SOS Children’s Villages Empowers Borno Communities with N60m Grants

To foster economic resilience and community empowerment, SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria has disbursed N60 million in grants to Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) across ten communities in Borno State.

Speaking during the grant ceremony, Adeolopo Ayodeji, the chief program officer of SOS Children Villages, highlighted the organisation’s commitment to empowering communities through economic independence.

Addressing the gathering, Ayodeji underscored the importance of resilience, quoting, “When we learn how to become resilient, we learn how to embrace the beautifully broad spectrum of human existence.”

He emphasised how this sentiment resonates with the people of Borno State, who have faced significant challenges over the years yet continue demonstrating unwavering strength.

SOS Children’s Villages’ mission is to ensure every child grows up in a stable, loving environment. This mission is realised through various family strengthening and alternative care initiatives, with VSLAs playing a pivotal role.

These associations, led predominantly by women, have survived and thrived, generating over a million naira in revenue since their inception. Ayodeji highlighted that when women are empowered, entire communities benefit, a truth evidenced by the success of these VSLAs.

Ayodeji said the N60 million-naira grant is more than just financial support; it is an investment in the future of these communities and their children’s education, health, and nutrition. “It symbolises a commitment to building sustainable livelihoods and fostering hope amid challenging economic conditions.”

He reaffirmed SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria’s dedication to supporting these communities, ensuring that the VSLAs not only survive but also grow, contributing even more to the development of Borno State.

“This occasion is not merely about the distribution of grants. It is a testament to the power of resilience, women’s strength, and collective effort’s transformative impact. Together, we can build a future where every child grows up in a thriving, supportive environment and where every woman has the opportunity to reach her full potential.”

The ceremony concluded with a call for continued collaboration with the state government, partners, and the broader community to ensure the sustainability and progress of these VSLAs and further the development goals of Borno State and beyond.

Established in 1973, SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria is an esteemed international organisation committed to providing loving homes and quality education for children who have lost or are at risk of losing parental care. Through its intervention programs across eight states, the organisation has made a significant impact on the lives of vulnerable children and their communities.

Obasanjo To Speak At Former Punch Editor’s Book Launch

The immediate past Editor of The PUNCH, Dayo Oketola, is set to launch a book he authored as his contribution to developing the pen profession.

The book, ‘The Catalyst: Nigerian ICT Evolution Through a Journalist’s Lens,’ will be launched on September 17, 2024, at an inaugural lecture to mark the end of his time as an editor and celebrate his nearly 20 years of experience in journalism.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo will be the Special Guest Speaker at the event, which will take place at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos, by 10 am.

Oketola, now a senior member of the PUNCH Editorial Board, left as Editor of The PUNCH following the organisation’s management-level shake-up in June.

While serving as editor, he won the Editor of the Year prize at the Nigeria Media Merit Awards (NMMA) in December 2023. He also led the organisation to win the Newspaper of the Year at the same award ceremony. Oketola, a consistent journalism prizeman, also won the Editor of the Year Award at The Industry Awards 2022. He is a two-time winner of the Zimeo Excellence in Media Awards in Johannesburg 2015 and Nairobi 2016, among numerous awards during his illustrious journalism career.

In a statement, Oketola said, “I am excited to announce the upcoming launch of my book, The Catalyst: Nigerian ICT Evolution Through A Journalist’s Lens, scheduled for September 17, 2024.

“On the same day, I will also be hosting an inaugural lecture to celebrate my tenure as Editor of The PUNCH and nearly 20 years in journalism.”

Speaking further, the former editor described his years in journalism as one that had driven advocacy and impacted different sectors of the economy.

“My 20 remarkable years of stewardship to the nation via media and leadership practices have driven advocacy and impacted areas such as business and economy, ICT, energy, agriculture, social inclusion, anti-corruption, drug trafficking prevention, and nation-building, a testament to the power of journalism in shaping our society,” Oketola remarked.

Other influential guests hosted at the media event are a former Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Michael Ikpoki, who will chair the occasion, and the Convener of Centre for Social Media Research, Dr Akin Olaniyan, who will be the book reviewer.  The Minister of Information, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, will grace the occasion as the Chief Host.

Similarly, the Managing Director/ Editor-in-Chief of PUNCH Nigeria Limited, Mr Adeyeye Joseph, is the host. At the same time, the President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Mr Eze Anaba, is the co-host.