Role of Ngos in National Development and Security

THE ROLE OF non regimeal organizationS IN NATIONAL developing AND SECURITY By ( IBRAHIM TUDU) Chairman, Zamfara adduce of matter Coaltion of NGOs, Nigeria email emailprotected com INTRODUCTION The term NGO has now become a popular in academic, policy and global cycles. The letters N. G. O is an abbreviation, which stands for Non-Governmental Organization, lite take in speaking beca uptake they be non organize by the government, not controlled by Government bureaucracy and they do not participate in decision or policy making of Government(s). roughly HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVESFor a better understanding of the present topic, one take to reserve an insight into the history or evolution of NGOs. comp any ground organizations evolution dates back decades ago. several(prenominal) of the so vivacious willing organizations were very sm each(prenominal), inexperienced and gener every last(predicate)y localized and whatsoever subsist with variant names, such as societies and c lubs committees which be mostly friends, relations, professional groups, and so on Gener eachy, they lack few relevant organizational capacities, funding and networking. Some of the oldest voluntary organizations set up were the Anti-Slave Trade nine established in the year 1840. other old and bland surviving NGO established for gentlemanitarian work was the external Committee for the Red Cross and the Red Crescent, an organization that unwrap dates tied(p) the get together Nations. It was established in the year 1863. It has played a major(ip) reference in offering humanitarian work in major wars and conflicts. NGOs globally are demonstrable from the need to coordinate rough specifically defined activities and objectives. Beginning from 19th century, Mosques, Churches, Professional, Scientific and Cultural groups stool all kinds of neckties that execute the work of NGOs.In the 20th century, specialized bodies started to parachute up in such areas like sports, l ine of reasoninges and communications. This composing would now testify to well(p)y define the signifi plentyce of NGO and too go progress to answer some apparent motions on how, why and the need for NGOs, ahead at long last book of factsing the roles they play in the dry landal maturation and guarantor which is the topic this paper is designed to address. What is an NGO? allow me begin by asking us this question. What does the term NGO stands for or what is the meaning of an NGO? horizontal though there is no generally or universally restricted explanation of NGO, however let us bring in some definitions by some institutions and international bodies in order to explain to a greater extent the meaning or the message behind the term NGO. To enable us trip up the idea behind the NGOs, four of these definitions would suffice i. The British Library, for sheath agrees that NGOs has to do with voluntary participation by average citizen in the affairs of his surroundings or communities. This is so because there is no imposed membership, control by Government or democracy.They are now often called Private automatic Organizations (PVO). ii. The earth Bank, defines NGOs as private organizations that pursue basic friendly operate, or undertake community development services. They in whole or in part attend 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 distinguish them from advances and Governments. iv. The internationalistic partnership generally adopts other name for NGOs, which is courteous Society Organizations.This is generally because they are beingness determineed by the citizen for the erect of society and are generally not for profit. NGOs are known to be allowly demandd in activities that tangency on the lives of their communities. These include stinting, social, humanitarian, warranter and philanthropy. They are nevertheless broad in names and activities depending on their objectives, focus and mode of operation. These include associations, societies, forums, foundations, networks, charities, organizations, trusts, centers, clubs, committees, and so on wherefore Are NGOs Established? Let us try to address the question or give answers to the reasons on why NGOs are established by communities. The belief that not all areas, activities, fields, needs and services of the communities are absolutely and completely offered or addressed by Governments however highly right or principled. This makes the judicature of NGOs absolutely demand, complimentary and very encouraging in the history and developmental need of any nation. It is generally agreed that human capital is another form of frugal capital. in that respectfore, the vast resources 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 relief 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 forefront in the advertize for in force(p) governance, accountability and transparency by man business leader holders. So many factors and challenges fix caused like given(p) eople to unite and forge common front on some issues of the sidereal day ranging from the quest for offering social services to the community, to offering relief, humanitarian and parking brake services. So also the issue of globalization, environment and anti war issues has fall in communities. Between 1945 to 1995, the depend of NGOs has increased astronomically. Currently, even in the absence of