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SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria says it has reached approximately 650 households in Edo State through a three-year development intervention, as it prepares to build on the gains with a new project focused on strengthening the resilience of children, young people, families and communities.

Eghosa Erhumwunse, Country Director of SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria, disclosed this during a stakeholder engagement in Benin City to review the achievements of the outgoing project and consolidate its impact in partnership with the Edo State Government, community leaders, development partners and beneficiaries.

Erhumwunse said the intervention prioritised vulnerable and hard-to-reach populations, particularly families and children often excluded from mainstream development programmes, while strengthening the capacity of communities to support their welfare and long-term development.

He said the project covered 400 households in its first phase and another 250 in the second phase, bringing the total to approximately 650 households. Based on an estimated average of four persons per household, the intervention potentially reached about 2,600 people.

The country director said the organisation considered community ownership essential to the sustainability of development interventions, stressing that families and communities must be empowered to maintain the gains made after a project ends.

He explained that the completion of the three-year programme would not signal the end of the organisation’s activities in Edo, as it was preparing to introduce a new initiative, Seed of Change, to address broader challenges affecting children, young people, families and their communities.

According to him, the new project, also supported by the German government, would build on previous interventions by strengthening resilience and promoting systemic changes that can sustain development outcomes beyond the period of donor funding.

Erhumwunse described the organisation as an implementing partner that facilitates collaboration between the donor and communities in Edo, noting that the progress recorded depended on the collective contributions of government institutions, community leaders, families, young people and other development partners.

Joy Irenonsen Ihensekhien, Permanent Secretary of the Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, who represented the commissioner, Eugenia Abdallah, commended SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria for its partnership with the state government and its support for vulnerable women, children and communities.

Ihensekhien said the ministry contributed to the programme through manpower, training facilities and other forms of support for capacity-building activities designed to empower beneficiaries and improve their ability to become self-reliant.

She expressed the state government’s appreciation for the collaboration, noting that partnerships between public institutions and development organisations remained important in helping vulnerable households cope with prevailing economic pressures.

The Kwara State House of Assembly has approved a proposed alteration to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to provide a legal framework for the establishment of state police.

The approval followed deliberations during plenary after the Speaker read a letter from the Clerk of the National Assembly requesting the state legislature’s consideration of the proposed constitutional amendment.

Leading the debate, Mogaji Oba Abdulkadri, the House Leader, highlighted the potential benefits of state policing in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.

Other lawmakers who contributed to the debate supported the proposed amendment, arguing that state police would bring law enforcement closer to the people and strengthen the protection of lives and property.

They expressed optimism that decentralising policing would enhance security operations and enable law enforcement agencies to respond more effectively to threats at the grassroots level.

Following the approval, Yakubu Danladi Salihu, Speaker of the House, directed Ahmed Olayiwola, the Clerk of the Assembly, to formally communicate the House’s decision to the National Assembly for further legislative action.

Meanwhile, residents of the Kwara State capital have expressed mixed views on the proposed state police framework, with some welcoming the initiative while others called for broader public consultation.

Abdulrasheed Femi Yusuf, Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, described the proposed state police framework as a welcome development that could help address security challenges at the grassroots.

He said decentralising the security architecture would bring policing closer to communities and improve the protection of lives and property.

‘If we have our own state police, security will be closer to the people, making it easier to protect lives and property at the local level,’ he said.

Yusuf added that his local government was prepared to support the implementation of state policing, noting that community-based security arrangements were already being deployed to tackle criminal activities.

‘In response to the security challenges in our state, we have already been working with local vigilantes to protect our communities. We also collaborate with local hunters and forest guards, who have played a vital role in maintaining security and controlling criminal activities,’ he said.

He expressed confidence that the experience gained from these existing arrangements would support the successful implementation of state policing at the local level.

Similarly, Aliyu Musa, a public analyst, described the proposed amendment as a welcome development in view of Nigeria’s contemporary security challenges.

He said the initiative could bring about a significant shift in the country’s security architecture but stressed the need to prioritise local intelligence in preventing and combating crime.

Musa also urged authorities to ensure that rural communities received adequate attention in the deployment of state police personnel.

‘Local intelligence should be top-notch as a way of making greater impact on crime prevention,’ he said.

However, Florence Emmanuel said the state legislature should have provided an opportunity for residents to express their views before approving the proposed amendment.

Emmanuel said she learnt about the Assembly’s decision through a radio broadcast, arguing that public engagement would have enabled citizens to contribute to discussions on such an important security reform.

‘We just heard on the radio that the bill has been approved by the State Assembly. Ideally, the Assembly should have called people and heard their views about it before approving it,’ she said.

She, however, acknowledged the potential benefits of the proposed reform, adding that public consultation would have made the process more inclusive.

