Thread: Nigerian Situation: How Can I/We help?

There are so many people on Fb that are fed up. I opened a group on fb callled positive naija asking the same question. We have to star somewhere. Check out enough is enough on youtube.

@ Austnne, that is the million dollar question now. I spent the better part of yesterday looking for an NGO in Nigeria that would go into Jos foor real and help and not eat up the money!!

I really want to do a FASHION FOR JOS fundraising dinner and have talked to a couple naija people in the entertainment industry here in the USA, but they have same fear. they asked me if I know any reliable NGO there and I truthfully say NO cos I cant vouch for no one (sad truth) and dont want to put my name and brand out there for any magu magu yawa.

Please, if anyone know of any reliable NGO there, please pass me the info, my friends (super models, fashion designers, event planners, muscians, DJs, make-up artists, hair stylists, photographers, press people etc) are ready to raise funds but to WHO????? how can we make them accountable for every dime? how can we make sure the money gets there? i plan to be in Naija Summer time, and that is a long way off.....IMMEDIATE help is needed.

Please anyone that has info, HELP!

Originally Posted by Aust_nne

I have spent a good chunk of my Saturday morning in tears..the photos of this Massacre embedded in my memory and I have questioned myself..what I can do??..I have never felt much more call to STOP Living and start doing something...The outcry and tears of the mothers keep ringing in my ears. The photos are telling me to do something beyond screaming "GOD DEY", "Na wah o" or just cry.

Right now, I feel handicapped and it is pissing me off.

So, I am calling on all NR..I need the advice/ opinion of people to know how Average Nigerians can contribute to helping the situation. This would include being in Nigeria or working from overseas! Any ideas are welcome really! Can we as NR contribute something together and send to someone in Nigeria who can pass on to the affected families?

NGO? Organizations, people I can talk to, Money and initiatives to get southerners outside the North? Healing programs? Adoption systems, ?....Please!

PM me for my personal email address if anyone needs to take this further.!

Estella, I need to talk to you...check your PM.

Please any diversion of this thread would pretty much annoy me. I would rather have no response. Please remain on ROM if you are in a diversion mood...cause I am not!.

Thanks.


PS: Sometime this week, I encourage everyone on NR to pick a date this week and intercede, fast on behalf of Nigeria. God would surely hear our CRY!

my dear, it was easy for me to raise help for Haiti people thru fashion than for my own people!! and Jos is my birth city, how do u think I feel? I am tired of crying and feeling helpless!!!!!!

one night of getting my friends to raise funds and help for Jos and I have NO idea how to send help there!!! short of going into Jos myself, and that i cant even do because I would be useless emotionally there!! That is my hometown!!!!!! i wont be able to function there amidst all the tragedy!! what if i see old friends? my dear, i want to help from a distance, Ive always planned to go to Jos, I couldnt go last time I was in naija, but not to this horror and place filled with the ghost of children killed for nothing!!

I don't think this is an issue we can do much about individually. We have a screwed up country, period. I mean what is Goodluck Jonathan's reaction to this massacre? Has he even visited the place?

Aust-nne and Angelsty, may God bless you for this
I was not bold enough to open the pictures of the dead people cos I know it will affect me more than I can handle and I am also tired of seeing so many Nigerians in the Diaspora Cry, or say "God Dey" of cause God dey and nothing will ever happen to him, so I am about action and not words or cry. "Be your brothers keeper" is Gods commandment and thats what this issue should be about and not just tears, insults or complain. I am so much in support of this and would want you to keep me updated if there is any progess (as per how to actually help)

ANGELSTY, this na ur place of birth o! So u have to push even more, I know something will come through by God's grace... I mean a reputable NGO or even person to send money to... Babes start searching and making thoes phone call, where there is a strong will, there is always a way.

NB: By the way where are all those pastors that God is always telling people to give money, houses, cars or even plane to. Why did God not also tell them about the impending doom in Jos so they could warn the people and avoid this massacre?...anway this is not the topic at hand so just ignore it. May God give the families of the dead ones the strenght and courage to move on.

