On September 10, 2025, Onah Adeyi, the visionary founder of the Onah Adeyi International Disability Centre (OAIDC), took part in a transformative workshop in Benue State, Nigeria. Titled the Flood Anticipation and Capacity Enhancement (FACE) Project, the event was organized by Save the Children International with generous support from the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA). The workshop aimed to equip vulnerable households in flood-prone communities with the tools and resources needed to mitigate the devastating impacts of flooding.
The FACE Project is a proactive initiative designed to strengthen community resilience through anticipatory actions. Its activities include stakeholder and community orientation workshops, widespread sensitization and awareness campaigns, dissemination of early warning messages, and the provision of multipurpose cash assistance to pre-registered, highly vulnerable households. The project also emphasizes robust monitoring and evaluation to ensure its effectiveness.
The workshop brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), as well as community members from Utukolojo in Agatu LGA and Gbajimba in Guma LGA of Benue State. Mr. Adams, the Programme Manager for Save the Children, delivered a compelling call to action, urging participants to identify the most vulnerable households in their communities to receive cash assistance. He highlighted the importance of empowering these households to address their unique needs based on their lived experiences, ensuring that the assistance is both practical and impactful.
Onah Adeyi’s participation underscored his commitment to inclusive development and community empowerment. His presence at the workshop amplified the voices of those most affected by flooding, reinforcing the need for collaborative, anticipatory measures to protect lives and livelihoods. The FACE Project represents a vital step toward building resilient communities capable of withstanding environmental challenges.
As the workshop concluded, the message was clear: through collective action, strategic planning, and targeted support, we can reduce the devastating effects of flooding and create a safer, more secure future for vulnerable communities in Benue State. The OAIDC, alongside partners like Save the Children and SIDA, remains dedicated to this mission, paving the way for a more resilient tomorrow.
