Leadership Initiative for Transformation and Empowerment, LITE-Africa

18/04/2024

STRENGTHENING REGIONAL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE VOLUNTARY PRINCIPLES IN NIGERIA

The Leadership Initiative for Transformation and Empowerment (LITE-AFRICA) commences the Training of stakeholders on Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights in Nigeria starting with trainings in 8 states grouped into the Northern region - Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna and Zamfara States and Southern region – Abia, Akwa-Ibom, Lagos and Rivers states holding from the 20th March to 24th April 2024 under The Strengthening regional implementation of the Voluntary Principles in Nigeria Project. The current training is expected to train 240 person across Nigeria.

The Strengthening Regional Implementation of the Voluntary Principles in Nigeria aims to build local capacity for VPs implementation as well as establish regional baseline studies for the Southern Niger-Delta oil and gas region and the Northern mining region to bring the VPs closer to communities affected by security and human rights challenges as well as bring those grassroots voices to policy discussions at the National level.

The training will avail stakeholders including, public and private security agencies, CSOs, Communities, extractive companies, Policy Makers, Lawyers, Media, NHRC with capacities which includes:
• Build capacity for VPs implementation in Nigeria.
• Promote awareness, respect and oversight for the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPs) in Nigeria
• Increased capacity of local actors to identify security and human rights challenges, risks and develop ways to addressing the issues in Nigeria
• Increased stakeholders’ knowledge and understanding in the conduct of their tasks in compliance with international standards on security and human rights.
• Stakeholders will be able to demonstrate professional proficiency with regards to the use of force in accordance with human rights standards and ethical conduct.

The project is being Implemented by the Leadership Initiative for Transformation and Empowerment (LITE-Africa) in partnership with the Nigerian Working Group (NWG) and National Human Rights Commission(NHRC) with funding from DCAF-Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance through the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office jointly with the Peace and Human Rights Division of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs through DCAF”s Security and Human Rights Implementation Mechanism (SHRIM)

08/06/2022

Title: Programme Manager
Organization: LITE-Africa
Contract: Full time
Location: Effurun-Warri, Delta State, Nigeria (Headquarters)

ABOUT US

Leadership Initiative for Transformation and Empowerment (LITE-Africa), is a Nigerian Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) operating in Nigeria since 1999 with a mission to facilitate sustainable peace and development, promote human rights and participatory governance in Nigeria through partnerships, advocacy engagements, public awareness and capacity building initiatives.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The ideal person should have a proven ability to strategise, analyse data and design and implement high-impact projects and programmes, and fund-raise for the organisation. S/He will provide leadership to ensure that project deliverables are met in a timely and effective manner under the general guidance and Supervision of the Executive Director.

KEY EXPECTED RESULTS

1. Funding Strategies and Plans
• Proactively seek funding opportunities from institutional donors, corporate bodies, foundations in Nigeria and globally.
• Devise new programs that support the organization’s objectives.
• Take a lead in proposal writing and proposal development processes, working with others.

2. Programme Coordination and Monitoring
• Support project implementation and monitoring of activities to ensure adherence to donor requirements.
• Strategize, implement, and maintain program initiatives that adhere to organizational objectives.
• Plan, design and implement programmes, proactively monitor progress, resolve issues and initiate appropriate corrective actions.
• Manage communications with all stakeholders.
• Produce programme reports for funders, management and other relevant stakeholders.
• Maintain the quality of all project documents and data to assure the integrity of programmes.
• Work with the programme team to analyze data and communicate results.

3. Data collection and Analysis
• Develop survey instruments and tools for monitoring, evaluation and other forms of assessments as may be needed.
• Strong Research, analytical mind and critical thinking skills.

Desired Skills and Experience:
• Minimum of five years of demonstrated experience in programme implementation and data analysis (preference given to those with programme management experience).
• Leadership, time management, facilitation, strong writing, interpersonal and oral communication and organizational skills.
• Strong working knowledge of data analysis software, e.g. SPSS, Python, spreadsheet software, word processing as well as internet research best practices.
• Outstanding working knowledge of change management principles and performance evaluation processes.
• Proven proposal writing experience.

Qualification:
• At least a Bachelor’s Degree in any of Arts, Social sciences; Law, Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Business Development, Development Studies, Economics, International Relations, Public Administration and Business Administration, a Post Graduate Degree is an added advantage.

SALARY: Competitive based on experience

LOCATION: Effurun-Warri, Delta State

LITE Africa is an equal opportunity employer. Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.

Interested applicants should forward their Cover Letter, CV, and salary requirements in ENGLISH to [email protected] or submit an application by hand at the LITE-Africa office, 25, Amb. Joel Bisina road, Opposite Little Paradise Hotel, beside Ugbolokposo Secondary School, Off DSC Expressways on or before 31st July, 2022. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

PLEASE MAKE SURE TO PUT THE NAME OF THIS POSITION AS THE SUBJECT OF YOUR EMAIL.

