V2P ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2016

SUBMITTED BY:Justice, Development and Peace Commission,Suite 121, Catholic Archdiocesan Secretariat,

P. O. Box 411, Onitsha, Anambra State.08174608607.

To:Christian Aid-Nigeria

Plot 802 EbituUkiwe Street, Behind Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Off Mike Akhigbe Way, Jabi, Abuja, Nigeria

Duration: Five (5) Months

Reporting Period: August 1 – December 31, 2016

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Contents

Contents......................................................................................................................................21. End of project narrative report template.................................................................................2

1.1 Executive summary (2 pages)...........................................................................................21.2 Impact & Achievements...................................................................................................31.3 Collaboration and Networking..........................................................................................31.4 Lessons learnt....................................................................................................................3

1.5 Challenges……………………………………………………………………………….3 1.6 Learning ………………………………………………………………………………...3

1.7 Other issues.......................................................................................................................41.8 Anything else....................................................................................................................4

2. Annexes...................................................................................................................................5Annex 2.1: Case Study............................................................................................................5Annex 2.2: Materials produced...............................................................................................5

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LIST OF ACRONYMS

ABS: Anambra Broadcasting ServiceACRA: Accessibility, Consultation, Responsiveness and AccountabilityAPGA: All Progressive Grand AllianceANHA: Anambra House of AssemblyANSEPIP: Anambra State Education Program Investment ProjectASATU: Association of Anambra State Town UnionASUBEB: Anambra State Universal Basic Education BoardASBA: Anambra State Small Business AgencyATP: Anam Transformative ProjectATS: Advocacy Track SheetBPRS: Budget, Planning, Research and StatisticsBOA: Bank of AgricultureBOI: Bank of IndustryCA: Christian AidCBM: Community Based MonitorCBN: Central Bank of NigeriaCDC: Community Development CommitteeCISCANEN:Civil Society for Cancer Eradication in NigeriaCOMEN: Community Empowerment NetworkCS: Civil SocietyCSO: Civil Society OrganizationCWO: Catholic Women OrganizationFGD: Focal Group DiscussionDSS: Director of State ServiceDSP: Direct Service ProviderGVIG: Girls Voice in GovernanceHLGA: Head Local Government Administration HOD: Head of DepartmentINEC: Independent National Electoral CommissionIGR: Internally Generated RevenueI-WIG: Idikacho Women in GovernanceJDPC: Justice, Development and Peace CommissionKSJI: Knight of St. John InternationalLG: Local GovernmentLGA: Local Government AreaMDAs: Ministry, Departments and AgenciesMeP4D: Media engagement Platform 4 DevelopmentM&E: Monitoring & EvaluationNATPA: NjikoAnambra Tax Payers AssociationNGO: Non-Governmental OrganizationNHRC: National Human Rights CommissionNOA: National Orientation AgencyOCHA: Operation Clean and Healthy AnambraOIC: Officer In Charge

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PDP: Peoples Democratic PartyPWDs: Persons With DisabilitiesPG: PresidentGeneralPHC: Primary Health Care/ CentrePRO: Public Relations OfficerRBA: Rights Based ApproachRLG: Radio Listeners GroupSA: Special AdviserSBMC: School Based Management CommitteeSDG: Sustainable Development GoalsSME: Small and Medium EnterpriseSMEDAN: Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of NigeriaTHM: Town Hall MeetingTR: Traditional RulerTU: Town UnionTUM: Town Union MeetingV2P: Voice to the PeopleWAC: Women Action CommitteeWDC: Ward Development CommitteeWL: Woman Leader

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1.1 Executive summary

The 5 months (August – December) implementation of the V2P extension project has changed people’s poor attitude and behaviour towards demand for good and accountable governance in the new LGAs and has strengthened the skills and increased active citizenship in the old LGAs. The V2P extension was as a result of the achievements recorded in the V2P phase 1 which was characterised by the demonstration of increased skills and knowledge gained on active citizenship and engagement with the relevant authorities by the COMEN, CBM, Girls Parliament, I-WIG and other community influencers. This is evidenced in their active role in the mobilization of the members of the new project sites included in the V2P extension. They (COMEN and CBM) were supported by JDPC Onitsha to carry out issues identification and mentorship in the new communities. The skill and knowledge gained from the capacity building conducted by the JDPC Onitsha for the 5 new communities and 9 wards project sites on RBA, demand charter development, CBM formation and Power, Stakeholders and Gender analysis have led to the formation of CBMs which have increased from84 to 118 CBMs in the new LGAs. The old communities have continuously engaged with their duty bearers and Direct Service Providers (DSPs) on improved service delivery and to maintain good working relationships amongst them.

The women and girls have constantly shown that skills have being gained, capacity built and voice enhanced to participate directly or indirectly in the community development affairs through active participation in the platforms of I-WIG and girls parliament activities respectively. 3 members of girl’s parliament from Akwu-Ukwu, Amiyi and Nzam respectively have demonstrated confidence and courage gained in handling and mediating on community issues. Their ability to peacefully resolve impending dangerous proposed marriage, sensitization of women on the dangers of early marriage at the 2016 August meeting and interfering in a proposed conflict oriented community law made the 3 girls stand out and relevant in their communities and community decision making structures. Also, space has been created for young girls in Ogbunike for the very first time ever to participate in community development activities. This is attributed to the power and gender analysis training conducted by JDPC Onitsha. More than 8 members of the I-WIG have been appointed to leadership position in their different political wards and communities.

JDPC Onitsha supported COMEN/CBM to conduct 25 Town Hall Meetings (THM)/ Interface meetings in the 11 LGAs where community members presented their needs to the duty bearers/ representatives at the LG and state level. The duty bearers committed to share the budget call circular with the community members and also to ensure that their needs are included in the 2017 budget. They also committed to the open door policy meaning that they are always accessible and available to the community members. 20 DSPs meetings were held within the year where the communities and DSPs resolved the pending issues affecting the smooth operation of the community facilities like non patronage to the PHCs.

19 episodes of Live Radio programme have been aired through JDPC Onitsha with the number of callersincreased from 106 to 184 within the year. It was during one of the live radio programme of JDPC Onitsha that issues around community project monitoring activities were discussed with Ministry of Health representatives which made the Commissioner for Health,

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Dr.JosephatAkabuike, to invite JDPC Onitsha to his “re-stratification of Hospitals” project in Anambrastate. After the exercise, the Hon. Commissioner said “you people [referring to JDPC] are putting us [referring to Government] on our toes; I know you are happy with the result of the hospital monitoring; you are urging us to do more.’’

COMEN mentorship and Experience sharing in the 3 new LGAs have highlighted the importance of institutionalizing CBM and COMEN for effective community engagement and advocacy and it has led to the Onitsha South COMEN been registered as a legal body to participate fully in engaging with the duty bearers. Also, COMEN Ihiala registered to be in the Network of Association of NGO and CiSCANEN in order to sustain and access any plan meant for the association and the COMEN are making necessary plans to come under one umbrella called State COMEN to intensify their engagements with the duty bearers at the state level.

