Stakeholders, government representatives, and civil society organizations have convened in Jos, Plateau State, for a two-day workshop on the Humanitarian, Development and Peace (HDP) Nexus and Children Affected by Armed Conflict.
The event, held at Villa Grande Hotel from September 29 to 30, 2025, focused on strengthening integrated dialogue and humanitarian support for women and children in conflict-affected communities. A symbolic highlight was the presentation of ₦26 million in humanitarian support to beneficiaries, reflecting the commitment to building resilience and fostering peace.
Representing the Secretary to the Government of Plateau State, Arc. Samuel Nanchang Jatau, Mr. Gayi Timothy Gayi commended ECOWAS, GIZ, civil society, and partners for organizing what he described as a “timely intervention” for Plateau. He noted that the state has endured over two decades of violent clashes and displacement of more than 31,000 households as of May 2025. Gayi stressed that “relief without development fosters dependency, while development without peace remains unsustainable,” reaffirming government’s readiness to coordinate with agencies such as the Peace Building Agency and PLASEMA.
Dr. Julie G. Sanda, Director General of the Plateau Peace Building Agency, highlighted the devastating effects of prolonged conflicts, especially on children who face displacement, disrupted education, and trauma. She emphasized that humanitarian aid, development, and peace must work in synergy, assuring participants that “integrated solutions can rebuild lives, restore hope, and strengthen resilience.”
From ECOWAS, Senior Counsellor Bashar Aminu described the workshop as a significant platform for harmonizing efforts among government, civil society, and local actors. Dr. Sintiki Tarfa Ugbe, Director of Humanitarian and Social Affairs, echoed the message, saying the dialogue was “more than a workshop—it is a movement rooted in unity, healing, and rebuilding.”
Other speakers stressed the need for sustained collaboration. Ashoms Azi, representing the Executive Secretary of the Plateau State Emergency Management Agency (PLASEMA), underscored the trauma and losses endured by women, children, and vulnerable groups, while calling for long-term solutions.
Myriam Wedraogo, Head of Programme for the GIZ Peace Core Project, explained that transitional development assistance remains key in preventing future crises. She highlighted the Peace Core II Project’s focus on livelihood support and conflict transformation, adding that “resilience cannot be built without bridging humanitarian aid and long-term development.”
Yakubu Mohammed Adamu, Deputy Director at the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, reaffirmed the ministry’s support, stressing that women and children are not only victims but also “resilient agents of change” deserving education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities.
The workshop ended with renewed commitments to strengthen partnerships across humanitarian, development, and peace actors in Plateau State, ensuring that interventions address both immediate needs and long-term stability.
The Super Falcons of Nigeria booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a commanding 6-2 victory over Egypt in their final group-stage match, holding on to their title credentials with an impressive attacking display.
The 10-time African champions wasted little time asserting their dominance, opening the scoring through Asisat Oshoala, who calmly converted from the penalty spot after sending the Egyptian goalkeeper the wrong way.
Nigeria continued to dictate proceedings and doubled their advantage through Gift Monday, who made an immediate impact after coming off the bench in the first half.
However, Egypt reduced the deficit just before the break after converting a penalty to keep themselves in the contest.
The Super Falcons responded emphatically after halftime. Substitute Uchenna Kanu restored Nigeria’s two-goal cushion in the 57th minute, finishing off an excellent move created by Rinsola Babajide, who tormented the Egyptian defence throughout the encounter.
With the game firmly under their control, Nigeria continued to press forward and were rewarded with another penalty in the closing stages. Christy Ucheibe confidently dispatched the spot-kick in the 81st minute to make it 4-1.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade then got on the scoresheet from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time, extending the lead to 5-1 before substitute Joy Omewa completed the rout in the 90+8th minute, finishing brilliantly after being set up by Ajibade.
Although Egypt managed to score twice, they were unable to cope with Nigeria’s relentless attacking play, as the Super Falcons showcased their squad depth with substitutes making decisive contributions throughout the contest.
Babajide capped off an outstanding individual performance by claiming the Woman of the Match award after providing two assists and consistently stretching the Egyptian backline with her pace, cretivity and delivery.
The comprehensive victory sees Nigeria advance to the quarter-finals, where they will face Cameroon in what promises to be another heavyweight African encounter.
Should the Super Falcons progress, they will meet the winner of the quarter-final between South Africa and Morocco in the last four.
The result further reinforces Nigeria’s status as one of the favourites for the title as they continue their quest for an 11th WAFCON crown, with Justin Madugu’s side displaying both attacking firepower and the depth needed for a successful tournament run.
Artisans and entrepreneurs in Plateau State have received practical financial literacy and business-management training through a one-day empowerment programme delivered by the SHIFT Initiative in collaboration with the Sustainable Development Goals Project Support Unit, Plateau State.
The training was led by SHIFT Initiative’s Executive Director, Ulan V. Jatau, PhD, alongside members of the organisation’s team.
Participants were taken through practical sessions covering budgeting, bookkeeping, record-keeping, digital finance, modern business management and sustainable entrepreneurship.
The programme was designed to bridge the gap between vocational competence and business sustainability. While many artisans have valuable technical skills, inadequate knowledge of financial management can make it difficult to track income, control expenditure, reinvest profits and plan for expansion.
Through the sessions, participants learned how to make informed financial decisions, separate personal and business finances, monitor profitability and develop stronger structures for long-term growth.
Beneficiaries were selected from across Plateau State’s 17 local government areas and also received equipment and financial assistance under the wider empowerment programme.
Dr. Jatau and the SHIFT team emphasised that meaningful empowerment must combine tangible resources with knowledge. Providing business tools can improve immediate productivity, but financial discipline and management capacity are necessary to ensure those businesses remain viable.
The programme further demonstrated SHIFT Initiative’s role in supporting grassroots enterprise development through practical education, mentorship and community-focused capacity building.
By providing artisans with both knowledge and support, the initiative is helping strengthen local businesses, improve livelihoods and create opportunities for sustainable economic growth across Plateau State.