National Centre for Women Development
1998 Annual Report
TABLE OF CONTENT
Page
Preface i
Foreward ii
Executive Summary iii-v
Introduction 1
Mission 1
Status, Mandate and Structure 2
Functions 2-7
Review of 1998 Achievements 8
Planning Research and Statistics 8-13
Training and Development Department 14-17
Estate and Maintenance Department 18-23
Admin and Personnel Department 24-26
Legal Unit 27-28
Commercial Unit 29-30
Protocol and Public Relations Unit 31-32
Accounts and Audit Unit 33-35
Workshops, seminars and Conferences 36-37
Staff Requirements 38-39
Organogram 40
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1.0 The National Centre for Women Development is Nigeria’s model of INSTRAW, the United Nations International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of women. During the 1998 fiscal year, the Centre executed several programmes and offered services to the general public, particularly women in line with its approved mandate.
1.2 The Centre pursued vigorously, programmes aimed at upholding and promoting high intellectual practice in the area of women and development. Most departments expanded the scope of their operations significantly beyond the achievements of the previous year. Unfortunately, unavailability of funds inhibited the full actualization of projected plans for the year.
3.0 The Planning, Research and Statistics department gained new grounds in its efforts at collaborating with UN agencies. Gender research proposals were articulated, but could not be undertaken due to lack of funds. A draft directory of Nigerian Women was produced during the year. Its main features were NGOs, CBOs and Women Centres as well as Women at management level in the public service. The department also recorded progress in mainstreaming the centre into the women development component of the National Rolling Plan. This is expected to result in budgetary allocations to meet programme and project execution at the Centre.
4.0 Workshops were also organised to sensitize the public on incidences of Domestic Violence and Harmful Traditional Practices in the country, these workshops were well attended. Communiques were issued at the end of each workshop on the way forward. During the year, the PRS department also successfully organised a Computer Appreciation Programme for Children. The turnout of children was very impressive, and this programme has come to stay as a regular computer programme for children on vacation.
5.0 The Training Department, expanded its vocational courses and advocacy programmes during the year. Mechanisms to commence the inclusion of Plumbing and Piping, capentary and Joinery, Electrical Repairs, Cosmetology and Auto-mechanics training as part of its vocational courses have also been put in place. Plans were also articulated for the introduction of a technical training laboratory for women in conjunction with the National Board for Technical Education.
This effort is to enable women contribute more effectively to the economy in hitherto exclusively male professions. It will also help to equip women for participatory roles in the technological development of the nation.
6.0 The activities of the Estate and Maintenance Department were slightly affected by the itinerant fuel scarcity and paucity of funds. Consequently no major development work was carried out in 1998. This not withstanding, minor development works and repairs were carried out in the Centre Suite, Hostel Complex and the Power House.
7.0 In addition, routine maintenance works on the plumbing, electrical, air conditioning and other systems were carried out through the year. Replacement of parts of equipment were made as appropriate. Essential components to ensure smooth operations of the gadgets and facilities within the Centre’s complex were also acquired.
8.0 Efforts were also made during the year to maintain the landscape, and ensure that the entire complex remains an attractive edifice. As a result, the conference facilities, guest house and hostel accommodation of the Centre still remain in high demand.
9.0 The Admin and Personnel unit, evolved into a full fledged department during the year. It also improved on its responsibility of interpreting Centre’s Policies for the achievement of management objectives. The department handled issues of recruitment, motivation, staff development and training as well as staff welfare during the year under review.
10.0 The Legal unit, maintained its traditional role of keeping records of proceedings and decisions of the Centre’s management Committee. It also rendered legal advice to the Centre. Plans were put in place for undertaking enlightenment seminars for women on their legal rights and priorities.
11.0 The commercial unit, succeeded in improving payment and revenue generation drive of the Centre through increased monitoring of Centre’s facilities, tenants, activities and advertisement.
12.0 The Protocol/Public Relations unit enhanced the good relationship between the Centre and the media thus helping to strengthen linkages between the Centre, regional and international organisations.
13.0 The Accounts/Audit unit ensured that all financial transactions of the Centre were in comformity with the international accounting principles and the standard set by the Nigeria National Accounting Standard Board (NNASB).
14.0 In conjunction with the Internal and External Auditors, the unit ensured that probity, transparency and accountability were the guiding principles of the Centre during the year under consideration. Within this period, no serious case of fraud or misappropriation of funds were recorded.
15.0 Although the Centre witnessed severe constraints and challenges in the area of funding, the achievements of the various departments are commendable. The experiences acquired in the course of the year have contributed immensely towards programme planning for the next fiscal year.
1.0 INTRODUCTION: 1.1 Government, in recognition of the critical role women play as agents of National Development and in line with section H of the Beijing Platform for Action (PFA), established the National Centre for Women Development, with the mandate to undertake, co-ordinate and organise Research, Training, Documentation and Information Dissemination geared towards the social, economic and political empowerment of women within the overall framework of national development.
1.2 The Centre, is modelled after INSTRAW, an International Research and Training institute for the advancement of women established by the United Nations to compliment the work of the UN Division for the Advancement of Women and the United Nations Commission on the status of women.
1.3 As a Research Centre, it is designed to make women more visible, describing and defining the activities and situation of women much more precisely and comprehensively through the utilization of pertinent data and information in the implementation and adjustment of national programmes in the bid to mainstream gender into all spheres of national development.
1.4 It also collates information on the totality of women’s work and efforts and serves as a databank/documentation centre for women development issues. The Training component of the Centre is primarily aimed at developing effective methodologies, training materials and skills acquisition to equip women fully for development processes.
