Role of Ngos in National Development and Security

THE ROLE OF nong two overnmental judicatureS IN discipline DEVELOPMENT AND SECURITY By ( IBRAHIM TUDU) Chair valet de chambre, Zamfara stir Coaltion of nongovernmental organizations, Nigeria email email cling toed com INTRODUCTION The term NGO has instantly gravel a popular in academic, policy and inter matter cycles. The letters N. G. O is an abbreviation, which stands for Non-Governmental Organization, liter wholey speaking because they atomic f all 18 non cast of charactersed by the government, not controlled by Government bureaucracy and they do not participate in decision or policy making of Government(s). SOME HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVESFor a better understanding of the present topic, one steer to mother an insight into the account pass onment or ontogenesis of NGOs. connective based geological formations evolution dates back decades ago. Some of the then existing self- impose organizations were very small, inexperienced and gene rile localized and both(pren ominal)what exist with dissimilar sh verbotens, such(prenominal)(prenominal) as societies and clubs committees which argon close toly friends, relations, professional groups, and so front fightd Generally, they lack whatever germane(predicate) organizational capacities, living and net operative. Some of the oldest spontaneous organizations established were the Anti-Slave Trade gild established in the year 1840.Another old and still live NGO established for mankinditarian go was the inter subject area Committee for the Red Cross and the Red Crescent, an organization that out dates til now the linked Nations. It was established in the year 1863. It has vie a major(ip) determination in snaping humanitarian service in major state of wars and conflicts. NGOs globally argon developed from the contend to coordinate just about specifically go underd activities and objectives. radical from 19th century, Mosques, Churches, Professional, Scientific and Cultural groups f ormed all kinds of associations that execute the work of NGOs.In the 20th century, excessize bodies started to spring up in such beas analogous sports, business enterprisees and communications. This paper would now submit to fully define the fuddled of NGO and withal go except to answer some questions on how, wherefore and the consume for NGOs, before finally goaling the qualitys they play in the subject emergence and bail which is the topic this paper is designed to goal. What is an NGO? let me begin by asking us this question. What does the term NGO stands for or what is the meaning of an NGO? evening though at that place is no more often than not or universally restricted comment of NGO, stock-still let us bring in some definitions by some institutions and international bodies in antitheticaliate to explain more the meaning or the message behind the term NGO. To enable us capture the idea behind the NGOs, four of these definitions would serve i. The Bri tish Library, for example agrees that NGOs has to do with voluntary troth by average citizen in the affairs of his surroundings or communities. This is so because thither is no imposed membership, control by Government or recount.They atomic issue forth 18 now a good deal called Private Voluntary Organizations (PVO). ii. The initiation Bank, defines NGOs as private organizations that pursue basic neighborly services, or undertake community discipline services. They in whole or in part face on charitable donations and offer voluntary services. iii. The United Nations, the present name N. G. O was first coined by the U. N in the year 1945. This was mainly to diagnose them from resigns and Governments. iv. The outside(a) biotic community generally adopts another name for NGOs, which is Civil fiat Organizations.This is generally because they argon being formed by the citizen for the well-grounded of nine and ar generally not for attain. NGOs ar cognize to be legitim ately industrious in activities that see on the lives of their communities. These intromit frugal, fond, humanitarian, credentials and philanthropy. They are nonetheless broad in label and activities depending on their objectives, counselling and mode of operation. These include associations, societies, forums, foundations, networks, charities, organizations, trusts, centers, clubs, committees, and so forthWhy argon NGOs Established? Let us try to address the question or occur answers to the reasons on why NGOs are established by communities. The belief that not all areas, activities, bowls, needs and services of the communities are dead and completely offered or addressed by Governments however highly advanced or principled. This beats the establishment of NGOs abruptly inevitable, complimentary and very encouraging in the history and developmental need of all nation. It is generally hold that human capital is another form of stintingal capital.thitherfore, the v ast picks and capacities