Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up Project, Benue State

18/07/2026

"The Success of This Project Rests on You" — Benue State Project Coordinator Charges Ward Facilitators as COM Step-Down Training Ends.

The Benue State Project Coordinator of the Nigeria for Women Program Scale-Up (NFWP-SU) Project, Mr William Fele Agber has charged Ward Facilitators on commitment and dedication to duty at the close of the six-day Community Operations Manual (COM) Step-Down Training in Vandeikya Local Government Area.

Speaking at Kyabiz Hotel, Mr Agber emphasized that while the State Project Coordinating Unit has provided the ward facilitators with the necessary knowledge, skills and tools, the true impact of the project will depend on how effectively they translate the training into action at the community level.

"You are the bridge between the project and the women we seek to empower. The quality of your work, your commitment, and your integrity will determine the success of this project. Go into your communities with confidence, work closely with community leaders and women, ensure that every Women Affinity Group is formed and strengthened in accordance with the Community Operations Manual," he said.

He urged the facilitators to study their COM Manual adequately and remain committed to the principles of transparency, inclusiveness, accountability and professionalism while carrying out their responsibilities, adding that the project presents a unique opportunity to transform the lives of thousands of women across Benue State.

The Coordinator also commended the participants for their focus, enthusiasm and active participation throughout the training, expressing confidence in their ability to deliver on the mandate entrusted to them.

Community Institution Building Adviser, Mrs Dooshima Ageh advised ward facilitators to go into the community and Kickstart the formation of Women Affinity Groups, she said "work has began in ernest and we want to see result soon especially as you have been adequately trained". She urged the WF to seek clarification and assistance from the LPIU or the SPCU whenever they encounter challenges in the community.

The six-day training equipped the Ward Facilitators with practical knowledge on community entry, Women Affinity Group (WAG) formation, preliminary meetings with prospective members, WAG governance and leadership, election processes, mentoring and strengthening of groups, safeguarding, grievance redress mechanisms, end of cycle cash out proceedings, WAG and member formation and registration, and other key components of the Community Operations Manual necessary for successful grassroots implementation of the Nigeria for Women Program Scale-Up( NFWP-SU) Project.

Speaking on behalf of the participants, Chahul Sunday from Nyumagbagh Council Ward, described the training as impactful, practical and transformative, noting that it had equipped them with the confidence and skills required to effectively mobilize communities and establish strong, sustainable Women Affinity Groups.

He said the interactive sessions, practical demonstrations and group exercises provided them with a deeper understanding of community engagement, leadership development, conflict resolution and mentorship, preparing them to address challenges that may arise during implementation.

Another Ward Facilitator from Township Council Ward, Adamgbe Paul said "The training has changed our perspective on community facilitation. We are leaving here better prepared, more confident and fully equipped to mobilize women, strengthen their groups and contribute meaningfully to the success of the Nigeria for Women Program Scale-Up Project,"

Also Anjila Vershima from MbaKaange Council Ward thanked God for the successful completion of the training and also the SPCU team for being so passionate about imparting knowledge on the ward facilitators .

The participants unanimously pledged to apply the knowledge acquired during the training with dedication and professionalism, assuring the State Project Coordinating Unit of the Nigeria for Women Program Scale-Up(NFWP-SU)Project that they would work tirelessly to ensure the successful formation, mentoring and strengthening of Women Affinity Groups across their respective wards.

18/07/2026

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16/07/2026

Ward Facilitators Hail Comunity Operations Manual Training, Express Readiness for Community Engagement.

Ward Facilitators participating in the Community Operations Manual step-down training for the Nigeria For Women Program Scale-up( NFWP-SU) Project in Vandeikya Local Government Area have described the exercise as impactful, practical, and empowering, saying it has equipped them with the knowledge and confidence needed to effectively engage communities and facilitate the formation of Women Affinity Groups (WAGs).

As the training entered its fourth day, participants said the sessions have been intensive, participatory, and tailored to address the realities they will encounter in the field. They noted that the knowledge gained so far has boosted their confidence and preparedness to mobilize women, foster community ownership, and build strong grassroot institutions.

Speaking at the training, Anjila Vershima, a Ward Facilitator from MbaKaange Council Ward said, "This training has gone beyond theory. It has given us practical skills on how to engage communities respectfully, identify eligible women, facilitate the formation of functional Women Affinity Groups, and mentor them into strong, self-reliant institutions. We are now fully prepared for the task ahead."