V2P partner, Christian Aid (CA) has strengthened the capacity of JDPC Onitsha on proper filing, documentation and standard M & E system, effective communication using social media, reporting and importance of mainstreaming gender in all programming through the CA monitoring/ supportive visit and workshop on power and gender analysis,communication and report writing

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1.2 Impact & Achievements

Output 1: Increased skills, information and confidence gained by marginalised groups, communities and civil society to enable them to demand their rights

Output 1: Building active citizens: Communities are supported to engage with local AuthoritiesThe ability of the members of the Community Empowerment Network/ Community Based Monitors (COMEN/ CBM) of the old V2P project sites to mentor the new project sites; 5 communities (Umunya, Ogbunike, Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Nteje and Awkuzu) and 9 wards (Woliwo, Fegge, Bridge Head, Odoakpu, Trans Nkisi, Omagba, Inland Town, GRA and Water side) on community engagement processes, Advocacy, gender and power analysis Rights Based Approach (RBA), policy analysis, mentorship, development of demand charters and how they can be used to engage with relevant authorities, Budget analysis, Project monitoring and reporting with support from JDPC Onitsha have demonstrated COMEN/ CBM increased knowledge, skills and capacity on community development processes and active citizenship in engagement with duty bearers.

Activity 1.1: Strengthen and build capacity:JDPC Onitsha strengthened the capacity of 65 (42 Male and 23 Female) COMEN/ CBM through a de-briefing session where the scope of V2P extension, the JDPC Onitsha V2P implementation plan and issues identification procedures were discussed extensively in preparation for the V2P extension activities. After which they were deployed to the new project sites for the implementation of the activities.

With the capacity strengthened, JDPC supported the COMEN/ CBM for community entry/ introduction of V2P extension in the new project sites. 28 stakeholders (26 Male and 2 Female) were reached including 3 councillors, 3 PGs and 2 WDC chairmen. The stakeholders made commitments to provide the necessary support JDPC Onitsha might require in the course of the project implementation.

In fulfilment of the commitments made by the stake holders during the community entry, they (the stakeholders)supported the issue identification process by mobilizing the targeted community members and providing a venue for the activity (issue identification). COMEN/ CBM with support from JDPC Onitsha employed Focal Group Discussion (FGDs) approach for the issue identification(Annex 1: issue identification meeting). Thus JDPC Onitsha was able to collate the issues identified by different communities which informed the areas of capacity building for the new communities and how to engage with the relevant authorities. (Annex 2: Identified issues in new project sites (attached as a different excel document)).

With the issues being identified, JDPC Onitsha analysed the areas of capacity building for the new LGAs (Onitsha North, Onitsha South and Oyi) on Charters of demand and policy analysis, Rights Based Approach and Social Audit, Power and Gender Analysis and Formation of CBM. Thus the capacity building was conducted with 109 persons (68 Adult Male, 35 Adult Female, 2 Youth Male and 4 Youth Female) in attendance. This capacity building was aimed at them (the

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participants) to know and claim their rights and to also have the knowledge of how to engage 1with the relevant authorities on their prioritized needs. From the analysis of the pre and post tests conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the workshop, it was discovered that there was a 95% increase in knowledge of the participants on the 4 presentations made on the workshop (Annex 3: Pre and Post test questions). The participants made 3 commitments: 1To step down the training to other members of their communities, 2To form CBMs in their wards/ communities, and 3to develop their charters of demand. So far, the step down training has been conducted in all the project sites (Annex 4: step down training). The number of CBMs have increased from 84 to 118 in 5 communities (Awkuzu, Umunya, Ogbunike, Nkwelle-Ezunaka and Nteje) and 5 wards (Fegge, Bridge Head, Woliwo, Odoakpu and Inland Town) with 72 Adult Male, 40 Adult Female, 2 Youth Male and 4 Youth Female as members. It is worthy of note that Ogbunike community, before the V2P intervention, do not regard young girls as members of the community youths, but after the capacity building workshop/sensitization, the participants during their step down training reported to their TU on the events of the workshop and the need for young girls to be involved in the community development activities. As a result, 2 female youths were included as part of the community’s CBM which is the first step in enhancing girls’ voice in the community decision making process. As at the time of compiling this report, the TU kept to their commitment of including more girls to CBM and included 2 more girls making it a total of 4 young girls as CBM in Ogbunike community.

On demonstrating active citizenship by the old CBMs, the CBMs in old communities have been steadfast in monitoring and reporting on community projects to the appropriate authorities. In Umueri community, a new PG emerged on December 31, 2015. The CBMs visited and updated him on V2P activities. He was pleased and promised all necessary support to the CBMs. Keeping his promise, the TU inaugurated 18 other CBMs (13 Male and 5 Female) including 5 TU members during the monthly TU meeting held on July 2016 to always report to the TU of any events or on-going project in the community. During the July 2016 monitoring activities in Umueri community, the CBMs monitored and reported to their TU that the Umueri General hospital had only one doctor and no other hospital personnel. The TU supported the CBMs to write to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Awka, Dr.OkechukwuChukwuka stating the situation at the hospital to him. Within two weeks, 2 Medical officers and 12 other health workers including medical laboratory attendants, security personnel, clerical officers and cleaners were sent to the General Hospital. This has increased the number of patronage to the PHC as documented by the Officer in Charge (OIC). Before then, the hospital environment was very bushy with poor drainage system because the culvert was blocked giving rise to malaria outbreak and dangerous crawling animals. The Umuadas1in Umueri community came together and cleared the bushes and also removed the blockage in the culvert allowing easy flow of water and a healthy environment.

The CBMs also traced erosion to St. Raphael hospital which was as a result of blocked culvert. They themselves cleared the culvert and discovered that the erosion has ceased and the water is flowing freely and by so doing, a very big prospective erosion site was curtailed.1Umuadas – indigenous community daughters that are organized and recognized as a community structure and contributes to most community decisions that affect women and also participate in community activities like market management, settlement of dispute amongst women and giving voice for the community women. They undertake sanitary/ environmental activities in the community.

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They also reported that the abandoned Shell-Idabor-Edmund Eriking-St. Gabriel –Market link road that was in their charter of demand for so long was awarded last year and has been completed in May 2016. This made it easier for the community women to convey their goods to the market.

In Umuoba-Anam community, the CBMs during their Primary Health Care (PHC) monitoring observed that the community members do not patronise the PHC because of ignorance of the benefit of the PHC. They reported to the TU and they organised a Direct Service Providers (DSP) interface where the report was confirmed. They carried out community sensitization on the benefits of patronizing the PHCs and since then, there has been an increase in the number of persons patronizing the PHC as recorded in the PHC data form.

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Activity 1.2: Set up innovative approaches:

JDPC Onitsha, most often, reviewed its existing approaches and strategies towards realization of expected results. Existing approaches are still in use while new ones are developed for effectiveness and result based activity implementation. The innovations include:

The FGD approach to Issue identification/ template. The template was designed to gather all the issues as it affect each community using the FGD approach. The essence of the FGD for issue identification was to identify the community issues as it affects each community groups (men, women, boys and girls). Then the most occurrence issue will be picked as the community issue and the basis for the charter development and further engagement with the appropriate authority.

The Radio Listeners Group (RLG) formed across communities to improve access to information among communities and citizens are recording successes since the group are now well informed through radio listening to take up on any issues identified in their community to the relevant authority for redress. They also key into other radio station programmes that has fixed time for discussion around community development and related topics.

The CBMs have learnt the culture of wearing the CBM apron to any monitoring activities being embarked on or any other engagements in the community for easy identification.

JDPC Onitsha has developed a template to monitor the 20 million Naira select your community project and the World Bank grant to primary and secondary schools. Plans have been made to share the report of the findings with appropriate authority. (Annex 5: SBMCmonitoring template)

The quality of V2P project activities reportage in the media and its impact in the state as well as strategic advocacy by the JDPC Onitsha impressed the Anambra State Broadcasting Service Television [ABS Tv]. As a result, the broadcasting station often invites V2P project team to participate and share their lessons in their live phone-in programmes at no cost attached. In the month of November, 2016, the Head of the television station at Onitsha paid a courtesy visit to JDPC Onitsha office requesting for partnership on youth empowerment programme with their station for which the proposal is on-going.