2.0 MISSION STATEMENT
2.1
3.1
3.2
4.0 FUNCTIONS
4.1 As stipulated in its enabling decree No. 11 of 1995, the Centre is primarily charged with the responsibility of stimulating consciousness towards the attainment of higher levels of development and gender sensitive actions for Nigerian women in addition to promoting international cooperation for achieving this objective. 4.2 In pursuance of the purposes set out in subsection one of Part 11 of the decree, the Centre shall:a. Promote research into the activities and achievements of women;
b. Serve as a data bank on women and development in Nigeria;
c. Facilitate the formulation of policies affecting women primarily in areas such as employment, health and finance;
d. Provide training in skill development income generation activities and serve as a training ground for managers and leaders;
e. Provide a forum for guidance, counseling and mobilisation of women both in urban and rural areas and;
f. Liaise with national, regional and international agencies involved in women development programmes.
4.3 In executing its mandate and in line with the guidelines contained in its enabling Decree, the Centre has two operational and two service departments. In addition, there are four service units located under the office of the Executive Director. These are charged with the following responsibilities:
4.3.1 FUNCTIONS OF THE PLANNING, RESEARCH AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT
1. Co-ordinate and undertake research and surveys into the activities and achievements of women in the different sectors.
2. Develop and manage a national data bank on women and development in Nigeria and ensure linkage with other databanks.
3. Analyse and apply statistics, data and indicators on women to facilitate the formulation of policies and review of legislation affecting women primarily in areas such as education, employment, health, finance etc.
4. Set up effective machinery for managing the documentation of women development records and information resources on the Centre’s activities (Computer Services, Library, Archives, Museum, Hall of Fame etc)
5. Co-ordinate and produce strategic development plans (Rolling, medium and perspective) and action plans within the framework of the overall national rolling plan.
6. Monitor and evaluate plan implementation, performance and efficiency targets for the various departments and units of the Centre.
7. Survey and review of the internal organisation and operational modalities of the Centre to determine capacity needs and ensure institutional efficiency.
8. Collate and produce annual and periodic reports on the National Centre for Women Development.
9. Serve as liaison between the Centre and relevant bodies such as Ministries, Parastatals, U.N. Agencies and other regional and International development organisations on women development issues.
10. Source, secure and administer technical assistance/funds for managing women development projects and programmes in line with the Centre’s mandate.
11. Produce statistical reports, journals, directories, magazines and other relevant publications to stimulate consciousness towards the attainment of higher levels of development and activity for Nigerian Women.
12. Provide appropriate forum for mobilization of women to participate in National development through workshops, seminars, exhibitions, meetings, conferences, Round Table Discussions etc.
13. Initiate programmes and projects that will stimulate technical capacity building of the Centre staff, state and local government centres for women development, NGOs and other special interest groups e.g. children.
4.3.2 FUNCTIONS OF THE TRAINING DEPARTMENT
The general functions of the training department cover the :
- Model Kindergarten.
- Consultancy.
- General training.
1. Model Kindergarten
a. Proper administration/regular co-ordination of the model Kindergarten.
b. Training of Care Givers/Prospective Day care Managers.
2. Consultancy
a. Preparing feasibility studies relating to Women and Development.
b. Designing other women related projects.
c. Provide Consultancy Services to women and NGOs nationwide.
d. In-depth diagnostic study for our client organizations.
3. General Training
a. Organizes Workshop/Seminar/Symposium on issues relating to Gender and Children.
b. Gender sensitization/Advocacy.
c. Various skills acquisition courses which include Vocational and Non-vocational courses.
d. Since the National Centre for Women Development does not have a formal counselling unit the department also undertakes counselling sessions.
e. The Department is working with the University of Abuja to introduce a Diploma in Gender development studies.
f. The Department liaises and collaborates with key WID agencies, national and international bodies on focal and thematic issues that affect women and children.
4.3.3 FUNCTIONS OF THE ESTATE DEPARTMENT
1. Implements the Management decisions and policies as they relate to Estate management matters.
2. Advises and guides the management on Estate and Maintenance issues.
3. Serves as liaison with external agencies on matters relating to Estate management.
4. Undertakes maintenance works on the centre’s infrastructure, facilities and equipment.
5. Co-ordinates the provision of services in the Guest House and Hostel.
6. Carries out routine maintenance and repair works.
4.3.4 FUNCTIONS OF THE ADMIN AND PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT
1. All Administrative and personnel matters;
2. Recruitment, selection, induction and placement of staff;
3. Transfer, promotions, establishment and dismissal of employees;
4. Training, health, safety and general welfare needs of all employees;
5. Labour relations and research;
6. Wages and up-to-date conditions of service;
7. Preparations of budget (personnel);
8. Arrangement and co-ordinations of pension funds and National provident Fund for all employees.
4.3.5 FUNCTIONS OF THE LEGAL UNIT/COMPANY SECRETARY:
1. Serves as the Administrative Secretary and Legal Adviser to the Centre.
2. Takes charge of the day to day general administration of the Centre’s Secretariat - as implied by Section 8(1) of the 1995 Decree No 11.
3. Keeps records of proceedings and decisions of the Centre’s Management Committee.
4. Ensures implementation of the Centre’s decisions and policies.
5. Renders legal advice and opinion to the Centre.
6. Renders corporate services such as letter (legal) writing, legal representations, (CEDAW, UNDP). Insurance relations as well as commercial transactions, etc.
4.3.6 FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMERCIAL UNIT
The Commercial Unit co-ordinates the revenue generating units of the Centre.
1. It serves as an organ of enlightenment bureau.
2. Collects the revenue from properties leased to clients.
3. Ensures constant flow of revenue to the Centre by initiating revenue generation modalities.
4. Develops plans and strategic skills to source revenue etc.
4.3.7 FUNCTIONS OF THE ACCOUNTS AND AUDIT UNIT
1. Implements the Board/Management/Executive Director’s decisions/policies as it relates to Accounts Unit.
2. Advises and guides management on account matters.
3. Supervises all Accounting transactions of the Centre.
4. Supervises daily banking of all revenues generated.
5. Establishes and operates a smooth accounting system in line with External Auditor’s advice.
6. Provides all information as may be required by the Internal Auditor to facilitate the smooth execution of his mandate.