More than ever before, I am spending more time in pleading with God to have mercy on our dear country and make ALL wrongs right. And yes, it is time to stop talking and start doing. I also don't know of any NGO that can be trusted to do something with whatever is sent........the question is, who are those, apart from NGOs that are already passionately and activel doing something in Nigeria? Churches? Organisations? Individuals? Perhaps we can work with them? Or are people just turning blind eyes and only praying instead of praying and acting?

Aust nne: i am touched! my heart is hurtin- readin ur discussion & d effort u want 2 put is challengin. i hv been avoidin newsline bcos of al d bad news arnd d state. @ dis point of bein able 2 do much wht i can 4sure offer in an immeasurable proportion is hatred 4 d muslim in general. i dnt want 2 swear 4 dem o bt i knw dey ar cursed wid a curse 4 eternity. may God bless u in multipl does & ur pocket wld nt run dry, AMEN! i had a list of NGO's in Nigeria wid their addresses. i wl look 4 it online nw & post d link here- i dnt hv d privilege 2 inbox & dnt knw y. & they is smethng we can do as individuals- empty pockets neva held any1 back, only empty hearts & empty heads can do dt- i wl thnk of smethng & post it here

Khamileon & Peculiar: organisations & churches & individuals wl donate- we stil hv gud ppl lyk Aust nne, angelsty & yourselves ere in Nigeria. even celebrities hv commerced avenues 2 raise funds. d major question is hw much of their donations wl get there? whn Haiti earthquake occured plenty ppl donated bt i am afraid half of dt money did nt reach Haiti. d major fear now is sme ppl wil capitalize on d situation & mke a gr8t business frm it. those ppl wil get 2 d kindhearted, cheerful givers b4 u do & dey are at work even now. d best help 2 render cuts above financial aid- Aust nne has sme good ideas dt shld be expanded

Please read this note: And Pass info to NGOs you know. I am hopeful that we can get one honest, trustworthy and reliable NGO in Nigeria to do this work ahead.
Link here: Fashion For Jos: USA-Nigerians coming together | Facebook

Fashion For Jos: USA-Nigerians coming together
Today at 11:08am | Edit Note | Delete
Fellow Nigerians,
I dont have much to say, because I cant believe my once peaceful birth city is now flowing with the blood of helpless, innocent murdered women and children.

I will not post any of the painful images in this note because it hurts!! Man's wickedness to man in the name of religion, tribe or whatever and however they want to explain it.

I did the Sew For Haiti event that is still on-going, asking people to give their time and talent to be a blessing to others in need. And some people asked me why I was so concerned with the Haitians seeing I am not from there, but I told them tragedy can happen anywhere!! And now, it has happened in our own backyards, and this is not even a natural disaster! This is Nigerians killing fellow Nigerians in cold blood!! These are kids being butchered in their sleep heartlessly!!

So, now, there is NO Red Cross to text money to in Nigeria, we all texted to help others, are we going to ignore our own people just because we know Nigerians have a bad reputation? Are we all gonna turn a blind eye?

Believe me, I am scared and concerned too on who to send a monetary donation to in Nigeria. which NGO to trust that would actually be honest enough to take our relief and donations to the people in Jos that needs them.

But I say, let us not ignore our brothers who need our help now! How to do it?

I propose we have NGOs based in Nigeria to send in their applications/Proposals, and we set up a board here in USA to thoroughly screen them! Good thing we have lots of Nigerians who relocated to Nigeria recently, they can be our eyes there to monitor and check any NGO that gets assistance from FASHION FOR JOS fundraising event.

The selected Administrator in Nigeria has to be someone with Social Security #, and still with ties in the USA who can be held legally accountable. What do you all think?