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Activity 1.3: Build linkages and networks:Through the support and sensitization by JDPC Onitsha on the importance of sustainability plans, the COMEN in Ihiala LGA demonstrated active citizenship by accessing existing linkages and Networks and registered to become members of the Association of Non-Governmental Organization in Anambra State and Civil Society for Cancer Eradication in Nigeria (CiSCANEN). This is to enable them access loan and projects mapped out for members of such organizations. Still on the sustainability plan, the COMEN of the 12 existing LGAs (Anambra East, Anambra West, Ayamelum, Ogbaru, Ihiala, Idemili North, Idemili South, Dunukofia, Ekwusigo, Orumba North, Awka South and Nnewi North) have built a Network of all the 12 COMEN at the State level, called State COMEN. This is to make them be recognised at the Local and State level as an effective legal body that can engage the Government at all levels. So far, State COMEN are in the process of developing a constitution to enable them register as an NGO.

Also, JDPC Onitsha has built linkages and networks with marginalised 32 old communities, 5 new communities and 9 new wards, various community groups with COMEN, Media and other civil society organisations, relevant authorities and Ministries through networks and alliances; strengthen CS networks and alliances to enable them to increase pressure on leaders/duty bearers. :

JDPC supported new COMEN to strengthen its institution by providing organizational/institution strengthening trainings, created space for COMEN participation in advocacy activities. 1 COMEN (New) Network was supported to procure registration with Social Welfare Department and obtain a certificate(Annex 6: Onitsha South COMEN certificate). The new COMEN now have legal status to carryout advocacy activities and demand account from the duty bearers.

Partnership built with 7 Media houses (Radio Sapientia, ABS, Trinitas, Christian Outlook, National Light, Orient daily and NTA) to produce and report community issues as news line items and give visibility to V2P project.

JDPC Onitsha built linkage with new community members, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and Department of State Security (DSS) to log-in any form of human abuses during the Radio Listeners Group (RLG) evaluation meeting held with representatives from NHRC and DSS.

JDPC Onitsha has extended its linkage to the new LGAs Direct Service Providers (DSPs). This created a forum for the DSPs to share their reports and challenges with the community members who in turn shared their own. This led to a new working relationship between the two stakeholders- service providers and service beneficiaries.

JDPC Onitsha has keyed into the Anambra State Government stimulus package on tax relief and loans to Small and Medium Enterprise (SMEs). To that effect, keke drivers and market groups have been linked with relevant MDAs to address the issue of the tax relief. Anambra State Small Business Agency (ASBA) has been linked with the SMEs to access the loan stipulated by the Government. As at the time of this report, 10 cooperatives from SMEs have completed the necessary requirements for the loan and are waiting to be called upon for the loan.

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Output 2: Enhance Voice: Voice and representation of women and other socially excluded groups are enhanced

JDPC Onitsha has continuously supported women and adolescent girls’ participation and representation in community decision making structures through establishment of new I-WIG, strengthening Girls parliament, mentoring and supportive visit, zonal forum with women to show case lessons learned and mobilization of young girls for social action.

Activity 2.1: Gender sensitive programming: Gender-sensitive programming is gender consciousness in activity design, participation and implementation. JDPC Onitsha has always ensured this in her programme strategies and has continuously sensitized community members on the need to have women and girls participate in community activities. Also JDPC Onitsha has a defined Gender focal person that handles gender affairs and each of the staff ensures that each activity carried out has equal representation and participation of gender groups in attendance.

Activity 2.2: Set up safe spaces:JDPC Onitsha has continuously mobilized young girls for social action using the “Girls Parliament” a WhatsApp group and the Girls Voice in Governance (G-VIG) Facebook page as safe spaces for young girls to discuss issues affecting them. On the commemoration of the “International day of the girl child” which was on the October 11, 2016, JDPC Onitsha held a meeting with the Girls parliament where 5 (Cultural, Political/ Leadership, Gender Based Violence, Self Development and Parental orientation/ influence) campaign issues were identified, the theme of the campaign was unanimously tagged “the power to say no”, that is the power to say no to all forms against the girl child. 4 members of the parliament were nominated as the campaign leaders. Educative posters (Annex 7: campaign posters) were developed for the campaign and it was scheduled to run weekly on social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Instagram(Annex 8: Social media campaign schedule) posters. JDPC Onitsha wrote a short script on “the power to say no” that was acted by the members of the girls parliament and will be compressed into a web video for the campaign. The video is targeted to address the campaign issues and encourage all persons to support the girl child and resolve to stop all the factors affecting the girl child development.

Also in Ogbunike community, one of the new project site, before the V2P intervention, do not regard young girls as members of the community youths but after the capacity building workshop, the participants during their step down training reported to their TU on the events of the workshop and the need for young girls to be involved in community development activities, the TU created a space for young girls by including 2 young girls as part of the community’s CBM which is the first step in enhancing girls voice in the community decision making, the TU also made commitment to include more girls to the CBM membership as time goes on.

JDPC Onitsha supported the existing Idikacho Women in Governance (I-WIG) to establish I-WIG in the 3 new LGAs. I-WIG platform has strengthened the community women in terms of political participation and created awareness for women active participation in public affairs. To sustain that, the women had already mapped out 4 sustainability plans:1engaging community influencers for sponsorship, 2personal financial contribution for prepared engagement,

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3passionate and committed to the I-WIG agenda and 4action plan for weekly or monthly contribution at the exit of V2P.

Activity 2.3: Leadership:JDPC Onitsha has been collaborating with Women Action Committee (WAC) to strengthen and encourage the I-WIG platform to work as a strong team and ensure that members receive required support to participate in leadership positions.The support provided to the Women in Governance and girls’ parliament on understanding leadership and elections has deepened their knowledge on democratic election and confidence to aspire for leadership positions and make positive impact and create relevance for themselves in their communities.

3 members of the girl’s parliament have demonstrated skills in local engagement and informal leadership roles and lobbying. Elizabeth Ogwu from Nzam community became Asst. Chairperson of Nzam youth. She said “in Nzam we lack the basic amenities because we are located far off so I do report to the PG, Woman Leader (WL) and the authorities whatever happens at the girls parliament and that made me stand out as an outspoken person which happened because of my Girl’s parliament participation where I gained confidence and courage to speak out. Again, there was a law that was supposed to be passed in my community that girls shouldn’t wear trousers but I intervened that wearing of trousers is a parental decision not a community decision and because of the influence and power I wield in the community now, I was part of the meeting where the proposed law was suspended.”

ChinenyeObunadike from Akwu-Ukwu community reported that she met with the leadership of the August women meeting in her community and proposed to be allowed to make a presentation on the dangers of early marriage during the 2016 August meeting. The topic “dangers of early marriage” was the topic of girl’s parliament campaign in 2015. She made the presentation and that act increased her relevance, courage and confidence in the community.

Maureen Afubera from Amiyi community said “I love the person I have become due to my active involvement in the girls’ parliament activities”. She meticulously interceded, handled, and supported the dissolution of an intended forced marriage at the 2016 August meeting at Amiyi. She reported that a friend of hers (Amaka) was betrothed to marry a man from their village. Along the line, the man grew wild and became irritable to the extent that Amaka couldn’t condone him. She (Amaka) refused to go on with the marriage as earlier proposed by both families and pleaded with her family to dissolve the engagement but all her pleas fell on deaf ears. When Maureen got wind of the situation, she immediately went to the venue of the August meeting and pleaded to be allowed to make a complaint since they are the group that handle such matters. She presented the case before the women. Both families were summoned to the meeting and the case discussed and resolved there and then. Thus the engagement was dissolved. She was so happy that she could make such a change and impact in people’s life and attributed it to V2P.

