Basic Rights Counsel Initiative

On February 17 - 21, 2026, Basic Rights Counsel Initiative implemented the Heart of the Matter (HOM) Project in Cross River State Central, engaging both faith leaders and secondary school pupils within the same community and timeframe.

At Christian Church, Ntan Ekori, pastors and church leaders participated in a five-day intensive training examining theology, psychology, community psychology, child rights, safeguarding principles, Nigerian child protection laws, and the Cross-River State Child Protection Framework. A critical component of the sessions focused on scriptural texts frequently misinterpreted to justify witchcraft accusations against children. These passages were carefully examined in context, clarifying that scripture does not support stigmatization, branding, or abuse. Participants were also guided on the legal consequences of labeling children as witches and advised to align their teachings and counseling practices with both biblical doctrine and child protection law.

Simultaneously, from 18th to 20th February, HOM facilitators worked with 20 pupils at Comprehensive Secondary School, Ekori. The pupils investigated child witchcraft branding, emotional abuse, and physical abuse through interactive discussions, role-playing, question-and-answer sessions, and real-life examples. They learned that labeling a child as a witch is harmful and wrong, understood their rights and responsibilities, and gained confidence to report abuse to trusted adults. Teachers and school management were actively present throughout the process. A HOM School Club was established to ensure sustained peer-led awareness and child protection advocacy within the school.

This coordinated intervention addressed both the narratives that fuel accusations and the children who are most vulnerable to them. Change becomes sustainable when belief systems are corrected and children are empowered at the same time.

Protecting a child is not symbolic work. It requires clarity, accountability, and deliberate action. The Heart of the Matter project is strengthening that responsibility in our communities, and the work continues.

A child was harmed. The justice system responded. The court has now delivered its judgment.

Hon. Justice Blessing Egwu of the High Court of Cross River State has today February 24, 2026 sentenced Uduak Etim Udo, a 39-year-old man, to life imprisonment for the r**e of an 8-year-old. The outcome of this case shows what is possible when institutions carry out their legal duties fully and without compromise.

Basic Rights Counsel Initiative recognizes the importance of this judgment because it reflects the work of individuals who refused to overlook a child’s suffering but ensured the law took its course.

Our Principal Counsel, James Ibor expresses appreciation to Hon. Justice Blessing Egwu for her firm and principled adjudication of this matter. We also acknowledge the Commissioner of Police, Rashid Afegbua; the Honourable Attorney General of Cross River State, Ededem Ani; the Director of Public Prosecution, Okoi Ukam; and Rajunor Tom for their diligence in prosecuting this case and safeguarding the future of our children.

This is not about headlines. It is about accountability. It reinforces that children’s rights are enforceable under the law and that sexual violence against children carries severe legal consequences. BRCI will continue to pursue justice, support survivors, and insist that the justice system works for the most vulnerable.

Happy Birthday, Ma'am!

Big thanks to Okim-Sama Ndoma, Kehole Enya, Yemi Omini, Effanga Henshaw, Ben Moses, Anuonam Linda Chetachukwu, Evang Isaiah Effiong Akpan, Precious Honesty Eyo, Ndodeye Obongha, Abang Sunday, Ede Godwin

for all your support! Congrats for being top fans on a streak 🔥!

We are excited to announce that Prof. Bene Madunagu Hall, BRCI’s Conference and Training Facility in Calabar, is open for use.

The hall is ideal for organisations, institutions, groups and individuals looking for a professional and comfortable space for meetings, trainings, workshops, and small events. It offers a serene environment designed to support productive engagement and learning.

Discounts are available for Civil Society Organisations.

For enquiries and bookings, please use the contact details on the flyer 👇 👇 👇

Today, our hearts are heavy as we mourn the passing of Mrs. Grace Obong Awe Udua, a woman whose life was defined by service, sacrifice, and unwavering love for children and humanity.