The NGO selection process over, we need Nigerians in the USA, especially super models/Models, fashion designers, event planners, muscians, DJs, make-up artists, hair stylists, photographers, journalists/Press, movie makers, actors, hospitality industry, graphic artists, accountants, lawyers etc to come together and plan FASHION FOR JOS fundraising night! We can have musicians sing, Nigerian celebrities model the designs of Nigerian fashion designers based in North and South America, models come together for one night! We have to decide on a date too. And hopefully, a kind Nigeria can come forward and give us a cot-free venue as support. I know we can do this.

Ticket proceeds would go to Jos. Material donations can also be accepted. Your coming out for one night to give your talent and your time also counts as your giving.

Please dont close your eyes to this. You can help from a distance! This is Jos, it could very well have been your state (we pray not).

While our youths hold the rally in Abuja on March 16th (pls remember to change ur fb status message that day to 'Enough is Enough in Nigeria'. Tell the whole world we are tired of corrupt govt!!).....while the rally is being planned to make a change in our government, there are still people whose tears and cries need to be addressed at the moment.

My friends, stand up for Jos!!!!
Show your support!

Send me an email to: info@sososewing.com. With your suggestions, ideas, advice, input etc

YES, we can wipe the tears and bring a little joy and hope to a Josite!
]
God bless you.

Estella Ogbonna
Place of Birth: Jos, Plateau State!

Aust Nne.. My dear.. I am so upset, tired, disgusted and appalled by everything happening in Nigeria...

We are working on a rally in DC hopefully in March and once our permit is approved, we would try and promote and gather people.. Even if its 4 people at least we will rally and try and protest all the way to the Nigerian Embassy.. I have spoken, shouted, yelled and cursed the Nigerian govt on Facebook.. Yesterday I watched the re-enactment of Umar Faruk and was so ASHAMED that after everything, the Nigerian Govt has not addressed the issue.... Its very appalling..

Can someone in Nigeria confirm...Did this just repeat itself in Jos today, Saturday? More killings?

If you really want do something in the short-term like donating money or clothes, do it. Don't assume that every NGO in Jos or even Nigeria for that matter is crooked, short of going there yourself, you'll have to trust somebody to take these things there. I know of two organizations collecting things to send to Jos.

One is Kudirat Initiative for Democracy (KIND) where i used to work. They do a lot of work in Jos and are trying to support thier beneficiaries by collecting financial donations and sending to them. You can reach the Executive Director, Amy Oyekunle through her email address, amyoyeks@yahoo.com to find out how to donate. Thier website is www.kind.org

Another one is a church, Church of Christ Mushin, Lagos. They collect materials like clothes, food, shoes, medicine etc and send by public transport to the School of Biblical Studies in Jos to distribute to people in the affected areas. You can reach the church via email cocmushin@yahoo.com or call on 08052254727.
If you have any contacts in the transport business that can support in shipping these things to Jos so that it's not expensive to ship them it would be appreciated. They've been collecting since January after the first crisis and have sent off a few batches but more stuff keeps coming in that needs to be sent.

Beyond this, what can you do in the long-term to see that this support is sustainable? People have lost homes, loved ones, businesses etc. They need counselling, help in rebuilding their homes, they need thier fate in their neighbours restored. How can you contribute to doing this? How about setting up a website to get people volunteer thier skills, maybe in architecture, business, fashion design, social welfare counsellors etc and then contact your friends, family in Jos and have them link people together. Get them to connect these volunteers with the communities and individuals who need thier skills. Maybe initial contacts can be by phone, (nearly everyone has one now so it's pretty easy as a tool for communication) and afterwards you can work out a way to help out in person. It's not perfect but you can do something.

How can you ensure that this doesn't happen again? Do some advocacy, speak up! Support and participate in initiatives like www.enoughisneoughnigeria.com, lightupnigeria, etc etc. Speak up against religious & ethnic intolerance, corruption and poverty. We all are connected, those who died are neither muslims nor christians, Hausa nor Beroms, they are human beings just like you and me.

Originally Posted by bluestocking

If you really want do something in the short-term like donating money or clothes, do it. Don't assume that every NGO in Jos or even Nigeria for that matter is crooked, short of going there yourself, you'll have to trust somebody to take these things there. I know of two organizations collecting things to send to Jos.

