by SISIF0YE | Dec 26, 2024 | Safeguarding, non-profit, Policies
The tragic tragedy in Ibadan, in which 35 children died at what should have been a joyous celebration of love and goodwill, exemplifies a fundamental fact in humanitarian work: good intentions may lead to disaster if not backed up by expert protective procedures.
Beyond Good Intentions
The philanthropic sector frequently operates under the false notion that noble intentions give protection from calamity. This mentality has frequently proved fatal. When 35 innocent lives are lost in a rush at a children’s fun fair, we are confronted with the harsh fact that kindness without professional discipline is not only insufficient, but also negligent.
The tragedy forces us to face an uncomfortable truth: the informal non-profit/philanthropic sector (also common in formal non-profits) frequently rejects professional norms that are typical in commercial operations. This resistance, fuelled by a false assumption that good intentions trump realistic protections, generates a perfect storm in which preventable catastrophes become unavoidable.
Professional Standards: A Non-negotiable Framework
Safeguarding is not an administrative duty to be eliminated, but rather a fundamental task requiring constant dedication. Professional event management necessitates extensive protocols that cover crowd dynamics, emergency response, and risk mitigation. These are not optional extras, but rather necessary components of responsible humanitarian effort.
The unfortunate incident in Ibadan demonstrates the disastrous effects of treating safeguarding as secondary to benevolent purpose. When organizing events, especially those involving vulnerable groups such as children, professional standards must not be sacrificed for convenience or cost. The cost of such a compromise is reflected in lives lost.
Accountability in the Face of Tragedy
The judicial actions following the Ibadan tragedy established an important precedent. Status, reputation, and charitable intent do not exempt organizers from the repercussions of protection breaches. This accountability is critical to the evolution of the philanthropic sector. It sends a clear message: amateur philanthropy is no longer acceptable.
Individuals and organizations must understand that professional safety requirements are not bureaucratic barriers, but life-saving necessities. Every event, no matter how benevolent, must be prepared with the same meticulous attention to safety as any commercial effort. This includes extensive risk assessments, professional security measures, and emergency response plans.
The Path Forward
The philanthropic industry is at a crossroads. We may either stick with the harmful idea that good intentions are enough, or we can embrace the professional standards that safeguarding requires. The decision is obvious but putting it into action will necessitate a fundamental adjustment in our approach to philanthropic work.
Future events must be founded on professional expertise, not just humanitarian passion. This entails investing in correct training, implementing strong safety measures, and remaining steadfastly committed to safeguarding principles.The expense of such an investment may appear considerable, but as Ibadan tragically shows, the cost of inadequate safeguarding is unfathomable.
An Appeal to Professional Conscience
The deaths of 35 children in Ibadan must be more than just a tragedy; they must also act as a catalyst for change. The philanthropic industry must adopt a new paradigm in which professional protection standards are as important as altruistic intentions. Anything less dishonours the memories of those who have died and puts future beneficiaries at risk.
The time for emotive approaches to philanthropy is over. We must now embrace a future in which charity is distinguished not only by good intentions, but also by an unshakable dedication to professional standards and preserving excellence. The lives of people we want to aid require nothing less.
Mofoyeke Omole, Safeguarding and Organization Culture Change Expert. Abuja
by SISIF0YE | Nov 11, 2024 | Human Capital Development, Skilling, Tech Skills
Young Nigerians are at the core of a seismic shift in the workplace that is changing at an alarming rate. The days of linear, lifetime careers and the assurance of a consistent salary from a single job are long gone. Rather, the “gig economy” – a flexible, on-demand labor market where success depends on adaptability, flexibility, and an entrepreneurial spirit – is emerging.
This new reality is a challenge and an opportunity for many young Nigerians. On one hand, insecurity and uncertainty may result from the demise of conventional employment structures., on the other hand, the gig economy provides hitherto unheard-of levels of independence, freedom, and the opportunity to create one’s own route to success. Are our recent graduates and professionals in their early careers prepared to handle this unfamiliar situation?
Short-term, project-based labor arrangements, frequently made possible by digital platforms and applications, are the fundamental characteristics of the gig economy. This new paradigm has radically changed the way we think about work, from independent designers and ride-share drivers to micro-entrepreneurs and crowdsourced taskers.
There are significant ramifications for Nigeria. The gig economy offers both potential and challenges as the nation struggles with high youth unemployment and a growing skills gap. It gives young people the freedom to earn money on their own terms by providing a flexible and easily available substitute for the traditional employment market. However, it requires a completely other set of abilities, one that is focused on digital fluency, entrepreneurship, and the capacity for self-reinvention.