5.0 REVIEW OF 1998 ACHIEVEMENTS
6.0 PLANNING RESEARCH AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT
6.0.1 The continuous survival of any organisation requires medium and long term planning, constant research and taking informed decisions based on data and statistics. Purposeful and meaningful planning depends on research and statistical findings which constitute the backbone of policy formulation.
6.0.2 The Planning, Research & Statistics Department (PRS) as a key operational department of the Centre, co-ordinates strategic planning and efficiency management that addresses pertinent issues on women’s development, gender research & data application. It sources and seeks to impart analytical and technical skills to enhance the institutional capacity of the Centre and similar women agencies and organisations. It also organises programmes and activities which aim at proferring solutions to problems which militate against women and prevent them from making their maximum contributions to national planning and overall economic management on a continuous basis.
6.03 The PRS department strives to ascertain that the goals and objectives of the centre are congruent with and contribute to national goals for the advancement of women. The ultimate desire of the department is to contribute to high performance, effectiveness and efficiency of all departments.
6.0.4 It mobilizes resources to accomplish programmes, objectives and sets performance targets and standards and measures efficiency through its continuous data gathering analysis and presentation. Employing its expertise, the department advises management on the overall organisation’s development plan. The following are some of the major programmes handled by the department during the period under review:
6.1 PLANNING DIVISION:
6.1.1 The division was involved in both capital and recurrent budget preparation for the centre against (1999). Statistical and other relevant information in the budget initiated by the department is based on the observation that since the establishment of the Centre in 1992, it is yet to enjoy statutory budget allocation from government. This would have gone a long way in achieving government’s commitment towards integrating women fully into national development plans and programmes. The division also produced two Briefs, Action/Work plans and the Rolling plan for the Centre based on the budget and policy on women in development.
6.1.2 International Cooperation
The National Center for Women Development has been recognised as a major partner in the execution of gender related development programmes by both United Nations agencies and other International Development Organisations. Consequently the PRS Department developed programmes of collaboration with the UNDP, UNFPA, ILO and UNICEF. In line with this development, a workshop on HTPs for NGO’s and CBOs was organised by the department in collaboration with UNICEF at Hamdalla Hotel, Kaduna, from the 23rd to 29th August, 1998. It has also established good working relationship with the World Bank and the British Council.
6.1.3 A meeting was held involving PRS department, UNFPA and the Ministry of Women Affairs officials to prepare the budget and work plan for the Gender Advocacy component project of the UNFPA/FGN 4th Country Programme. The Center was earmarked as a critical partner for programme implementation as well as the co-ordination of the project coalition. The department also represented the Center at meetings of the Federal level stakeholders Board for National Management of Socio-Economic Development Programme and social Development which took place in Jos and Kaduna respectively on the 29th- 30th September, 1998. These meetings were organised by the National Planning Commission (NPC) in collaboration with UNDP for preparation of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the FGN/UNDP 5th country programme.
6.1.4 As a result, the center shall receive support for technical capacity building under the respective country programmes of collaboration between the Federal Government and the above mentioned agencies. The establishment of a computerized gender data base in the Center shall also be supported by the development partners. The Center shall also undertake gender advocacy aimed at improving gender equality and equity in the society utilizing disaggregated data as a guide for policy formulation.
6.2 RESEARCH AND STATISTICS DIVISION
6.2.1 Efforts were made to generate and utilize relevant data on the activities, achievement and constraints of Nigerian women. Such indicators helped to facilitate the formulation and review of policies affecting women particularly in areas such as health, education, employment and finance. During the year under review the department initiated:
(a) A survey in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to quantify the economic value of women's labour and unrenumerated works in the society. This is an initial step in the establishment of a National Women's Museum. A nationwide survey of museums has been undertaken to establish the fact that works, contributions and achievements of women in the community are not represented in the national museums.
(b) WHO IS WHO amongst Nigerian women - the department has embarked on the compilation of a catalogue of Nigerian women achievers which will be published in a book form.
(c) As part of its mandate, the center has completed plans to create a forum/fora for the exposition of books as a strategy for the promotion of gender research. It is believed, this would stimulate action and result oriented gender research which will help advance the status and situation of Nigerian women. Thus a book fair on gender publication is proposed to hold to achieve this objective. The fair is scheduled for 1999.
6.3 INFORMATION DISSEMINATION: 6.3.1 One of the primary responsibilities of the Center is to stimulate consciousness toward the attainment of higher levels of development and gender sensitive actions for Nigerian women. During the year under review the department was able to produce only one edition of its publications, the Images of the Nigerian Woman Magazine due to financial constraints.
a) Images of the Nigerian Woman Magazine. The magazine which was launched in 1996, is a quarterly publication of the Center widely circulated within institutions, libraries and public agencies that deal with WID issues within Nigeria and at international meetings and conferences. These have helped to project a positive image of Nigerian women and programmes for the advancement of Nigerian women and families such as the Family Support Programme, the Family Economic Advancement Programmes and other sectoralWomen-In-Development (WID) Programmes to both the local and International Communities.
b) A draft Directory on Women NGO's and Women Development Centres nationwide has been prepared using input from the State Ministries of Women Affairs and Social Development to provide up to date data on women activities in the country.
6.4 Consultancy Services
6.5 Other Programmes & Projects
The Center was at the conference organised to mark the 40th anniversary of the Economic Community of Africa (ECA) in Addis Ababa Ethiopia in April 1998, where the department mounted an exhibition of publications on WID on behalf of the country.
6.5.1 The department also held a meeting with Mrs Dorothy Chika Iwuji from the ECA Sub-Regional Development Center for West Africa in Niamey between the 29th October - 3rd November 1998. This meeting disclosed that the ECA has considered the Center as venue for the meeting of the West Africa Sub- Regional Women in Development Committee scheduled to hold in March 1999, this development would greatly boost Nigeria’s international image and help strengthen international relations and goodwill while strengthening national efforts for the upliftment of the right and status of women.
