Connecting Villages Initiative - CVI

22/05/2026

Millions of young people, women, and girls in rural Nigeria are being left behind because internet access is becoming more expensive and connectivity remains poor.

From missed scholarship deadlines to failed job applications and limited access to digital education, the digital divide is deepening inequality across underserved communities.

At Connecting Villages Initiative (CVI), we believe internet access is no longer a luxury, it is essential for inclusion, opportunity, and development.

We are calling on government, telecom companies, development partners, and institutions to prioritize affordable internet access and stronger rural digital infrastructure.

No young person should be excluded from opportunities because of where they live.

You too can join the call by sharing this post and/or by mentioning in your comment any relevant policymaker/stakeholder

18/05/2026

Nigeria’s democracy must create space for new leaders, not continuously recycle political power among the same elite.

Today, more than 10 former governors sit in the Senate, while none of Nigeria’s 36 sitting governors is a young person (18–35 years) or a woman. This reflects a widening representation gap that continues to limit opportunities for youth, women, and grassroots leaders.

The growing trend of governors moving directly to the Senate weakens political inclusion, reduces leadership diversity, and shrinks democratic space for emerging voices.

A stronger democracy depends on opening political opportunities to competent young people, women, and community-rooted leaders who understand the realities citizens face daily.

Power must circulate for democracy to truly work for everyone.

18/05/2026

Today, Connecting Villages Initiative (CVI) was proud to participate in the Digital Rights, Data Protection, and Accountability Workshop convened by Accountability Lab Nigeria with support from Luminate and Paradigm Initiative in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

The engagement brought together young people, journalists, creatives, and civic actors to examine the growing challenges around digital rights, online safety, data protection, irresponsible deployment of the cybersecurity act against dissenting voices, and accountability in Nasarawa State.

During the discussions, CVI consistently amplified the realities faced by young people, women, and girls in rural and underserved communities who are disproportionately affected by cyberbullying, online harassment, stalking, digital fraud, and limited access to safe reporting channels.

We emphasized that digital rights conversations must intentionally include rural voices, where awareness, access to justice, and digital protection mechanisms remain weakest.

The workshop also explored the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA), ethical reporting practices, secure documentation tools like Ripoti, and pathways for strengthening collaboration between citizens and institutions.

At CVI, we believe that digital inclusion must go beyond access to technology; it must also guarantee safety, dignity, privacy, and accountability for everyone, especially marginalized communities.

We remain committed to building safer and more inclusive digital spaces through advocacy, partnerships, and community-led engagement.

Mastercard Foundation MacArthur Foundation NITDA Nigeria Ford Foundation International Republican Institute (IRI) West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) Africa Internet Governance Forum Internet Society

17/05/2026

Happy Birthday to Agbo O Christopher, our dedicated Program Lead at Connecting Villages Initiative.

Thank you for your passion, leadership, and commitment to empowering young people, women, and girls in rural communities through impactful development work. Your dedication continues to inspire positive change and strengthen our mission every day.

We celebrate your impact, resilience, and service today and always. Wishing you greater achievements, good health, and continued success in the years ahead.

Happy Birthday from all of us at Connecting Villages Initiative (CVI) 🎉.

09/05/2026

🔵 CALL FOR APPLICATIONS – HUMAN RIGHTS FELLOWSHIP

The United Nations Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Central Africa is launching its Human Rights Fellowship Programme for young professionals, civil servants, and civil society actors committed to advancing human rights and democratic governance.

📍 Location: Yaoundé, Cameroon
⏳ Duration: 3 months (renewable once)
🎯 Eligibility: Open to Cameroonian nationals only
🎓 Profile: Degree in law, international relations, social sciences, or related fields

📌 Application package:
CV, cover letter, recommendation letter, copy of degree, and proof of nationality

📅 Deadline: 11 May 2026
📧 Submit to: [email protected]

01/05/2026

Happy Workers’ Day to our incredible team!

Indeed your hard work is the heartbeat of every village we reach.

By bridging the gap between cities and rural communities, you are turning isolation into opportunity and transforming lives at the grassroots.

We see you, and we appreciate you 👏

30/04/2026

Youth Democracy Summit 2026 in Rome, Italy (YDF 2026)

Includes visit to UN FAO Headquarters

Link: https://thecips.org/yds2026/ref/11/

Duration: 4 days | Oct 1–4 | Open to all nationalities - IELTS is not required

Fully Funded:
Airfare support
Hotel accommodation
Meals during forum
Full access
Visit to UN FAO Headquarters
Invitation letter
Certificate
Networking opportunities
Guided Visit to Roman Colosseum

Participation Categories

Fully Funded (30 Seats)
Partially Funded (90 Seats)
Summit Pass (100 Seats)
Self Funded Package (80 Seats)

Credit: 2026 CIPS

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. Please verify details on the official website before applying. The program has an application fee.