NO ONE is assuming ALL NGOs are crooked Blue, I worked with NGOs in Nigeria as well! That is where my love for helping got more rooted from. I worked with AFRICARE/Nigeria in River State and also FORWARD Africa in Imo State, the ISSUE HERE is WHICH ONE OF THEM IS WORKING IN JOS! You and I have worked in NGOs and we know that they have to have a Project Plan for Jos with time lines and budget and activities etc, it is that NGO who already have plans that we are looking for and we WILL give them money to carry out what they are already doing, and we in turn EXPECT a budget break down of how our money is spent. NGOs do that for donors all the time! I know how many times I sat down with the AFRICARE/Lagos country Rep to give our financial reports. Asking for accountability is NOT asking for too much, is it? So that next time we can raise money for any other thing and people wont feel like they are enriching anyones pocket over there.
I have written to International Red Cross Society and waiting for their response, but I really would love to have a locally-based NGO to do this.

Thanks for the info on Oyekunle below, I'll write the person now, and I am planning to be in Jos, Nigeria very soon anyway, so, one on one talks would be had with other NGOs.

it wont be fair of me to drag out all my fashion friends to raise funds and they dont get to the target recipients, dont you think?

One is Kudirat Initiative for Democracy (KIND) where i used to work. They do a lot of work in Jos and are trying to support thier beneficiaries by collecting financial donations and sending to them. You can reach the Executive Director, Amy Oyekunle through her email address, amyoyeks@yahoo.com to find out how to donate. Thier website is www.kind.org

I will write her as soon a I hit the send button on this post. Thanks



Another one is a church, Church of Christ Mushin, Lagos. They collect materials like clothes, food, shoes, medicine etc and send by public transport to the School of Biblical Studies in Jos to distribute to people in the affected areas. You can reach the church via email cocmushin@yahoo.com or call on 08052254727.

If you have any contacts in the transport business that can support in shipping these things to Jos so that it's not expensive to ship them it would be appreciated. They've been collecting since January after the first crisis and have sent off a few batches but more stuff keeps coming in that needs to be sent.

Beyond this, what can you do in the long-term to see that this support is sustainable? People have lost homes, loved ones, businesses etc. They need counselling, help in rebuilding their homes, they need thier fate in their neighbours restored. How can you contribute to doing this? How about setting up a website to get people volunteer thier skills, maybe in architecture, business, fashion design, social welfare counsellors etc and then contact your friends, family in Jos and have them link people together. Get them to connect these volunteers with the communities and individuals who need thier skills. Maybe initial contacts can be by phone, (nearly everyone has one now so it's pretty easy as a tool for communication) and afterwards you can work out a way to help out in person. It's not perfect but you can do something.
You are speaking my mind. I guess NGO minds think alike. I know that giving material things now wont take care of the long-term needs, I just got a great feedback from one of our best females in Nollywood - I wont mention names now, and she is willing to join in the long term plan I have for Summer in Jos, and that is rebuilding homes and dreams. Picture this: Nollywood actors and popular musicians wearing gears as contructions workers to actually work on the fields. Getting dirty and doing good. Full details would be unveiled when we are ready to roll!


How can you ensure that this doesn't happen again? Do some advocacy, speak up! Support and participate in initiatives like www.enoughisneoughnigeria.com, lightupnigeria, etc etc. Speak up against religious & ethnic intolerance, corruption and poverty. We all are connected, those who died are neither muslims nor christians, Hausa nor Beroms, they are human beings just like you and me.

And enough of your plans and talk Blue, its time for you to CELEBRATE JOS!! We do NEED your input and advice! Is it OK if I add you to the Board of Planners? I know you are far, but your ideas are NEEDED.... I'll email you.

THANKS to everyone who has contributed..awesome! looks like we might be getting somewhere and my sincere appologies for not being online. I found myself in Norway on a urgent work call and I hope to be home by weekend to do my part..

Blue and Angel, thank you so much!