In a landmark move to deepen digital transformation and promote transparency, the Federal Ministry of Youth Development has officially launched the Data Management and Youth Development Portal.
The unveiling ceremony, held in Abuja, was led by the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, in the company of the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Olubunmi Olusanya.
The event marked a major step forward in the Ministry’s commitment to empowering Nigerian youth with timely access to credible data, innovative tools, and inclusive development opportunities.
The new portal is designed to serve as a central hub for youth-related data, programs, and services streamlining information management, improving accountability, and strengthening engagement between the government and young citizens.
Speaking at the event, Comrade Olawande emphasized that the platform aligns with the Ministry’s broader vision to equip Nigerian youth with the digital infrastructure they need to thrive in the 21st century.
Hon. Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande
“This portal is not just a website; it is a gateway to opportunity. It reflects our belief that transparency, innovation, and inclusion must go hand-in-hand in youth development,” he said.
Permanent Secretary Olusanya echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the role of the portal in fostering evidence-based policy decisions and real-time monitoring of youth programs across the country.
The launch comes at a time when digital inclusion is increasingly vital for national growth, and this initiative is expected to enhance data-driven planning, improve service delivery, and deepen youth participation in governance and development.
As the portal goes live, the Ministry urges young Nigerians, development partners, and stakeholders to explore the platform, engage with its tools, and contribute to building a more empowered and informed youth population.
In a landmark recognition of decades of exemplary service to legislative governance, youth leadership, advocacy and democratic development in Nigeria, Dr. Chibuzo Okereke, a renowned Legislative Governance Expert, Strategist and Policy Analyst, has been formally invested as a Fellow of the Institute of Strategic Management Nigeria (Chartered) – ISMNC and a member of the Institute’s Body of Fellow,its highest professional cadre.
The investiture was held during the Institute’s prestigious 2025 Annual Conference and 22nd Annual General Meeting, themed: “Strategic Leadership in Disruptive Economy: Driving Sustainable National Development,” held in Port-Harcourt Nigeria from 23rd – 25th July, 2025.
In an interview with newsmen on the sideline, Okereke expressed delight for the recognition, saying the honour was an indication that his selflessness commitment and contributions to legislative governance and democratic development in Nigeria was not left unnoticed by critical stakeholders.
“Being invested with the revered Fellowship status of the Institute of Strategic Management of Nigeria (Chartered) marks a profound milestone in my professional journey, one for which I am deeply grateful to God Almighty, my family, and the Institute.
“Strategy comes naturally to me, it has always shaped my professional work, and attaining Fellowship status in both knowledge and practice is truly a dream fulfilled.
“As a Fellow of this distinguished Institute, I reaffirm my commitment to applying strategic thinking and leadership to strengthen Nigeria’s legislative processes, democratic governance, and policy environment for sustainable national development,” he said.
This feat has further underscores Okereke’s towering influence and enduring contributions to Nigeria’s policy and legislative landscape.
As President of ERGAF-AFRICA Legislative Governance Innovation and Policy Lab, he has pioneered cutting-edge research and data-tech solutions that provide transformative policy, citizens action, and advisory support to committees of the National Assembly, as well as state and local legislatures.
Dr. Okereke’s reputation is firmly anchored in his innovation, integrity, and unrelenting drive to modernize and democratize legislative processes across Nigeria and Africa.
A 2018 recipient of the 8th Nigerian Senate President’s Best Academic Excellence Award in legislative governance studies, Dr. Okereke has led groundbreaking initiatives such as the African Legislatures Deliberative Barometer Report & Productivity Index—widely acclaimed as the most comprehensive legislative transparency and accountability framework in Africa tracking Healthy Parliaments Productivity Index.