Mrs. Udua was one of the distinguished award recipients during the launch of our Emergency Shelter’s new space last year, an honour that now carries even deeper meaning.

A teacher for over 35 years, a counselor, a volunteer, a community pillar, and a mother to many, both biological and adopted, Mma Udua lived a life of purpose. From her early years in education, through her tireless volunteer work with child-focused organisations, to her role as a Juvenile Court Assessor, she consistently stood with the vulnerable.

She was a pioneer in child care and protection in Eket, co-founding the first Motherless Babies Home in the locality, and working relentlessly for the welfare of orphans and disadvantaged children. Her impact stretched across generations.

Fondly known as “Mama Jolly”, she was the first Nigerian to introduce Jolly Phonics in Nigeria, a contribution that earned her international recognition from Universal Learning Solutions, UK.
Even after retirement, her passion only grew stronger. In 2006, she founded Stepping Stones Model School, Esit Eket, where she served as Head Teacher, driven by a vision to provide quality education to vulnerable children in rural communities.

Mma Udua was not just respected; she was loved. She was a force, a mentor, a protector, and truly a rare breed in our time.

We honour her life.
We celebrate her legacy.
We are grateful for her service to humanity.
Rest in perfect peace, Mrs. Grace Udua. Your works speak for you.

🥰

As we look to mark the International Day of Education tomorrow, we celebrate the life of an amazing educationalist - Grace Udua - who our co-founder, Gary Foxcroft, was blessed to meet back in 2003 whilst carrying out his Masters research in Nigeria.

Grace's kindness was the driving force in the establishment of the Stepping Stones School where she served as Head Teacher for the last 20 years before retiring this year.

Leadership is one of the most powerful drivers of quality education—second only to teaching itself. Strong leaders shape vision, inspire teachers, and create environments where children can truly thrive. Grace was one of the strongest leaders one could imagine and a true teacher in every sense of the word.

As the world reflects on the importance of educational leadership, we celebrate someone who embodies this truth.

Grace’s leadership was never about titles. It was about kindness, consistency, and a belief in every child’s ability to learn. Her love for education didn’t just transform the many schools she worked in — it helped inspire the growth of the Jolly Phonics programme across Nigeria, now the largest literacy project in Africa.

As Grace retires this year, we honour a life of service, quiet excellence, and transformational leadership.

Thank you, Grace, for showing us what true educational leadership looks like. Your impact will be felt for generations.

A well-deserved sentence!

BREAKING: Armed Robber Who R***d Woman, Two Teenagers Sentenced To Death In Calabar By Jonathan Ugbal A High Court of Cross River State presided over by Justice Blessing Egwu on Monday sentenced Okon Ekpo Effiong to death for acts of aggravated assault, r**e and armed robbery. Effiong, 33, had alongside four others gang r**ed a lady and two children after an armed robbery attack. T...

A well-deserved sentence

BREAKING: Armed Robber Who R***d Woman, Two Teenagers Sentenced To Death In Calabar By Jonathan Ugbal A High Court of Cross River State presided over by Justice Blessing Egwu on Monday sentenced Okon Ekpo Effiong to death for acts of aggravated assault, r**e and armed robbery. Effiong, 33, had alongside four others gang r**ed a lady and two children after an armed robbery attack. T...

Big shout out to my newest top fans! 💎Happy New Year in advance. Wishing you the best of 2026❤️

Alysha Lana, Okim-Sama Ndoma, Christina Anointed, Kehole Enya, Yemi Omini, Effanga Henshaw, Ben Moses, Anuonam Linda Chetachukwu, Evang Isaiah Effiong Akpan, Ndodeye Obongha, Abang Sunday, Ede Godwin

Drop a comment to welcome them to our community, fans

Let me show you How Some Nigerians Will Pay ZERO Tax in 2026
Not by cheating, but by STRUCTURE.
Read this before you overpay again.

If you think tax exemption is only for big men,
sit down.