08/06/2022

THE NIGER DELTA YOUTH COALITION (NDYC) PRESENTS THE AWARD OF EXCELLENCE: TO AMB. JOEL BISINA (PhD)
The Niger Delta Youth Coalition (NDYC), an umbrella body of all Niger Delta youths, both at home and in diaspora, has presented an award of excellence: “Most Notable Personality Committed to Peace Building in the Niger Delta” to the Executive Director of the Leadership Initiative for Transformation and Empowerment (LITE-Africa), Amb. Joel Bisina (PhD), at the corporate headquarter of LITE-Africa in Effurun-Warri, Delta State. The award was presented by the President of NDYC Comrade Obukowho Adaji.

In his keynote address before the presentation of the award, the NDYC President stated that the prestigious award was to Honour Amb. Joel Bisina for his outstanding leadership qualities, defence of public interest, avowed commitment to peace building and his determination to halt small arms and light weapons proliferation in the Niger Delta, as a social crusader who has devoted his life championing civil rights, social justice and also a pioneer member of the social-cultural youth organisation, Ijaw Youth Council (IYC)
In his acceptance speech, the awardee commended the leadership of the NDYC saying that he values the award remarkably especially as it is coming from the youths. He regretted that many young people do not place emphasis on education these days but on material things which is quite unfortunate and a dangerous trend. He made it clear that the best legacy to leave for the upcoming generation is education and that there is a need to consciously create a society driven by the value of hard work and integrity.
He encouraged the NDYC members not to be carried away by the ills in the society but to remain steadfast in their dedication to advancing the cause of human rights, good governance, environmental justice and creating awareness for the sustainable development of the Niger Delta region. He said the essence of man is living for others and not for oneself, which is what society should be all about.

27/05/2022

LITE-Africa SPONSOR ANNUAL INTERHOUSE SPORTS TROPHY FOR OVERALL BEST HOUSE
The Leadership Initiative for Transformation and Empowerment (LITE-Africa) has renewed the annual sponsorship for the overall best house in the school inter-house sports competition 2022 of Ugbolokposo Secondary School, Ugbolokposo, Uvwie L.G.A. of Delta state.
This is in continued fulfilment of the promise the organisation made earlier in 2019 during the school inter-house sports competition where it donated a trophy for the overall best house winner, LITE-Africa is committed to encouraging healthy competition in sporting activities among young people, particularly in secondary schools.
In this year's 2022 event which was held on Thursday 26th May 2022, the Yellow House emerged as the overall best house and was presented with the trophy donated by LITE-Africa. LITE-Africa is very happy to collaborate with the staff and students of Ugbolokposo Secondary School Ugbolokposo to improve sports and physical health education in Delta state.

28/10/2021

What effect does the presence of security personnel at the polling units on the day of the election have on voting, in Nigeria?

25/01/2021

24/01/2021

Eu/ecowas live in calabar

25/08/2019

Want create site? Find Free WordPress Themes and plugins.It was double trouble for 12-year-old Amaka (not real name), a housemaid in the Shasha area of Lagos State, who was reportedly defiled by a neighbour policeman and tortured with hot water by her boss for failing to open up. The woman, Amarachi...

20/08/2019

In a bid to promote continued access to clean water and improved sanitation, on Thursday and Friday the 15th and 16th of August 2019, Leadership Initiative for Transformation and Empowerment (LITE-Africa) and its implementation partner West Africa Network for Peace in Nigeria (WANEP) constructed, rehabilitated and commissioned six WASH projects; in Igbide, and Uzere, Isoko South LGA Emu Uno and Ogbe Ani Ndokwa West LGA in Delta state.

The commissioning and handing over of four solar mini water bore holes and two ECOSAN toilet which was done as part of activities in the implementation of the Integrated Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (IWASH) action in Delta State; a 20-month intervention funded by the European Union through the Nigerian Ministry of Budget and National Planning. The WASH infrastructure projects commissioned include:
1. Construction of a mini solar powered water born hole project at Emu uno
2. Construction of a mini solar powered water born hole project at Igbide
3. Rehabilitation of existing mini solar powered water born hole project at Uzere
4. Rehabilitation of existing mini solar powered water born hole project at Ogba ani
5. Construction of a mini solar powered water project and ECOSAN toilet at Igbide community.
6. Construction of a mini solar powered water project and ECOSAN toilet at Emu uno community.
The action seeks to provide access to sustainable water supply, sanitation, services delivery and proper hygiene practices in Delta State. The action which was implemented in seven communities of Uzere, Aviara, and Igbide in Isoko south and Ogbe ani, Lagos Ogbe, Emu Ebendo and Emu-uno in Ndokwa West local government has donated WASH infrastructure projects to all the seven communities.