He also facilitated, designed and implemented the first-ever National Conference on Public Accounts and Fiscal Governance, an unprecedented convergence of fiscal oversight thought-leaders and institutions hosted by the National Assembly, as well the first ever National Assembly of Nigeria Legislative Committees Horizontal Accountability and Productivity Index that tracked and reported on the Nigerian House of Representatives legislative Committees productivity index using key benchmarking metrics.
Okereke’s academic track record is equally distinguished. He holds a PhD in Legislative Governance Studies from Federal University Lokoja; two Master’s Degrees with Distinction in Public Administration & Policy from Baze University, Abuja and Legislative Governance Studies from University of Benin (UniBen)/National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS).
Okereke holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), where he also served with honour and grace as the Golden Jubilee President of the Students’ Union Government.
He is also an alumnus of the EU Inter Pares Legislative Governance School, the Foreign Policy School of the NIIA, School of Strategy and Leadership of the Center-LSD and the Obama YALI Public Policy Track (Regional Leadership Center – RLC West Africa).
Beyond academia and policy design, Dr. Okereke has played catalytic roles in shaping national reform movements, including the #NotTooYoungToRun Bill, Electoral and Police Reforms, and campaigns on Women’s Political Representation and Youth Leadership Development.
He is the Founder of the ERGAF-AFRICA Project Hope Alive Initiative: Day of the African Child, a celebrated civic initiative promoting girl-child education, youth leadership and children’s rights in Nigeria.
His leadership extends to co-convening the National Legislative Conference and pioneering the National Youth Assembly Mock Parliament, which has been instrumental in enhancing youth participation in Nigeria’s budgetary and legislative processes.
With an expansive media footprint, Dr. Okereke is a sought-after policy commentator featured on BBC News and national TV stations, where his thought leadership continues to shape public understanding of legislative governance.
The conferment of the ISMNC Fellowship not only affirms Chibuzo Okereke’s professional excellence, but also represents a significant national milestone in recognizing legislative development, and strategic policy advocacy as a cornerstone of sustainable governance.
His work continues to inspire a new generation of civic leaders and reform advocates committed to people-centred policy innovation, institutional accountability, and strategic national development.
As Nigeria confronts the challenges of a disruptive global economy and evolving democratic landscape, the recognition of Dr. Okereke’s contributions and formal investiture as a Fellow of the ISMNC signals the rising importance of strategic leadership in legislative governance and the urgent need to invest in visionary experts shaping the nation’s future in promotion of the knowledge and practice of strategic management.
Others members of the ISMNC that were invested with Fellowship at the annual conference include Toromade Francis, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mrs Fatima Sugra Mohammed, Permanent Secretary, Head of Service of the Federation, among 20 others.
Highstone Global University Texas, on Thursday held International Research conference in Lagos, Nigeria, at the Nigerian Army School of Logistics by Lagos State University (LASU). The conference featured three keynote lectures on research methodologies, climate change, and abstract writing in dissertation.
Our Correspondent reports that the first lecture, delivered by Dr Ugorji Perpetual, a senior lecturer with NIPEM Professional Education Management and Assistant Research/Innovation Director at Highstone Global University (Nigeria) Online, focused on research methodologies. Perpetual guided attendees through various research techniques, empowering them to enhance the quality and impact of their research projects.
The second lecture, presented by Professor Gerald Okeke, Deputy Africa Vice Chancellor of Highstone Global University, explored the critical issue of climate change. Okeke discussed the latest findings and innovative solutions to combat climate change, highlighting its implications for research and society.
The third lecture, delivered by Professor Victor Ogar, Chancellor/Founder of African University of Benin (AUB), centered on abstract writing in dissertation. Ogar provided practical tips and insights on crafting compelling abstracts, ensuring research stands out.
The Vice Chancellor of Highstone Global University Texas USA, Professor Theophilus Aku Ugah commended the attendees especially those who came from other States to participate in the Research Conference, he further announced that all Participants will received Executive Diploma Certificates, scheduled for presentation on July 26th at Lagos State University of Education.