6.5.2 The department provided Secretariat for the FSP Review Committee and the Ad-hoc committee on the establishment of a Non-Governmental Organisation on women’s Rights, set up by the First Lady, Her Excellency Justice Mrs. Fati L. Abubakar in September 1998.
6.5.3 The department has developed a proposal along with a brochure on the establishment of a Creche facility within the Center and a proposal on a documentary on the "Plight of the Girl-Child in Nigeria." These have been forwarded to UNICEF for possible collaboration in production.
6.5.4 The department represents the center on the Poverty Alleviation Committee and was actively involved in the production of the draft National Poverty Alleviation Policy document.
6.6 FUTURE PLANS:
6.6.1 The department plans to undertake the following activities:
- Coordinate the proposed sub-Regional Women-In-Development Committee meeting.
- Upgrading of the Hall of Fame into a National Women's Museum.
- Initiating of women's tourism programme.
- Study tour of Women Centres nationwide, INSTRAW and other women development centres at the regional and international level.
- Production of annual state of the Nigerian women report.
- An opinion poll on public awareness of government’s implementation of the Beijing Platform For Action.
- Research on environmental hazards of women's economic activities: impact of religious, socio-cultural and industrial factors and other topical issues such as violence against women.
- Effective take-off of the UN/NCWD projects of collaboration on gender and development and other programmes as elaborated in the 1999 Action Plan.
7.0 TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
7.0.1The major activities of the department are divided into Model Kindergarten, Consultancy and Training. These continued to attract a lot of interest from the general public, due to the fast growing population of the FCT.
1. The Model Kindergarten: is responsible for training prospective managers of Kindergarten in Pre-school Curricula and Children management, as well as providing home away from home for young children, in order to allowtheir mothers engage in productive employment.
The year started on the 5th of January, 1998 after the Christmas/New Year break with two classes of twenty children each.
The Children’s Day (27th May, 1998) was celebrated at the Centre with the Kindergarten children undertaking a tour of the Centre, singing and matching. This tour ended in the Administration Block where pictures were taken with the Executive Director, Alh. Bello Dansumaila and portraits of the children were also taken.
The Day Care Centre is in its final lap towards accreditation as a team of Inspectors have visited the Centre with a view to ascertaining its suitability.
2. The Consultancy services Section: is responsible for preparing feasiblity studies relating to women in development as well as developing other projects.
3. Non-Vocational Training Section: is responsible for organising training workshops and courses on leadership skills acquisition, development studies etc.
7.1 Other Programmes Undertaken in 1998.
7.1.1 The department functionalized research findings on the conditions and status of women in order to appropriately design programmes, which will not only lead to the economic empowerment of women but also facilitate their participation in other socio-political areas of our national endeavour.
7.2 VOCATIONAL COURSES
7.2 1. Cookery Courses (Duration 6 months)
The department expanded this training to a six months course and also Introduced afternoon sessions to allow working women participate in the proramme. In 1998, the course ran from January-May and also from May to November with 74 students graduating. Statements of result was introduced in addition to the certificates issued which contain details of subjects studied and grades obtained. The next session for this programe is scheduled to start January, 1999.7.2 2. Sewing (Duration 1 year)
The department also expanded this course duration to a year. The classes started October, 1997 and ended October, 1998 but had a joint graduation with the Cookery Students in November, 1998. 25 women and young ladies graduated. 7.2 3. In addition to these regular courses, the department organised a training programme for the Nigerian War College Officers Wives Association in Soap and Pomade Making, Cookery, Tie and Dye and Batik Making for two weeks in December, 1998. The programme was rounded up with an elaborate graduation ceremony on the 20th December, 1998.
7.2 4. The training department also participated in the Food Exhibition during the World Food Day, themed "Women Feed the World" 16th October, 1998.
7.3 NON-VOCATIONAL
7.3 1. Advocacy Programme. Gender Sensitization sessions were held in the Command Day Secondary School, at Sani Abacha Barracks on 14th May,and the Government Secondary school Garki-Abuja on 15th May, 1998.
7.3 2. National Seminar: A National Seminar on Promoting the Rights of Working Women in Nigeria was organised by the Training Department of the NCWD in collaboration with Messrs Forester and Rich Konsult. This was held on the 28th-30th September, 1998 in Jos Plateau state and the wife of the State Administrator, Mrs Sa’adatu Shehu was in attendance. The workshop attracted working women from both Public and Private Sectors.
7.4 FUTURE PLANS
7.4.1 The Training Dept has also articulated a Curriculum for a 9 months Diploma Course in Gender/Women studies in collaboration with the University of Abuja. Gender workshops are broadly featured under the academic programme.
7.4.2 The Training Department is also scheduled to start non-traditional professional vocation courses which include the following:
1. Plumbing and piping
2. Capentary and Joinery
3 Electrical Repairs
4. Cosmetology
5. Auto-Mechanic
7.4.3 The Training Department is also introducing a Technical Training Laboratory for women in the above courses in conjunction with the National Board for Technical Education. All these efforts are geared towards enabling women have diverse skills and contribute to the economic and technological development of the nation.
7.4.4 Non-vocational courses
1. Different Futures: An examination of factors (and suggestion of remedies) which determine the career choice of girls.
2. Millennium Youth Programme: To develop, mobilize self-reliance in youths, who will lead Nigeria into the next millennium.
3. Single Parenthood: Towards a more embracing family support programme to seek ways of reducing the incidence of single parenthood and supporting those who must inevitably be single parents.
4. Women and the Media
5. FEAP Support Scheme: to promote and generate innovative and strategic Private sector support for the Family Economic Advancement Programme, to bring Hand-on Business Management, Development and Advisory Services to FEAP beneficiaries.