true data of the number of NGOs worldwide, one can safely joint that their proliferation is straight off associated with the coming of new technol ogy, communication and the Internet. On the average, a new NGOs is created somewhere in the world every day.Generally, it is our opinion that the number of CBO and NGOs in a particular 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 use up in the activities of NGOs not whole in Nigeria save worldwide. How Does NGOs Operate? Worldwide, the activities and plowshare of NGOs to societies through their participation and providing inexpensive, value driven and usually completely bounteous services to communities has been acknowledged and is increasingly coming to the lime light. flat though, NGOs wage in polar capacities and with numerous objectives, motivation and focus. Generally they work as pressure groups, watchdogs and developmental organizations. The United Nations for example has found it very infallible to deal with NGOs. In fact, the ter m NGO as earlier explained was coined by the U. N. after the WW II. Since then it has extended the ways and principles of it engagement with the NGOs by expanding and up(p) the way it works with them. The British and American Governments brook also created a variety of regional assemblies and grouping to try to bring more(prenominal) people and communities into ctive participation in democratization and other major campaigns. The International company uses numerous names to describe NGOs. These names include Non- partisan organizations, not-for-profit, Watchdogs, shove Groups, Voluntary welkin, Complimentary Institutions, Stakeholders, Non State Actors, Bridge Builders, growing Partners, Grassroots Organizations, Community Based Organizations, Private Voluntary Organizations, Peoples Organization, Value Driven Organizations, Third Sector of the Economy, etc.The world of NGOs has continued to widen and assume more belongings and relevance today. LEGAL STATUS OF NGOs The right to establish, create or form an NGO is a fundamental human right 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 absolve speech and association that cost in almost all civilized constitutions.However, even though NGOs gull right to exist and operate as in white-tie organizations, a crucial part of the enabling environment for NGOs requires them to incorporate and acquire black-tie or legal personality or status this would in cycle protect 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, Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) is the automobile trunk charged with the power to register NGOs that desire to operate in Nigeria. CAC derives its powers from the Companies and allied Matters Decree No.I part C, which took effect from 2nd Ja nuary 1990. So also States and Local Governments form departments of accessible and Community growing and that of young and Sports Ministries overseeing the registration of NGOs. AN IDEAL NGO It is evaluate that every organization should take care some certain requirements in order to engage in legitimate activities as opposed to criminal and illegitimate groups. An ideal NGO is expected to among other things abide by the following To be registered with relevant politics at the Local, State or internal 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 simple criteria for membership or volunteers. To have an office, correspondence addresses like post office box, telephone, email, fax, etc. To have garner and well-defined mission, vision or aims and objectives. To engage in programmes and activities that athletic supportered the community. To have a clean , transparent and verifiable sources of funds for their activities. To have a leadership, organogram and well established channel of communication. To have very good rappour with their community, other organizations and relevant authorities. CATEGORIES OF NGOs Even though their activities are some metres similar 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 also be INGOs. The World Bank for example classified NGOs into 3 main groups, they are a. Community Based organizations (CBO) these are NGOs that are based or directly in touch with the Local communities and usually set up by the communities themselves, e. g.CODEC, CDF, PAMUHE in Zamfara State. b. State NGOs (SNGO) & National 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. International (INGOs) t here 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 also include d. BINGO Business Oriented International NGOs. e. RINGO Religious International NGOs. f. FBNGO Faith Based NGOs. g. ENGO Environmental NGOs. . GONGO Government Operated NGOs. i. quango Quasi autonomous NGOs. Further sub-divisions are also possible active voice NGOs these are the ones that strive to address the root causes of societal problems they stage programmes that even attract the media. They are either advocacy, service or development oriented. In active NGOs These are the less functional ones that have less or no funding whatsoever notwithstanding attend conferences, seminars and shop classs. Brief reference NGOs These are usually one-man show often described as Portfolio Type or a collection of Family Business Groups.Umbrella Organizations for NGOs exist with names like Networks These are groups of NGOs from various 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 betterment of their causes and social 