Also, 13 women have testified to the benefit, skills and capacity gained since participation in I-WIG activities. They have this to say: Because of active participation in the community through skills from I-WIG on political sensitization and participation, I was appointed a Woman leader- Mrs.BenedetteEzike from Orsumoghu.Hon. Mrs Ethel Atulokwu from Umuoji appreciated the spirit of I-WIG. She said she shunned her mother-in-law and co-wives advise and become pro-active in community activities. This

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made her relevant in the community and the TR nominated her as a member of the committee set up to entertain the Governor’s wife during her visit to the community. Felicia Ginigeme from Umunnachi has become a household name in her community because of her participation in the community issues. She said “I received a phone call to be my Ward APGA PRO and I asked how come and they said that they have seen my commitment to the development of this community. So please do this for us and I accepted . Thanks to V2P, COMEN and I-WIG. Udenze Juliana, Umuewelum-Anam, said she is now agent of change because of her active involvement in community issues. I participate in every community meeting whether invited or not and I must make sure I contributed in the meeting. That was what I learnt from this I-WIG ooo. She is now revered in her village and presently her community woman leader. Thanks to I-WIGAngela Ejike, from Omor said she attended an I-WIG programme uninvited and picked interest and since then she has been participating actively in political structures. She is currently the parish president CWO, PDP LG woman leader from 2014 till dateRegina Ucheebo from UmuroroAnam, said “Anam Transformation Project (ATP) do approach me to be a member but I couldn’t join because of shyness and lack of courage but participating in I-WIG made me to have confidence, strong willed and courage to join ATP and since then I have been waxing stronger. Since then we have been going from house to house sensitization on the dangers of early marriage. Currently I am the PDP woman leader in Anambra West L.G.A. I-WIG is an eye opener.Through I-WIG participation, IfeomaOjiadi became PDP ward leader in Anaku, Lady Rose Onuchukwu, Sec. KSJI Ihialafamantry, President Ihiala Progress Union, women wing. AugustinaAnyichie from Ojoto appointed Assistant. PG, women wing, APGA and I-WIG Ward woman leader.Ifeanyi Mercy Ogochukwu from Ossomala has become a reference point in the community because of the I-WIG. She now has the passion to involve more women in the I-WIGPhinaNnake from Umueri said I-WIG has spread across Anambra State. They visited AmanseaTR on gender issues (the need to involve and empower community women to achieve inclusive and participatory community governance) after which the TR begged them to inaugurate I-WIG in the community and they are making plans to do that. A widow that has all her husband properties taken away from her was rescued and has everything returned to her through I-WIG appeal to the PG and TR through lobbying and negotiationAzukaOtubelu from Ezinifite said she used to be an iron lady, no discipline and comportment but due to her participation in I-WIG she has become comported, humble and disciplined woman that she is now in a school to become a pastor and preacher for women empowerment. AugustinaMbanefo from Amiyi, used to feel shy but became outspoken and now the APGA Ward Assistant woman leader. All thanks to I-WIG. Hon. Rita Nwankwo from Onitsha South, a new member expressed happiness and gratitude in being a member of the I-WIG and committed to share her own story too. Hon. Mrs.EbeleNzeakor from Ogbunike, PDP Chairmanship contestant under Oyi LGA and State woman leader OhanezeNdi Igbo urged the women to support her during the election..

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Output 3: Fostering Institutionalized State-Citizen action

Activity 3.1:Address capability gaps: The support provided by JDPC Onitsha to the local government officials has made them easily accessible by the community members on any issue of concern. An Advocacy brief (Annex 9: Advocacy brief) and Advocacy Track Sheet (Annex 10: Advocacy Track Sheet (ATS) were developed to commend the LG officials for work well done and track the commitments made by them during the Advocacy visits to the 11 LGAs (Anambra East, Anambra West, Idemili North, Idemili South, Ayamelum, Dunukofia, Ogbaru, Ihiala and Onitsha North, Oyi and Onitsha South)) on community participation in 2017 fiscal planning. Information and awareness programme was carried out across the 3 new LGAs to promote knowledge of participatory and accountable governance among the HLGAs. CBM and COMEN were supported to hold interface/engagement meetings with HLGAs where official demand was made for inclusion in government programmes and activities.

The roles of the elected representative were shared by the constituents during constituency briefing organized in the 3 new LGAs. 14 new communities/ wards presented their charter of demand. The 2 elected representatives made commitments as follows: Hon. Beverly Nkemdiche (Onitsha South I) – to place its focus on regular waste disposal around the constituency; to foster THM’s with community stakeholders as at when due and to work closely with CBM’s. Hon. Patrick Aniunoh (Onitsha South II) - to foster a renewed relationship between constituents and representatives including looking into and passing across the community Demand Charters to the Executive.to set up functional constituency offices where complaints and opinion will be collated for follow up. Emphases were made on (ACRA) Accessibility, Consultation, Responsiveness and Accountability as the global bench mark for quality representation.

Activity 3.2: Institutionalise interaction:COMEN with support of JDPC Onitsha advocated for the inclusion of communities in the 2017 budget process with the LGA officials during “Support community participation in 2017 fiscal planning and execution at both LG and State levels-planning meeting with Council Chairmen to demand for budget plan in 11 LGAs”. The activity had 165 (87 Male and 78 Female) participants including 7 HLGAs, 17 HODs and 5 Information Officers. All the LGAs were reached and commitments made to involve community members in their needs inclusion in the budget and engage them for community driven projects. ATS was used to record the outcome of the visits.

25 THM/ interface meeting were conducted within the year, which provided a platform for communities to present their demand charters (Annex 11: community members presenting their needs for inclusion)which led the HLGAs to make commitments to always be accessible to the community members and to ensure that their needs are included in the budget. The HOD planning Anambra East committed to invite the community members during the budget call circular. In Anambra West, the HLGA directed the HOD planning to always invite JDPC Onitsha/ COMEN members to their planning meetings in response to the advocacy brief request on sustainability. 121 (69 Adult Male, 46 Adult Female, 2 Youth Male and 4 Youth Female)

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persons including 3 HLGAs, 12 HODs, 11 LG Officials were in attendance in3 LGAs (Ayamelum, Anambra East and Anambra West).

Communities have demonstrated skill, knowledge and relationship strengthening between them and their DSPs. 20 communities/ wards (Umueri, Umuoba-Anam, Umueje, Nteje, Ukwulu, Akwu-Ukwu, Oroma- Etiti,Nawgu, Omor, UmuezeAnam, Anaku, Umuoji, Ossomala, UmumboAkiliOgidi, Ogbunike, Woliwo, Fegge, Odoakpu and Bridge Head) conducted DSP meeting. During Nteje DSP meeting, it was reported that APL ANPAUL TRADING COMPANY’s Goods delivery long trucks obstruct free flow of traffic in the community by the Site Engr handling the construction of the Nteje Civic Centre under the 20 million select your community project fund. Nteje community resolved to engage the Ministry of transport, road safety and Governor’s office to submit a formal complaint through letter on the blockage of the main road in Nteje. 3 issues (1lack of medical equipment at the newly constructed Health post and the location problem (very noisy, 2the OIC alleged mismanagement of PHC facilities and 3the school security issues), raised at Ukwulu community was immediately \addressed by the community leaders on these 3 commitments (1the TU representative to report the issue of relocation of the PHC to a more conduisive place at the ongoing Community Civic Centre when completed by January 2017at the upcomingUkwulu TU general meeting in December, 2 the Assistant OIC at the PHC to personally mediate between the community leaders and the OIC to resolve the mismanagement issues meanwhile the mismanagement of PHC facilities led to the low patronage of the PHC by the community members which made the TU to quickly completed and commissioned the community health post to serve as analternative health facility pending when all issues with the OIC are resolved, 3 the TU reps requested that the School Principal should make a formal request in writing through the Assistant principal who is the secretary to the TU,to enable the TU take up the school security issues with ASUBEB.