6. Small Business Development.
7. NGO/Women Association Development.
8. Gender Awareness for ADPs.
9. Vocational Skills: Garment making, Catering, Practice, Soap and Pomade Making, Ceramics and Training Managers and Care Givers of Kindergarten.
7.4.5 Most of these programmes will berun through small seminar/workshops in groups for well targeted audience. Interim programmes will also be run in collaboration with NGOs, States and Federal Government and International Agencies.
ESTATE DEPARTMENT
8.0.0 The Estate Department’s progress report covers progress achieved in Estate Management for the period under review. Generally, maintenance activities were negatively affected by the itinerant fuel scarcity and paucity of fund in the Centre.8.1.0 PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT
8.1.1 LAND
8.1.2 The Centre could still not acquire land for the purpose of developing staff quarters, expansion of Educational Wing of the Centre, as well as other Estate Development projects still on the drawing board. No land was acquired by the Centre throughout 1998.
8.1.3 DEVELOPMENT
8.1.4 Major development works were not carried out during the period under review. However, some minor development works carried out are as follows:-
(i) Internal re-painting works of 22 rooms and corridors of the Centre Suites.
(ii) General plumbing refurbishment works in the Hostel.
(iii) Electrical panel, switchgears and armoured cable replacement works.
(iv) Re-carpetting of rooms with worn-out rug-carpet in the Centre Suites
(12 rooms).
(v) External repainting works of the entire Hotel complex.
(vi) Replacement of worn-out curtains in 16 rooms of the Centre Suites.
8.1.5 FURNISHING
8.1.6 Partial furnishing/recarpetting works were carried out in the Executive Director's official residence during the period under review while piece- meal approach of furnishing the Managements' staff quarters was adopted.
8.2.0 MAINTENANCE
8.2.1 During the year under review, the department continued with routine maintenance work of the Centre's sophisticated structures and all mechanical components. Summary of works undertaken is as follows:-
8.2.2 CENTRE SUITES
* Routine plumbing maintenance and replacement works
* Routine electrical maintenance and replacement works
* Routine airconditioning maintenance and replacement works
* Routine carpentry maintenance, repairs and replacement works
* Extension and expansion of DSTV Satellite system
* Acquisition of towels and bedsheets
8.2.3 ELECTRICAL WORKS
8.2.4 Serious fluctuation/sequence rotation in supply of electricity by NEPA continued during the year 1998 and this resulted in burnt out electrical components. To keep facilities and equipment functional, burnt out parts were constantly replaced and routine works carried out.
8.2.5 SANITATION
8.2.6 To keep the environment clean and healthy, daily cleaning of all environment and surrounding was carried out. The Abuja Environmental Protection Board continued to evacuate dry waste with very serious difficulty due to scarcity of petroleum products throughout 1998. As a result of this development, alternative evacuation arrangements were made within the year. Further to these, regular dislodgement of filled chambers within the complex and residential quarters were carried out.
8.2.7 Fumigation control against pests and insects was carried out during the period under review while periodic shampooing of carpetted areas and settees were carried out.
8.2.8 HORTICULTURE
8.2.9 Regular maintenance and upkeep of all lawns and gardens was religiously carried out to keep the environment healthy, beautiful and inviting. Routine maintenance of lawn mowers were carried out albeit with some delays.
8.3.0 MECHANICAL
8.3.01 VEHICLES
8.3.02 During the period under review, the Centre continued with routine maintenance of its vehicle fleet at a very high cost due to old age of 90% of the vehicles in the fleet. Two of the Centre's accidented vehicles still remain grounded due to lack of funds.
8.3.03 CENTRAL AIRCONDITIONING UNIT
8.3.04 The Centre was able to carry out routine maintenance, checks and upkeep of the Central Airconditioning Unit serving the Africa Peace Mission Hall. Also, periodic service/maintenance works were carried out by M/S TRANE (manufacturers of the equipment) during the period under review. As a result of voltage fluctuation, two compressors broke down and M/S TRANE carried out reconditioning and repair works to put back the two (2) compressors to working condition. Although the Centre was unable to purchase necessary spares and the required 1 No. 100 HP 8 cylinder compressor, the Central A/C is performing satisfactorily.
8.3.05 POWER HOUSE
8.3.06 During the period under review, routine maintenance of the Generating set was undertaken. Sometimes in March, 1998, overheating occured in Generating Set No. 1. as a result of a burnt alternator. Due to lack of funds, Generating Set No. 1 is still down while routine operations have been powered by Generating Set No.2. Further to the routine maintenance to allow for effective power distribution during failure of electricity supply from NEPA, the following works were carried out:
(i) Replacement of batteries
(ii) Purchase of charging unit
(iii) Replacement of D.C. cutout and alternator diode
(iv) Repairs of Fuel Pump/Governor to check airlock.
8.3.07Generally, very successful operations were recorded during the year inspite of constraints due to lack of funds. Alternative electricity supply was provided for 152 hours.
8.4.0 FIRE FIGHTING
All fire extinguishers were filled and serviced during the year. Though no incidence of fire outbreak was recorded, we were unable to purchase other needed equipment and carry out general servicing/overhaul of fire fighting/prevention installations due to lack of funds. We however, maintained all extinguishers and remained ever vigilant in fire prevention.8.4.1 UTILITIES
8.4.2 The Centre continued to pay utility bills (NEPA, NITEL and WATER). However, paucity of funds has not allowed for settlement of all outstanding bills as they fall due. With good rapport and mutual understanding with utility agencies, the Centre enjoyed utility services throughout the period under review.
8.4.3 COMMUNICATION
8.4.4 Essential communication services were provided to the complex with minor interruptions either from NITEL or due to internal breakdown. Despite all odds, we were able to creditably provide the crucial communication services. Generally, we successfully repaired TV's, telephones, sound system, public address system, expand TV satellite distribution and increased efficiency. Broken down Main Auditorium Public Address System was repaired on two(2) occasions during the period under review.