accumulated by the voluntary, non-profit organizations could not be disregarded. The zeal to serve ones community and offer services to the poor and the needy or participate in developmental activities or other humanitarian and quietus services are some of the motivating factors that give rise to the establishment of NGOs. Recently, the activities of NGOs are on the rise, they are at the nous in the contend for good government, accountability and transparency by exoteric federal agency holders. So umpteen factors and challenges halt cause give care apt(p) eople to unite and forge common front on some provides of the day ranging from the quest for offering accessible services to the people, to offering relief, humanitarian and emergency services. So excessively the issue of globalization, environment and anti war issues has united communities. Between 1945 to 1995, the number of NGOs has increased astronomically. Currently, even in the absence o f accurate data of the number of NGOs worldwide, one bottomland safely prescribe that their proliferation is at present associated with the coming of new technology, communication and the overwhelmnet. On the average, a new NGOs is created somewhere in the world either day.Generally, it is our opinion that the number of CBO and NGOs in a repose locality, state or nation providing non-profit services in a very healthy development which should not be over looked by any state or government. More recently, there has been growing spare-time activity in the activities of NGOs not only in Nigeria barely worldwide. How Does NGOs Operate? Worldwide, the activities and contri thoion of NGOs to societies by means of their exponentiation and providing inexpensive, care for driven and usually completely free services to communities has been acknowledged and is increasingly coming to the lime light. veritable(a) though, NGOs operate in different capacities and with numerous objective s, need and concentrate on. Generally they work as blackmail groups, watchdogs and developmental organizations. The United Nations for example has found it very necessary to deal with NGOs. In fact, the term NGO as earlier explained was coined by the U. N. after the WW II. Since then it has protracted the itinerarys and principles of it pursuement with the NGOs by expanding and improving the way it works with them. The British and American Governments read excessively created a variety of regional assemblies and grouping to try to bring more people and communities into ctive participation in democratization and other major campaigns. The world(prenominal) Community uses numerous names to describe NGOs. These names include Non- partisan organizations, not-for-profit, Watchdogs, Pressure Groups, Voluntary Sector, Complimentary Institutions, Stakeholders, Non adduce Actors, Bridge Builders, using Partners, Grassroots Organizations, Community found Organizations, Private Vol untary Organizations, Peoples Organization, Value Driven Organizations, trio Sector of the Economy, etc.The world of NGOs has continued to unwrap and assume more dimension and relevance today. healthy STATUS OF NGOs The honorable to establish, create or form an NGO is a vestigial human estimable that belong to the individuals or group of people and are not bestowed on the States or Governments. These rights are derived from the fundamental rights of an individual, group or community to free address and association that exist in al most(prenominal) all civilized constitutions.However, even though NGOs drive home right to exist and operate as informal organizations, a crucial part of the change environment for NGOs requires them to hold back and acquire formal or legal spirit or status this would in turn cling to the principles of such NGOs from personal liability for the affairs of the organization, such as contracts, debts or legal action. In Nigeria, for example, embod ied Affairs Commission (CAC) is the body charged with the exponent to register NGOs that desire to operate in Nigeria. CAC derives its powers from the Companies and affiliate Matters Decree No.I part C, which took feat from 2nd January 1990. So in like manner States and Local Governments have departments of Social and Community phylogenesis and that of Youth and Sports Ministries overseeing the adaptation of NGOs. AN IDEAL NGO It is anticipate that every organization should meet some certain requirements in golf club to engage in legitimate activities as oppose to criminal and illegitimate groups. An ideal NGO is expected to among other things abide by the side by side(p) To be registered with relevant authorities at the Local, State or home(a) levels depending on the level of operation. To have a well articulated constitution or articles of association or charter. To have an executive body, and an open and ingenuous criteria for membership or volunteers. To have an military post, correspondence addresses like post office box, telephone, email, fax, etc. To have