The OIC at the Akwu-ukwu PHC reported regular monitoring visit by CBMs and other community leaders to the PHC for updates from the OIC and patients, and increased partronage by community members following the application of experience gained on one-one engagement with commuinty members on regular health checks during the last V2P supported DSP community interface in 2015, but they resolved to meet again to document Service Input Gaps to enable the community stakeholders directly engage relevant MDAs for possible solutions.(Annex 12: DSP engagement Session)

In Akili-Ogidi community, the community, through the TU donated an accomodation to house the Community Health Centre. This is as a result of the V2P supported Community-DSP interface meeting held in August, 2015 where the nurses complianed about accomodation problem following the destruction of the health centre by 2011 flood in Nigeria. In addition, the TU and CBMs jointly engaged the Health Minstry to provide other essential equipment to the PHC to compliment community’s efforts and the government responded by providing Solar Panel for alternative power source, Solar Refrigerator and posted additional 2 nurses to the PHC.(Annex 13: Akili-Ogidi PHC Solar Panel)

Health workers raised the issue of non-patronage of the PHC at Umuoba-Anam and Umueje communities and lack of Health personnel at Umueri General Hospital. Umuoba-Anam and

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Umueje communities employed the same method of engagement to discuss issues centred on the benefits of patronizing the PHC to the entire community. This led to gradual increase in the number of persons patronizing the PHC while Umueri community with the TU support wrote to the Commissioner of Health requesting for a doctor and a nurse. Subsequently, 12 personnel were sent to the GH. This dialogue platform initiated by V2P to discuss service standard at the local level, has been reported as an effective strategy for engagement between the service providers and service beneficiaries.

A total number of 20 DSP engagement sessions were held in 20 communities with 308 (110 Male and 198 Female) persons in attendance including 36 Direct Service Providers participated (6 teachers, 5 female community health workers, 1 male Civil construction Engr, 1 Head Master, 1 Vice Principal, 7 OICs, 10 Nurses, 2 Mid wives, 1 SBMC member and 2 community security committee) and 29 community leaders/ stakeholders ( 1 pastor, 4 member of Ward Development Committee (WDC), 3 PGs, 2 TRs, 7 TU secretaries, 2 CDC members, 2 COMEN Chairmen, 1 youth chairman, 1 woman leader and 6 nursing mothers)

JDPC Onitsha has created space for interaction between the SMEs and the Anambra State Government through the ASBA on how to access the loan meant for the SMEs. During the sensitization platform created between the SMEs and the ASBA chairman and representatives from BOI, BOA and CBN, discussed the modalities for accessing the loan and the SMEs were encouraged to form cooperatives and go for the loan. 10 cooperatives have been formed and are going through the processing of accessing the loan. Also, a capacity building was conducted for the SMEs on managing the loan from SMEDAN facilitators with 94 (56 Male and 38 Female) persons in attendance. The workshop increased the participants understanding on business and loan management and thus was eager to get the loan and put into practise what was learnt. The SMEDAN South East coordinator made commitment to follow-up on the training for more skills in business management that will last for three days if JDPC has fund for such activity because there was not enough time to train the participants on all the six modules of his presentation, he only used the introductory session. He emphasised that business management skill is more important than access to fund. It is the skill that will make you innovative, creative and even manage the fund effectively.

Also, JDPC Onitsha mobilized 43 (23 Adult Male, 10 Adult Female, 3 Youth Male and 7 Youth Female) member I am a Radiolisteners group (RLG) including representatives from DSS and NHRC to evaluate the impact of the RLG since 2015. Human rights abuses and institutional inadequacies were shared during the programme. 20 issues from V2P & Non-V2P communities raised (3 cases reported by participants from (Umumbo on rampant abuse of Women/Girls’ rights by Masquerade received immediate attention/linkage aimed at resolution by DSS; Umueri: police negligence to duty was detailed by NHRC for action; Ezi-owelle on use of untrained personnel to staff Health Centres was scheduled to be reported to the Commissioner for Health for inclusion on his on-going JDPC/V2P inspired hospital re-stratification exercise). Other cases were presented to the agencies present and media for collective action towards resolution. Aforji Radio Listeners group (RLG), Oba extended their listening to ‘’Nzuko-Ezinuno’’ a family oriented program by Blaze FM and have helped re-unite a maltreated child in Oba with his family at Umunze. The child was spotted hawking during school period. He was approached and questioned and he explained that he has never being in school and he has scars from flogging all

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over his body. “Thanks to the Human rights programme we listened to at V2P hour at Radio Sapientia” said the leader of the group, Mrs. Helen Okwuchukwu, so we took the case up and reported to the PG. the boy’s caregiver was confronted and she denied all the accusations. So the boy explained where he came from and the Aforji RLG searched for his home at Umunya and reconciled him with his family. The same case happened at Ituegwu-Chukwu group, Anaku who also identified a case of child abuse and reconciled ward with familyUkwu-ube RLG, Anaku got information on tax reduction from the JDPC/V2P radio program and have since then been reporting issues of illegal taxation to the phone numbers providedChijioke Shop RLG from Amiyi after listening to the JDPC/V2P program, identified and reported the nonchalant attitude of the nurse at the PHC to the PG, which led to her summon and cautioned and since then has changed her attitude for better. RLG members were provided with IEC materials/Contacts of agencies present for easy access and networking.Media personnel committed and promised free reportage if it bothers on Human Rights violation/Infrastructural inadequacies

JDPC Onitsha supported COMEN/CBM to monitor the use of 2015 School Based Management Committee (SBMCs) Quality Grant to Public Schools in Anambra State by the World Bank and 20Million Naira select your project community fund using a developed template. (Refer to Annex 5: SBMC monitoring template). 2 Advocacy teams were formed to engage relevant authorities with their findings. Advocacy team A (66 persons (39 Male and 27 Female)) - (School Based Management Committee (SBMC)) will engage Ministries of Education, Information and Anambra State Education Program Investment Project (ANSEPIP) office with their findings and report from the monitoring conducted while Advocacy Team B (78 persons (48 Male and 30 Female)) - (20 Million Naira community grant) will engage Ministry of Local Government affairs with their findings and report from the monitoring conducted. So far 19 head teachers (Those that permited inclusion of their names in the reporting template) reached in 76 schools across 33 communities in 11 LGs, 53 SBMCs reached in 76 schools across 33 communities in 11 LGs, 76 Schools visited in 33 communities across 11 LGs (No of Primary Sch = 55, No of Secondary School=21).(Annex 14: SBMC and 20 Million Naira monitoring collated report, Phase 1&2 (attached as a separate excel document))

JDPC Onitsha conducted monitoring activities in10 communities (Odoapku, Fegge, Woliwo, Bridge Head, Ihiala, Isseke,Mbosi, Ossomala, Amiyi, Ogbunike and Ukwulu) in 4 local governments in Onitsha South, Ihiala, Ogabru,Oyi and Dunukofia LGs) to ascertain the level of interaction amongst the community members and the CBMs in Service provision across 6 sectors as reviewed using M&E monitoring sheet(Annex 15: completed M&E monitoring sheet) and review CBMs report. During the monitoring, 4 ongoing Project facilities visited in 4 communities (Ossomala (PHC Ossomala undergoing renovation by Hon. SomtooUdeze, the Honourable member representing Ogbaru 1 constituency in the ANHA. Fulfillment of commitment made during 2015 constituency briefing held at Ogbaru LG))(Annex 16: Ossomala PHC under renovation), Amiyi (road construction)(Annex 17: Amiyi road construction), Isseke(construction of civic centre(Annex 18: Isseke civic centre under construction)) and Ukwulu (civic center construction with the 20 Million Naira select your community project grant and the lead CBM examining the building documents given to him by the contractor on

