By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A non-governmental organisation in Lagos, Chinwe Bode-Akinwande (CBA) Foundation, has joined well-meaning Nigerians across the world to lend its voice against the unfriendly approach of the Nigeria Police Force to civil policing and respect of human rights.
The foundation expressed its support to the widespread cry on the need for the Nigeria Police Force to be uplifted and modernised to promote its efficiency in the discharge of its primary duties of protecting lives and properties of all residents in the country, irrespective of nationality.
A statement by the foundation’s chairman, Board of Trustees, Dr Adesina Adegunle, on Friday, said that as the protest for #EndSARs, #EndPoliceBrutality is being looked into by the government (legislative and executive arms), as well as other stakeholders in the place of influence and authority, a common ground and lasting solution is expedient so the trust of the police by everyone is achieved.
“We stand for #EndPoliceBrutality #EndDehumanisation on all grounds. Without a doubt, the victims of police brutality at the extreme case, hence death, have left many women widows; it has left many widows losing their children as well, with many having no one to turn to. Such dehumisation has made the meaning and essence of life lost by the victims.
“Now is the time to speak up, listen, represent right and see through the solution we seek. We need to hear the plans, see actions, and feel the effectiveness of the timelines in place.
“We need a listening government, people-centred leaders that will be bold to ask the public to track and hold those in authority accountable.
“Good leadership and representative governance are all we seek because Nigeria is ours and indeed the role security plays to the growth and development of the country cannot be overemphasised. God bless Nigeria,” he noted.
The CBA Foundation is primarily dedicated to promoting the protection of Nigerian widows and their vulnerable children, restoring immediate and lasting hope, confidence and courage in their lives.
Established in 2015, the foundation, under its 5-point agenda, has reached out to thousands of underprivileged widows and children through skills acquisition training, health intervention, business start-ups and provision of clothing, nutrition and tuition fees for the children.
In breakdown, 5,600 widows have been empowered through its women empowerment and capacity building initiative; over 3,500 underprivileged widows have received health intervention; over 3,500 have also received food items.
The foundation has also reinstated 45 children in school, empowered 120 widows financially to start a business of their own and also provided palliatives to 250 widows during the COVID-19 pandemic lock-down.
