  #Humanitarianwork #Annualthanksgiving

On Friday, December 6th, Caritas Nigeria hosted a multi-stakeholder dialogue in #Abia State as part of our #16daysofactivism highlights. The event highlighted the urgent need to strengthen the enforcement of laws like the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act and the Female Persons's Right of Inheritance Law. The event brought together public health experts, legal practitioners, civil society leaders, religious and traditional institutions, and government representatives. They discussed critical gaps, including the absence of forensic centres, specialized courts, and emergency shelters, as well as the hesitancy of survivors to seek justice due to stigma and inadequate support systems. Emphasis was placed on cultural reform, improved coordination among institutions, and empowering #women and #girls through education and economic opportunities.  As an organisation that has provided post-GBV care to over 2,500 survivors, Caritas Nigeria called for actionable steps to create safe spaces for survivors, enhance public education, and engage traditional and religious leaders in challenging harmful norms. We also reaffirmed our commitment to advancing #gender justice and child protection in Nigeria. #16DaysofActivism #Orangetheworld  #Childprotection #Genderjustice #Endviolence #EndGBV

Yesterday, Caritas Nigeria #ACCESS project staff implementing the Orphans and Vulnerable Children's (OVC) program in #Enugu State were joined by a staff of Twinning Support for Health Initiative, Nigeria (THIS-N) in a compelling radio awareness session on gender-based violence. The team shed light on the various forms of GBV and the crucial role of #community involvement in eradicating it. They discussed the physical, emotional, sexual, and economic abuses that countless individuals face daily, emphasising that #GBV is a universal issue requiring collective action. The speakers also enlightened the audience about the significance of #16daysofactivism and encouraged listeners to report incidents and support survivors by creating safe spaces. Listeners, who called into the program, expressed their gratitude for the enlightenment and pledged to take active steps in promoting #equality and a violence-free society using available reporting channels. #16days #EndGBV #Orangetheworld #Communityaction #Advocacyforchange #16daysofactivism2024

The opening ceremony of the Federation of International Development Agencies Football (FIDAF) Tournament, which was held yesterday, 8 December, at the Aguiyi Ironsi Sports Center in Abuja, brought together over 10 development agencies to compete in interesting outdoor games. The day’s events featured thrilling competitions in #badminton, #tabletennis, and #football. Caritas Nigeria excelled in the badminton match against Marie Stopes International, emerging victorious with a convincing 2-0 win. This continued in table tennis, where the team outperformed Mercy Corps and CIHPNG with another clean sweep of 2-0, highlighting our team’s competitive edge and determination. However, in a closely contested football match against Plan International, #Caritas Nigeria faced a tough challenge and lost 2-1. Despite the defeat, the team’s #resilience and sportsmanship were evident throughout the #game. In the spirit of #sportsmanship, the Brand Ambassador and former goalkeeper of the Super Eagles national team, Emmanuel Babayaro, graced the occasion to foster unity among participants. Among other dignitaries present were the Country Representative of Catholic Relief Services, Mr. Akim Kikonda, and the Deputy Executive Secretary of Caritas Nigeria, Rev. Fr Peter Audu, who led our Senior Management Team and staff delegation. The #tournament not only provided an opportunity for healthy competition but also fostered camaraderie among participating organizations, reinforcing shared values and a sense of #community within the development sector. #FIDAF2024 #Teamspirit #Worklifebalance #Unitythroughsports #Sportsfordevelopment #Developmentagencies

As part of our activities for #16daysofactivism, today, Caritas Nigeria Imo State office, alongside the State Commissioner for Health, Professor Chukwuemeka Michael Ubaka, and a representative of the State Ministry of Women Affairs, flagged off the distribution of 100 #water guards to caregivers and 2,000 sanitary towels to #adolescents. This initiative aims to ensure safe drinking water through water treatment as well as improved menstrual #hygiene and the well-being of young #women and #girls, in addition to breaking the #stigma surrounding menstruation. The flag-off was preceded by an interactive session, where our team presented #GBV awareness and preventive measures. The participants discussed extensively on ways to get more involved in the fight against GBV. Among the ways identified include awareness creation in their communities, homes, and worship centers; mobilizing human and funding support to show solidarity; and advocating for changes in policy and laws to address GBV. The event was graced by various stakeholders including traditional chiefs, religious leaders, community-based organizations, and representatives of the Ministries of Education and Justice. #16days #EndGBV #Orangetheworld #16daysofactivism #communityservice #16daysofactivism2024

In anticipation of the Federation of International Development Agencies Football (FIDAF) Tournament, some members of the Caritas Nigeria's Senior Management Team proudly received their team jerseys. Among those who received their jerseys were, Chief of Party, #ACCESS project, Dr. John Oko; Program Director, Dr. Amana Effiong; Director, Grants and Compliance, Mr. Gabriel Gbenyi and Head of Communications, Cecilia Agrinya-Owan, PMD Pro. Their participation in the tournament highlights not only their dedication to their professional responsibilities but also their enthusiasm for initiatives that promote unity among development agencies. #FIDAF2024 #Teamwork #FIDAFtournament #Footballfordevelopment

We are pleased to announce that Caritas Nigeria will be participating in the 2024 Federation of International Development Agencies Football (FIDAF) Tournament. Being our maiden outing, the event brings together organizations from across the development sector to foster teamwork, and sportsmanship through football. The tournament kicks off tomorrow, 7 December 2024, at the Aguiyi Ironsi Barracks Sports Complex in Abuja and will run until 14 December 2024. Teams from various international #development agencies will compete in an engaging atmosphere, celebrating the values of unity and #partnership. #FIDAF2024 #Teamwork #FIDAFtournament #Footballfordevelopment