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EU, UNICEF Launch €13M Social Protection Project in Abia State
UMUAHIA, Nigeria — The European Union and UNICEF have launched a €13 million project in Abia state to strengthen social protection systems and reduce poverty among vulnerable families.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The initiative, unveiled Friday in Umuahia, aims to expand social safety nets, improve access to healthcare and education, and provide direct support to poor households. Officials said the project will run for three years and focus on helping children, women, and people living in extreme poverty.
“This program is about giving hope and dignity,” said Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria. “It will help families meet basic needs, keep children in school, and reduce the impact of poverty on the most vulnerable.”
Key details
The €13 million funding comes from the European Union, while UNICEF will lead implementation in partnership with the Abia state government. The program is part of the EU’s broader support for Nigeria’s social protection reforms, which aim to create sustainable systems for long-term poverty reduction.
Officials said the project will provide cash transfers to poor families, strengthen local health services, and improve birth registration and child protection programs. Community workers will also be trained to support families with nutrition, hygiene, and parenting skills.
“The goal is not only to provide short-term relief but to build structures that last,” said EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS Samuela Isopi. “Social protection is a human right, and this project is one way the EU is standing with Nigeria.”
Why Abia?
Abia was chosen because of its high rates of poverty and inequality, UNICEF officials explained. Many families struggle with unemployment, weak health services, and limited access to quality education.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics, about 133 million Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty, lacking access to basic services. Abia reflects these national challenges, with many households unable to afford food, medicine, or school fees.
Governor Alex Otti said the program comes at a critical time. “We are determined to break the cycle of poverty in Abia,” he said. “With this partnership, we can give our people better opportunities and ensure no child is left behind.”
Broader context
Social protection has become a priority issue in Nigeria. The federal government has been expanding programs such as conditional cash transfers and school feeding schemes. However, coverage remains limited, and many states lack the resources or systems to reach poor families effectively.
Development experts say that without stronger social protection, poverty will continue to rise, especially as inflation, unemployment, and insecurity put pressure on households. Children are most affected, with millions at risk of malnutrition, child labor, and early marriage.
By focusing on Abia, the EU-UNICEF project will test new models of coordination between state institutions, community groups, and international partners. Lessons learned could be applied to other states in the future.
Community impact
For families, the program could mean the difference between survival and despair. Mothers will be able to buy food, pay medical bills, and send children to school. Community health centers are expected to receive more supplies and training. Birth registration drives will ensure children have legal identities, giving them access to services.
“This is about fairness and justice,” said Ngozi Okoro, a women’s leader in Umuahia who attended the launch. “Poor families work hard, but life is very tough. This support will help us breathe again.”
The program will roll out in stages, starting with identifying the poorest households through community surveys. Payments to families are expected to begin later this year. UNICEF said it will closely monitor results and adjust the project to meet community needs.
EU officials emphasized that success will depend on strong local participation and transparent management.
“Our commitment is firm,” Isopi said. “But the people of Abia are the real drivers of change. Together, we can build a stronger safety net that leaves no one behind.”
If successful, the project could serve as a model for how international partnerships can strengthen social protection in Nigeria and across Africa.
Nigerian comedian and actor Bovi Ugboma has announced that he will begin charging people who expect him to respond to their messages.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
News reports that the comedian disclosed this in a post shared on his Instagram Story.
According to Bovi, anyone seeking a response from him should be ready to pay for the service.
He also warned those who might not receive replies to make the necessary payment if they want his attention.
The comedian wrote, “Now charging money to reply messages. So if you don’t get a reply, pay up!”
In other news, Bovi has opened up about his experience raising his son, revealing that the boy broke three television sets on separate occasions due to his behaviour.
Naija News reports that the comedian had previously stated that he does not believe in beating children as a form of discipline.
He maintained that parents should allow their children to grow and learn while providing proper guidance.
Bovi explained that his son sometimes broke household items when he was angry or simply out of playfulness, including three television sets in their home.
The comedian added that he was able to replace the damaged televisions because he could afford to do so, noting that the situation might have been different if he lacked the financial means.
Nigerian music producer Michael Collins Ajereh, popularly known as Don Jazzy, has urged Nigerian musicians to set aside their pride and embrace collaborations to encourage the growth of the country’s music industry.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The Mavin Records founder expressed concern over what he described as a decline in collaborations among Nigerian artistes, warning that the trend could negatively affect the entertainment industry.
Naija News reports that Don Jazzy made his position known during an appearance on an episode of the On The Grind podcast.
He stressed that no artiste could achieve everything independently, noting that collaborations create opportunities for learning, creativity and professional growth.
The music executive encouraged Nigerian singers to overcome their egos and recognise that their individual talents should not prevent them from working with others.
According to him, even artistes who can write, produce and perform their own songs still need to collaborate with other talents.
He said: “Most of Nigerian artists need to drop their pride, grow up and understand that no man is an island. A tree cannot make a forest.
“If you are so talented and versatile and can write, produce and sing, kudos to you. But still, you need to collaborate. I am a fan of collaboration. I came into this business collaborating with people and I am forever going to keep collaborating. I understand the importance of collaboration.”
Controversial relationship therapist Blessing Okoro, popularly known as Blessing CEO, has confessed that she never had breast cancer, despite previously claiming to be battling the disease.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
News reports that the social media personality made the revelation during an interview with social media activist VeryDarkMan.
During the interview, Blessing CEO explained that a medical examination had initially detected a lump in her breast. However, subsequent medical findings showed that the lump was not cancerous.
She admitted that she deliberately portrayed the condition as breast cancer to attract financial assistance from members of the public.
Okoro described her actions as an emotional game, acknowledging that she had misled Nigerians about her health condition to receive donations.
She said: “I played an emotional game. I did not have breast cancer. I had a lump in my breast, but it was not cancerous. I deliberately told the public that the lump was cancerous because I wanted financial support.
“I initially created the impression that I was considering selling my personal belongings, including my car and house, but members of the public encouraged me to share my account details so they could support me financially.
“Donations started coming in, with different people sending different amounts of money. VeryDarkMan was calling me out for my fundraising and demanded evidence of my breast cancer diagnosis. The donations stopped shortly after VeryDarkMan released a video questioning my claims.”
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