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Social Norms Conference Advocates Sociobehavioral Solutions To Enhance Human Capital Development In West Africa
A transformative two-day Social Norms Conference convened prominent experts, policymakers, and development practitioners from across West Africa to explore how sociobehavioral strategies can expedite human capital development in the region. Taking place from November 5-6, the conference, themed “From Research to Reality: Sociobehavioral Solutions for Accelerated Human Capital Development,” served as a vital forum for addressing societal norms that hinder human capital progress and for converting research findings into practical strategies.
Hosted by the Anglophone West Africa Learning Collaborative, the event attracted over 200 participants, including government officials, representatives from donor organizations, NGOs, academia, and research institutions. Influential leaders from sectors such as health, education, and women’s affairs joined stakeholders from various community-driven initiatives and advocacy groups. Through keynote speeches, panel discussions, and engaging breakout sessions, attendees delved into strategies for reshaping social norms that obstruct advancements in gender equality, youth empowerment, and equitable access to essential services.
In her keynote address, “Families at the Heart of Change: Generations and Gender Paradigms Guiding Us Forward,” Chief Moji Makanjuola (MFR) emphasized the significant role of family structures in shaping societal values across generations. “The family unit is pivotal in shaping norms across generations,” she stated, adding, “If we want real change, we must start within our homes, building values that prioritize equity and inclusivity.”
The first day featured expert-led discussions aimed at establishing a foundational understanding of social norms and agency, with a focus on how economic independence can transform entrenched societal expectations and foster inclusive growth. Another important session highlighted maternal and reproductive health, exploring innovative methods to challenge and change restrictive norms that affect health outcomes. This was complemented by a mix of artistic performances and discussions on the relationship between social norms, gender-based violence (GBV), the acceptance of beneficial innovations, and the rejection of harmful practices, stressing the need for collaborative efforts in prevention and response. Thought leaders from organizations like WARIF, Tabitha Empowerment Centre, and Bayero University of Kano advocated for comprehensive approaches to recovery, resilience, and the shifting of detrimental norms.
Day Two focused on the significance of women’s agency in leadership, the impact of expressive arts, and initiatives rooted in cultural crafts and traditions that drive social norm changes—particularly in promoting gender equality, advancing health, and fostering community dialogue. Esteemed female leaders such as Senator Ireti and Hon. Ayo Omidiran shared their personal journeys and contributions to development, motivating young women to pursue active roles in leadership. This was followed by expert presentations on how digital technology can enhance literacy and agency for social change, showcasing digital tools and platforms that support sociobehavioral change (SBC) and equip individuals with the skills to challenge and reshape harmful social norms.
The conference underscored the necessity of building agency and infusing cultural insights into SBC programs, with participants gaining strategies to overcome community barriers to healthcare access, literacy, education, and support for survivors of violence. Throughout the event, cross-sector collaboration emerged as a central theme, highlighting that lasting sociobehavioral change requires collective action across various fields.
One of the conference’s highlights was the Hackathon Challenge, which invited ideas and artistic submissions addressing critical issues affecting women’s welfare in West Africa. These campaigns called for supportive policies and community initiatives to promote women’s rights and opportunities. Winners of the challenge received cash prizes and recognition during the closing session, reinforcing the conference’s dedication to innovative and actionable solutions.
The Social Norms Conference concluded with a renewed commitment to ongoing knowledge exchange and innovative SBC programming that bridges the gap between research and practice, driving sustainable human capital development in West Africa.
Kano State’s influence in Nigeria’s leadership landscape was reaffirmed as Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso were named top honorees at the 10th Annual Lecture and Awards Ceremony organized by Authentic News Daily.
The event, set for Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Arewa House in Kaduna, will celebrate their contributions to governance and public service.
According to a statement by Governor Yusuf’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the ceremony will also honor Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as the “Authentic Woman of the Year.”
Governor Yusuf will receive the “Authentic Humanitarian Governor of the Year 2024” award for his transformative leadership and grassroots development initiatives, which have significantly improved lives in Kano State.
Senator Kwankwaso, national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and former Kano governor, will be recognized as the “Authentic Politician of the Year 2024” for his visionary leadership and enduring legacy of mentorship.
Themed “Religion as a Tool for Peace and National Unity,” the event will feature a keynote address by former Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (Rtd). Prominent speakers, including Rev. Joseph John Hayab of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Sheikh Halliru Abdullahi Maraya of the Global Peace Foundation, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, will discuss the role of religion in fostering national unity.
The awards committee lauded Yusuf and Kwankwaso for their “remarkable dedication to public good” and “unmatched service to humanity,” noting that the honors followed a rigorous evaluation of their impact and national relevance.
The recognition of Kano’s leaders underscores the state’s prominence in Nigerian politics and highlights a shared commitment to purpose-driven governance.
National
Talata Mafara Resident Praises Tinubu, Matawalle For Eliminating Bandit Leaders Jijji, Kachallah Sagili
Residents of Talata Mafara Local Government Area in Zamfara State have expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, Minister of State for Defence Dr Bello Matawalle, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa for their roles in the elimination of two notorious bandit leaders
The operation, which targeted Jajji Ɗan Auta and Kachallah Sagili, has been hailed as a significant step towards restoring peace in the troubled region.
Yakubu Ibrahim Mafara, speaking on behalf of the Talata Mafara community, issued a statement on Friday commending the concerted efforts of the Nigerian government and security forces.
“We are very grateful to Matawalle, Tinubu, NSA, and others,” he said, reflecting the community’s relief and optimism following the operation.
The statement underscored the profound impact of the operation on the local population, which has long endured the terror inflicted by bandit groups in Zamfara State.
The operation took place on Thursday in Maikwanugga, a community within Talata Mafara Local Government Area, where security forces, alongside local vigilante groups, conducted targeted patrols along the Mafara axis.
According to the statement, reports indicate that Jijji Ɗan Auta and Kachallah Sagili, both feared bandit leaders responsible for numerous attacks, kidnappings, and extortion in the region, were neutralised during the operation.
” Their deaths have been described as a turning point for the community, which has suffered years of violence and insecurity.
“The killing of Jijji Ɗan Auta has brought relief and fresh air into our community,” Yakubu said, echoing the sentiments of residents who have lived under the shadow of banditry for years.
The operation is seen as a direct response to the escalating violence in Zamfara, where armed groups have terrorised rural communities, disrupted livelihoods, and displaced thousands.
The community’s gratitude reflects growing confidence in the government’s commitment to tackling insecurity in Nigeria’s northwest.
Meanwhile, the operation was a collaborative effort involving the Nigerian military and local vigilantes, who have increasingly played a critical role in intelligence-gathering and community defence.
The patrols in the Mafara axis were part of a broader strategy to dismantle bandit strongholds and restore normalcy to Zamfara, a state that has become a hotspot for banditry and kidnapping in recent years.
“The elimination of Jijji Ɗan Auta and Kachallah Sagili is expected to weaken the operational capacity of bandit groups in the region.”
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, on Friday announced the release of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, results.
Elanza news reported that over 1.9 million applicants participated in the just-concluded exercise.
The board also disclosed that 80 suspects across the country are currently under interrogation for examination fraud, with Anambra State leading the pack with 14 suspects.
The board said it is withholding the results of 39,834 candidates over issues relating to examination irregularities.
JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, stated this on Friday while officially releasing the 2025 UTME.
He also disclosed that while 467 underage candidates met the prescribed minimum score, 50 were engaged in cheating scandal.
A press conference to this effect is ongoing.
Details coming…