Meanwhile, the NIPEM INT’L President, Professor Maurice Azubuike Odiete expressed satisfaction with the conference’s success, praising the renowned speakers for their valuable contributions. He highlighted the benefits of the conference, including networking opportunities, enhanced research skills, and contributions to global discussions on climate change.
In a move underscoring his commitment to enhancing staff welfare, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Ambassador Gabriel Tanimu Aduda, has commissioned a newly refurbished staff bus at the Ministry’s headquarters in Ship House, Abuja.
During the brief but symbolic ceremony, Ambassador Aduda emphasized that staff-centered initiatives remain central to the Ministry’s administrative vision. He noted that improved staff welfare directly translates to better institutional performance and service delivery.
“This refurbished bus is not just a means of transport; it is a statement of our commitment to improving the working conditions and overall well-being of our dedicated personnel,” Aduda stated. “We will continue to roll out projects and policies that boost morale and create a more conducive work environment.”
The refurbished vehicle is designed to ease transportation challenges faced by staff, offering a more reliable and less stressful commuting option. According to the Permanent Secretary, the initiative will be implemented in phases to ensure wider coverage and sustained impact across departments.
The commissioning ceremony drew attendance from directors, union representatives, and ministry staff, many of whom praised the leadership’s renewed focus on staff welfare. The event was marked by expressions of appreciation and calls for continued reform.
“We are truly grateful for this thoughtful gesture. It is not just timely it is also morale-boosting,” said one of the staff union leaders.
The initiative is the latest in a series of staff-focused reforms under Ambassador Aduda’s leadership, further cementing his reputation as a proactive and compassionate administrator.
In a bold step towards national climate action and educational reform, the Ministry of Defence has launched a comprehensive initiative to embed environmental sustainability into the curriculum of all Armed Forces primary and secondary schools across Nigeria.
The policy shift was officially announced during the flag-off ceremony of the National Green School Program, held at the Nigeria Navy Secondary School in Kuje, Abuja.
Representing the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Ambassador Gabriel Tanimu Aduda, at the event was the Ministry’s Director of Education, Mr. Marcus Kura.
Ambassador Aduda, in his address, underscored the Ministry’s commitment to environmental education, stating: “This initiative aligns with Nigeria’s climate objectives and the Sustainable Development Goals. Our Armed Forces schools must serve as models of sustainability, equipping young minds with the knowledge and skills necessary to protect and preserve our environment.”
He further announced the rollout of a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) framework to track progress, measure impact, and ensure accountability in implementing the program across the schools.
The initiative is part of a broader collaboration with the National Green School Program, a national movement to mainstream environmental awareness in schools.
According to Mr. Kura, the curriculum will be anchored in hands-on, eco-friendly activities such as tree planting, waste recycling, community clean-up campaigns, and the creation of green clubs that promote environmental leadership among students.
In his remarks, the Commandant of the Nigeria Navy Secondary School, CDR. J.O. Ibiang, described the program as a transformative step: “The Green School Program is not just a ceremony it is a call to action. It encourages students to be ambassadors of sustainability in their schools and communities.”
He expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Defence for its visionary leadership and dedication to youth development.
The event was graced by the Chief of Defence Staff, represented by Director of Education at Defence Headquarters, COMD Adetunji, as well as high-ranking officials from the Ministries of Defence, Environment, and Education. Also in attendance were military education officers, school administrators, teachers, and students.
Highlights of the event included symbolic tree planting exercises, an exhibition of student-led recycling innovations, and formal pledges by participating schools to uphold environmentally responsible practices.
During contesy visit at GFA Foundation at Osogbo Osun State Nigeria,The First African UNESCO Laureate Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu launched support for the GFA Foundation
The Founder of GFA Foundation in person of Alhaja Ganiyat Adebimpe was excited and said as stated below:
We were honored to receive The First African UNESCO Laureate, Prof. Sir Bashiru Aremu at the GFA Office today!
