It’s Children’s Day and we’re giving young Nigerians a mic. 🎤 Introducing the CODE Children’s Day 2026 Composition Competition. Theme: “The SDGs and the Future We Want” 🏫 Open to JS1–SS3 students in public secondary schools 📅 Deadline: 9th June 2026 🔗 Apply now: connecteddevelopment.org/cod… Write your future. 🌍✍🏾 #ChildrensDay2026 #ConnectedDevelopment #SDGs #FutureWeWant

What if the rules governing our digital future were written without you? Connected Development [CODE] participated in the Global Partnership for Human-Centric ICT Standardization (GIST) Introductory Stakeholder Engagement and Regional Validation Roundtable, and the conversation couldn’t be more relevant to the work we do. Represented by Ijeoma Uyamadu, the session critically explored how shared digital standards can drive a technology ecosystem that is green, inclusive, and truly people-centred, both in Nigeria and across borders. As a civil society organisation, our role is to make sure these standards are not written only in boardrooms and laboratories. They must be clear, fair, and grounded in the realities of everyday people and communities. Digital governance only works when the people it affects have a seat at the table. #ConnectedDevelopment #GIST #DigitalInclusion #ICTStandards

What can society give, so women can gain? At Connected Development [CODE], our work across communities continues to show that when women have access to opportunity, voice, and leadership, communities grow stronger and development becomes more inclusive. Women are not just beneficiaries of development, they are drivers of accountability, progress, and sustainable change. So this International Women’s Day, we asked a simple question: What can men and society give so women can gain? Because when women gain opportunity, representation, respect, and voice, societies gain progress, justice, and stronger governance. Please, watch this video in commemoration of #IWD and complete this sentence in the comments: “I give ______ so she can gain ______.” Happy International Women’s Day 2026 🎉 #IWD2026 #GiveToGain #GenderEquality #InclusiveDevelopment #ConnectedDevelopment

ARE YOU THE ONE WHO TALKS ABOUT CHANGE, OR THE ONE WHO MAKES IT HAPPEN? The one who posts about governance? The one who cares about accountability? The one who believes young people should lead? Then this is your cue. Digital Mobilization Lab (DML 2.0) is back! A 12-week journey where you’ll learn how to: 📱 Mobilize online communities 🗣 Drive powerful civic conversations ⚡ Turn digital voice into real-world action 🤝 Lead change in your community ⏳ Applications close: 9 March Don’t just scroll. Mobilize. 🔗 Apply now: connecteddevelopment.org/DML #DML2 #DigitalMobilization #YouthVoices #CODE #ConnectedDevelopment

What if more women entered science? 🧬 Globally, women make up only 33% of researchers. When we exclude women from STEM, we’re not just losing talent; we’re losing the unique perspectives needed to address the world’s most urgent issues, from climate change to healthcare equity. At Connected Development, we believe that "redefining STEM" begins in our local communities. From the girl-child in Bauchi dreaming of becoming an engineer to the woman in Kaduna using data to track government spending, their voices serve as the bridge between vision and real-world impact. So, whether it’s through digital literacy or education advocacy, we must remember that empowering one girl in science creates a home-grown solution for an entire community. #WomenInScience #IDWGIS2026 #STEMEquality #ConnectedDevelopment

The January edition of Connected Chronicles Newsletter captures Connected Development [CODE] ’s start-of-year momentum, demonstrating how our work moves from principle to practice at the community level. From girls advancing access to education in the Northest of Nigeria, to youth-led advocacy shaping education outcomes, and citizens tracking health security financing, reflecting rooted approach to governance that delivers on transparency, participation, and public oversight. Read the January edition via: lnkd.in/d5a6TTvj 🤝 Stay informed and follow @Connected_dev for insights that connect people, policy, and impact. #ConnectedChronicles #ConnectedDevelopment #SocialAccountability #CitizenEngagement