During the two days the commissioning and handing over celebration, LITE-Africa’s and WANEP team headed by Mr. Tolu Oyero who represented the Executive Director of LITE-Africa Mr. Joel Bisina. implored the community members to work to promote the sustainability of the protect by taking ownership. In his words “these projects are yours maintain and ensure the security of the properties”

The community members at two local governments applauded LITE-Africa and WANEP efforts in the implementation of IWASH project. Among the voices were the IWASH Water and Sanitations Committee WATSAN chairman of Igbide, Uzere, Emu-uno, and Ogba ani communities who expressed profound appreciation to the European Union (EU) and Ministry of Budget and National Planning MBNP for bringing the projects to their community and expressed hope that more projects will be brought.

Additionally, the community’s assistant secretary of Igbide also expressed joy and gratitude for the project and stated that he hoped it would go a long way to improve the lives of the community members and promised that the community would properly take care of it to ensure its lasting usage.

Furthermore, a representative from the Delta state Ministry of water resources Mr Ben Iwezu appreciated all for attending and expressed gratitude that the projects were duly delivered by LITE-Africa and the EU. He admonished the community members to jealously guard the project, noting that the sustainability of the project was important to the government of Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State

Notably, before the projects were commissioned at the respective locations by Chief Eboh Blessing a development consultant and community development specialist, The Project Manager Mr. Victor Elomhenriaomon addressed members of the community and admonished them to properly maintain the projects stressing that community should live above board in the ensuring the security of the project.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Iheanyichukwu Iheke; the program officer LITE-Africa implored community members to ensure the sustainability of the project. He went further to thank everyone for participating in the commissioning/handing over, in same vain Mr Collins Owunin of WENAP thank the EU and MBNP for entrusting LITE-Africa and WANEP the great opportunity to implementing the IWASH project.

By donating these projects, LITE-Africa and the EU hopes that the instances of WASH related diseases would be reduced and the lives of these communities would be enhanced.

01/07/2019

“LITE- Africa Celebrating 20 years of Positive Impact! Here’s to 20 more!”

In February 1999, in the midst of several crisis and conflicts that rocked the Niger Delta and resulted to the loss of so many innocent lives, Hon. Joel Bisina had a simple idea of proffering lasting solutions to the incessant violence and “creating a safe space for peace and development.” This Idea spurred him to action which blossomed into the Leadership initiative for Transformation and Empowerment (LITE-Africa) formerly known as Niger Delta Development Professionals (NIDPRODEV).

Over the last 20 years, LITE-Africa has worked tirelessly to uphold that idea by promoting peace and development across the Niger Delta Region and Nigeria as a whole. We have executed several high impact projects that have touched lives in numerous positive ways. We have successfully implemented trainings, research projects and livelihood programs for the most vulnerable, socially and economically underprivileged women, at-risk youth, and adults who live in some of the most conflict-ridden areas in rural Niger Delta communities.

In our pursuit of creating a safe space for peace and development, over the years, we have operated under five thematic areas including Good Governance, Human Rights
Humanitarian Support and Health Services, Development Finance Program, Sustainable Livelihoods.

LITE-Africa has built strong ties with communities in the Niger Delta region through the implementation of various livelihood program that not only enhanced business skills but, ensured that men and women of all ages could participate in sustainable agriculture and fisheries for income generation. We have also implemented programs in disaster risk reduction to not only deal with the impacts of the floods but to prepare communities for future natural disasters or conflict related displacements and migration.

We have also developed strong relationships through advisory roles and facilitating multi stakeholder platforms with a diverse array of stakeholders in the region; government at all levels, the private sector, international non-governmental organizations (INGOs), local civil society organization (CSOs), and community members. LITE-Africa has remained neutral in facilitating discussions between the communities, the Federal Government, and the private sector including oil multinationals. Our approach to development integrates gender and conflict sensitivity across the board.

LITE-Africa strongly believes that good governance is a key component of a democracy and a functional public sector that adheres to the tenets of transparency, accountability and inclusive participation of the citizens and through the years, we have implemented a wide range of programmes and projects aimed at promoting good governance and enabling citizens to be part of the decision making processes. As a result, we have executed programs that strengthen and empower civil societies. We have also vigorously promoted transparency and accountability in the public sector through the creation and distribution of the Citizen’s Report Card (CRC).

Our programs have helped turn residents into productive, well-esteemed members of their communities. Through our capacity building and dialogue facilitation programs, we have also helped increase accountability and transparency of transnational corporations (TNCs) that operate in the region.