Also, Nombor Terlumun Phillip, described the training as eye-opening, saying, "The facilitators have taken us through every stage of WAG formation, governance, elections, mentoring, conflict resolution, and record keeping. We now understand that our role is not just to form groups but to nurture and strengthen them so they can function effectively and sustainably."

The Ward Facilitators also praised the interactive approach adopted during the training, which combined presentations, group discussions, practical demonstrations, and role-play exercises to prepare them for real-life community engagement.

"The practical exercises have given us the confidence to work directly with women at the grassroots," Orkuma Nancy from MbaKaange Council Ward remarked. "We now have the skills to mentor WAGs, promote transparency and accountability, encourage inclusive leadership, and help the groups become sustainable platforms for women's social and economic empowerment."

The participants expressed appreciation to the NFWP-SU for investing in their capacity development, describing the training as impactful and insightful.

They pledged to continue to pay attention as the training continues, and apply the knowledge and skills acquired as they eventually move into their respective wards, assuring communities of their commitment to supporting the successful formation, mentoring, and strengthening of Women Affinity Groups in line with the objectives of the Nigeria for Women Program Scale-Up (NFWP-SU) Project.

14/07/2026

Community Operations Manual Step-Down Training for Ward Facilitators Continues in Vandeikya LGA

The Community Operations Manual (COM), Step-Down training for newly recruited Ward Facilitators under the Nigeria for Women Program Scale-Up (NFWP-SU) Project continued in Vandeikya Local Government Area today, with practical sessions aimed at strengthening WF capacity to form, mentor and strengthen WAGs for smooth implementation of Project objectives.

Ward Facilitators were guided on community mobilization strategies, the process of forming Women's Affinity Groups , Preliminary meetings with potential Women's Affinity Group members ,WAG effectiveness and Governance, promoting transparency and accountability, and ensuring inclusive and democratic leadership through credible elections. Also the Benue State Project Coordinating Unit amongst other practical sessions handled the step down training for Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) and Social Norms master class.

Participants actively engaged in discussions and practical exercises, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively implement the Community Operations Manual, support the successful Formation of WAGs in Benue State and remove every hindrance to the economic empowerment of women by addressing social norms.

14/07/2026

NFWP-SU Begins Community Operations Manual Step-Down Training for Ward Facilitators in Vandeikya LGA

In a major step towards strengthening grassroots implementation of the Nigeria for Women Program Scale-Up (NFWP-SU)Project, the Benue State Project Coordinating Unit (SPCU) on Monday, 13th July 2026, commenced the Community Operations Manual (COM) Step-Down training for newly recruited Ward Facilitators in Vandeikya Local Government Area.

The training sessions took place across three venues; Kyabiz Hotel, Jechira Resort and Dondose Resort in Vandeikya town and is designed to equip participants with the knowledge, practical skills, and facilitation techniques required to effectively implement the project at the community level. The exercise marks another milestone in the project's commitment to empowering women through community-driven development and sustainable livelihoods.

Speaking to Ward Facilitators during his opening remarks, the State Project Coordinator, Mr William Fele Agber congratulated the WF and urged them to undertake their tasks with dedication and passion. He said "As Ward Facilitators, you are the bridge between the project and the communities we serve. You will represent the program at the grassroots, mobilize women, facilitate the formation and strengthening of Women Affinity Groups, promote savings and livelihood activities, and ensure that every intervention is implemented in line with the Community Operations Manual."

In continuation of his remarks, he said, "the knowledge and skills you will acquire during this training are essential. I encourage you to participate actively, ask questions, share your experiences, and make the most of every learning opportunity. The practical exercises and discussions have been carefully designed to prepare you for the realities you will encounter in your respective wards."

He further urged them to carry out their responsibilities, uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and accountability. Respect the culture and traditions of the communities while promoting gender equality, social inclusion, and the rights of women and vulnerable groups. Every community member should feel respected, heard, and included.Your conduct should inspire confidence and build trust within the communities.

Also speaking during the training sessions, Community Institutions Building Advisor, Mrs Dooshima Ageh, reiterated that this program is not just about delivering activities; it is about transforming lives. She urged the Ward Facilitators to show commitment and dedication, so that women will gain greater confidence, strengthen their social networks, improve their livelihoods, and contribute more meaningfully to the development of their families and communities.