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 following 1. Self- Funding Registration fees, Dues, Levies, Donations, Investments Returns, etc. 2. Local, State or Federal Governments Naca, Zamsaca, etc 3. Foreign Governments Like the U. S (USAID), U. K (DFID), E. U, etc. 4. UN Agencies UNDP, UNICEF, WHO, UNIFEM, etc 5. International NGOs spherical Fund, Oxfam, AAIN, etc 6. Philanthropies/Foundations Ford Foundation, Rock feller Foundation, Carnegie Foundation, Heinrich Foundation, Me linda render Foundation, Packard Foundation, Macarthur Foundation, etc THE ROLE OF NGOs IN NATIONAL DEVELOPMENTAfter casting a picture of what NGOs are by showing how they operate and why they are established, we can now safely delve into their percentages national development. NGOs as non state actors, have played and are stilling play very important and major role in initiating and supporting various Local, National and International developmental activities. To make sense out of this, one may digress a little to show how NGOs are also playing their role internationally. For example concerted campaigns, enormous pressure and actions by States together with NGOs led to the establishment of the International Court of Justice.Globally, NGOs have clashed direct and meaningful fight in shaping the international agenda at the United Nations and regional levels through remarkable negotiations. NGOs are found in international and regional committees. They also instituted in the MDG and NEEDs programme. They are also sedulous as partners in United Nations Agencies such as the UNEP, UNFAO, UNDP, UNCTAP and UNCHR. But since this is outside the oscilloscope of this paper there is no need to go further. NOW WHAT IS THE pith OF NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT?To understand the contribution of NGOs to National discipline especially in Nigeria, we need to acquaint ourselves with the meaning of the term National 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 Society and Citizen organizations (in national development) are becoming better understood around the world, says Martin Sime, Chief Executive military officer the Scottish Council of Voluntary Organizations. NGOs has been over the past decade ahead of government on many key issues of our times, said Mr. Naidoo an Executive social worker. some other separate testimony by Mr. Mario Whether we take the issue of land mines, environment, human immunodeficiency virus/ aid, global poverty agenda, gender equity, civil societys impact is quite significant and remarkable in terms of facing sticky challenges of our time and putting forth solutions that are more bold, more stalwart and more innovative than many who are constrained by their semipolitical office says Mario Lubetkin, 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 formulation of policies and programmes whenever consulted by Governments. Let us now list 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 training, capacity, research and advocacy, chore plannin g and execution. 3.Many 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 lengthy considered adversaries but partners in progress. 4. NGOs have had significant progress in altitude existence awareness on almost any issue that arose. This they do through increased campaigns, sensitization, information collection and data analysis. 5. They have hammer ties and engaged in fruitful partnership and networking among themselves. This has encourageed cooperation, unity and more developmental services they 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 social, 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 twain 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 welkin. NGOs in the state have kill a lot of projects totaling more than 30 millions naira in the past 3 years alone. More then 60 projects 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 few 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 cat in 12 Northern States. 3. Self help Community Development Projects, 4. Construction of Culverts and Drainages, 5. involution in Environmental Sanitation broadcast. 6. Quiz opposition on Radio and T. V among Youth in the State. 7.Sensitization and cognizance on the annual Hajj exercise. 8. Sensitization workshops on Reproductive health issues. 9. Organizing of Leadership 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. military issue of Books and Journals for Adult and Children 14. Monitoring of Census and Election. 15. Youth and Women Skills training in Zamfara 16. training of Care and Support for PLHVA 17. readi ness of Emergency and world-class Aid services. 18. research Projects on Child Begging and offering solution 19.Sensitization workshop on HIV to opinion leaders. 20. Public Enlightenment of Women on current issues 21. proviso of Public Pumps at U/Zabarma, Gusau 22. Organization of Inter-Secondary Schools Debate 23. Participation in Tree Planting Campaign. 24. Staging of Conflict mitigation workshops 25. Provision of HIV Resource Centre. 