8.4.5 CONSUMABLES
8.4.6 About 75% of required consumables for electrical, plumbing, carpentry, electronics, sanitation, housekeeping and horticulture were provided for routine maintenance of the Centre and staff quarters.
8.4.7 GENERAL
8.4.8 Generally during the period under review, a total of 163 requisition forms with 500 various maintenance works were attended to. About 150 emergency works and others not requiring requisition forms were also carried out. This shows increase in demand and response for maintenance services. More efforts and ingenuinity were put in to required maintenance works as a result of which the Centre consistently maintained all structures within its premises.
8.5.0 COMMERCIAL LETTING
8.5.1 GUEST FACILITIES
8.5.2 The Guest Facilities being the hospitality wing of the Centre successfully attended to various guest needs. There was tremendous improvement in guest relations. Summary of activities are as follows:-
8.5.3 CENTRE SUITES
8.5.4 The Centre Suites recorded 82% occupancy during the period under review with government guest accounting for about 60%. 8.5.5 In view of increase of bedsheets/pillow cases, bed covers, towels, and more consumables, housekeeping, laundry services and general cleaning were carried out satisfactorily.
8.5.6 Guest breakfast and catering services were adequately provided. Beside the core guest services, a great improvement was recorded in maintenance. However, for more profit and customer satisfaction, catering services was leased out in November, 1998.
8.5.7 AUDITORIUM
8.5.8 The conference facilities (Main Auditorium), Committee Room, Banquet Hall and Foyers) hosted over 250 programmes during the year under review. Maintenance has also greatly improved as the Central airconditioner was effectively restored after a minor breakdown.
8.5.9 HOSTEL
8.5.10 The Hostel recorded about 90% occupancy rate. Thus serious maintenance problems were experienced due to overstretch of facilities and misuse. Necessary circulars were issued in an effort to eradicate misuse.
8.5.11 INSURANCE
8.5.12 The Centre was only able to make part-payment (50%) of premium due on our fire policy. Similarly, the Centre could not take up insurance policy on vehicle fleet due to inadequacy of funds.
8.6.0 PROBLEMS-
8.6.1 As highlighted, funding has been a very serious teething problem of the department and being a capital intensive service department, the problem affected some of our operations. 8.6.2 However, despite the problem, a high standard of maintenance was maintained throughout the year and this is evident in the constant demand for our facilities.
9.0 ADMIN AND PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT
9.0.1 The Admin and Personnel department, which was hitherto one of the central units of the National Centre for Women Development, was upgraded to a full department on the 10th November, 1998 in recognition of its achievements in its functions and the effective administrative operations of the various departments of the Centre. 9.0.2 The Admin/Personnel department is responsible for interpreting the Centre's management policies through various ways necessary to achieve management objectives. Amongst these are recruitment of labour, motivation of staff, disciplinary actions, promotion, training and staff development etc. 9.0.3 Personnel administration decisions are directed towards advising the Chief Executive Officer on personnel policy and co-ordinating the application of policies uniformly throughout all of the departments. 9.0.4 Actions are centrally taken for efficient and effective governance of the centres management, whenever these are recommended or referred to the Admin/Personnel department.9.1. STAFFING
9.1.1. Recruitment
9.1.1.1 The Centre has a staff strength of two hundred and eighty-four. This is made up of sixty-eight (68) senior staff and two hundred and sixteen (216) junior staff. 9.1.1.2 From January 1998 to date fifty-three (53) staff were recruited, out of which ten (10) are senior staff while forty-three (43) are junior. These recruitments were made from various disciplines in order to ensure smooth administrative operations of the centre whenever the need arises. A total number of thirteen corp members on annual Youth service and twenty Industrial Training Fund students were engaged.
9.1.2 Termination/Dismissal/Resignations
A total number of 29 staff lost their jobs either through terminations or dismissals, while ten staff resigned their appointments for various reasons.
9.1.3 Promotions/Upgrading
Management of the centre approved the promotion of forty-four staff, as a result of acquisition of additional qualifications and merit as recommended by their Heads of unit/department in appreciation of their dedication to duty and hardwork.9. STAFF DEVELOPMENT
9.2.1 In order to achieve maximum out-put and enhance staff productivity, the Admin and Personnel department as part of its prime functions organised and conducted in-house training and refresher courses and recommended staff for seminars and workshops.
9.3 HEALTH AND WELFARE
9.3.1 The Centre's staff healthcare has always been given priority by management. It is in this spirit that since the beginning of the year, management has spent substantial sums of money to purchase drugs at various times when the need arose in order to equip the Centre's clinic so that on the spot treatment could be given to staff without their being necessarily referred outside. Cases of ailments that were beyond the capabilities of the clinic staff were referred to either public or private hospitals where the Centre has retainership. These hospitals include, Abuja clinic, Crescent clinic, Biosensors Lab, Metro eye clinic and so on. 9.3.2 During the year 1998, some organisations’ support was solicited for in donating drugs to the centre, already the PTF and FSTF have responded positively to requests made and have donated several packets/cartons of drugs worth hundreds of thousands of Naira.
9.3.3 As part of the Executive Director's welfare package, management has during the year 1998 approved different types of loans to staff, ranging from personal loans and other staff requests for financial assistance perceived to be geniune.
9.4 HOUSING AND TRANSPORT
9.4.1 The Admin and Personnel department has made another bold move to acquire more houses in addition to the ones already leased so that staff residing at the Centre suites could be relocated in order to allow for the occupied rooms to generate more revenue to the centre. The relocation is expected to commence early in 1999 when funds for this exercise would have been made available.
9.5 SECURITY UNIT
9.5.1 In the year 1998 the security unit’s ability was tested when there was a general outbreak of cases of theft in the FCT: The security personnel were increased and training sessions were organised for them. The Centre’s premises were well guarded by the security men. 9.5.2 In 1999 gadgets will be purchased to enhance the unit’s ability to execute it’s functions.