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request)(Annex 19: Ukwulu civic centre under construction and the lead CBM examining the building documents))

The use of media to intensify engagement has always yielded expected results. Just as the case of the over 20 years abandoned Ossomala – Obeagwe – AkiliOgidi – OgwuIkpele road which is now under construction as a result of the peaceful protest conducted with members of Ogbaru COMEN with support from JDPC Onitsha and the media in June 2015 (Annex 20: Ossomala – Obeagwe – AkiliOgidi – OgwuIkpele road under construction). Most responses as reflected in the M&E sheets were provided from the already compiled CBMs monitoring reports files across sectors; this clearly demonstrates an improvement in CBMs documentaion of monitoring of reports in 10 communities visited and created space for interactions with duty bearers.81 CBMs (49 Males and 32 Females) were reached during the monitoring exercises.

Activity 3.3: Political engagement and elections:

JDPC Onitsha has indirectly disseminated the key voter information such as details of INEC voter registration plan and collection of permanent voter’s card to the targeted communities in preparation for the upcoming election.

Output 4: Adaptive LearningActivity 4.1: Learn and Share: 5 platforms have been created by CA to share learning and experiences amongst V2P partners. The following were the platforms: CA V2P Anambra partners meeting attended by 6 V2P partner organizations), 2 trainings on (Power and Gender Analysis (attended by 18 partner organizations) and Communication and report writing (attended by 13 partner organizations)) and 1 Start-up workshop (attended by 15 partner organizations). The platforms facilitated increased understanding of the V2P extension programmes, areas of partnership amongst partners, adaptive learning and experiences and knowledge and application of power and gender analysis in community development issues and engagement and mainstreaming gender in every programming to ensure equal representation and participation of different community groups especially women, girls and PWDs. It also presented the opportunities to meet with other partners and created the knowledge on update on partners’ activities and way forward, increased knowledge on the development of the Activity Profile, monthly and quarterly reporting, stories gathering reporting and the importance of communication and use of social media in all our programming. JDPC Onitsha sent one V2P staff as requested by CA to mentor new V2P partners at Enugu State and Kaduna State respectively on meaningful community engagement/ strategy and community engagement tools (active participation).

CA’s monitoring and supportive visit to JDPC Onitsha has increased the organisations understanding of the importance of filing, documentation and improved knowledge on working with standard M&E system.The skill developed at the last training on communication and report writing has improved the quality of JDPC Onitsha communication and reporting. The lessons learnt were further used and shared with COMEN and CBMs as a way of enhancing their skills in reporting and communicating with their stakeholders.

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19 episodes of Live Radio programme have been aired within the year with 184 callers that contributed and participated actively by raising issues, comments and questions around the topics of discussion. The topics discussed were; Youth involvement in development, Creating enabling environment for development, Raising issues around community development and issues that affect development on area of education and Health, Role of church in eradicating poverty, issue raising – community needs, community action in eradicating poverty, Citizens action towards development, New government policy on taxation and exploitation of students by lecturers at higher institution, Role of the church in promoting education, Dangers of early marriage, Promoting Girl Child education and elimination of Violence against women, Raising issues on health, building sustainable relationship between representatives and constituents, Road safety tips and monitoring the 20 Million Naira choose your community project grant.

JDPC Onitsha Radio programme once again proved to be a key advocacy tool and public awareness/sensitization platform because the re-stratification programme of hospitals by the Commissioner of Health was as a result of the live radio program where CBMs discussed & shared issues around hospital monitoring with the Ministry of Health representatives. The outcome of the programme was that the Commissioner for Health, Dr.JosephatAkabuike, intensified engagement with JDPC Onitsha and proposed that JDPC Onitsha and COMEN participate in his “re-stratification of Hospitals” project in Anambra State. Following up on the Commissioners commitment, JDPC Onitsha was invited to participate in the “re-stratification of Hospitals” with the Commissioner for Health, Director of Medical Services, Dr. A. C. Nweje and 4 (NTA, ABS and other 2 print media) media houses which took place on November 4, 2016. 4 (Madam Denco Hospital Ugwuagba, Obosi, Our Lords hospital, Awada, Gods victory hospital and maternity and Angels of God Hospital) illegal health facilities operated by quacks in a most unwholesome environment were sealed. The Commissioner expressed gratitude to JDPC Onitsha and said “JDPC is helping to keep us on our toes to do what we are supposed to do. I urge them not to relent but to continue being the voice to awaken us to our responsibility” . He commended JDPC Onitsha for following him up on the re-stratification project commitment. The re-stratification will still be carried out in all parts of the state, he said (Annex 21: re-stratification pictures)

Alongside this, a live programme on the review of Government’s new policy on taxation raised a lot of issues which led to the SA to the Governor on Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) be invited to the radio programme to address the issue. Surprisingly, the APGA chairman, Anambra north Senatorial Zone, phoned in on the programme and made commitment to invite the SA to the programme. The APGA chairman and the SA got in touch with the organization and further went to air – using same station and the morning programme for wider reach – to address the issues and concerns raised during the tax radio programme.

JDPC Onitsha went further to ascertain the effectiveness of the tax relief policy as was raised in the radio programme by mobilizing 51 (33 Male and 18 Female) trade unions, keke and okada riders, market women, NATPA, Onitsha, Awka and Nnewi Chambers of Commerce, Mines, Industry and Agriculture and Media to take up any other issues identified on taxation. During the programme, the participants said that nothing has changed on illegal tax collection and that the government pronouncement on that does not hold any meaning for the illegal tax collectors in the field. To that effect, a communiqué (Annex 22: Communiqué on tax)was developed and

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advocacy visit planned to identified 9 MDAs (Ministry of Information, Finance, Transport, Budget and Planning, Trade and commerce, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Finance, Governor’s office and Chairman, House committee on IGR) to present the findings as stipulated in the communiqué. On the advocacy visit, one of the keke drivers that was part of the advocacy team was given the opportunity to present the Communiqué (Annex 23: A keke driver reading out the tax communiqué to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information) after which 4 observations were made (1Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA) brigade has been assigned to monitor the implementation of the tax relief policy but are not yet functional because the Anambra House of Assembly (ANHA) is yet to approve the bill that will give them (OCHA brigade) a legal backing, 2Government has banned all forms of emblem including the Governor’s flag, 3The government has plan to bring all the tricycle riders under one umbrella and 4Keke drivers should only pay N200 as tax and then their union fee. Meanwhile, the tax payers were linked to the proposed Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA) brigade for complaint on intimidation and any other issues with illegal tax collectors pending when the ANHA will give the OCHA brigade a legal backing.

Members of COMEN have always demonstrated gained skills, knowledge and capacity to engage with anybody at all levels and share experience. In lieu of that, 25 COMEN across 8 Local Government Areas of Anambra state facilitated Experience sharing/mentorship and learning of best practices with the 3 new LGAs (Onitsha North, Onitsha South and Oyi) with 132 (66 Adult Male, 46 Adult Female, 8 Youth Male and 12 Youth Female) persons in attendance (Annex 24: COMEN Mentorship in new communities) as it relates to relationship building, mobilization, individual contribution to community development and broadening access to information and communication with the duty bearers. The mentorship process, also, highlighted the importance of institutionalizing CBM and COMEN for effective community engagement and advocacy and it has led to the formation of Interim COMEN Management Committee in Onitsha South to begin registration process. With JDPC Onitsha support, the committee has completed the registration process with Social Welfare Department and their certificate issued to them (refer to Annex6: Onitsha South COMEN certificate). The new COMEN now have legal status to carryout advocacy activities and demand account from the duty bearers.