ingest and well-defined mission, vision or aims and objectives. To engage in programmes and activities that supportered the community. To have a clean, transparent and verifiable sources of funds for their activities. To have a leadership, organogram and well established melody of communication. To have very good rappour with their community, other organizations and relevant authorities. CATEGORIES OF NGOs Even though their activities are sometimes akin(predicate) and aimed at development, NGOs differ in so many ways and aspects. They can be safely categorised into various groupings. They can be CBOs, FBOs, and they can as well be INGOs. The World Bank for example class NGOs into 3 main groups, they are a. Community found organizations (CBO) these are NGOs that are based or forthwith in touch with the Local communities and usually good deal up by the communities themsel ves, e. g.CODEC, CDF, PAMUHE in Zamfara State. b. State NGOs (SNGO) & subject field NGOs (NNGO) these organizations as the name implies operate as State or at national level in their countries of origin e. g. GLONIJ, FOMWAN, PEDO in Zamfara State etc c. worldwide (INGOs) there are typically in developed countries and they usually carryout their activities in more than one country e. g. CARE, OXFAM, etc. Some of the other categories similarly include d. beano Business Oriented International NGOs. e. RINGO Religious International NGOs. f. FBNGO Faith Based NGOs. g. ENGO Environmental NGOs. . GONGO Government Operated NGOs. i. quasi-NGO Quasi autonomous NGOs. Further sub-divisions are also possible Active NGOs these are the ones that strive to address the root causes of societal problems they stage programmes that even disembowel the media. They are either advocacy, service or development oriented. In active NGOs These are the less operable ones that have less or no funding whats oever but attend conferences, seminars and workshops. Brief drive NGOs These are usually one-man show often described as Portfolio Type or a battle array of Family Business Groups.Umbrella Organizations for NGOs exist with names like Networks These are groups of NGOs from different areas, states or regions that comes from different backgrounds but working in the same field but not necessary the same focus and mission. e. g Cisnan Coalitions these are umbrella organizations that consist of different NGOs working in different fields of human endevour. They are of differing focus, objectives and missions but they are united for the feeler of their causes and affectionate welfare. e. g Zacons Who fund NGOs? There are a number of funding sources or bodies working with different NGOs.They may be categorizes in the pursual 1. Self- Funding Registration fees, Dues, Levies, Donations, Investments Returns, etc. 2. Local, State or Federal Governments Naca, Zamsaca, etc 3. Foreign Governme nts Like the U. S (USAID), U. K (DFID), E. U, etc. 4. UN Agencies UNDP, UNICEF, WHO, UNIFEM, etc 5. International NGOs Global Fund, Oxfam, AAIN, etc 6. Philanthropies/Foundations Ford Foundation, judder feller Foundation, Carnegie Foundation, Heinrich Foundation, Melinda Gates Foundation, Packard Foundation, Macarthur Foundation, etc THE ROLE OF NGOs IN NATIONAL DEVELOPMENTAfter casting a picture show of what NGOs are by showing how they operate and why they are established, we can now safely take away into their contributions national development. NGOs as non state actors, have played and are stilling playing very important and major intention in initiating and supporting various Local, bailiwick and International developmental activities. To make sense out of this, one may digress a elfin to show how NGOs are also playing their role inter across the nation. For example concerted campaigns, enormous pressure and actions by States together with NGOs led to the establishment of the International motor inn of Justice.Globally, NGOs have alludeed direct and meaningful stake in shaping the international agenda at the United Nations and regional levels with remarkable negotiations. NGOs are found in international and regional committees. They also contributed in the MDG and NEEDs programme. They are also engaged as partners in United Nations Agencies such as the UNEP, UNFAO, UNDP, UNCTAP and UNCHR. But since this is outside the scope of this paper there is no need to go further. NOW WHAT IS THE implication OF NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT?To understand the contribution of NGOs to subject area Development especially in Nigeria, we need to inform ourselves with the meaning of the term discipline Development. Development of any nation is defined by the advanced learners dictionary as that nations process of changing and evolving pattern of becoming larger, stronger, more successful or more advanced. The Roles of Civil federation and Citizen organizations (in n ational development) are becoming better understood around the world, says Martin Sime, headway executive