Sweetest Kiddies Empire

As the Africa Regional Coordinator (Literacy) at the Royal Commonwealth Society, London, Nikita Nkese is passionate about creating opportunities for African children aged 6–18 to shine on global platforms like the Queen’s Commonwealth Writing Competition (QCWC). I'm calling on all young writers in Africa to be a part of this competition.

The truth is, your child could be a winner.

This year, six winners will be selected from across the Commonwealth. Just last year, Nigeria proudly celebrated a winner, 17-year-old Pandora.

Why participate? The QCWC is more than a competition, it’s a platform to:
1. Build confidence in writing
2. Express creativity and ideas
3. Gain international recognition

Join us tomorrow, 17th April, as she hosts an insightful webinar alongside Liv Robinson Programme Officer at the Royal Commonwealth Society, London, where they’ll be sharing practical tips on how to write a winning QCWC entry.

Let’s raise the next generation of African storytellers and global voices.

Benue State Government Called, and Nikita Nkese Answered

Last December, I had the honour of being invited to serve as the Official Chaperone for the Benue State Carnival Queen Pageant 2025.

At the time I received the invitation, there was significant insecurity in Benue State, Nigeria, that had gone viral in the news. Despite my own health challenge and understandable concerns about safety, I chose to go. My life’s passion for mentoring and coaching young women to become the best versions of themselves outweighed my fears of banditry and kidnapping. I believed the universe would be kind to me, and surely the God of my grandfather, Pastor E. E. Okon, the first National President of The Apostolic Church, would protect me.

Having been a two-time national queen myself, Miss University of Calabar (2009) and Miss Niger Delta (2012), and having maintained a scandal-free record, I know what it takes to emerge as a queen, to mould/mentor a queen, and to be a queen of impact.

Every day in camp, I ensured the contestants learned something new; from personal development to building their self-confidence, discipline, public speaking skills, and the responsibility that comes with wearing a crown, influence and public visibility. The young women of Benue State are incredibly respectful, curious, and eager to learn.

I am grateful to God for the journey of life that has equipped me with experiences and knowledge that now allows me to contribute to the training, mentoring, and leadership development of young women across different platforms.

My sincere appreciation goes to Hon. Tarfa Akem for making this opportunity possible. It was truly a privilege to serve.

I strongly believe that in a society where some In a time when social media often distorts the idea of influence and success, I strongly believe governments and institutions should invest in structured leadership and development camps for young women spaces where dignity, self-worth, leadership, and purpose are intentionally cultivated, just as I was taught during the Miss University of Nigeria Camp (2011) by Mr. Taylor Nazzal, rather than being merely platforms for display.

Being invited by the Benue State Government has reaffirmed a few lessons that continue to guide my life's journey:
1. Value does not force itself to be noticed; it prepares for the right time and then manifests.

2. In all you do: read, study, relearn, and invest in self-development. These habits keep opening doors for me.

3. You do not have to be everywhere to be seen or known. Impact announces itself.

4. Most importantly, remain in the place of prayer and ask God to reveal your life’s purpose.

On this day, Sweetest Kiddies Empire celebrates the progress that has been made in advancing women's rights and gender equality, while also acknowledging the work that still needs to be done.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2026, we reflect on the ways each of us can contribute to creating a more just and equitable world. Let us support policies and initiatives that promote gender equality, amplify the voices of girls and women, and work collectively to dismantle systems of oppression that hold them back, so the world can continue to benefit from women’s unending well of nurturing, strength, resilience, and selfless love.

We recognize the barriers women still face, including discrimination, gender-based violence, and unequal access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. We remain hopeful and committed to a future where these barriers become a thing of the past.

17TH EDITION OF SWEETEST KIDDIES SPELLING BEE IS HERE!

The 17th Edition of the Sweetest Kiddies Spelling Bee, is here and it promises to be bigger and better. Every child between the ages of 6-13 years is encourage to be a part of it.

For 9 years running across 3 states - Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Ebonyi, the Sweetest Kiddies Spelling Bee has been known as a fair and well-organized competition, helping children build confidence and academic excellence.

This edition holds in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, on 23rd May, 2026.

Why Participate?
• Be one of 6 winners to smile home with a piece of ₦200,000
• Certificates for all participants
• Boosts children’s public speaking ability
• Improves spelling skills and self-confidence
• Expands vocabulary and word bank knowledge

Registration Fee: ₦5,000 only.
Registration Deadline: March 31st, 2026.