In line with our mission which is “to facilitate sustainable peace and development, promote human rights”, we provide specialized interventions that focus on the needs of women to become leaders in their communities. Additionally, we enhance education related to human rights, inter-ethnic understanding, non-violent conflict resolution and rebuilding of confidence with local communities and security agencies. We also worked with local security services in instituting human rights desks in police stations.

Additionally, LITE-Africa became the first African national NGO member of the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights Initiative (VPIs) which is a multi stakeholder initiative that guides multinational corporations in the mining and extractive industry on the engagement of security while respecting human rights of the people within their operational areas. We have also received commendation from the international and national communities on our leadership role in the coalition that mediated the conflicts between Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo ethnic groups during the 2003 Warri Crisis.

We believe that NGOs should exist to address seeming gaps in society and if the issues they are passionate about are no longer relevant, then their basis for existence as an organisation ceases. So if after 20 years, we are still growing stronger and acquiring both local and international recognition, then it is a clear indication that we are contributing to solving global human problems. It also demonstrates that our set mission, vision core mandates are filling important gaps in the society.

We are tremendously grateful to our our partners and beneficiaries and we also believe this is a time to reflect on our achievements and the challenges we have faced and overcome and revaluate our approach going forward to take into account all the experiences we have gained. Here is to 20 more years!

01/07/2019

Leadership Initiative for Transformation and Empowerment, LITE-Africa's cover photo

01/07/2019

Leadership Initiative for Transformation and Empowerment, LITE-Africa

09/05/2019

As part of the i-WASH intervention, today a team from LiTE-Africa facilitated a sensitisation on personal hygiene for students of Emu ebendo secondary School.

At the event, the students of the school were educated on the importance of good personal hygiene. The were also exposed to proper ways of maintain good personal hygiene

21/04/2019

‪From all of us at LITE- Africa, Happy Easter ‬

16/04/2019

‪LITE-Africa successfully donated 5 WASH projects to 3 communities in Delta state today! With these projects, the quality of life for the indigenes will definitely improve.‬

16/04/2019

‪The commissioning of the water facility and the ECOSAN toilet was successful! It is our hope that these projects would go a long way to make the lives of community members better!‬

16/04/2019

‪To promote continued access to clean water and improved sanitation, today LITE-Africa will commission a number of water projects and Wash facilities in 3 communities in Delta state. Stay tuned...‬

22/03/2019

The theme for this year's Water day is Leaving no one behind! So many people have been marginalised and lack access to eat drinking water. Today is about sensitising people on the effects of this marginalisation on development. UN-Water

22/03/2019

Water is Life, nothing or no one can survive without water! We at LITE Affrica support the water for all movement, everyone must play thier part! UN-WaterWaterAid AmericaUNESCOUNICEFUSAID - US Agency for International DevelopmentWorld Health Organization (WHO)

22/03/2019

‪Today is and as the wise Fela once said, “Water no get enemy” no matter what, we need water to survive! ‬Water.org UN-WaterWaterAid UK WaterAid America

26/02/2019

LITE-Africa strongly condemns the actions of officers of the 19th Battalion of the Nigerian military who on Sunday the 24th of February 2019 violated the basic fundamental human rights of our Executive Director (ED) Mr. Joel Bisina.

These officers under the command of Major Kachalla intimidated, physically and emotionally assaulted, and violently dehumanized our ED. They slapped him in the face, kicked him on the leg, knocked on his head and struck him twice with the nozzle of their gun which left him with bleeding wounds.

The incident occurred that fateful Sunday in front of the INEC office at Koko in Warri north local government area of Delta state. Our ED in his capacity as a community leader and the national chairman of Ogbinbiri ward 9 visited the office to ascertain the situation of the elections carried out on Saturday 23rd February 2019, which was disrupted by other officers of the Nigerian Army.

The treatment Mr. Joel received is not deserving of a common criminal let alone some one who has committed his entire life to the betterment of the society. The actions of Major Kacahalla and his officers who acted as judge, jury and executioner deprived Mr. Joel of his fundamental human rights. He was dehumanized, disgraced and humiliated in public before the INEC staff, NYSC corps members, and members of the public present. To make matter worse, while he sustained physical injuries he was denied medical attention by these officers.

For this reason, LITE Africa as the co-chair of the Nigeria Working Group on the Voluntary Principles that is committed to the promotion and protection of human right requests that the military authorities properly investigate the incident and if it is found that the actions of Major Kachalla and the other officers who acted on his orders are not consistent with laid down military rules of engagement then proper sanctions must be taken against them.

This incident is a clear example of what ordinary citizens like Mr. Joel suffer at the hands of military men. These military men who are mandated with the protection of the citizens have become the ones who terrorize, intimidate and deprive the citizens of their fundamental human rights. For this reason, LITE Africa calls on the military to train and retrain its officers on the protection of Human rights and proper civic relations. This would go a long way to ensure that incidents like this do not reoccur.