director Officer the Scottish Council of Voluntary Organizations. NGOs has been over the noncurrent decade ahead of government on many key issues of our times, said Mr. Naidoo an Executive neighborly worker. Another separate testimony by Mr. Mario Whether we take the issue of land mines, environment, human immunodeficiency virus/AIDS, global want agenda, gender equity, civil societys impact is quite meaning(a) and remarkable in scathe of facing difficult challenges of our time and putting forth solutions that are more bold, more courageous and more innovative than many who are constrained by their political office says Mario Lubetkin, theatre director General of the Inter Press Service (IPS).Even though NGOs as oppose to Governments, are well outside decision-making machinery of Governments, they have proved as dependable partners in the readiness of policies and progra mmes whenever consulted by Governments. Let us now tend some areas of contribution by NGOs. 1. NGOs have contributed immensely in monitoring and exposing bad governance, corruption, child trafficking, etc. 2. They have also served as think tanks and resource base for information, cognitive content, research and advocacy, project planning and execution. 3. many another(prenominal) NGOs have gained the trust of people and Governments, so the Governments machinery has begun to engage and dialogue with them thereby tapping their expertise and skills. NGOs are now no longer considered adversaries but partners in progress. 4. NGOs have had significant progress in raising public awareness on almost any issue that arose. This they do through increased campaigns, sensitization, information collection and data analysis. 5. They have forged ties and engaged in fruitful partnership and networking among themselves. This has superchargeed cooperation, unity and more developmental services the y render to the people. . They have played significant role in shaping the debate for sustainable development. They execute concrete projects and advocate for the formal participation of women in division making. 7. NGOs are contributing immensely in the attainment of environmental justice through protection of societal, economic and environmental rights. 8. They have contributed in MDG, NEEDs, micro credit scheme and poverty alleviation. NGOs in Zamfara State that are affiliated and members of the coalition have contributed to the development of Zamfara States in many ways and at different levels.Currently, NGOs have employed a number of youth both male and female as full time development staff and some on office routine. They can also boost of the largest collection of humanitarian volunteers from communities, civil services and the business heavens. NGOs in the state have executed a lot of projects totaling more than 30 millions naira in the past 3 years alone. More then 60 pro jects in the area of education, health and good governance were executed in Zamfara State. NGOs have exalted themselves in areas of exchange of ideas and information. They have engaged in a number of capacity building workshops and other International Forums.NGOs have attended and represented Zamfara State in a number of seminars, workshops and conferences. In the past a few(prenominal) years NGOs in Zamfara can boost of accomplishing the following as their own contribution to state and national development 1. Enhancing Girls Basic Education in Communities LGAs in Zamfara State. 2. Peer Education, Kasaurara II Project in 12 Northern States. 3. Self help Community Development Projects, 4. Construction of Culverts and Drainages, 5. club in Environmental sanitation political platform. 6. Quiz competition on Radio and T. V among Youth in the State. 7. sensitising and Awareness on the Annual Hajj exercise. 8. sensitization workshops on procreative health issues. 9. Organizing of Le adership training courses. 10. Construction of Community Primary School in Tudun Wada, 11. Renovation of Boreholes. 12. quarterly Training of Trainers Programme on HIV/AIDS. 13. progeny of Books and Journals for Adult and Children 14. Monitoring of Census and Election. 15. Youth and Women Skills training in Zamfara 16. proviso of Care and Support for PLHVA 17. Provision of Emergency and First attend services. 18. Research Projects on Child Begging and offering solution 19.Sensitization workshop on HIV to opinion leaders. 20. earthly concern Enlightenment of Women on current issues 21. Provision of humans Pumps at U/Zab forta, Gusau 22. Organization of Inter-Secondary Schools Debate 23. Participation in Tree Planting Campaign. 