‘Nothing is bad about the move, but at least they should have allowed citizens to express their views and contribute to it,’ she noted.

The proposed state police framework comes amid persistent security concerns across parts of Nigeria, including kidnapping and violent attacks, which have intensified calls for a more decentralised and community-responsive policing system

Dangote Cement Plc Gboko Plant has awarded multi-million-naira scholarships to tertiary and secondary school students from its six host communities in Benue State.

The company also presented starter packs, working tools and certificates to graduates of its Youth Empowerment Programme to enable them establish their own businesses, apply the skills acquired during the training and become financially reliant.

Henry Dele Alake, minister of Solid Minerals Development, lauded Dangote Cement Plc for its community development interventions, calling on other private sector players to adopt similar initiatives to promote socio-economic development in their host communities.

Represented by Achi Gregory, the Federal Mines Officer of the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development in Benue State, urged the company to sustain its commitment to implementing community development programmes agreed upon with its host communities.

Speaking at the official presentation ceremony, Wakeel Olayiwola, Group Head, Social Performance, Dangote Cement Plc, said the implementation of the Community Development Agreement underscores Dangote Cement’s commitment to equipping young people with practical skills and resources to promote entrepreneurship, create employment opportunities and improve livelihoods in its host communities.

Represented by Johnson Nor, the Head of Social Performance of the Dangote Cement, Gboko Plant, said the scholarship and youth empowerment programmes came against the backdrop of several other programmes recently executed by the company, which include farmers and women empowerment programmes.

Arbind Singh, the Acting Plant Director, Dangote Cement, Gboko, said: ‘This annual scholarship scheme for indigent students of the host communities is an indication of our company’s commitment to its Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR).’

Represented by Tabershima Soon, the company’s General Manager, Production, said: ‘The Gboko Plant has already launched 150 Women Empowerment Programme and 50 Farmerss Empowerment Programme where women were provided with cash to support their businesses, and farmers were supported with farm inputs.’

The beneficiary communities for these programmes are: Tse-Kucha, Quarry, Amua, Mbazembe, Mbatur, and Pass Brothers.

Speaking on behalf of the Benue State Attorney-General, the Chairman of the Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO), Dooshima Orosaga, commended Dangote Cement Plc for its compliance with the Community Development Agreement (CDA), urging the beneficiaries and host communities to maximise the benefits of the company’s interventions.

Yina Elias, chairman of the Gboko Local Government, said the government will continue to provide the support needed for the company to succeed, adding that the Dangote Cement Plc is an exemplary company in Corporate Social Responsibilities programmes.

In his remarks, Tsegba Igbarumun the District Head of Ukpekpe, commended Dangote Cement Plc’s Gboko Plant for its contributions to the community, assuring the company of the community’s continued support, adding that the community valued its mutually beneficial relationship with the company and would continue to serve as its ambassadors.

A beneficiary of the Youth Empowerment Programme, Ignatius Aondohemba, expressed appreciation to Dangote Cement Plc for the support, pledging to put the skills and resources provided to good use and build a business that would enable him to become an employer of labour.

AltBank has backed the 2026 NPA Kano International Polo Tournament, bringing corporate support to sustain one of Northern Nigeria’s sporting heritage.

Held at the Usman Dantata Polo Ground in Kano, the tournament brought together local and international polo players, traditional leaders, business executives and sporting enthusiasts for an event that continues to hold a prominent place in the region’s sporting calendar.

The Bank, in a statement, explained that its involvement reflects its recognition of the role established sporting institutions play in preserving cultural heritage and bringing people together.

Speaking on the Bank’s participation, Muhammad Danbichi, Regional Business Executive, Commercial and Institutional Banking, North-West 1, Altbank, highlighted the significance of the tournament to Kano and the wider region.

‘The Kano International Polo Tournament is an important part of the city’s sporting history, and its continued relevance speaks to the people and institutions that have sustained it over the years. We are pleased to support an event that brings together different generations and communities around a shared interest. At AltBank, we believe that being part of a community means recognising what matters to its people and contributing where we can make a meaningful difference,’ Danbichi said.

The tournament attracted participation from traditional institutions and corporate organisations, alongside players and spectators, reflecting its enduring appeal across different sections of society.

Tajuddeen Dantata, Chairman of the Kano Polo Club, spoke on the significance of partnerships in sustaining the tournament and strengthening its profile, while Shehu Muhammed, Sarkin Shanu Kano, reflected on the importance of the tournament to Kano’s sporting and cultural heritage.

AltBank is a non-interest bank that provides financial solutions to individuals and businesses while maintaining relationships with the communities in which it operates.

