The Resource Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED) embarked on a two-day strategic retreat aimed at enhancing relationships and fostering collaboration among its Board of Directors and Staff. The retreat, held on July 15-16, 2024, at Dalchifit Hotel & Suites, Gwarinpa Estate, Abuja, marks a pivotal moment for the organization as it unveils its new five-year strategic plan for 2024-2028.
Dr. Zikirullahi M. Ibrahim, Executive Director of CHRICED, set the tone for the retreat with the theme “Relationship Building and Creating Spaces for CHRICED Board and Staff to Connect.” He underscored the significance of reflecting on past achievements and challenges, while also focusing on future opportunities and potential obstacles.
“Over the years, we have made significant progress in advancing our mission, delivering impactful programs, and strengthening partnerships,” Dr. Ibrahim stated. “However, the complexity and scale of the challenges we face require a more strategic, collaborative, and sustainable approach.”
The new strategic plan, which is a product of extensive analysis and stakeholder contributions, outlines CHRICED’s vision, mission, and objectives for the next five years. It is built on four foundational pillars: Empowerment, Innovation, Collaboration, and Accountability.
Dr. Ibrahim expressed optimism that the retreat would provide valuable opportunities for CHRICED’s growth, enhance internal cooperation, and establish new partnerships. The event aims to deepen the understanding of CHRICED’s goals and strategic direction, strengthen relationships among board members and staff, and address critical issues such as revenue shortfalls, program enhancement, and policy formulation.
“I am highly optimistic that the retreat will offer valuable chances for CHRICED’s development, cooperation, and cohesion within the organization,” Dr. Ibrahim noted. “I am also thrilled to announce that a new board member will be joining us at this year’s retreat.”
Prof. AB Ahmad, CHRICED’s Legal Adviser, commended and celebrated the staff, noting CHRICED’s focus on substantive work rather than ostentation. He expressed appreciation, particularly highlighting the Board Chairman’s wisdom and the Executive Director’s clarity of vision and mission. Prof. Ahmad expressed optimism that the retreat would pave the way for greater success and encouraged everyone to persist in their efforts, emphasizing that much still remains to be accomplished.
Mr. Oladayo Olaide, a Board Member, guided participants through the new strategic plan. He emphasized that CHRICED was founded on personal experiences of human rights violations and the failure of coalition movements in Nigeria, underscoring the importance of continuing to protect the rights of the vulnerable and marginalized.
“We are not just here as staff to collect salaries but we are a committed people bound by a vision to help others, make life better for others, committed to making changes.”
He further emphasized the importance of reviewing the vision statement during the development of the new strategic plan to ensure its relevance to today’s realities. He noted that the strategy is designed to make democracy work for everyone.
“The mission of the 2024-2028 strategic plan is to foster accountability, democracy, inclusion and make democracy work for all”
He guided participants through the key elements of the organization’s theory of change and the tools for CHRICED’s work. He highlighted CHRICED’s achievements to date, the priorities of the current plan, and its goals and objectives. He also engaged participants in developing implementation strategies, focusing on their roles and perspectives regarding Gender and Social Inclusion (GESI) mainstreaming, fundraising, and using public litigation to promote human rights. Additionally, he stressed the importance of upholding the organization’s values, emphasizing that they are a crucial and intentional part of the overall strategy.
CHRICED Diaspora Representative, Mrs. Feyisetan Adunbi, made a presentation on the feasibility of incorporating mental health into maternal and child health programming. She emphasized that mental health encompasses overall wellness and acknowledged that not everyone is equipped to address these issues. She highlighted the necessity of involving mental health professionals when required. Adunbi also stressed the importance of collaborating with communities to understand their challenges and develop solutions together, rather than imposing external prescriptions on them.
“Use networking strategy. Find out the traditional gatekeepers like the traditional rulers, religious leaders, etc. and discuss with them”
Hajiya Nafisa Ado’s presentation focused on exploring available programmatic opportunities in promoting basic education. In her presentation, she identified access, equity, and quality as crucial factors driving educational improvement. Ado identified several challenges, including inadequate data for decision-making, a shortage of female teachers, insufficient funding, weak implementation and adaptation of policies, and inefficient instructional frameworks, all hindering universal access to basic education.
She suggested exploring alternative funding sources, improving recruitment and safety measures, enhancing governance and policies, and ensuring the sustainability of basic education as essential steps to effectively tackle these challenges. Additionally, she emphasized the need to strengthen non-formal and special needs schools, explore innovative educational approaches, and promote and support second chance education opportunities.
She expressed optimism about the opportunities for CHRICED to explore in this area and encouraged the organization to champion these initiatives, akin to their efforts with the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) law in Kano State.
Pamlens Studio facilitated a session on visual storytelling for the participants, while Engineer Solomon Afolayan, a transmission engineer, provided practical introductory training on audiovisual studio production.
Following the presentations, robust deliberations and Q&A sessions were held to encourage open conversations and collaborative problem-solving. Dr. Ibrahim emphasized the importance of reconnecting with CHRICED’s mission to inspire both board members and staff to maintain their commitment, especially in challenging times. He concluded by expressing gratitude for the dedication and expertise demonstrated by the board and staff.
“Your expertise, wisdom, and passion have been invaluable in shaping our future direction. Together, let us embrace this new chapter and work collaboratively to drive meaningful impact, sustainable growth, and lasting change through the new strategy plan.”
We enjoyed a delightful dinner at Nkoyo Restaurant, Ceddi Plaza, Central Area Abuja, filled with delicious food, drinks, and joyful moments.
Signed:
Comrade Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi
Executive Director
