HOUSE OF HILKIAH FOUNDATION HOLDS SEMINAR ON SOCIAL COHESION
Erdoo Due
House of Hilkiah Foundation (HOHF), in partnership with Search for Common Ground (SFCG) with funding from the European Union, 12th October, 2021 held a one day orientation seminar tittled ‘Promoting Social Cohesion During Pandemic’ in Makurdi the Benue State Capital. The event which took place at Precious Event Centre witnessed a good turn up of Youth Ambassadors, media practitioners, diverse health personnel, Traditional/Community leaders government agencies such as the Ministry of Youths and sport’s and Benue State Planning Commission.
In his opening remarks, Isaiah Ude, the Social Media and Communication’s Officer for SFCG Nigeria, appreciated HOHF for putting up the seminar especially at this time of Pandemic. He also thanked all the participants for attendance. He said, “Search for Common Ground is an international non-governmental organization that collaborate with other organizations to bring peace between communities, this project particularly is meant to contain the effect of Covid -19 on the society. The project aims at social cohesion, curtailing misinformation, disinformation, hate speech and other conflict threatening activities to foster peace.”
Ude further appreciated the stakeholders and indulged all to pay attention as they are going to be in the forefront as ambassadors to foster the positive change desired during this pandemic. He also acknowledged the Benue State Government for always giving them a home to carry out activities with the hope for collaboration.
Presentations were done by several personalities on various topics geared towards social cohesion. Dr. Henry Ijabo representative of Dr. Samuel Ingishe from Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services while presenting on the ‘Impact of Covid-19 and roles of stakeholders in the community’ said, Covid-19 has brought adverse poverty and hardship on humanity with a lot of economic setback across the globe. However, with the introduction of vaccination and protocol, the spread has been contained to some level.
Ijabo further emphasized the importance of vaccination stating that, the vaccine is readily available and requires just three doses so, participants and the general public should avail themselves for it as it is harmless and effective. He further said community leaders are the spokepersons of the nation and state as well as coordinators in the communities. Therefore, “I urge you all to encourage your members to key into the process for safety by getting vaccinated and adhering to the guidelines at all times.”
‘Stress Management’ as presented by Dr.Reuben Lubem Ibaishwa-Clinical Psychologist and Stress Counselor at the United Nations Department of Safety and Security, Ethiopia, said, stress is a normal reaction to everyday pressures which become deadly if not controlled resulting in situations such as depression, insomnia e.t.c. With Covid-19, a lot of stress has come to play in the human life resulting from some factors such as loss of jobs, poverty and death of loved ones. According to him, stressors are either internally or externally generated including covid-19 which has resulted in anger, fear and anxiety. Stress can be managed at the primary level through prevention that is, being aware of one’s stressors and managing or reversing them through regular exercise, positive thinking, meditation and music therapy, etc.”
Emmanuel Kuza Esq –Executive Director, Citizens Centre for Justice Leadership and Peace Lafia while presenting on an ‘Overview of social cohesion and peace building in a pandemic’ said, social cohesion and peace building are interdependent concepts as they complement each other, with the prevalence of covid 19, an enemy to humankind, another dimension to social cohesion and peace building has emerged distorting normal life with activities like Lock down and disruption of movement most especially in urban areas. People must think collectively and creatively about how to help everyone recover better, build resilience and transform our world into one that is more equal, equitable, inclusive and healthy through peaceful co-existence. Climate change and flood on their part have devasting effect even amid Covid-1919. This can also be harnessed through planting of trees within our communities. With these, we can always enjoy social cohesion through unity and agreement for the common good.”
‘Youth and Media Creatives community advocacy role and how to deploy it for Covid-19 Pandemic objectives’ as presented by Yateghtegh Kershima Solomon of Sky Hub Nigeria enquired the role of youth during the pandemic which yields both positive and negative results-According to him, “with the exploration of the social media, a lot of information has been harnessed by youth and passed down the grassroots on Covid -19. On the other hand, misinformation and disinformation have been on the rise. Yateghtegh outlined some ways of actively involving youth in advocacy, some of which are, for youth to get creative and cut the online noise, pay attention to communication channels, get acquainted with and promote SDGs. The Digital media is a good tool for advocacy but can only be useful by amplifying voices towards achieving social media advocacy benefits, creating spaces for people to connect and coordinate as well as harnessing the importance of media stakes for advocacy.”
Some Participants who spoke to our correspondent expressed enthusiasm on the next line of action especially as Youth Ambassadors.
For David Ode, “It has been a wonderful experience and the seminar has met its objective especially with the encounter of so many youth and wonderful presentations. With all I have learnt today, I owe myself a duty to go forth and enlighten my community and see how we can tackle the differences brought about by the pandemic.”
Emmanuella Sedondu on her part said, “the seminar has done me well, I refused to take the covid-19 vaccine because I never knew much about it and the rumors that moved around made it seem unsafe and scary. Another thing I have learnt is how to use my social media platform for advocacy and tackle fake news which has affected me in the past especially as a student. I thank HOHF for this opportunity and will do my best to be a good advocate.”
In his goodwill message, Chief Iorkyaan of Wailomayo High-level district. He said HOHF is doing a great job and should not relent even as he encouraged participants to take the Covid-19 Vaccine, he said, “vaccination is not a death sentence, it will not drop your immunity but rather make you stronger and prevent you from the deadly Covid-19.”
On his part, Andrew Bagu on behalf of the acting Tyoor Northbank said, “HOHF has taken the right step at the right time most especially that several schools of thoughts are dominating the streets on Covid-19 pandemic. He encouraged all participants to help spread the good news on vaccination.”
The communiqué and Report of the seminar was presented by Emmanuel Enenche founder of Swift Media World.
Dorothy Akende-Executive Director HOHF in her closing remarks appreciated all present for active participation and good turn up. She acknowledged the presenters for proper dissemination of knowledge and information while she encouraged all advocates to take the tools for advocacy availed them as they go forth and prayed journey mercies as all departed for various destinations.
