Benue CSO Learning Lab 2025: Two Powerful Days of Learning, Collaboration, and Inclusive Action

The Benue CSO Learning Lab 2025, organised by Hope Alive for Possibilities Initiative (HAPI) with support from the Disability Rights Fund (DRF), brought together Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), and development actors from across the state for two days of deep learning, reflection, and strategic collaboration.

With the theme “Empowering CSOs for Inclusive and Resilient Development,” the Learning Lab created a vibrant space for practitioners to reimagine how partnerships, accountability, and resource mobilisation can drive sustainable and disability-inclusive development in Benue State.

Day One: Rethinking Resource Mobilisation and Strengthening Internal Systems

The workshop opened with a powerful session led by Mr. John Akuse, a development management expert with over 30 years of experience. His insights into developing effective resource mobilisation strategies challenged participants to rethink their fundraising approaches and pursue more sustainable pathways.

This wasn’t a lecture — it was a spark. Conversations flowed. Participants debated ideas, questioned old habits, and shared real-life fundraising hurdles and opportunities.

Momentum carried over into the next session, facilitated by Adi Charles Ordain Adi, who broke down the essentials of proposal writing, storytelling, and using data to strengthen funding success. Through hands-on exercises and relatable examples, participants gained practical tools to better communicate their impact and attract lasting support.

The room buzzed with energy as participants also explored the role of strong internal control systems in winning donor trust and ensuring operational excellence. By the end of Day One, the message was clear: strong organisations build strong communities — and everyone was ready for more.

Day Two: Expanding Partnerships and Deepening Inclusion

Day Two expanded the conversation, shifting the focus to collaboration, state engagement, and disability-inclusive partnerships.

The day began with an insightful briefing from the Bureau for Internal Cooperation and Development (BICD) on Benue State’s development priorities and emerging partnership opportunities. Participants gained clarity on how CSOs can plug into state efforts and build meaningful ties with the government, the private sector, and development partners.

A dynamic panel discussion on “Building Effective Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships,” moderated by Mrs Blessing Azaagee, explored what genuine collaboration looks like in practice. Panelists shared lived experiences on trust-building, inclusion, communication, and navigating the complexities of working across different institutions.

The final session brought participants together for interactive group work on strengthening collaboration between CSOs and OPDs. Discussions highlighted the essential role OPDs play in ensuring that civil society actions are disability-inclusive, gender-sensitive, and grounded in lived realities. Participants identified practical areas for joint advocacy, shared initiatives, and collective action.

A Stronger Civil Society — One That Includes Everyone

Over two days, the Benue CSO Learning Lab became more than an event. It became a platform for shared learning, honest dialogue, and the co-creation of strategies that strengthen civil society’s contribution to inclusive and sustainable development.

With continued support from the Disability Rights Fund (DRF), HAPI remains committed to fostering a civil society movement that is accountable, collaborative, and fully inclusive of persons with disabilities.

The learning continues — and so does the momentum to build a stronger, more resilient Benue State.