JDPC Onitsha has created a platform for the community professionals and diaspora to share and learn on the importance of their contributions to their various community developments and the need to not depend on the government to address all their community issues. The platform had in attendance 78 (39 Adult Male, 32 Adult Female, 3 Youth Male and 4 Youth Female) persons including 2 TRs, 9 PGs, 5 Women leaders,3 professionals on Law, Pharmacist and Librarians and 8 Media personnel. The role of community diaspora in community development was discussed and some community members shared their Diasporas achievement in their various communities; (Oraukwu representative said that Lagos branch of Oraukwu community built one school and PHC for the community, Ide Goddy from Oba said that the Lagos branch of Oba community built a PHC and do help in resolution of community crisis while the Oba brothers Association built the second PHC and drilled 5 boreholes. Mrs.Odiamma from Onitsha said that responsibilities are shared among the diaspora branches but individuals from abroad also provide scholarships and contribute to the community facilities, Barr. Nneka from Oraifitesaid that Sir EmekaOffor has done quite a lot for the community in terms of road construction, light and scholarship, Representatives from Omor, Nando, Ihiala, Umuoba-Anam, Umuoji and

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Ossomalatestified that their community Diasporas are contributing to their community development especially those from Lagos, Kaduna, Abuja and Onitsha branches.

JDPC Onitsha sensitized the participants on the importance of involving other diaspora members in the community development processes and made a presentation on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as it relates to community development and urged the participants to work towards achieving the SDG goal on community development. Chief Pharm of Gen. Hospital Onitsha, Mary Martha Akubueze shared the importance of good health facilities and patronising of health facilities for actualization of SDG goal 3 which is “Good health and well-being. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages”. Barr.NnekaOfoma emphasized on the legal matters and urge participants to set up legal aids for actualization of SDG goals 11 and 17(Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable and Goal 17: Partnership for the goals. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development)

TR of Umuoba-Anam stated that building strong cities and communities involve women participation and support SDG goals 5 and 10(Goal 5: Gender equality. Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls and Goal 10: Reduced inequalities. Reduce inequality within and among countries). He urged TRs, PGs and other stakeholders to involve women in their community decision making. The participants made Commitment to present the SDG goals during Christmas meetings in their various communities

Activity 4.2: Advocate and Influence: On the JDPC Onitsha various advocacies and campaign to reduce the burden of multiple taxation on the people of Anambra State, the Anambra State Governor has announced suspension of taxes and levies in schools and also reduced fees paid daily by Okada and keke riders to N50 and N200 respectively. He called it “Stimulus Package”. The Governor also suspended payment of emblem fees by commercial vehicles as well as wheel barrows fees. The State Government says anybody caught collecting any levy from those hawking goods with their heads and wheel barrows in the market across the state will be prosecuted, (Trinitas Newspaper, September 24 – October 8, 2016. Pages 2, 5 and 17) (Annex 25: Newspaper publication on tax)

The advocacies and influences of the COMEN/ CBMs is giving more relevance to them (COMEN/CBM) and make them more active and participatory in community developments and LG affairs. This is evidenced in Ukwulu lead CBM being invited by the TU to append his signature together with the PG,TR andTU Secretary signatures in the community official document used to engage,LG Health Dept,LG Planning office & HLGA offices and ASUBEB(Annex 26: A CBMs signature in an official Community document). In a similar case, the HOD BPRS Ayamelum Local Government wrote official letter addressed to COMEN Ayamelum for submission of their community needs for inclusion into 2017 budget (Annex 27: HOD BPRS Ayamelum letter to COMEN). This is as a result of JDPC Onitsha and COMEN continuous engagement with the Local Government. Also, COMEN Ogbaru LGA demand on construction of the abandoned Ossomala – Obeagwe – AkiliOgidi – Ogwu-Ikpele road have received response under construction as a result of the peaceful protest conducted with Ogbaru COMEN with support from JDPC Onitsha and the media in June 2015 and constant follow up

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with the Ogbaru Local Government Chairman together with the all the TRs and PGs in Ogbaru LGA. The road construction is now on-going. (Refer to Annex 20: Ossomala – Obeagwe – AkiliOgidi – OgwuIkpele road under construction). JDPC Onitsha has always created platforms between the community members and their representatives but in this extension period, COMEN/ CBM were supported to organized advocacy visit to the LG and the constituency briefing where CBMs made official presentation of their community charters of demand to 3 ANHA members, 3 new LG Caretaker Chairmen, 8 HLGA and 56 HODs for upwards inclusion in 2017 budget.

At least 9 print media publications in 6 different dailies, where information on government programmes and community issues were disseminated.

Activity 4.3: Leverage:JDPC Onitsha has continuously leveraged on the relationship established with Media Platform for Development (MeP4D) to magnify the issues identified within the communities, LG and the state in order to get directly or indirectly to the relevant authorities and be addressed and also give more visibility to the V2P project. On that platform JDPC Onitsha, as usual, with 27 (19 Adult Male, 6 Adult Female and 2 Youth Female) persons including the media, members of the girls parliament and tax payers have identified another set of issues around Multiple and illegal taxation, issues affecting women and girls, 20 Million Naira select your community project, World Bank grants to primary and secondary school, and Human rights abuse that will be used for the Media campaign with 8 Media houses; 3 Electronic media (Radio Sapientia, Alpha Radio and ABS) and 5 Print media (Christian Outlook, Our Nation, Orient Daily, Sun and Trinitas). Action plan for the media campaign was developed (Annex 28: MeP4D Action plan) to track the publications and news raised on the issues.

The V2P has a clear record of strong leverages on existing systems and structures both in community, local government and State government. The relationship established with 46 (32 old and 14 new communities/ wards) community systems and structures and LG Information Desk across 11 LGAs has strengthened linkages between the community and duty bearers.

Government agencies such as NHRC, DSS, SMEDAN, ASBA, BOI, CBN, Ministries of Health, Information, Finance, Transport, Budget and Planning, Trade and commerce, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Finance and Governor’s office has programme plan that created space for JDPC Onitsha to key in and push for implementation of stipulated V2P activities.

1.3 Collaboration and Networking

JDPC Onitsha has always maintained the strong relationship with other partners including the principal partner Christian Aid (CA) Nigeria. The clear description of roles for the partners in the project has helped the project to build collaboration. CA has been adding value to JDPC work and supporting partners especially JDPC Onitsha in organizational development and learning.

The inception training organized by CA for partners has redefined V2P expected outcomes hence set implementation procedures and standards. The baseline study, periodic partners’ reflection

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and supportive visits facilitated by CA were clear indicators that partners received maximum support.

The working relationship with other CA partners both within and outside Anambra State has strengthened the bond amongst partner organizations and individual in terms of sharing learning, experiences and participating in one another’s activities and programmes. Also, JDPC Onitsha with WAC further gives required support and mentorship to community gender circles, girls’ parliament and I-WIG committee being supported in 11 LGAs.

1.4 Lessons learnt

The Chairman GRA residents claimed that they have all they wanted but on the day of the activity, it was discovered otherwise. The women participated actively and raised their issues as it affects them. Therefore, when working on GRA or an established estate on metropolitanor cosmopolitan areas, it is better to target the women or the indigent in those areas. This is because targeting the Chairmen will give you wrong situation analysis since they will make you understand that they are not in need of any services.

