Olive Community Development Initiatives

Every young person deserves a place where they feel safe enough to ask questions, seek help, and be heard without fear of judgment.

That vision is becoming a reality in Kwara State.

For five days, Adolescent Focal Persons from across the state’s 16 Local Government Areas came together for an intensive capacity-building training supported by UNFPA and facilitated by the Federal Ministry of Health’s Gender, Adolescent, School Health and Elderly Care (GASHE) Unit.

The training went beyond building technical knowledge. It focused on creating health services that truly meet adolescents where they are, providing accurate information, ensuring confidentiality, treating every young person with dignity, and delivering care in a welcoming, non-judgmental environment.

A key conversation throughout the training was the need for dedicated adolescent-friendly spaces and centres where young people can confidently access the health information and services they need, knowing their privacy and trust will be protected.

Because when we invest in adolescent-friendly health services today, we are helping to build a healthier, more informed, and more empowered generation for tomorrow.



UNFPA Nigeria UNFPA Nigeria Jhpiego FMOH_Nigeria Int. Fed. of Social Workers

What if the next HIV infection could be prevented not by chance, but because someone was properly trained to act at the right time?

That question was at the heart of the four-day Minimum Prevention Package of Interventions (MPPI) Training of Trainers in Abuja, where Olive Community Development Initiative (OCDI) joined the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), National Agency for the Control of AIDs (NACA), the National AIDS and STIs Control Programme (NASCP), and State AIDS Control Agencies from Anambra, Ebonyi, Gombe, and Kwara States.

Over four days, we strengthened our capacity to deliver comprehensive HIV prevention through improved HIV testing services, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), behavioural interventions, gender-responsive programming, and stronger monitoring and evaluation systems.

As we continue implementing the N-THRIP Project under the Global Fund GC7 Award, this investment strengthens OCDI’s capacity to deliver high-quality HIV testing, PrEP initiation, STI treatment, and comprehensive prevention services for female s*x workers across Kwara State.

Our sincere appreciation goes to IHVN, NACA, NASCP, and all partners for investing in stronger systems and stronger people. When we build the capacity of frontline organisations, we build healthier communities.

The fight against HIV is far from over, but every trained health worker, every informed peer educator, and every empowered community brings us one step closer to ending the epidemic. Let’s keep investing in knowledge because knowledge saves lives.



IHV-Nigeria NACA Nigeria Society for Family Health FMOH_NASCP Int. Fed. of Social Workers

Communities are stronger when they are informed.

Olive Community Development Initiative (OCDI) was proud to join the Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL), the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), and other civil society organizations across Kwara State for a sensitization campaign at Ipata Market, Ilorin.

The campaign engaged traders and community members on the dangers of child trafficking, child abuse, and child labour, while encouraging everyone to recognize the signs, speak up, and report suspected cases. Protecting children is a shared responsibility, and lasting change begins with informed communities.

Together, we can create safer environments where every child is protected, valued, and given the opportunity to thrive.



NACTAL Nigeria FHI 360 Ford Foundation ACT Foundation

A policy on paper doesn’t change lives. People do.

When people understand, own and put the right policies into action, they create opportunities that can transform the lives of thousands of women.

Women’s economic empowerment does not happen by chance. It starts with intentional policies, strong partnerships and a shared commitment to creating lasting change.

From 22nd to 24th July 2026, OCDI joined stakeholders at the Development and Domestication of the Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) Policy in Kwara State, organised by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum in partnership with the Kwara State Ministry of Women Affairs and facilitated by Professor Olabisi Aina.

The workshop focused on identifying key stakeholders, understanding the barriers women face and developing practical plans to strengthen women’s economic opportunities across Kwara State.

Real impact happens when policies are not only written but also implemented. That is how women are empowered to thrive, contribute and lead.



ActionAid Nigeria FHI 360 Kwara State Government UN Women Nigeria Int. Fed. of Social Workers

Real peace begins when women have a voice where decisions are made.

In Edu Local Government Area, Olive Community DeveIopment Initiative convened stakeholders to inaugurate the Local Action Plan (LAP) Committee on Women, Peace and Security.

This marks an important step towards strengthening local ownership, fostering collaboration, and ensuring women and girls are at the heart of peacebuilding and conflict prevention.

Together, we’re turning commitment into action.

Building peace starts with all of us. Join the conversation.



ActionAid Nigeria Canada in Nigeria Ford Foundation

A young girl misses school because she doesn’t know where to access s*xual and reproductive health services. A young man hesitates to get tested for HIV because he fears stigma.

These aren’t just stories, they are the reality for many young people. Behind every statistic is a person, a family, and a future that can be transformed through access to accurate information, quality health services, and supportive communities.

That’s why strengthening the capacity of organizations working in HIV prevention and youth health is more important than ever.

Our Communications Officer and Programs Officer represented Olive Community Development Initiative (OCDI) at a four-day training on Empowering Adolescent Girls and Young Women and Their Male Sexual Partners, organized by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

Every lesson learned brings us one step closer to healthier communities and a future where no young person is left behind.

Be part of the movement. Break the stigma. Share accurate information. Support access to life-saving services. Together, we can create a future where every adolescent and young person has the opportunity to thrive.



FHI 360 UNFPA Nigeria Society for Family Health UNICEF Africa

She should be preparing for an exam, not preparing for marriage.

Child marriage robs girls of their education, dreams, and the chance to choose their own future.

Through the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project, Olive Community Development Initiative (OCDI) is helping change that by equipping adolescent girls with life skills, confidence, and safe spaces that empower them to stay in school and thrive.

Every girl deserves the opportunity to learn before she is expected to take on adult responsibilities.

Stand with us. Like, share, and tag someone who believes every girl deserves an education. Together, we can help end child marriage: one girl, one classroom, one future at a time.



End Child Marriage Nigeria UNICEF Nigeria Int. Fed. of Social Workers

At 25, she had lost her mother, her brother, and the man she loved.

She stopped seeing a reason to live.

The grief was overwhelming. The trauma ran deep. And silence nearly cost her everything.

A visit to Olive Community Development Initiative (OCDI) changed everything.

Her healing journey is a reminder that even in the darkest moments, support can save lives.

Read her full story here: https://olivecdi.org/news/stories/2deef427-824f-4482-992c-07a03a16f983


Ford Foundation Urgent Action Fund FHI 360

“I lived in constant fear, unsure if I would survive another day.” — Zainab, 31

Repeated threats to her life forced Zainab to leave everything behind in search of safety. Though she escaped immediate danger, fear and trauma continued to shape her daily life.

Through psychosocial support and counselling provided by Olive Community Development Initiative (OCDI), Zainab began a journey of healing, rebuilding her confidence and reclaiming hope.

Her story is a powerful reminder that no one should have to live in fear, and that access to mental health support can be life-changing.

Read Zainab’s full story here: [https://olivecdi.org/news/stories/e31e9463-2f57-45a2-b43e-8f06c01b0229]



Society for Family Health IHV-Nigeria The Global Fund