It’s just 7.15 am and it is already hot. Not from the morning sun (even though it's out and shining), but from the high overnight temperature that has not receded (talk about climate change!). It was a hot night and we did not have electricity for most of it. I got out of bed just after 5, but by 7, I was still getting ready for work. On days like this I feel as if I haven’t been to bed at all. I wake up tired and tend to do things in slow motion. Today my 10 year old daughter would have to finish her breakfast in the car.
I usually come out of the house around 7.15 so as not get held up by the traffic. There are 6 schools close to where I live and by 7.30 the place is chaotic from children being dropped off on either side of the road.
I like to get to the office before 8am so I can check inSight (our internal staff intranet) for news and updates. Looking up inSight makes me feel part of the bigger DFID. There is so much going on out there, but there’s a lot going on here as well. One reason I signed up to be a blogger was to write about DFID’s work in Northern Nigeria, particularly from a local person’s perspective. I was hoping to be able to write up things that are happening at the Kano side of the country.
The DFID Northern Nigeria staff are based in Kano, but are also members of the programme teams in the country office in Abuja. I am a member of the Social and Political Change Team. There are 3 Social Development Advisers in DFID Nigeria and 2 are based in Abuja.
As the Social Development Adviser in Kano, I work with the programmes in the North. I work with the lead Advisers who manage our Education, Health and Governance Programmes, providing social development analysis and helping us decide the most appropriate approach to our demand side work. As a national staff member I have the advantage of local knowledge and contacts.
I have been with DFID Nigeria for more than 2 years now. During this period, I have learnt more about DFID’s approach to changing systems and helping Nigeria manage its resources better. Corruption is a serious concern and citizens do not have very much faith in the state. DFID clearly recognises this and is strengthening its partnership with the government of Nigeria at Federal and State levels to help get the government reforms on track.
Thinking about work isn’t a good way to start the day, it's better to GET to the work. I shout out to my daughter, 'hurry, or we’ll be late'.
4 comments
Comment by Mike Nartey posted on
Corruption in Nigeria is badly affecting the ability of average person to enjoy a basic decent heaith like access to medical care. Most Governors use money from the Oil to develop their own pocket. Fight poverty from within.
Comment by Bello Gbenga posted on
Nigeria has what it takes to be enjoying all the basic amenities(NOT ONLY HEALTH)but the leaders usurp the money meant to develop the couuntry.Good leader who is God fearing will achieve all these in no time,and with the support of the various donor agencies like you;i think the best will be achieved.leaving donor agencies alone with bad government will bring about little or no achivement.Working hand in hand is the most quickest way of achievement.Thank you
Comment by nnedi ezeani posted on
i want the address of Dfid in abuja
Comment by Blog Moderator posted on
Hi there,
DFID Nigeria can be contacted at:
No. 10 Bobo Street
Off Gana Street
Maitama
Abuja
tel :+ 234 9 413 7710-19
http://www.dfid.gov.uk/nigeria?tab=2