Vivacious Development Initiative

17/08/2026

Partners in women's health and well-being.

MEET OUR PARTNER!

We proudly shine the spotlight on one of the amazing partners supporting TCC 2026 - Vivacious Development Initiative

This is a non-profit organization focused on protecting and empowering women, girls, and children.

The key areas include child protection, the prevention of sexual and gender-based violence, and the promotion of women’s and girls' rights.

Thank you for believing in our vision of Creating a Healthier Future and for partnering with us to make this year’s conference possible.

We are grateful for your support and excited to have you on this journey with us.

TCC 2026 is better with you!

Date: September 12, 2026
Venue: Super Hall Event Center First floor,
7 factory road between rail and eziukwu junction opposite uba bank Aba

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
Do not just hear about TCC, be in the room.

Register now and get ready to be part of the movement.
https://tinyurl.com/TCCregistrationform01

17/08/2026

We don't just speak. We communicate. 💐

There is a difference.

You can have the right message, the right facts and even the right intentions, and still fail to reach the people you came to speak to.

At VIDI, we are aware that effective community engagement begins before you open your mouth.

You first listen.

You observe.

You understand the people.

You meet them where they are.

And sometimes, it starts with something as simple as a greeting.

When Team VIDI arrived at Ozuitem on Friday, August 14, we didn't arrive with big grammar or complicated terminology.

We greeted the women in a way that was familiar to them.

We used expressions they could relate to.
We connected the issues we were discussing to their everyday realities.
We spoke with them, not at them.

Because when people understand you, they are more likely to listen.

And when they feel that you understand them, they are more likely to open up, participate and connect with the message.

That is what community engagement should be.

Not simply speaking.

Communicating.

Not simply delivering a message.

Building connections.

Not simply showing up.

Being present.

At VIDI, we don't believe in taking messages to communities and dropping them at their doorstep.

We enter the conversation. We listen. We learn. We connect. And then we communicate in a language that makes the message meaningful.

Because ultimately, the goal is not to be heard.

The goal is to be understood.

And that is how messages become action.

We are proudly Vivacious. ❤️

Priscilla Otti
Urgent Action Fund-Africa
The Freedom Fund
Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption
National Orientation Agency, Abia State Directorate
West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI)

15/08/2026

WE WENT. WE ENGAGED. WE EMPOWERED.

Ọgụ Ụmụnwaanyị. Then and Now. 💪

When things go wrong, when families are threatened, when injustice becomes too much to bear, women have never been strangers to standing up.

History has shown us what happens when women find their collective voice.

In 1929, when colonial policies, taxation and the actions of warrant chiefs threatened the interests and wellbeing of their families and communities, thousands of Igbo women rose in protest. What became known as the Aba Women’s Riot, or Ọgụ Ụmụnwaanyị, spread across parts of Eastern Nigeria and became one of the most significant women-led protests in our history.

They did not wait for someone else to speak for them.

They organised. They spoke. They challenged what they believed was wrong.

Almost a century later, the question remains: what are women rising against today?

There is so much happening around us.

Women and girls continue to experience gender-based violence. Children are trafficked, abducted, sexually abused, exploited and subjected to severe physical violence. Some children are taken into homes as domestic workers and end up being treated as though they have no rights.

These are not issues women can afford to leave to ‘someone else.’

And this was part of why Team VIDI was at Ozuitem on Friday, August 14, to engage with the women during their Annual August Meeting.

The theme, “Women of Abia, Empowered to Thrive,” gave us the perfect opportunity to look at empowerment beyond economic independence.

Because an empowered woman should not only know how to thrive.

She should know her rights.
She should know when those rights are being violated.
She should know how to seek protection.
She should know how to stand with another woman.
And she should know how to protect the children and girls within her community.

Our conversation moved across these different angles – women’s rights, GBV prevention and response, protection, child abuse, trafficking, sexual violence and the collective power of women to confront harmful practices in their communities.

We talked about what women can do to prevent violence, recognise warning signs, speak up, report abuse, support survivors and protect children.

Because when women come together, they can do more than support one another.

They can change what their communities tolerate.

They can say no to violence against women and girls.

They can say no to child abuse.

They can say no to trafficking and exploitation.

They can say no to the culture of silence that protects perpetrators and leaves survivors vulnerable.

And yes, we came with a message.

But we also left with something beautiful: women who were more informed, more conscious of their rights and responsibilities, and more determined to use their collective strength to protect themselves, one another and the children in their communities.

