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Stakeholders seek legislative reforms for effective CSOs’ operations in Nigeria

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Stakeholders from the Civic space and government actors have called for legislative reforms that would remove every regulatory hurdle and improve efficient operations of Civil Society Organisations, CSOs in Nigeria.

The stakeholders made the call in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital during the 2025 South South Regional Conference on Improving Regulatory Environment for CSO operations in Nigeria organized by Global Rights with support from European Union Delegation to Nigeria and West Africa.

The theme of the 2025 conference is ”Scaling Policy to Action- Strengthening the Regulatory Environment for Sustainable CSO Operations at the Sub-national Level.”

The Former Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare in Akwa Ibom, Dr Ini Adiakpanin observed that CSOs had complained about multiplicity of registration requirement with government agencies with their attendant financial burden.

She called for a one-stop shop where one registration would cover everything about the government.

Adiakpan also noted that necessary policies should be made and laws reviewed to allow CSOs in each state pay a fixed amount for registrations given the dearth of funding for most of them and humanitarian nature of their services.

She said, ”CSOs complain about multiplicity of registration with government, some with women affairs, the other one would be youth development even environment. The issue had been, why don’t we have like a one stop shop where we register once so that from one registration you can use it to deal with everything about government? Not paying in different places.”

The Keynote speaker, KufreAbasi Edidem, in his address explained that before initiating reforms, there must be holistic review of the existing laws and regulations affecting CSOs, which according to him includes, understanding their objectives, there applicability, and areas needing revision.

Edidem who is the Deputy Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House Assembly further explained that experts such as lawyers , journalists, policy analyst should be engaged in the process while data driven and well articulated report is presented to both legislative and executive stakeholders.

He encouraged the CSOs to embark on a wider consultations with the Senate, House of Representatives, State Houses of Assembly as well as Law Reform Commission stressing that the commission is mandated to review outdated laws and advise government accordingly as only after proper consultations can the legislature be guided on which law to amend or repel.

He admitted that while the state houses of Assembly play a role especially in oversight the primary responsibility lies with the National Assembly because many of the laws regulating CSOs especially the Company and Allied Matter Act 2020 CAMA falls under the exclusive legislative list and once the National Assembly legislates on a subject, the state legislature cannot enact conflicting laws except in areas not covered.

”It is also important for CSOs to understand legal exceptions that already exist for example, section 10(f) of the tenement rate law cap 151 law of Akwa Ibom State, 2000 exempts non profit organisations from paying tenement rate, section 3 of the business premises registration law cap 124 also empowers the commissioner to grant exemptions to CSOs, similar provisions exist at the federal level under CAMA and VAT act.” He added.

He, however promised to use relevant legislative tools at his disposal to ensure enabling policies are enacted for effective operation of CSOs in Akwa Ibom state and South South region at large

Earlier in her remarks, the executive Director of Global Rights, Abiodun Baiyewu recounted the significant progress made by the organisation within one year after the 2024 regional conferences especially in the area of partnership for a sustainable operational environment for CSOs.

Baiyewu also expressed hope that the 2025 conferences would create actionable steps that will allow civil society actors optimize their impact and function freely in their humanitarian services to communities.

”This year’s conferences seek to continue the conversation started last year and consolidate the implementation of a harmonized regulatory framework either via the pathway of a policy or law to eliminate redundant registrations, enhance funding opportunities and foster inclusive policy development.

The 2025 conferences will also introduce the CSO community to tools expected to improve CSO compliance, to extant laws and establish a regional task force for coordination,” Baiyewu noted.

On the import of the conference, the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, said it was aimed at strengthening partnership and regular interactions between CSOs and State government agencies for a favorable regulatory environment to operate.

”These conferences are designed to be meeting points for civil society stakeholders, state and federal government actors to meet, discuss and agree on key issues relating to laws and regulations that affect civil society operations.” She stated.

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Landlord Packs Kidnapped Tenant’s Belongings Outside After Months Of Waiting, Video Trends Online (Watch)

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A viral video has sparked strong reactions online after a landlord packed out the belongings of a tenant who was allegedly kidnapped months ago after travelling to his village in Imo state.