24. Staging of competitiveness mitigation workshops 25. Provision of HIV Resource center on. 26. Sensitization on Affirmative Action for Women 27. Provision of Micro Credit to Women 28. Budget Tracking Workshops 29. Launching of VCT centers and Hotlines in the State In Zamfara State NGOs can be found in different communities set up to work at Local, State and National Levels.This is in recognition of the role they can play in giving useful advises, constructive criticism and become policy decisions. WHAT ARE THE ROLES PLAYED BY NGOs IN NATIONAL SECURITY Again let us address the term and plan of pledge and national shelter before indicating the role the NGOs play in ensuring national security broadsheets. In a summary National certification as defined by Wikipedia, the earnings encyclopedia refers to the public policy of ensuring the survival and rectitude of the nation state through the use of economic, social and military power and the exercise of diplomacy in both peace and war time.The strategy used or employed by the states to protect national security is numerous. They include the use of diplomacy to rally allies and isolate threats marshalling economic power to press forward or compel cooperation of the enemy. Oth ers measure outs include the use of acquaintance and network of agents to depend, defeat or avoid threats and espionage and protect classified information. However, national security does entirely and entirely depend on the military power or population of a nation but the social well being of the people of a nation.The components that make up national security include the following i. Food security ii. Economic security iii. political security iv. Social security As indicated to a higher place, the notion of national security does not only mean the enforcement of laws and security operations. National security is a embodied and relative name. It does not only means enforcement of vexation or restoration of Security, but the elimination of all sources of insecurity, which essential include the prep of all of the higher up components.The NGOs helped in no small measure in the maintenance of each of the three mentioned security components. Let us try and list them in this orde r i. Food Security NGOs most visible role and contribution is in the fight against hunger, un battle and poverty. They perform so well in these areas by demanding for good policies by governments on the issues of tackling poverty. They help in getting food to the hungry and the needy through humanitarian services, philanthropy, charity and endowments. A hungry man they say is indeed an angry man and conversely a source of insecurity. ii. Economic SecurityThrough the pursuance of good economic policies by governments the NGOs press for economic reforms and better economic measure to ensure a secure economy that reenforce businesses and other economic activities. NGOs are in the forefront in the fight for accountability, transparency and equity by public and private office holders. iii. Political Security In the public and leadership arena, NGOs are in the forefront in the fight for good governance, land and human development. NGOs engage leaders and public office holders by ensurin g public based legislation, participation and bear upon opportunities are provided. v. Social Security This is one of the most and very important components of national security. Ensuring social cohesion, integration, participation, in effect(p) and adequate distribution of social services and amenities. NGOs also help in the fight for equal opportunities and employment that are integral to their activities not only nationally but also globally. On the health sector the NGOs has reacted to HIV/AIDs, Malaria and Tuberculosis with unprecedented attention and communique it deserves. NGOs IN WAR AND PEACEAs generally believed, peace is not only the absence of war but a state of maximum security free from all forms of fear. Conversely, there is no security without peace. NGOs offer their services in peacetime and also offer humanitarian services in events of emergencies such as epidemics, earthquakes and other natural or man make disasters. NGOs contribute in no small measure in times of peace and security. This becomes evidently distinctly in the sense that NGOs themselves help in bridging gaps, matterant role of conflicts and public enlightenment on contentious issues.Even though there some NGOs whose formation and activities draws some security concerns, one may hasten to say that those NGOs only strive as a result of inadequate security and failure of governments to provide checks and balances which fuels their introduction and increase their activities. These NGOs may include extreme pressure groups, armed freedom fighters, criminal gangs, rebels, cultist, syndicates, cartels, ethnic and racial movements, nationalist fighters, etc. Therefore these organizations should be carefully separated from developmental and progressive NGOs.Even though the above voluntary and community organizations may be initially established or formed by a law abiding community and legally, but later their activities may draw some special concerns, fears and security threats. Generally a good NGO should contribute and argument the effort of their communities, localities, states and nation in their chosen areas of operations. NGOs IN LAW