At Connected Development (CODE), lasting impact begins with strong systems and dedicated people. Day One of our Annual Staff Retreat & Onboarding focused on the Programmes & Community Engagement team, strengthening coherence across strategy, execution, and accountability as we prepare for 2026. This is our investment in resilience, learning, and collective leadership in empowering marginalized communities to advance people-powered accountability. Stronger systems. Aligned teams. Greater impact. #CODErs #PeopleOfCODE #ConnectedDevelopment

Christmas reminds us that hope is not just believed—it is lived. This year, we saw it in communities that refused silence, asked hard questions, tracked public funds, and demanded better governance. As we celebrate love and renewal, we recommit to standing with citizens across Nigeria. 🎄 Merry Christmas from all of us at @ConnectedDev ❤️ #MerryChristmas #ConnectedDevelopment

Why does every girl deserve to be in school? Education is more than a classroom experience, it shapes identity, expands opportunities, and breaks cycles of inequality. But why is it non-negotiable for every girl? Join Connected Development (@connected_dev) on Albarka Radio 97.5 FM Bauchi as Aisha Ibrahim Singhry, a poet, activist, and public speaker, alongside CODE’s GEP Behavioral Change Influencer, Hassana Mansur, unpack the realities, barriers, and life-changing impact of girls’ education, for themselves, their families, and their communities. Date: Thursday, 11th November Time: 4–5pm Supported by @malalafund #IlimantarDaDukYanMata #EducateAllGirls #GEP #EducateGirls #ConnectedDevelopment #MalalaFund

Connected Development is participating in a 3-day advocacy workshop hosted by GHAI, represented by Acting CE Hyeladzira James Mshelia and Abdullazeez Hussein. Key insights: 🔸 “Show what happens if gov’t doesn’t invest.” — Marine, Resolve to Save Lives 🔸 “Human-angle stories drive action more than data.” “A health win isn’t a win if funds aren’t released & tracked.” — Vandana Shah 🔸 “We need more health for the money.” — Ammy Strengthening CSO advocacy for Health Security & Pandemic Preparedness. #ConnectedDevelopment #HealthSecurity #GHAI #AdvocacyAccelerator

It’s that time of the year again and at Connected Development, we’re kicking off the festive season with our annual tradition of setting up the Christmas Tree, a simple act of joy, community, and gratitude. From all of us at CODE, we wish you and your loved ones a bright and meaningful holiday season ahead. Compliments of the season ❄️🎄 #CODErs #PeopleOfCODE #ConnectedDevelopment

Connected Development is proud to participate in Oxfam Nigeria’s @oxfaminnigeria AACJ & FAIR4ALL closeout event this weekend. In one of the panel hosted by Kingsley Agu @UcheCODE , conversations on youth, civic engagement, and sustainable community impact sparked powerful insights, showcasing the incredible work CODE and partners have done over five years. Over the years, these initiatives have: •Strengthened Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) and oversight under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). •Advanced tax reforms to improve community development. •Built Civic Clubs in 19 schools across 5 states FCT, nurturing young civic champions. At Connected Development, we remains committed to empowering communities and youth to sustain these gains and ensure accountability, transparency, and meaningful development continue to thrive. #ConnectedDevelopment #PowerOfVoices #Fair4All #PVPF4A

The Host Community Development Trust National Summit 2025 is jointly hosted in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, by Connected Development (@connected_dev), @cislac2, @budgitng, Kebetkache, @policyalert1, NDEMUBOG, STEPs with support from @oxfaminnigeria Catch the highlights via us06web.zoom.us/j/8822816244… #PVPF4A #Fair4All #PowerOfVoices #ActiveCitizens #PIA #ConnectedDevelopment #CISLAC #BudgIT #Kebetkache #Steps #PolicyAlert

From different presentations of research findings, to panel discussions, and group work, day 1 of the Host Community Development Trust National Summit was a tremendous success👏 Rather than heap all blames on Settlors (oil companies) and Regulators (NUPRC), Host Community Development Trust Committees are coming up with -Conflict resolution and reporting mechanisms/measures of holding settlors and regulators accountable -Alternative funding options like grants for community development -Measures to promote transparency and accountability between host community development trust committee and the communities by publishing of quarterly and annual reports -Liaising with government to avoid duplication of community projects etc For day 2, the HCDT Committees are sharing projects they have undertaken so far, procurement and project review processes etc also sharing peer lessons with communities who are yet to be funded or unable to access the fund on how to proceed👌 #PVPF4A #Fair4All #PowerOfVoices #ActiveCitizens #PIA #ConnectedDevelopment #CISLAC #BudgIT #Kebetkache #Steps #PolicyAlert