Perhaps that is what it truly means to be empowered to thrive.

Not just to rise for ourselves, but to rise for others.

We are proudly Vivacious. ❤️



Priscilla Otti
National Orientation Agency, Abia State Directorate
The Freedom Fund
Urgent Action Fund-Africa
Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption
UN Women Nigeria BBC News Pidgin

10/08/2026

A case pursued. A conviction secured.
A step forward for child protection.

06/08/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 6, 2026

VIVACIOUS DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE WELCOMES THE CONVICTION AND SENTENCING OF RADIANT GLORY ACADEMY SECURITY OFFICER FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST A 10-YEAR-OLD PUPIL

Vivacious Development Initiative (VIDI), in collaboration with the Child Protection Network - Abia Chapter, welcomes the conviction and sentencing of MR. CHIDIEBERE KALU, a 30-year-old security officer attached to RADIANT GLORY ACADEMY, Umuichichi, Aba, Abia State, for offences committed against a 10-year-old female pupil of the school.

The judgment, delivered on August 5, 2026 by the Family Court sitting at the Magistrate Court, Aba, Abia State, marks a significant step in advancing justice for child survivors of abuse and reinforces the principle that every child has the right to safety, dignity, and protection.

The case arose from reported incidents involving the child within the school environment and was pursued through the criminal justice system following a report by the child's family. Vivacious Development Initiative (VIDI), working in collaboration with the Child Protection Network (CPN), Abia State Chapter, provided child protection support, monitored the matter, and followed the case through investigation and prosecution until judgment was delivered.

The Court convicted Mr. CHIDIEBERE KALU on two counts of INDECENT ASSAULT and INSTILLING FEAR in a minor. He was sentenced to one year imprisonment without the option of a fine on the first count, and one year imprisonment with an option of a ₦200,000 fine on the second count, with both sentences ordered to run concurrently.

While VIDI and CPN welcome the conviction as an important step towards accountability and justice for the child survivor, the outcome also highlights the need for continued strengthening of child protection laws, enforcement mechanisms, and sentencing frameworks to ensure that sanctions for offences against children serve as effective deterrents.

This judgment sends a clear message that child abuse has no place in our schools or communities and that perpetrators of offences against children can be held accountable through the justice system.

Vivacious Development Initiative and the Child Protection Network (CPN), Abia State Chapter, commend the Nigeria Police Force, the prosecution team, the judiciary, and all stakeholders whose commitment contributed to the successful prosecution of this matter. We also acknowledge the courage of the child survivor and her parents throughout the process of seeking justice, despite the challenges associated with the process.

As an organisation committed to safeguarding children and protecting vulnerable persons, VIDI remains dedicated to preventing violence against children, supporting survivors, strengthening referral pathways, and working with government institutions, schools, communities, and partners to promote safe environments where every child can learn, grow, and thrive.

This conviction is not only a legal outcome; it is a reaffirmation that children deserve protection, justice, and a voice.

Signed

Amb. Onyinyechi Joy Nwosu
Executive Director
Vivacious Development Initiative (VIDI)

State Coordinator
Child Protection Network (CPN), Abia State Chapter

Alex C. Otti
Arise News Norah Okafor
Lindaikejiblog
Ford Foundation
Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption
Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre Rulaac
Priscilla Otti
CPN Child Help Centre MAGIC FM ABA
National Orientation Agency, Abia State Directorate
Olakunle Sanni

04/08/2026

World Breastfeeding Week 2026
Breastfeeding: Giving Every Child the Healthiest Start in Life

Every child deserves the best possible start in life, and breastfeeding remains one of the most powerful ways to support a child’s survival, growth, and development.

Breast milk provides babies with the essential nutrients they need to grow and thrive. It strengthens their immune system, protects against infections, supports healthy brain development, and creates a special bond between mother and child.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, followed by continued breastfeeding alongside appropriate complementary foods up to two years and beyond.

However, many mothers still face challenges that make breastfeeding difficult — including limited maternity support, workplace barriers, misinformation, social stigma, and inadequate support from families and communities.

At Vivacious Development Initiative (VIDI), we believe breastfeeding is not solely a mother’s responsibility; it is a shared responsibility. Families, employers, healthcare providers, communities, and governments all have a role to play in creating supportive environments where mothers can breastfeed successfully.

