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Most young people in Nigeria are often confused about the role they can play in Governance, in ensuring the society around them gets better.
I want to share a story of what some young Nigerians in Yobe did to foster change in their community, beyond social media outrage.
I want to share a story of what some young Nigerians in Yobe did to foster change in their community, beyond social media outrage.
This particular community in Yobe State called Machina had just one healthcare facility serving about 10,000-11,000 members of the community.
Worst? The healthcare center had no electricity,no running water, understaffed, shortage of drugs and equipments. Almost equal to nothing
Worst? The healthcare center had no electricity,no running water, understaffed, shortage of drugs and equipments. Almost equal to nothing
Doctors there had to literally use torchlights to perform surgeries, critical cases had to be transported to Nguru about 3 hours away.
But the FG factors in that community in its budget, funds have been allocated to equip that healthcare center and other things.
But the FG factors in that community in its budget, funds have been allocated to equip that healthcare center and other things.
Just like many Nigerian stories, this was due to misappropriation of funds set aside to solve issues that affect thousands of people.
So a group of young people started an advocacy campaign called #EquipMachina to get to the root of the issue and address it. #FollowTheMoney
So a group of young people started an advocacy campaign called #EquipMachina to get to the root of the issue and address it. #FollowTheMoney
It began with asking questions about all the PUBLIC funds that were duly approved for the community, who is responsible, what happened to the money.
They were simply FOLLOWING THE MONEY. They started digging using the internet and other resources. #EquipMachina #FollowTheMoney
They were simply FOLLOWING THE MONEY. They started digging using the internet and other resources. #EquipMachina #FollowTheMoney
Of course where there is a will there is a way. You never know how far you can go if you are determined and have this magic tool called THE INTERNET.
They were able to get enough data and evidence to begin advocacy both ON THE INTERNET and on ground #FollowTheMoney
They were able to get enough data and evidence to begin advocacy both ON THE INTERNET and on ground #FollowTheMoney
It was that simple. Well, not so simple. A lot of behind-the-scene work went into it, using valuable networks.
But today? Machina Primary Healthcare Center was reconstructed, electricity fixed, water now runs there and they have a better healthcare center. #FollowTheMoney
But today? Machina Primary Healthcare Center was reconstructed, electricity fixed, water now runs there and they have a better healthcare center. #FollowTheMoney
So what can you do as a Nigerian youth? When you go to your community and find some public projects where you know funds have been misappropriated and it is affecting your community, simply #followTheMoney. Gather your data, do your research, trace the funds and start a campaign
TVC ran a documentary on this story today, courtsey of @HamzyCODE's organization. He is a young guy like just you and I and he is the brain behind the miracle of Machina.
If just 10,000 of us do this every year, the result will shock you. It is simple. Just #FollowTheMoney. ONLY
If just 10,000 of us do this every year, the result will shock you. It is simple. Just #FollowTheMoney. ONLY
It is your RIGHT and civic responsibility to TRACK PUBLIC FUNDS. It should be a norm for us. Because the money is from our tax and our shared resources. In fact, it is our OYEL money.
Ask questions on what Government-funded project is in your community and #FollowTheMoney
Ask questions on what Government-funded project is in your community and #FollowTheMoney
You can sign up on the link below if you are interested in this campaign for accountability and you really want to learn HOW IT WORKS http://www.ifollowthemoney.org
There is a Government hospital in my village I am suspecting.I will start my #FollowTheMoney campaign on them.
There is a Government hospital in my village I am suspecting.I will start my #FollowTheMoney campaign on them.