Nigerian youths need to adopt a fundamental mentality reorientation if they are to succeed in the gig economy. The days of anticipating a single, secure professional path are long gone. To remain relevant, they must instead be ready to take on many roles, switch between various projects, and constantly improve their skill sets.
The first step in doing this is to cultivate an entrepreneurial spirit, which is the capacity to spot opportunities, take measured risks, and turn concepts into profitable revenue streams. Because gig labor is fluid and necessitates constant adaptation and reinvention, young Nigerians must also learn to be deeply comfortable with ambiguity.
Digital skill expertise is equally important. The gig economy is closely tied to technical proficiency in everything from remote collaboration and virtual project management to online marketing and data analysis. Nigerians who are adept at navigating the digital world would be in the greatest position to take advantage of the many opportunities that the gig economy presents.
The good news is that the foundation for developing a workforce that is “gig-ready” is already in place. Innovative projects and programs are springing up all over Nigeria with the goal of giving young people the abilities and attitudes they need to succeed in the modern workplace.
Consider the work being done by entrepreneurial accelerators, non-profit organizations including Thrivebridge Initiative for Social Development and tech hubs. By giving them access to practical training, networking opportunities, and mentorship, these organizations are enabling young people in Nigeria to turn their ideas into successful, scalable enterprises. In a similar vein, online learning platforms are democratizing the acquisition of digital skills, enabling even the most remote people to acquire highly sought-after knowledge.
A comprehensive nationwide effort involving the governmental, private, and social sectors is however needed to fully unlock the potential of Nigeria’s youth in the gig economy. This entails incorporating digital literacy and entrepreneurship into our educational institutions’ basic curricula. It entails providing incentives for firms to provide upskilling opportunities and flexible work schedules. Additionally, it entails making investments in the coworking spaces and high-speed internet infrastructure that will support the gig economy.
There’s no denying that the shift to a gig economy won’t be simple. Concerns about social safety nets, employment security, and the possibility of exploitation are legitimate. But the benefits will be enormous if we embrace this change with purpose and vision.
Imagine a Nigeria where each young person is equipped with the knowledge and self-assurance to create their own distinct career path. where digital skills are the universal language of opportunity and entrepreneurship is hailed as the catalyst for economic progress. We must work toward a future in which the gig economy serves as a springboard to seemingly endless opportunities rather than as a threat.
Now is the moment to take action. Nothing less than our steadfast dedication to equipping young people for the jobs of the future is fair. Nigeria’s youth can and will spearhead the country’s transition to a new period of wealth if they have the proper attitudes, abilities, and support networks in place.
Are you prepared to take part in that change?
by SISIF0YE | Sep 27, 2024 | Safeguarding, Learning and Development, Organization Culture
In a world where well-meaning actions can unintentionally cause harm, safeguarding has emerged as a critical area of focus for development organisations. On July 17, 2024, I facilitated a comprehensive safeguarding training for the Benue Rural Development Initiative (BENGONET) held at the Lawyers Alert Conference Hall in Makurdi, Benue State. This training aimed to enhance the understanding of safeguarding principles and practices among non-government organisation (NGO) leaders, with the overarching goal of reshaping their approach to development work.
A glimpse into the training
The day-long session was designed to be both interactive and informative, involving 30 participants, including the BENGONET chair Mrs Ugboga and Mr Nathaniel Awuapila, who co-facilitated some sessions, bringing in their knowledge of the local context and safeguarding expertise.
Participants were introduced to the core concepts of safeguarding, including the three pillars of safeguarding, safe programming practices, and the critical role of leadership in fostering a safe working environment. The training wasn’t just about imparting knowledge; it also focused on engaging the participants in a way that encouraged self-reflection and active participation.
Key learnings and challenges
One of the most striking revelations from the training was the significant gap in safeguarding readiness among the participating NGOs. Shockingly, 80% of participants reported that their organisations lacked risk registers, and 70% had no formal safeguarding policies in place. This stark reality highlighted the urgent need for organisations to adopt robust safeguarding measures to protect both their staff and the communities they serve.
The training also unearthed a “saviour mentality” among participants, a mindset that can inadvertently cause harm by failing to empower the very communities NGOs aim to help. Participants learned that safeguarding is not just about protecting individuals from harm but also about fostering a sense of ownership and involvement within the community. This shift from a “saviour” approach to one that is community-led and empowering is crucial for sustainable development.