As we commemorate World Breastfeeding Week 2026 with the theme, “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works,” let us commit to:

✅ Supporting mothers to exclusively breastfeed for the first six months.
✅ Creating breastfeeding-friendly homes, workplaces, and public spaces.
✅ Challenging myths and misinformation with accurate, evidence-based information.
✅ Encouraging fathers and families to actively support breastfeeding mothers.
✅ Advocating for policies that protect maternity rights and promote maternal and child nutrition.

When we support breastfeeding, we invest in healthier children, stronger families, and more resilient communities.

Together, let’s give every child the healthiest start in life.

Civil Society-Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria
UN Women Nigeria UNICEF Nigeria Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption

30/07/2026

World Day Against Trafficking in Persons :
Protecting People. Ending Exploitation.

Human trafficking is not just a crime; it is a violation of human dignity, freedom, and the right to live a safe and fulfilling life.

Every day, women and children are targeted, deceived, exploited, and denied their fundamental rights. Young girls, especially those in rural communities, are among the worst affected, often facing heightened vulnerability due to poverty, limited access to education, and lack of protection. Behind every statistic is a person whose dreams, safety, and future matter.

At Vivacious Development Initiative (VIDI), we believe that prevention, awareness, early intervention, and community action are key to ending trafficking in persons.

We must create communities where:
• children are protected from exploitation;
• survivors are supported with dignity;
• perpetrators are held accountable; and
• everyone understands that trafficking can happen anywhere and to anyone.

This World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, we call on parents, communities, institutions, and stakeholders to stay informed, speak up, and act.

Together, we can protect lives and break the chains of exploitation.

Vivacious Development Initiative (VIDI)
Facebook & LinkedIn: Vivacious Development Initiative
Instagram & X:
Email [email protected]

29/07/2026

Congratulations to Chief Ms. Priscilla Ikos , Founder/Executive Director of BraveHeart Initiative - BHI, on your installation as the Iyin-Jamata (Mother of Elite Women) of Uneme-Ekpedo Community, Akoko-Edo LGA, Edo State, on July 25, 2026.

All of us at Vivacious Development Initiative (VIDI) celebrate this well-deserved honour.

Your unwavering commitment to advancing the rights of women and girls continues to inspire many. We are proud to have you as a valued partner and a strong voice for justice, equality, and community development.

We wish you wisdom, grace, and even greater impact as you serve in this new role.

Our ED, Amb. OnyinyeChi J Nwosu extends her love and regards.

Congratulations once again, Chief Ms. Priscilla Usiobaifo!
🎉🌹🌹🌹

29/07/2026

VIDI Extends Congratulations to RULAAC

Vivacious Development Initiative (VIDI) has formally extended its heartfelt congratulations to the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) on the successful launch of the Southeast Human Rights Bureau (SEHRB).

Following our participation in this landmark event, VIDI conveyed its appreciation through the attached letter, commending RULAAC's visionary leadership and reaffirming our commitment to working with the Southeast Human Rights Bureau and other stakeholders to advance the Bureau's objectives.

We congratulate Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre Rulaac , the Ford Foundation,, and all partners on this significant milestone and wish the Bureau every success in advancing human rights, accountability, and access to justice across Southeast Nigeria.

24/07/2026

What happens when nonprofit leaders gather around one table—not just to have breakfast, but to have honest conversations about impact, sustainability, partnerships, and the future of the development sector?

That was exactly the atmosphere at the Nonprofit Breakfast Dialogue convened by the Centre for Development Practice (CEDEP).

Vivacious Development Initiative (VIDI) was privileged to be part of this impactful gathering, where nonprofit leaders, development practitioners, and changemakers shared ideas, challenged perspectives, and explored practical solutions to strengthen the social impact sector.

Representing VIDI, our Executive Director, Amb. Onyinyechi Joy Nwosu - OJN, served as a panelist, contributing to discussions on the challenges affecting child protection and the prevention and response to gender-based violence. She emphasised the need for stronger systems, sustainable financing, and multi-sector collaboration to improve outcomes for women, children, and other vulnerable groups.

The dialogue reaffirmed that meaningful change is built through honest conversations, shared learning, and collective action.

We congratulate the Centre for Development Practice (CEDEP) and Dr. Kemak Onyenaucheya for successfully convening this important dialogue. Initiatives like this strengthen the nonprofit ecosystem by creating spaces for learning, collaboration, and innovation.
.. Making impact together .