Development agencies have expressed interest in adopting a memoir by Dr Ifeoma Esther Charles-Monwuba, a development specialist and former senior leader in international organisations with more than three decades of experience. She publicly presented her memoir, Grace and Grit: My Journey of Faith, Purpose and Leadership, on Wednesday, 21 October 2026.

Dr Ifeoma Charles-Monwuba reading from the memoir.

The presentation was held at RovingHeights Bookshop in Garki, Abuja. The Social Development Action Trust (SDA Trust) organised it as part of activities marking the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child. The event aligned with the official 2026 International Day of the Girl Child theme: ‘End child marriage and invest in girls’ rights!’ The gathering brought together colleagues from the development sector, advertising and the media, as well as family and friends.

The event featured a reading from the memoir and an interactive session with the author. The discussions went beyond one family’s story to examine the systemic drivers of child marriage and the barriers to girls’ education in Nigeria, with stakeholders calling for stronger implementation of existing laws and greater investment in safe, accessible schools.

The Memoir and Its Author

Grace and Grit, published in 2026 by May Publishing Limited in Lagos, is a candid and inspirational memoir structured around a preface, a prologue (‘The Becoming’), and eleven chapters. It traces Charles-Monwuba’s journey from her birth in Nnewi during the Nigerian-Biafran Civil War, as the eldest of ten children raised by parents of modest means, to senior leadership roles in international development and diplomacy across West Africa and beyond.

She holds a PhD in Development Communication from Caleb University, Lagos (a thesis on Nollywood and the representation of gender roles, particularly women’s unpaid care work); a BSc in Mass Communication from Anambra State University of Science and Technology; an MSc in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan; a master’s in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos; and a certificate in International Health from the University of Washington.

Her career spanned advertising at Sunrise, public health communication at the Society for Family Health, leadership roles at WaterAid Nigeria and ActionAid (including transformative work in Haiti and Senegal), and service as Ghana Multi-Country Director/Representative of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), covering Nigeria, The Gambia, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

The book’s governing premise is that grace sustains, but grit must answer it. Leadership is portrayed not as a crown but as a humble calling rooted in service. Charles-Monwuba wrote the memoir to give back, especially to young people who feel locked out of big careers because of their backgrounds, and to parents making decisions for their children. She urges readers to be intentional about their children’s lives and encourages girls to pursue their ambitions.

A Narrow Escape from Child Marriage

At the heart of the memoir is Charles-Monwuba’s narrow escape from child marriage. At 16, as she prepared for university, her father’s struggling business attracted an offer from prospective partners who would provide capital if she married a younger brother in their family. Her late father, Sir J.O.S. Ufondu-a mechanic and Biafran Corps of Engineers veteran-refused to trade her future for money. He insisted she would go to university, declaring that education is the only inheritance no one can take from you.

That decision opened the way to higher education and a distinguished career. At the launch, speakers repeatedly returned to this story as a powerful illustration that educating girls does not prevent them from becoming wives, mothers and contributors to society. Dr Charles Usie, Country Director of Plan International Nigeria, highlighted the father’s role and asked: ‘What role are you playing in the life of girls? Either your daughter, your sister, your friend, what role are you playing? Are you enabling this problem or are you part of the solution?’

Voices from the Launch

Amina Baba-Manu, Director of Strategy, Innovation and Impact at SDA Trust, noted that poverty, culture, insecurity, and a lack of nearby schools drive early marriage. She cited a community in Sokoto State where the nearest senior secondary school is about two hours away on foot, deterring families because of the distance and safety concerns. ‘We have the policies. We have the laws in place. But it’s just the implementation of those policies,’ she said, calling for better enforcement and government investment in educational infrastructure.

Dr Charles Usie urged fathers to be part of the solution and highlighted the fathers’ support groups his organisation backs in Sokoto and Bauchi, recommending their expansion nationwide. He emphasised that men must actively protect girls’ rights and ensure they complete their education before marriage.

Dr Andrew (Andre) Mamedu, Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, said the memoir aligns with ActionAid’s Girls initiative and expressed a desire to partner with the author to empower girls.

Dr Charles-Monwuba added that schools must be safe, within reach, and properly equipped-with appropriate sanitation for girls, qualified teachers, and digital resources. She called on states to adopt and enforce protections against marriage before 18 and urged parents to be intentional about their children’s lives.

Broader Context and Calls to Action

The 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, observed globally on 11 October, has the official theme ‘End child marriage and invest in girls’ rights!’ The theme calls for urgent action to protect girls from early marriage and to invest in their education, health, and rights. According to UN and UNICEF data, more than 12 million girls are married before adulthood each year-roughly one every three seconds-with the highest prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa. In Nigeria, stakeholders stressed that civil society efforts alone cannot succeed without coordinated government action on safe schools, poverty reduction, and security.