Another key insight from the training was the potential for organisational communications to escalate crises unintentionally. A case in point was shared when a media statement from a State Secretary led to a crisis in a community. This example underscored the need for careful and thoughtful communication strategies, especially in sensitive or crisis-prone environments.
Recommendations for the future
Participants expressed a strong desire for further training, particularly in safeguarding investigation processes. There was also a call to expand the scope of the Resource and Support Hub (RSH) to address broader Gender-Based Violence (GBV) issues beyond Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (SEAH).
The enthusiasm and engagement of the participants were palpable, but so was the revelation of critical gaps in their current safeguarding practices. Moving forward, it is clear that these organisations will need continued support and follow-up to implement and sustain effective safeguarding measures.
The training has laid a solid foundation, but it is just the beginning. The journey towards true and safe community empowerment is complex, but it is a transformation that is essential for the ethical and effective operation of NGOs in Benue State and beyond.
Conclusion
The BENGONET safeguarding training was a significant step forward in raising awareness and enhancing safeguarding practices among NGOs in Benue State. However, the gaps identified during the training highlight the need for ongoing efforts to ensure that safeguarding principles are not just understood but are actively integrated into every aspect of organisational operations. With the right support and resources, these NGOs are well positioned to make a lasting impact in the communities they serve, ensuring that development work is not only effective but also safe and empowering for all involved.
Read Original Article on RSH Website:
by SISIF0YE | May 25, 2024 | Human Capital Development, Skilling, Tech Skills
The story of Nigerian graduates without jobs has become all too familiar. Nigeria’s unemployment rate for highly educated people was 6.718% in 2022 and has been steadily increasing ever then. It is also crucial to remember that a sizable portion of people who are believed to be employed are actually significantly underemployed and nonetheless manage to find fulfilling work. But after fifteen years of assisting businesses and individuals in filling skills shortages, I can state with confidence that deliberate reskilling is the answer—with a vital twist that many people overlook.
Not only is unemployment a major issue, but there is also a growing disconnect between traditional university education and the quickly changing needs of global and indeed Nigeria’s developing digital economy. Employers are clamouring for professionals with emerging technology skills like data science, cloud computing, cyber security, blockchain, augmented reality, data analytics, programming, UI/UX, web development, machine learning, software development, artificial intelligence, and others, even as our universities continue to produce graduates in traditional fields.
A three-pronged strategy is needed to solve the problem, and I’ve seen it change careers time and again. Digital-first skill acquisition comes first. Developing digital skills that meet market demands must be a top priority for graduates. This does not imply that everyone must learn to program. Instead, think about becoming proficient in digital marketing and social media management, project management with agile techniques, user experience design, business analysis with process automation, and data analysis using tools like Python and Excel.
Digital enhancement tailored to a particular industry comes in second. There is a digital counterpart for every traditional field. Graduates in accounting can concentrate on digital accounting systems and financial technologies. Graduates in education might investigate online learning management and educational technology. Graduates in business administration can become experts in digital business transformation and e-commerce.
The third is the use of micro-projects for practical application. Theory is insufficient on its own. Graduates must complete real-world tasks to develop their portfolios. Begin by constructing social media campaigns for nearby companies, making basic websites for community organizations, or working on data visualization projects utilizing publicly available statistics.
Support is necessary for this reskilling revolution, even though individual effort is essential. More training facilities for digital skills must be established by the public and commercial sectors in collaboration with IT firms. They must establish apprenticeship programs in technology-driven industries and finance reskilling initiatives.
Here’s a calculated method for recent graduates who are prepared to act. Start by assessing your present skill set in relation to market demands. Select a major digital talent that complements your experience to begin planning. Combine structured classes with free internet resources to help you concentrate on studying. Next, put your expertise to use by working on real-world initiatives, even if they are initially unpaid. Lastly, network by going to tech events and participating in online professional networks.
This strategy has advantages that go beyond personal employment. We make the workforce more competitive for global markets as more graduates retrain for the digital economy. As a result, there are more chances for digital innovation, entrepreneurship, and job development.
Nigerian jobs of the future is here and digital, thus our graduates need to adjust. The good news is that there are more online learning platforms that provide top-notch instruction at reasonable prices, making it easier than ever to acquire digital skills.
For recent graduates without jobs, keep in mind that your degree is a starting point for developing new, marketable skills, not a destination. Your current job status and graduation year are irrelevant in the digital economy. It is more concerned with what you are willing to learn for the future than with what you can accomplish today.
Now is the moment for strategic reskilling. The talents you’re willing to gain now will determine your share of the digital economy, not the credentials you obtained yesterday. Investing an hour in acquiring a new digital skill will increase your employability in the future.
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