The summit also seeks to address internal issues among HCDT committees, promote accountable and transparent use of the funds and encourage exploring grants and other available funding opportunities for community development without over relying solely on just the PIA fund. This summit marks a significant step forward in fostering stronger collaboration among all stakeholders and empowering host communities to manage their development trusts more effectively👌 More details in the coming days #PVPF4A #Fair4All #PowerOfVoices #ActiveCitizens #PIA #ConnectedDevelopment #CISLAC #BudgIT #Kebetkache #Steps #PolicyAlert

Ongoing in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State: Host Community Development Trust National Summit 2025 co-hosted by Connected Development (@connected_dev) and other #PowerOfVoices Partners, supported by @oxfaminnigeria👏 The 2-day summit brings community representatives (chiefs, women/youth leaders, CBOs), NUPRC, NOSDRA, Settlors, Ministry of Environment, HCDT National Board of Trustees etc from all #PVP implementing states (AkwaIbom, Imo, Cross River, Delta, Port-Harcourt, and Abuja) to discuss the operational and systematic issues that continue to hinder the smooth implementation of the provision of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) which mandates oil companies to pay 3% of their actual annual operating expenditure from the preceding financial year related to petroleum operations to the communities they are operating in. #PVPF4A #Fair4All #PowerOfVoices #ActiveCitizens #PIA #ConnectedDevelopment #CISLAC #BudgIT #Kebetkache #Steps #PolicyAlert

A big thank you to @hamzycode the @codeactivist my former boss, and the powerhouse leading @Connected_dev and @4lowthemoney , and my amazing former colleagues, including the new people I met today for welcoming me back into the office like I never left! Your warmth, encouragement, and belief mean the world to me. I informed Hamzy about my Guinness World Record Attempt for Most Selfies Taken in 3 Minutes and his response? “This is HUGE, Congratulations”😄 @uche_code wasted no time uploading a photo the first time he saw the link While I was Hamzy’s media aide I experienced the power of storytelling through pictures. This role played a part in shaping my journey to strive for a picture-related Guinness World record. I was always in the background but @stephenakinfala always found a way to include me! 😂🙏🏾 Thank you so much Honestly? I am grateful for the incredible support! The team has reminded me of the importance of visibility, voice, and connection. Pictures are powerful proof, they capture moments, they document progress across all the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, turning data into human stories that raise awareness! That’s the heart of the MavisWorldRecordSelfies website (mavisworldrecordselfies.com): using a digital challenge to connect with people globally, showcasing partnerships, and inspiring women worldwide to pursue their ambitions Glad to add this special frame to the memorabilia! Thank you again and again #CODEFAMILY #FollowTheMoney #ConnectedDevelopment #GuinnessWorldRecord #mavisworldrecordselfies #300in3minutes

#VoicesInCode #YouthDataProtection #DigitalRights #CivicTech #ConnectingVillages #NoOneLeftBehind #ActionAidNigeria #ParadigmInitiative #ConnectedDevelopment #AccountabilityLab #BudgetIT #NED #EIE #Ndpc

We have completed the first phase of project tracking in Kroo Bay, Sierra Leone! Alongside local #FollowTheMoney Champion Chief Pa Alimamy Kamara and @connected_dev staff, we are monitoring the following projects: #RenovateKrooBay #FTMSierraLeone #ConnectedDevelopment

Informed decision-making, enhanced legitimacy, and responsive governance. I extend my gratitude to #ConnectedDevelopment and #McArthurFoundation for supporting this event and promoting social accountability in Nigeria. #OpenGovernance #Policy #Politics #ProjectTrust