10.0 LEGAL UNIT
10.1 ACHIEVEMENTS RECORDED
1. Served as the Administrative Secretary and Legal Adviser to the Centre.2. Took charge of the day to day general administration of the Centre’s Secretariat - as implied by Section 8(1) of the 1995 Decree No 11.
3. Kept records of proceedings and decisions of the Centre’s Management Committee.
4. Assisted in the implementation of the Centre’s decisions and policies.
5. Rendered legal advice and opinion to the Centre.
6. Rendered corporate services such as letter (legal) writing, legal representations, (CEDAW, UNDP). Insurance relations as well as commercial transactions, etc.
10.2 FUTURE PLANS: 1. Drafting, vetting and perfecting contractual agreements, between the Centre and its clients.2. Drafting and perfecting legal documents such as contract agreements, leases, powers of attorney, L.P.O., agency agreements etc.
3. Handling all legal issues, disputes and litigations, etc to which the Centre may be involved.
4. The Office in collaboration with the Department of Planning, Research and Statistics, will organize and conduct seminars and workshops on basic legal rights of women, particularly in the areas of educational, political and property rights, inheritance, ownership of property etc as enshrined in the 1979 and 1989 Constitutions of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
5. The Office will ensure the collaboration and coordination of the work of all human rights bodies and set in motion a mechanism to ensure that the human rights of women are respected.
6. The Office will encourage, coordinate and co-operate with local and regional women’s groups, relevant non-governmental organisations, educators and the media to implement programmes in human rights education.
7. The Office will disseminate information on national legislation and its impact on women, including easily accessible guidelines on the use of the judicial system.
11.0 COMMERCIAL UNIT
11.0.1 The commercial unit of the National Centre for Women Development was created in February, 1996. The unit has a staff strength of five persons. 11.0.2 The unit is vested with the power to generate revenue for the Centre as part of its functions. Presently, the Centre has about sixty four (64) shops within its premises and all are occupied by individuals and companies.
11.1 THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVE OF THE UNIT
11.1.1 This unit Co-ordinates the revenue generating functions of the Centre. Other activities of the unit are enumerated as follows:-
- It serves as an organ of enlightenment.
- To collect revenue from the rented facilities.
- To ensure constant flow of revenue to the Centre by initiating new ways.
- Developing plans and strategic skills to source revenue etc.
11.2 ACHIEVEMENTS
11.2.1 In the year under review, this unit received over one hundred (100) applications from applicants seeking office space and shops, but few of the applicants were successful due to the limited number of shops available. The following specific achievements were recorded: (a) Allocation of shops belonging to defaulters in rent payment, were revoked and shops re-allocated to other tenants. This has brought in prompt payment within the year.
(b) Increased monitoring of activities of the income generating sectors of the Centre on day- to-day basis, such areas as Auditorium, Guest House, Hostel, Arts & Crafts, Laundry etc. And this effective monitoring has increased the revenue generation of the Centre tremendously.
(C) Canvassing/Advertisement handled by the unit has improved our weekend booking of the Centre’s facilities within the year.
(d) Increased funds have been generated from the sale of Arts and Craft items.
(e) Allocation of available spaces in Arts and Craft building to tenants for partitioning, was made during the year thus bringing more revenue to the Centre.
11.3 CONSTRAINTS
11.3.1 Lack of adequate spaces and shops for applicants who are ready to pay for these facilities.11.3.2 Lack of funds also played a major role in hindering the smooth running of the unit. Some projects in the pipe line could not be executed due to lack of funds, these include Centre’s own shopping Centre and Gift shop, staff Canteen etc.
12.0 PROTOCOL/PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT
12.06 The Management initiated plans to re-invigorate the Unit by appointing a Principal Public Relation/Press Officer, more staff are to be posted to the Centre in the very near future. 12.07 The unit still has need for the following:-
1. Car
2. Computer unit (PC)
3 Telephone/Fax Lines
4. Staff
12.08 The Centre hosted Her Excellency Hon. Justice Fati Abubakar, First Lady, Federal Republic of Nigeria. All Protocols were duely observed. Also the unit carried out its function of overseeing all travelling arrangements for the Centre.ACCOUNTS & AUDIT UNIT
13.0 INTRODUCTION
The Account Unit of the centre is the Unit that has the responsibility of operating all the financial transaction of the centre all year through. The primary function of the unit is to prepare and keep all the necessary records & books of primary accounting entries that enable the financial statements and transactions of the centre to be obtained in conformity with the International Accounting Principles and Accounting Standards issued (to date) by the Nigeria National Accounting Standard Board (NNASB). The Unit also bears the responsibility of opening and operating all the books of accounting entry in the systematic and professional manner designed by its External Auditors M/s Akintola Williams & Co; so as to ensure probity, transparency and proper Accountability.13.01 REVIEW OF 1998
During the year 1998, the operation of the Accounts Unit went smoothly and all books of Primary Entry for the year were opened at the beginning of the year. The closed books of the year 1997 gave the opening balances for the year 1998.13.02 PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
As is the general practice with most government parastatals that are non-profit oriented, the National Centre for Women Development operates an Accounting system that simply has Revenue and Expenditure pattern of operation.13.03 REVENUE GENERATED
The Centre generates its revenue through Internal sales of its facilities. During the year 1998,encouraging amount of Revenue was generated in comparison with the previous years. The Centre’s records indicate that revenue generation has steadily been on the increase. The total revenue generated during the year 1998 was N58M.(Fifty-Eight Million Naira) only.13.04 FEDERAL GOVERNMENT GRANT
The total Federal Government grants received in the year 1998, was N10m only. However, efforts have been directed towards obtaining more grants to supplement internally generated funds.13.05 EXPENDITURE
As with most government owned organisations, expenditures are either, capital or recurrent in nature. Both capital and recurrent expenditures inccured during the year 1998 totalled N63.5m (Sixty three and half million naira) with break-down as follows: 1. Staff Salaries and Wages N12.0m2. Recurrent Expenditure N34.5m
3. Capital expenditure N17.0m
Apart from provision of services, expenditure was also incurred in areas of maintenance of facilities, equipment, buildings, land etc. Other areas of expenditure include organising Training, Seminars, Workshops and Staff Welfare.