In the video, shared by @ChuksEricE on X (formerly Twitter), neighbors revealed that the tenant had been missing for an extended period, and no family member or friend came forward to renew the rent.

The landlord reportedly granted extra months of grace but eventually decided to clear out the apartment to make it available for new tenants.

Footage showed the tenant’s belongings arranged outside the compound, leaving social media users shocked and confused by the situation.

Some believe the landlord acted out of frustration and financial pressure, while others argue that the move was insensitive, especially given that the tenant’s whereabouts remain unknown.

A viewer commented, “This is heartbreaking. What if the person returns?” Another wrote, “Landlords no dey send anybody again. Economy don hard.”

The clip has ignited a heated debate online about compassion, property rights, and how landlords in Nigeria handle cases involving missing tenants.

Watch video below…

https://x.com/ChuksEricE/status/1996941250868433081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1996941250868433081%7Ctwgr%5E8967eb16fd0f8fdc23f47ac94fd62300b4b3f568%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fnaijalamp.com%2F2025%2F12%2F06%2Flandlord-packs-kidnapped-tenants-belongings-outside-after-months-of-waiting-video-trends-online-watch%2F

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I Was Bullied Into Supporting Tinubu – Nollywood Actress, Bimbo Akintola Opens Up (Video)

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Bimbo Akintola, the Nollywood actress, has explained why she remains a steadfast supporter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The movie star, who supported Tinubu during the last election, explained that she increased her support for the then-APC candidate because an opposition supporter bullied her over her choice of Tinubu.

She claimed that her increased support for Tinubu was to spite her bully.

Speaking in a recent episode of With Chude, Akintola urged Nigerians to respect other people’s political choices and opinions.

“I supported President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the last election because somebody annoyed me with their bullying.

“Nigerians are annoying. Don’t bully other people. We have our rights to differences of opinion. You don’t like this man [Tinubu], cool, you have the right not to like him. You prefer this person, good for you. But don’t bully others.

“They bullied aunty Joke [Silva] to the point that someone wrote something that was so inhumane. So, I made a video and said, ‘I’m also supporting Tinubu, kill me, let me see if you can change my mind.’

“We need to stop bullying. We need to agree that we can never agree with everybody. That’s what makes us great and beautiful. If we are all the same, it would be a boring life. Till tomorrow, you might not agree that he was the best person for the job, but at that point, that was who I wanted, that was who I voted for. You can’t take my voice away from me; it’s mine,” she expressed.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DR6h0WDjX-X/?igsh=MmM4anZ1eHZmang4

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Youths development Advocacy of Nigeria join journalist to tour the Tiger base facility

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………Calls for calmness and disclaim falsified narratives

The people of Imo State are uniting against false narratives surrounding the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, also known as Tiger Base. This esteemed unit, led by ACP Oladimeji Adeyeyiwa, is committed to safeguarding our state from heinous crimes.

Situated in a secure facility equipped with state-of-the-art CCTV cameras, Tiger Base exemplifies transparency and accountability. The tireless efforts of CP Aboki Danjuma and his team have created a safe environment for residents to enjoy nightlife.

Our visit to the tiger base gave us the opportunity to ask questions surrounding the false speculation and the numerous misleading information. We are fighting in collaborative effort with the security agencies to shutdown propaganda that could incite crisis in our peaceful state.

Imo State has witnessed a significant decline in kidnapping cases, a affirmation to the collaborative efforts of our security agencies and government. This progress is a source of pride for our community.

The Youth development Advocacy of Nigeria, Imo State Chapter applauds the dedication of our security personnel and encourages continued support for their endeavors. By working together, we can build a brighter future for our state.

As Youths, we must be vigilant against misinformation and promote a culture of peace and security.

Our collective efforts will shape the future of Imo State. Let’s strive for a state where our children can grow up in safety, our businesses flourish, and our people live without fear.

Imo State has the potential to be a model of stability and progress in Nigeria. Let’s harness our collective energy to achieve this vision. The Youth Development Advocacy of Nigeria, Imo State Chapter is available to partner with any agencies for the development of our youths.

Chinedu Brown Akueweghiro
Youth Development Advocacy of Nigeria, Imo State Chapter
08160575645

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