SIDEC Reiterates Commitment to Mandate of Egalitarian Society Regardless of Gender, Race

By Praise Chinecherem

Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC) has reassured commitment to its mandate of ensuring an egalitarian society where the rights of everyone are protected regardless of gender differences.

Executive Director, Ugochi Ehiahuruike stated this during her birthday celebration and official opening of its new office in Awka where she shared the mandate and activities of the organization with her guests.

She said, “SIDEC is a registered Non-Governmental Organization that is into strategic research and advocacy. We do these a lot. We have done a lot in the area of capacity building for leadership – how to manage difficult colleagues, and difficult managers.

“We’ve also done a whole lot with respect to taxation, ensuring that our taxpayers’ money works for them. Our vision is to create a society that promotes strategic leadership, justice, equity and sustainable development.

“SIDEC is working hard to see that governance works for all – the poor and the rich, persons with disability.

“We work to ensure justice for people that are being abused, molested as a result of gender-based violence. Our commitment is ensuring that society works for all irrespective of gender, and race. We need a society that actually works for the poor, the young and the less privileged.”

Ehiahuruike explained that SIDEC’s value is guided by transparency and accountability, integrity, love and justice, as well as partnership for sustainability and dignity of all our persons.

“We want an ideal society a kind of system where everyone is free to achieve his or her potential. Achieving this means that all hands must be on deck. We need each and every one of you to succeed in achieving our mandate” she concluded.

Some of the attendees on the occasion celebrated the impact and achievements of SIDEC, an NGO they described as one among equal particularly its Tax for service project which helped to increase citizens knowledge about taxation.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, Mrs Chinyere Nwabachili, expressed delight with the impact of SIDEC’s work in Anambra State. “SIDEC is a great NGO helping the society to grow. I specially appreciate your Tax for Service project.

“Ugochi is a reliable ally to our ministry – a very lovable person everybody wants to have. As the coordinating ministry, we cherish the value she adds to our programmes and activities. Ugochi is not only known in Anambra state but worldwide lady. Out trip to Abuja made me appreciate her worth the more.

Also, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs Chinwe Achugbu remarked “I think she has done it for her life. When I came into that ministry, this is one person who has helped me. In fact, I am still learning some things from her.

“Opening a new office of SIDEC very close to us is very good. It will deepen our working relationship. She is an eagle and she will always fly. She is a role model and one of the partners she can rely on at all times.

Speaking on behalf of Association of Civil Societies South East Zone, Prof Dennis Aribodor, extolled the immense energy and capacity she has demonstrated within the short time they have worked together.

“SIDEC is a member of coalition and Ugochi is part of us. I have only worked closely with Ugochi for less than a year. But I can tell you that she is a courageous and bold woman. She can deliver on any mandate whatsoever.

Reverend Father Jude Anyanwu blessed the new SIDEC office in Awka, praying for more productive years ahead of the ED.