To ensure proper accountability and management of Centre’s funds, the services of M/s Akintola Williams firm of Auditors was engaged to assess the performance of the centre’s transactions. The Auditors report is aimed at identifying any short comings and offering professional advice on areas of improvement.
13.06 FUTURE PLANS
The Accounts Unit plans to improve on its operating systems and procedures for maintaining the Centre’s books of Accounts. The Unit also plans to run either a workshop or seminar that is specially designed to be beneficial to women in the Accounting, Audit, Insurance and Banking professions. This would enable them network and share common problems and interests and recommend favourable solutions.Other activities to be introduced in the 1999 rolling plan, include: Computerising the payroll system and organising an In-house, staff computer training programme.
13.07INTERNAL AUDIT UNIT
The Internal Audit Unit has the official obligation of auditing the financial transactions of the centre in collaboration with the accounts unit, this was carried out regularly to check frauds and misappropriation of centres funds and assets.
Also the cash books and bank reconciliation ledgers were monitored closely for perfection in the accounting procedure.
Prompt payment of rents was also closely monitored by the unit in conjunction with the commercial unit. Defaulting tenants were often ejected after one week notice. Also the Centre’s restaurant sales was monitored by the unit.
Periodic checks were made of activities carried out in the main Auditorium to ensure probity and accountability of the resources generated. Efforts were also made in stock-taking of drugs procured by the clinic.
Generally, during the year under review there was no serious case of fraud or misappropriation of funds in the Centre.
EPILOGUE
14.0 WORKSHOPS, SEMINARS AND CONFERENCES
Within the year under review, the Centre sponsored, organised and participated in the following courses, workshops, seminars or conferences:
1. 42nd session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women, 2nd-3rd March, 1998, New York U.S.A.
2. UNFPA Stakeholders meeting to "Conceptualize the Gender Advocacy Sub- Programme of the UNFPA/Nigeria 4th Country Programme of Assistance" 21st - 23rd March in Lagos.
3. International Conference on African Women and Economic Development on ECA 40th Anniversary 28th April- 1st May, 1998, Addis -Ababa, Ethiopia.
4. The FGN/UNICEF National Social Mobilization, Publicity and Technical Committee (NASOMPTEC), on the "provision of social mobilization and communication support necessary for child survival, development, protection and participation". This was held from the 28th - 29th May in Owerri, Imo state.
5. 19th Session of the UN Committee on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) New York, 22nd June-10th July, 1998, U.S.A.
6. National Annual Conference of Directors Planning, Research & Statistics meeting 27th-30th July, Ibadan.
7. Women in Public Life Conference - 16th - 18th September, Abuja.
8. Workshop on "Promoting the Rights of Working Women in Nigeria", held in Jos from the 28th - 30th September.
9. The International Day of Older Persons - 2nd October 1998 at the NCWD Auditorium, Abuja.
10. Three staff members attended workshops on Estate Building and Land Management at Kaduna from 6th-8th October, 1998 which was organised by Centre for Research and Management Services.
11. In October 21st-23rd, 1998 two members of staff attended the workshop on Transforming the Civil Service to Cope with the Challenges of the Millennium 2000 at Jos.
12. UN Workshop on Technologies and its Impact on Families, Dublin October, 1998.
13. In November, the Centre organised and sponsored 40 staff to participate in the Total Business Orientation course conducted by the Veon Konsult limited.
14. Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) workshop - 10th - 13th November at the International Conference Center, Abuja.
15. National Policy and Sensitization Workshop on "Child Labour in Nigeria"- 25th - 26th November, at Sheraton hotel, Abuja.
16. Leadership and Management Training Skills Workshop for African Women Managers and Entrepreneurs 4th-11th December, 1998 Kampala Uganda
17. Between 9th-11th December, 1998, 12 staff were given in-house training on Clerical Development Course conducted by the African Management Training Bureau.
18. Workshop on "Challenges before the Nigerian Woman before the next Millennium", organised by the JA’ AMIYAR MATAN AREWA - 14th -15th Dec., 1998 at the NCWD Auditorium, Abuja.
15.0 STAFF REQUIREMENTS FOR 1999 BASED ON 1998 REVIEW
15.1 Company Secretary/Legal Adviser
15.2 In the year 1999, the office of the Company Secretary/Legal Adviser requires 4 members of staff as follows:- 1. Assistant Secretary/Legal Adviser
2. Principal legal officer
3. Legal Officer I
4. Legal Officer II
15.3 Protocol/Public Relations Unit
Although some of the requirements of this unit are capital intensive, it is important that in 1999, they have the following:-1. Protocol officers (corp members)
2. Secretary
3. Office clerk
15.4 COMMERCIAL SERVICES UNIT
1. Commercial officer2. 2 nos. Assistant Commercial officers
3. 2 commercial clerks
4. 1 office assistant
5. 1 Secretary
6. 2 IT students
15.5 PLANNING RESEARCH AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT
1. 2 data entry officers
2. 2 computer literate typists
3. 2 Principal Research officers
4. Computer analyst
5. 2 Planning Officers
15.6 TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
1. Principal officer2. 3 Senior officers
3. 2 Supervisors:- catering and fashion designer
4. 2 Office assistants
5. Typist
15.7 CLINIC
2. 2 medical laboratory technologists
3. 3 community health workers
4. 2 Laboratory attendants
5. Record officers
6. Secretariat staff
NOTES