26. Sensitization on Affirmative activeness 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 profitable advises, constructive criticism and sound policy decisions. WHAT ARE THE ROLES PLAYED BY NGOs IN NATIONAL SECURITY Again let us address the term and notion of certification and national pled ge before indicating the role the NGOs play in ensuring national Security. In a summary National Security as defined by Wikipedia, the internet encyclopedia refers to the public policy of ensuring the survival and integrity 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 facilitate or bind cooperation of the enemy. Others whole tones include the use of intelligence and network of agents to depend, defeat or reduce threats and espionage and protect classified information. However, national security does entirely and solely 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. nourishment secu rity ii. Economic security iii. Political security iv. Social security As indicated above, the notion of national security does not only mean the enforcement of fair plays and security operations. National security is a collective and relative name. It does not only means enforcement of fear or restoration of Security, but the elimination of all sources of insecurity, which must include the provision of all of the above 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 order i. Food Security NGOs most visible role and contribution is in the fight against hunger, unemployment 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 fare to the empty-bellied and the needy through humanitarian services, philanthropy, charity and endowments. A hungry man they say is indeed an angry man and co nversely 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 buttress 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, democracy and human development. NGOs engage leaders and public office holders by ensuring public based legislation, participation and equal opportunities are provided. v. Social Security This is one of the most and very important components of national security. Ensuring social cohesion, integration, participation, efficient and adequate distribution of social services and conveniences. NGOs also help in the fight for equal opportunities and employment that are integral to their activi ties not only nationally but also globally. On the health sector the NGOs has reacted to HIV/AIDs, Malaria and Tuberculosis with unprecedented attention and dispatch it deserves. NGOs IN warfare 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 made disasters. NGOs contribute in no small measure in times of peace and security. This becomes obviously clear in the sense that NGOs themselves help in bridging gaps, resolution 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 ba lances which fuels their existence and increase their activities. These NGOs may include natural 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 continuous tense 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 constabulary 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 su pport. . g. Red Cross, Red Crescent, Man O War Bay, Civil Defense, Volunteer Forces, Scouts, Girls Guide, Boys Brigades, etc. CONCLUSION One painful fact still remains that security networks and by extension their Governments have not nevertheless recognized and appreciated the huge reserve of knowledge, capacity and resources resident inwardly 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 engaging Governments at all levels on all issues.Criticisms of NGOs from some quarters that are either not direct receiving system 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, warring organizations, extremist, etc.Whatever 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 full of life 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 for 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 inconsistency are part of security. All of the above cannot be secured unless and until we have good govern ance, democracy, peace, security and sustainable national development. Fortunately, these are exactly what the NGOs are scrap for and were known for globally. . The Author of the paper holds HND in Printing Technology from Kaduna engineering school 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 Printing Press, Gusau. He worked in the public sector and was the Chief 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, secretaire 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, Pr esident, tie-up of Nigeria Authors, Zamfara State Chapter. He has attended so many seminars and conferences both at national and international levels. The Author is currently employed with the Zamfara State Zakat and natural 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 assist USAID-United State Agency for International Development CODEC-Community Development Centre NACA-National Action Committee on Aids CISCOPE-Civil Society Action Coalition on Poverty Eradication GLONIJ-Global Network For Islamic JusticeUNDP-United Nations Development Programme NEEDS-National Economic authorization Development Strategy IDASA-Institute of Democracy 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 REFERENCE The rise and rise of NGOs woodpecker Hall-Jones, Public Services International, May, 2006.NGOs the self appointed altruist Sam Vakain, Ph. D 2005 The role of Egypt C. S. O in Development & Reform USEF Panel discourse Notes, 2004. Categorizing NGOs World Bank Criteria. Towards an enabling legal environment for CSO Sixteenth Annual John Hopkins International Fellows in Philanthropy Conference, Nairobi, Kenya. NGOs Wikipeadia the free encyclopedia. C. S. O & parliamentary oversight of the security sector Macina Caparini, DCAF, International Security Forum Zurich, 2002.