This is more than a competition, it’s a platform to discover, nurture, and celebrate young champions.

For participation and enquiries, call:
07035911200 | 09077207055

Don’t miss this opportunity to spur the superstar in your child to greatness.

Last month, I confronted something deeply unsettling about myself. Despite being a philanthropreneur for over 25 years, I realized painfully that I had been living with internalized bias and ableism, without even knowing it. Let me explain.

In all my 20 years plus of social impact work, I have not led any project intentionally designed for persons with disabilities, particularly the deaf and hearing-impaired. Not because I didn’t care, but because it simply never occurred to me. And that realization shook me.

Did you know that over 10 million people in Nigeria are deaf or hearing-impaired?

Ask yourself, how often does the society consciously include them in social and economic plans?

Here are more uncomfortable truths I realized:

1. Less than 2% of Nigerian states have concrete development plans that intentionally include the deaf community.

2. In all 36 states in Nigeria, only one deaf school exist per capital, despite thousands of hearing-impaired citizens per state.

3. No federal university in Nigeria is established specifically for the deaf. What does that mean for producing deaf doctors, surgeons, bankers, academics, senators, Ambassadors?

4. How many public or private hospital, have staff or interpreters to meet their needs?

5. Outside of a few denominations like the Jehovah’s Witnesses and Baptist Church, how many churches intentionally provide sign language interpretation in Nigeria? My own church hosts one of the largest December services globally, and I have never seen a sign language interpreter on the screen. 😭

6. How many government agencies or private offices employ deaf professionals?

7. Please read 4 & 6 again.

8. Which multinational companies have tailored their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, to build schools for the deaf or offer them scholarships? Rather they fund Big Brother whatever, that promotes immorality.

9. How many eateries, hotels, and supermarkets, in Nigeria have sign language supports?

I could go on and on...

As individuals, when last did it cross your mind, to do anything to make the lives of the physically challenged better?

💃🏽 WELCOME TO 2026 💃🏽

Dear Sweetest Parents,

As we step boldly into the year 2026, we wish to begin with a heartfelt THANK YOU 😊.

Thank you for believing in Sweetest Kiddies Empire, for partnering with us, and for trusting us with the great task of helping to spur your children toward excellence and greatness. Your support, cooperation, and commitment remain the backbone of every success we record.

We warmly welcome you to this new year with great optimism and renewed purpose. We are pleased to assure you that 2026 will be better; better in structure, better in impact, and richer in positive outcomes. We are confident that you will witness greater growth, improved confidence, and more outstanding results in your children.

To our wonderful children, we welcome you joyfully to a new school year. May this year open doors of understanding, confidence, discipline, and success for you. May your efforts always be crowned with success.

We also lift our parents in prayer. May God grant you abundant provision, wisdom, strength, and peace as you continue to cater for your children’s emotional, physical, educational, and overall wellbeing. May your labour over them yield joy, fulfillment, and pride.

Together, we will make 2026 a remarkable year of growth, excellence, and unforgettable success stories.

Warm regards,

Team
Sweetest Kiddies Empire

🎄 Today, we celebrate Christmas, marking the miracle of Christ birth by the virgin Mary. Let's remember the true spirit of the season: love, kindness, and hope 🌟.

May we spread joy and compassion to all, reflecting on the gift of love that binds us 💖.

Merry Christmas...

Beyond the wrapping and the bow, it’s a time when we should all truly reflect on God’s love for mankind and give it expression from our hearts by loving one another and being kind.

What are you giving to others this Christmas, or are you only interested in receiving?





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The countdown begins - 8 days until Christmas!

Let's whisper our wishes to the One who makes all things possible.

May Jesus be the reason for our joy and celebration.

IT'S CHRISTMAS SEASON! 💃🏽🎄⛄🕊🎅

As we dive into the festive spirit, let's not forget the reason for the celebration - CHRIST!

Join us as we read a special Christian Christmas book to help kids (and adults alike) reflect on the true essence of Christmas.

Use this link to invite every family that has children between the ages of 6-18 years. Everyone loves Christmas stories 🥰🎄⛄🕊🌟

https://chat.whatsapp.com/Dh4WjUP3wRr3ZtuwWOxuzr?mode=hqrc

Join us for an evening of love, joy, and reflection. Let's keep CHRIST JESUS as the focus in Christmas!