During community entry “messaging is key” and should be delivered clearly for the community’s understanding without ambiguity because the success of your activity or a programme in the community depend on the message you send across to the community members and how they understand it.

Testimonies from older V2P communities/CBM/COMEN members to new project communities demonstrated the efficacy of V2P in transformation of communities.

JDPC Onitsha has understood the need for flexibility and “thinking outside the box”in programme implementation. This played out when JDPC Onitsha wanted to get the approval of the Onitsha South HLGA and invite him to the rural dialogue with COMEN/ CBM to share policy gaps and set modalities to redress issues with his LG officials and representatives. It was difficult to get through to the HLGA because of his incessant excuses and disappointments. Another strategy was devised by JDPC Onitsha to get his attention. A Project Officer enquired about the HLGA and he was told that he never misses his church weekly fellowship on Mondays at the LGA Secretariat. This made the Project officer to participate actively in the HLGA fellowship activities and was recognised by the HLGA. After the meeting, the HLGA gave him audience and the dialogue was fixed there and then.

Most people within a community, LG and the state are not always aware of the information on Government loan access and especially the latest Anambra State Government loan through ASBA. Thus, the SMEs mobilized for the sensitization on the loan access expressed gratitude to the V2P project and JDPC Onitsha for creating such platform. Also, SMEs support agencies appreciated the JDPC Onitsha initiative .

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JDPC Onitsha has understood the importance of capacity building on SME/ business management for SMEs before accessing loans. This was made clear when SMEDAN South East Coordinator suggested residential training for SMEs if JDPC Onitsha really wanted to strengthen the capacity of the SMEs on business management and other related programmes.

The tax payers are compelled and intimidated into paying the taxes by the illegal tax collectors and most Police officers do support the illegal tax collectors whenever fight ensues between the collector and the payer

I-WIG platform has strengthened the community women in terms of political participation and has created awareness for women active participation in public and community affairs. This is evidenced from the testimonies shared by the women.

Due to the geographical composition of Onitsha South (mostly made up of settlers), it was hard to get on-board, traditionally constituted authorities to serve as signatories to their demand charters. However, the JDPC/V2P team was able to proffer the use of Ward Leaders/Landlord Associations Chairs as signatories. The Traditional Ruler of Onitsha is recognised as the custodian of tradition and culture in Onitsha North and Onitsha South L.G.As but it was observed that he is more concerned with the development of Onitsha North

Communities’ lack of awareness/inability to follow-up on campaign manifestoes/government plans and commitments was identified as a major cause of political highhandedness.

We have learnt that civil society partnership with media is very important critical in driving a change programme. Results were made as MeP4D collaborated with JDPC Onitsha to take up issue of the abandoned road at Ogbaru LGA

JDPC Onitsha has equally learnt that engagement with Directors (civil servants) of various MDAs can make a lot of desired change other than targeting the commissioners because they are more permanent in civil service system

We learnt that there is need for community to mandate their representatives to establish constituency offices in their various communities for easy access, information and communication.

New communities need more capacity strengthening to key in properly in demand driven development and there is need to build capacity of the LG officials of the new LGAs on community engagement process and Accountability.

Relationship building is a critical strategy for effective advocacy, given the manner CBN, BOI, SMEDAN and ASBA recognized JDPC letter of appreciation for their participation in SMEs activity.

1.5 Challenges

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Irregular Town union meeting is an impediment to periodic updating of the community leaders on challenges faced by DSPs on services delivery. This is because most of the TU executives in our project site are based outside their community, and meetings are somtimes held only during Christmas and Easter holidays when most DSPs may not be available.

Many CBMs do not have good camera phones to take pictures of on- going physical projects in theirvarious communities, so when monitoring visits and organized platforms for report sharing are not conducted, reports also do not come, except some CBMs who uses SMS and verbal communication as means of reporting which comes without evidence.

1.6 Other issues

1. Project management - JDPC Onitsha has used new approaches in managing the 46 Communities across 11 LGAs. The process of shifting project implementation /facilitation responsibility to old COMEN and CBM to determine their level of knowledge to sustain the project beyond funding period and mentorship to the new LGAs has recorded success. The 11 LGAs has been assigned to Project Officers to undertake and ensure full support of other project stakeholders in the respective LG. There has been change in personnel. The resignation of old V2P Project Manager and assumption of office of the new project manager made the team to modify its strategies in achieving the desired results- programming became more innovative. In JDPC Onitsha V2P team, although, 3 project team members were excluded in this extension period, some activities were reviewed and modified to get the expected results.

2. M&E activities – With CA’s supportive visit, JDPC Onitsha has a standard M&E system with proper filing and documentation. An M&E plan where the M&E activities are listed and analysed was developed. The M&E desk introduced the Advocacy Track sheet (Refer to Annex 10) to track advocacies and progress made. There was continuous engagement with community groups to record successes from communities. The issue identification template (Annex 29: Issue identification template) was developed to gather the issues of concern in the new communities. Also, SBMC template (Refer to Annex 5: SBMC template) was developed to record and report the World Bank Assisted project to government schools in Anambra State and the 20 Million Naira select your community project by the Anambra State Government. 20 CBM meetings were held by CBM across 20 communities and COMEN have being making plans for sustainability. However, our entire M&E component has been designed to run in the form of participatory M&E where we monitor and evaluate with the project stakeholders.

3. Downward accountability – JDPC Onitsha do share reports and learning with the community members to update them on the happenings and latest information on the programme, plans and activities on the V2P project including Local and State government plans. The project work plan and monthly reports are shared with the community leaders and the CBMs.

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4. Sustainability –COMEN/ CBM and I-WIG are now aware that the V2P project is on its last phase hence the plans to sustain their activities are on-going now. With support from JDPC Onitsha, the existing COMEN have concluded arrangement to establish and register a State COMEN that will bring together all the established LG COMEN in the State. While CBMs will be addressing community issues, COMEN will be addressing the issues at the Local Government level and the State COMEN will be addressing issues at the State level. I-WIG has started making sustainability plans likewise the Girls’ Parliament. The 8 COMEN have been sustained and JDPC Onitsha has started making plans to strengthen the 3 new in the 3 new LGAs. COMEN, CBM and community leaders have been linked with LG Departments for strong working relationship.

5. Experience of V2P -V2P has really strengthened the skills and capacity of JDPC Onitsha in areas of programming, monitoring, reporting and means of attracting other projects. V2P has a defined focus on building demand for accountability from duty bearers. The V2P model is well arranged and the communities are adopting it and it has made the communities more active in promoting governance. The success of V2P project in terms of improved services delivery by service providers as a result of serveral community V2P supported engagements will be felt years after the V2P project might have ended. Therefore, JDPC Onitsha is strengthening community structures/systems to keep on monitoring and reporting facilities and service provision to the appropriate authorities and follow up until the expected result is achieved.

1.7 Anything else

The mobilization, sensitization and involvement of diaspora members for community development should be sustained through Advocacy to ASATU national body to buy –in to the initiative of community Diasporas efforts to development.

The communities were enlightened on that fact that reporting of human abuses to enforcement agencies should be the last resort. Any identified abuses of human rights should be first reported to the established community structures (e.g. TU, TR, Religious Institutions, LG Dept. of Welfare) for resolution. It is only when such cases could not be resolved that the enforcement agencies would be involved.

Annex 2.1: Case Study (Attached as a separate Ms Word document)

Annex 2.2 - Materials produced throughout the reporting period August 1 – December 31, 2016(Attached as a separate Ms Word document)

Sample Annex 2.3: Activities Achieved Table(Attached as a separate Ms Word document)

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