Key calls emerging from the launch include:

Stronger implementation and enforcement of laws and policies prohibiting marriage before 18.

Invest in safe, accessible, well-equipped schools, including sanitation facilities and qualified teachers, particularly in rural and insecure areas.

Active engagement of fathers and male allies through support groups and community mobilisation.

Stronger partnerships among development organisations, government, and communities to address poverty, culture, and insecurity as root drivers.

Parents and caregivers to make deliberate choices that prioritise girls’ education and long-term futures.

One woman’s story of resilience as a symbol

By presenting Grace and Grit in the context of the International Day of the Girl Child, SDA Trust and the development community have framed one woman’s story of resilience as a symbol and a call to action for the millions of girls in Nigeria still at risk of child marriage and educational exclusion. The memoir serves as both personal testimony and practical instruction: purpose is refined through disciplined choices, and leadership is earned through service.

As Charles-Monwuba has written, finding the delicate balance between grace and grit-where strength is not the absence of fear but the resolve to press forward-offers a path for young people, parents and policymakers alike. The event reinforced that ending child marriage requires more than awareness; it demands intentional action from families, communities and governments.

Alexander Isak scored for the third consecutive Premier League game as Liverpool defeated Brighton 2-0 on Sunday, giving manager Andoni Iraola his first league victory at Anfield.

Liverpool struck twice in quick succession in the first half, with Pascal Gross scoring an own goal before Isak added the second.

Isak has now scored six goals in seven league appearances this season, including three in his last four matches.

The victory also gave Iraola his first taste of Premier League success at Anfield. The Spaniard had failed to win his first three league games at the venue since arriving from Bournemouth in the close season.

Iraola, who had already secured Champions League and League Cup victories at Anfield, has now guided Liverpool to four consecutive wins in all competitions following their chastening 3-0 home defeat against Manchester City.

Liverpool climbed to fourth place, one point behind third-placed Brighton, after handing the Seagulls their second league defeat of the season.

The Reds remain six points behind leaders Manchester City as they look to build momentum in the title race.

Liverpool had gone five home league games without a win dating back to last season, drawing four and losing one. However, they overcame Brighton with a composed performance, ending the visitors’ recent scoring run after the Seagulls arrived at Anfield as the league’s top scorers.

Brighton had an early opportunity to take the lead when Diego Gomez’s pass caught Virgil van Dijk out of position. Gross crossed for Yasin Ayari, but the midfielder fired wastefully over with the goal at his mercy.

ýýThe Abia State leadership of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has endorsed the re-election bid of Governor Alex Otti ahead of the 2027 governorship election. The forum commended his administration for what it described as the remarkable transformation of the state.

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ýThe forum made its position known on Thursday, October 22, 2026, during a courtesy visit to the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Caleb Ajagba, at Government House, Umuahia.

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ýBaba Lawal, state chairman, AYF, while speaking on behalf of the organisation, pledged the forum’s support for Governor Otti’s re-election, citing the administration’s achievements in infrastructure, security, healthcare, education and commerce.

ýLawal noted that the government’s policies and ongoing projects had renewed public confidence in governance and positioned Abia as an emerging model of development and inclusive leadership.

ýHe also reaffirmed the commitment of the Arewa community in the state to peaceful coexistence and sustained collaboration with the government to promote development, strengthen unity and preserve harmonious relations among residents of diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds.

ýResponding, Ajagba described Abia as a reference point for democratic governance, attributing the state’s transformation under Governor Otti to the Governor’s commitment to inclusive leadership, merit-based appointments, security and a people-oriented administration.

ýThe Chief of Staff commended the forum for its support during the 2023 governorship election, noting that the administration’s performance had demonstrated that good governance was achievable when competent leaders were entrusted with public responsibility.

ýHe stressed that the state government remained committed to treating all residents fairly, irrespective of ethnicity, religion or state of origin.

ýAjagba cited the appointment of non-indigenes to key positions, including the Head of Service, ýBenson Ojeikere, from Edo State and a Permanent Secretary, Sunday Jackson of Rivers State, as well as the recruitment of qualified personnel based on merit as evidence of the administration’s commitment to inclusiveness and equal opportunity.

He further emphasised that peace and security were indispensable to sustainable development, urging residents to support efforts aimed at maintaining stability and fostering cooperation across communities.

ýWhile appreciating the forum for its pledge of support ahead of the 2027 election, the Chief of Staff urged its members to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and ensure that their political decision to re-elect Governor Alex Otti is reflected at the ballot box.

ýHe assured the delegation of the state government’s continued support for residents who uphold peace, truth and responsible citizenship.

ýKenneth Wiper, Special Assistant to the Governor on Religious Affairs, and other top government officials were present during the visit.