29/04/2026

Western Union Global Fellowship 2026 — Fully Funded 16-Week Program + Stipend for Entrepreneurs.

To Apply: Check the comment section

The Western Union Global Fellowship 2026 is a fully funded 16-week programme designed for entrepreneurs and changemakers building impactful ventures.
✔️ Fully funded fellowship programme
✔️ 16-week structured training
✔️ Stipend provided for selected participants
✔️ Mentorship from global business leaders and experts
✔️ Focus on entrepreneurship, innovation, and social impact
✔️ Open to entrepreneurs and early-stage founders worldwide
Participants gain access to training, funding support, and a global network, helping them scale their ideas and businesses.
A powerful opportunity to grow your venture, gain funding, and connect with global leaders.

28/04/2026

👌👌💪

Appel à candidatures !

Êtes-vous un jeune professionnel originaire du , de la , du ou du , passionné par la société civile et la gestion des organisations à but non lucratif ?

Postulez au programme de stage de la prochaine génération entièrement financé du l'Institut de la société civile de l'Afrique de l'Ouest, prévu de juillet à décembre 2026 !

Ce stage de six mois s’adresse aux jeunes diplômés et aux professionnels en début de carrière souhaitant renforcer leur engagement citoyen et acquérir une expérience pratique dans les domaines du renforcement des capacités, de l’influence des politiques et du plaidoyer, ainsi que de la gestion des connaissances.

Les candidats retenus bénéficieront d’une expérience concrète en recherche, plaidoyer, planification de programmes, animation de formations, rédaction de rapports et gestion de projets.

📅 Date limite de candidature : vendredi 1er mai 2026

Prêt à développer vos compétences et à avoir un impact ?

👉 Plus d’informations ici : https://tinyurl.com/ytv865bb

27/04/2026

On the invitation of the International Republican Institute (IRI), Connecting Villages Initiative - CVI is participating in a 2-day workshop in Lagos on Strengthening Democratic Resilience: Building Institutions and Communities Against External Pressures.

Day 1 focused on how foreign governments with authoritarian-leaning policies expand influence through infrastructure, investments, and soft power—and how this can shape governance, decision-making, and institutional independence in Nigeria.

Discussions explored the risks this poses to democratic systems, including weakened institutions, reduced transparency, and growing dependency.

Through practical simulations, participants identified vulnerabilities and mapped how external influence flows within governance structures.

At CVI, this aligns strongly with our work on promoting transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance in underserved communities. Strengthening democratic resilience at all levels is critical to ensuring citizens remain at the center of decision-making.

We appreciate IRI’s continued commitment to supporting local actors in building stronger, more accountable democratic systems.

We can't wait for Day 2 💪.

22/04/2026

‎Call for Applications: Disability Inclusion Facilitators
‎
‎Are you a youth with a disability interested in leading the charge for equality?
‎
An exciting opportunity is available for passionate youths with disabilities to become Disability Inclusion Facilitators (DIFs) in a transformative initiative aimed at empowering young persons with disabilities across Nigeria.
‎
‎This programme focuses on enhancing access to dignified employment and fostering greater societal inclusion.
‎
‎Eligibility Criteria:
‎To ensure authentic representation and leadership from within the community, this specific call is reserved exclusively for persons with disabilities. We are looking for:

‎- Young leaders with disabilities (Physical, Sensory, or Intellectual).
‎- Age: 18–35 years old.
‎- Education: Minimum of a Diploma in Social Sciences or a related field.
‎- Skills: Fluency in English and a dedication to disability advocacy.
‎- Residency: Must reside in one of the target states listed below.
‎
‎Locations:
‎Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Ebonyi, Gombe, Imo, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Niger, Oyo, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara.
‎
‎How to Apply:
‎Please submit your CV and a motivation letter via the link below: https://jonapwdng.org/call-for-applications-disability-inclusion-officers/
‎
We look forward to seeing your impact!
‎Application Deadline: April 24th, 2026, by midnight.
‎
‎Photo Description: A blue and white “Call for Applications” flyer for Disability Inclusion Facilitators (DIFs). It lists eligibility requirements including persons with disabilities aged 18–35, fluency in English, a minimum diploma in social sciences, and residence in selected Nigerian states. The deadline is Friday, 24th April 2026.