By Christy Tamai
The Nigeria for Women Program Scale-Up Project (NFWP-SU) has recorded overwhelming support from women and community stakeholders in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State following the commencement of community entry, sensitization, advocacy, and recruitment activities across Gindiri, Mangu Ward I, and Mangu Ward II.
The two-day exercise, held from June 3 to 4, 2026, was organized by the State Coordinating Project Unit (SPCU) to introduce the project to local communities, mobilize women for participation, and recruit qualified Ward Facilitators who will support implementation at the grassroots level.
The exercise began with advocacy visits to prominent traditional and religious leaders, including the Sum Pyem, HRH Charles Mato Dakat; the Mishkahan Mangu, Da Moses Dawap; and the Chairman of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) in Mangu LGA, Alhaji Hudu Ibrahim. During the engagements, State Project Coordinator, Barr. Nanret Agaba, outlined the objectives of the project, emphasizing its focus on improving the socio-economic well-being of women through capacity building, social capital development, and economic empowerment initiatives.
She explained that the project would encourage women to organize into Women Affinity Groups (WAGs), creating opportunities for collective action, access to support services, and improved livelihoods.
The traditional and religious leaders commended the initiative and pledged their support toward ensuring its successful implementation within their respective communities.
Sensitization sessions were subsequently held with women across the target communities, where participants were educated on the project’s objectives, benefits, and opportunities. Women were encouraged to join or establish Women Affinity Groups as a pathway to economic empowerment and sustainable development.
To effectively carry out the exercise, the project team was divided into two groups. While one team conducted Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) to gather information on community realities, social norms, existing women’s associations, and challenges affecting women, the second team coordinated the recruitment and screening of prospective Ward Facilitators through examinations and oral interviews.
Activities continued on the second day in Mangu Ward I and Mangu Ward II, where women again turned out in large numbers to participate in the sensitization sessions and recruitment process.
The exercise witnessed remarkable participation, with many women expressing optimism about the project’s potential to improve their economic conditions. Existing women’s groups signaled their readiness to be integrated into the project framework, while others indicated interest in forming new Women Affinity Groups.
The recruitment exercise also attracted a significant number of qualified applicants eager to serve as Ward Facilitators, a key position responsible for mobilizing communities and supporting project implementation at the ward level.
The exercise received additional technical support from Mr. Temitope Ayodele, Senior Technical Assistant from the National Project Coordinating Unit (NPCU), who provided guidance and recommendations aimed at strengthening community engagement and implementation strategies.
The impressive turnout and positive reception recorded during the two-day exercise highlight the growing enthusiasm among women and community stakeholders for the Nigeria for Women Program Scale-Up Project and set the stage for successful implementation across the target communities in Mangu Local Government Area.