As your Financial Literacy Advocate, let me say this clearly:
Some of the biggest tax reliefs in Nigeria
are designed for ordinary people and small businesses.

You can only Spot this, when you read the New Tax Policy with Open Heart.

Let me explain this with a Simple English in a way that even Mama Ngozi that sells tomatoes, at Fokona Village will understand

my previous Post, I showed you how personal income tax works
and how someone earning ₦1.5 million can legally pay ZERO tax.

Today, let me show you WHY government itself created exemptions
that smart people are already using.

And how you too can benefit from it.

1: PENSION & GRATUITY IS FULLY TAX EXEMPT

Oya...
Mama Ngozi, listen carefully.

Every month, if you contribute money to pension like I said in my last post.
that money does not sleep.

It is invested in:
• Treasury Bills
• Money Market Funds
• Low-risk investments

So when you retire, the money they will pay you is:
More than what you contributed

Now here is the sweet part

When they finally pay you:
• Pension
• Gratuity
• Retirement benefits

Government will NOT tax you.

Even if it is: ₦5 million
₦10 million
₦100 million

ZERO tax.

That is government telling you:
“Plan your future, we won’t punish you.”

That's one of the huge benefits and reasons to plan for your retirement

2: COMPENSATION FOR LOSS OF JOB, UP TO ₦50 MILLION IS TAX-FREE

Cam down let me explain.

If Mama Ngozi’s son loses his job
and the company compensates him:

That money is tax-free up to ₦50 million.

Meaning:
Government understands that job loss is pain,
so they don’t add tax pain on top.

3: CAPITAL GAINS TAX - MANY THINGS ARE EXEMPT

This one go shock many people.

A: SELL YOUR PERSONAL HOUSE?
If you sell the house you live in,
No tax.

Government says:
“You’re not a property dealer. You’re just living.”

B: PERSONAL EFFECTS (TV, Furniture, Appliances)
If you sell your personal belongings
worth up to ₦5 million:

No tax.

C: SELL UP TO TWO CARS IN A YEAR (Private car ooh)

If Mama Ngozi sells:
• One car
• Or two of her cars in a year

No tax.

Why?
Because government knows you’re not a car dealer.

But... If the car Pass two, Ahhh, Government you must pay Tax ooh, because for you to sell More than Two Cars in a Year, this one no be Personal car Again oooh, Na Coscharis Dealer you be.

4: SHARES & INVESTMENTS - THIS ONE IS VERY IMPORTANT

A: Gains on Shares BELOW ₦150 Million

If your total share value is below ₦150m
and your gain is reasonable like ₦10m:

No capital gains tax.

B: Gains on Shares, BUT REINVESTED

As a Capital Market Investor, I have Explained this part Clearly to all my Mentees.

Because this is where smart investors smile.

Let me give you Example:

Let's say You buy shares worth ₦300m
You sell and make ₦100m profit or more.

If you:
• Reinvest that money into other shares

ZERO tax on the gain.

Government is saying:
“Keep your money in the capital market. Grow the economy.”

That’s why I keep shouting INVESTMENT.

5: NGOs, CHARITIES & RELIGIOUS BODIES

Churches.
Mosques.
NGOs.

If they are non-commercial:

No tax.

Non-Commecial means they are not doing business at all.

I hope you understand sha?

Let me very honest.

If you still think: “Government wants to kill us with tax”

You have not read the law.

The law is actually saying:
• Grow
• Invest
• Plan
• Structure yourself

And we will reward you with reliefs and exemptions.

That is how some people will legally pay ZERO tax in 2026.

Next Class:
I will show you Some Businesses that will Pay Zero Tax, even if you make 1 Billion Naira in a year.
using real Nigerian examples.

No fear.
No grammar.
No intimidation.

I am Iking Ferry
Your Financial Literacy Advocate
Founder, Pulseford Business School
Class continues. Save this post. Share it.

On a Mission to build 1 million Financially Free Nigerians with the right Knowledge