Responding on behalf of the newly recruited Ward Facilitators, Mr Nevkaa Terungwa, from Mbagbera Council Ward expressed gratitude to the NFWP-SU for the opportunity granted them and appreciation for the quality of the training, describing it as practical, engaging, and relevant to the realities they will encounter in the field. They pledged to apply the knowledge gained in mobilizing women, strengthening community participation, and ensuring that project activities are implemented effectively and transparently.

04/07/2026

NIGERIA FOR WOMEN PROGRAM SCALE-UP, (NFWP-SU) PROJECT, BENUE STATE, PRESENTS MOTORBIKES TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT FIELD SUPERVISORS TO STRENGTHEN PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION .

Local Government Field Supervisors, LFS, of the Nigeria For Women Program Scale-up, (NFWP-SU) Project, pilot local governments in Benue State have received motorbikes to enhance their mobility and improve field operations.

The LFS who are from Vandeikya, Okpokwu and Gwer East were presented with the motorbikes by the State Project Coordinator, Mr William Fele Agber at the project office, Pauline Makka Women Development Center, Makurdi marking another milestone in efforts by the NFWP-SU to strengthen project implementation and improve outcomes for women and communities across the state.

During the presentation, Mr Agber reiterated that the motorbikes were not for personal gains but to enable them carry out regular monitoring, and supervision towards effective implementation of the project.

The SPC noted, the intervention was a demonstration of commitment to ensure timely supervision at the grassroots where community engagement was critical to achieving the programme objectives, and urged the beneficiaries to keep the motorbikes in good shape at all times in order to achieve the purpose for which they have been purchased.

Responding on behalf of the LFS, that of Vandeikya, Mrs Eunice Doocivir Asegh expressed gratitude to NFWP-SU Benue State for the gesture saying it would ease transportation challenges, increase access to remote areas and improve service delivery.

30/06/2026

23/06/2026

BENUE SPCU HOLDS MONTHLY REVIEW MEETING TO ASSESS COMMUNITY ENTRY ACTIVITIES AND PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION

The Benue State Project Coordinating Unit (SPCU) of the Nigeria For Women Programme Scale-Up (NFWP-SU)Project today, 23rd June, 2026 convened its monthly review meeting to evaluate progress made in project implementation across the state, with particular emphasis on recently concluded community entry activities in Vandeikya LGA, ongoing interventions, emerging challenges, and strategies for improved delivery of Project objectives.

Speaking during the meeting at the Project Office in Pauline Makka, the State Project Coordinator Mr. Agber Fele William commended team members for their commitment and professionalism throughout the community entry process, noting that the exercise had significantly strengthened relationships between the project and beneficiary community.

According to the Coordinator, the successful community entry activities have enhanced community awareness and ownership of the project, increased stakeholder buy-in, and created a solid foundation for the implementation of women’s economic empowerment initiatives under the programme in the area.

The Coordinator emphasized the importance of teamwork, accountability, and regular monitoring in achieving the project's objectives and urged staff members to maintain high standards of professionalism while discharging their duties.

The review meeting provided an opportunity for Project Staff to assess lessons learned from the field, identify best practices, and discuss practical solutions to challenges encountered during implementation. Key among the issues highlighted were logistical constraints, and efforts were already in place to avoid a repeat of the challenges.

Project Staff also reviewed ongoing project activities and with the Head of Operations, Benue SPCU, Mrs Daniel Dorcas Dooshima developed action points aimed at improving coordination, strengthening communication with stakeholders, and ensuring timely delivery of project interventions across benefiting communities.

The meeting concluded with renewed commitment by the SPCU team to accelerate project implementation and ensure that women across Benue State benefit from the economic and social opportunities provided under the Nigeria For Women Programme Scale-Up(NFWP-SU)Project.

14/06/2026

NFWP-SU, Benue State Conducts Screening Exercise For Ward Facilitators

The Benue State Project Coordinating Unit (SPCU) of the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up (NFWP-SU)Project successfully conducted a screening exercise for prospective Ward Facilitators across the twelve council wards of Vandeikya Local Government Area yesterday the 13th, June 2026.

The exercise, which held at St. Peter's Secondary School, Vandeikya, brought together candidates who underwent a transparent and merit-based assessment( oral and written) aimed at selecting competent facilitators to support grassroot implementation of the programme. The screening marks the successful conclusion of the community entry phase in Vandeikya and signals the commencement of the next critical stage of project implementation.