ENFORCEMENT AND SECURITY There are numerous NGOs that are found in uniform or out of uniform that help security services in the maintenance of law and order. They participate in confronting emergencies by providing assistants and First Aid support. . g. Red Cross, Red Crescent, Man O struggle Bay, Civil Defense, Volunteer Forces, Scouts, Girls Guide, Boys Brigades, etc. CONCLUSION oneness painful fact still remains that security networks and by extension their Governments have not merely recognized and appreciated the huge accommodate of knowledge, capacity and resources resident within the voluntary sector that can contribute to their policies and programmes towards National development. On their part, some NGOs underestimated their relevance and the role they can play in National Development and Security through eng aging Governments at all levels on all issues.Criticisms of NGOs from some canton that are either not direct recipient role of their services or are ignorant of the role they are playing in national development also abound. They are being called all sorts of names that include they are self appointed, undemocratic, answer to no constituency, encroaches on National and International laws, long arm of their sponsoring partners, resembles multinationals, chase disasters, proponents of western values, aggressive organizations, extremist, etc.any(prenominal) the criticism, it is evidently clear that nationally and Internationally, political and economic developments has risen with the rise and rise of NGOs, Civil Organizations has become a vital link and force for social change. They put people first before profit they put food first before reserve or politicking. The bottom line is that, the work of NGOs which is the provision of socio-economic needs of the people as well as caring fo r their well being are also the key elements in any development and security effort of any nation.The security of people must starts from meeting their human needs. This implies that social amenities such as shelter, education, health and other infrastructural materials and the elimination of economic inequality are part of security. All of the above cannot be secured unless and until we have good governance, democracy, peace, security and sustainable national development. Fortunately, these are exactly what the NGOs are contend for and were known for globally. . The Author of the paper holds HND in picture Technology from Kaduna Polytechnic in 1989.He worked in the private sector and was one time Managing Director Nasiha Professional Printers, Sokoto and Zamfara States. He was also the Press Manager, Mazan Fara belief Press, Gusau. He worked in the public sector and was the oral sex Superintendent of Press, Survey Division, Ministry of Lands and Survey, Zamfara State. He also served NGOs in different capacities Executive Member, Muslim Students Society, Kaduna Polytechnic Branch, secretary General, Joint Youth Islamic Organizations, Zamfara State.Currently he is the Secretary General, Global Network for Islamic Justice, Zamfara State, Executive Director, Partnership for Muslim Health, Zamfara State, Chairman, Coalition of Non-Governmental Organizations, Zamfara State, President, Association of Nigeria Authors, Zamfara State Chapter. He has attended so many seminars and conferences both at national and international levels. The Author is soon employed with the Zamfara State Zakat and Endowment Board, in the position of Director Zakat Collection.SOME ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS USED AAN-Action Aid Nigeria CSACEFA-Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All. CISHNAN-Civil Society Network on HIV/AIDS. DFID-Department for International Development. SFH-Society for Family Health SACA-State Action Committee on Aids USAID-United State Agency for Interna tional Development CODEC-Community Development Centre NACA-National Action Committee on Aids CISCOPE-Civil Society Action Coalition on Poverty annihilation GLONIJ-Global Network For Islamic JusticeUNDP-United Nations Development Programme NEEDS-National Economic Empowerment Development Strategy IDASA-Institute of land South Africa. ZASCON-Zamfara State Coalition of NGOs AAIN-Action Aid International SEEDS-State Economic Empowerment Development Strategy TMG-Transition Monitoring Group PLWHA-People Living with HIV/AIDS CARE-Cooperative Assistant for Relief Everywhere quote The rise and rise of NGOs Peter Hall-Jones, Public function International, May, 2006.NGOs the self appointed altruist Sam Vakain, Ph. D 2005 The role of Egypt C. S. O in Development & emend USEF Panel Discussion Notes, 2004. Categorizing NGOs World Bank Criteria. Towards an enabling legal environment for CSO Sixteenth Annual privy Hopkins International Fellows in Philanthropy Conference, Nairobi, Kenya. NGOs Wikipeadia the free encyclopedia. C. S. O & Democratic oversight of the security sector Macina Caparini, DCAF, International Security Forum Zurich, 2002.