In which The First African UNESCO Laureate Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu reply as stated below In his words, “Your mission is noble, and I’m committed to promoting the GFA Foundation beyond your expectations by collaborated with our Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu Intl Foundation Inc in USA and associates world wide.”
This visit marks a new dawn of impact, global recognition, and partnership for GFA Foundation
GFA FOUNDATION is an NGO that is willing to safeguard women against single mothers association, child abuse and others related issues, also caring for empowerment for the widows,children and the needy. They also work against abusive marriage and other related issues in our society such as marriage counseling , for both single and married, Therapy center for depression and others
About Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu Intl Foundation Inc in USA and associates world wide Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu Intl Foundation Inc is a foundation established by The First African UNESCO Laureate Prof. Sir Bashiru Aremu, a renowned Nigerian academic and expert in Computer Science and Information Technology. The foundation is committed to empowering students, promoting education, and uplifting local communities.
Key Activities:
Educational Seminars: Organizes seminars that cover relevant topics, with engaging speakers and modern facilities.
Scholarship Programs: Offers scholarships to deserving students, providing them with opportunities for academic growth.
Community Development: Engages in outreach events, promoting community development and providing resources for small businesses.
Mentorship: Provides mentorship programs, guiding students and young professionals in their academic and professional pursuits.
Global Partnerships: Crown University Int’l University Int’l Chartered Inc in USA which is teaching and research hospital campuses are located in Santa Cruz Province in Argentina, Spain, Brazil with official Partner Constituent campuses at government regulated Universities world wide and online operations
International Chartered World Learned Society: Prof. Sir Bashiru Aremu serves as the World Grand President, representing the society in the United Nations Global Compact.
West Coast Int’l University of Science Technology Management and Arts USA: Partnered with the foundation, promoting academic excellence and research.
Chartered Intl Da Vinci University USA and associates world wide and online operations
International Centre for Eye Research and Education Argentina: Prof. Sir Bashiru Aremu serves as Vice President of the Board, contributing to global health initiatives and other organizations world wide
Africa’s democracy must be rebuilt from within, with young people at the centre, tribalism dismantled, and foreign models replaced by indigenous systems of governance. This was the resounding call as political leaders, scholars, and civil society actors gathered at the International Conference on Africa’s Democracy (ICAD 2025) in Abuja.
Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, represented by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, stressed the urgent need to prioritise youth inclusion in governance. He said Africa’s parliaments must become proactive by adopting youth-centred legislative frameworks.
“With over 60% of our population under 35, our democracy must reflect their aspirations,” Abbas said. He cited Nigeria’s Not Too Young to Run Act and the Legislative Mentorship Initiative as progress points, while calling for open parliaments, digital civic tools, and regional collaboration.
He warned that without dismantling structural barriers to youth and women’s participation, inclusive development would remain a distant dream.
Renowned Kenyan scholar Prof. Patrick Otieno Lumumba in his Keynote address warned that Africa’s political future remains bleak if tribalism continues to drive electoral competition. “The tribe is innocent; it is the tribalists who are guilty,” he declared, noting that ethnicity is being weaponised by opportunistic leaders.
Lumumba urged Africans to reject colonial-era divisions and embrace inclusive systems inspired by traditional governance models such as Ethiopia’s Gadaa system.
He also decried the rise of kakistocracy governance by the least qualified and urged young people to rise, learn from history, and lead with wisdom.
Cross session of participants
“If tribalism continues to shape our politics, Africa is done. But if we rethink governance and include every voice, Africa will rise,” he concluded.
Former Kenyan Prime Minister H.E. Raila Odinga echoed the call for homegrown solutions, urging African countries to discard imported Western governance models that fail to reflect the continent’s realities.
Former Kenyan Prime Minister H.E. Raila Odinga
“Democracy must be universal, yes but it must also be uniquely African,” Odinga said. He warned against authoritarian drift on the continent and challenged governments to anchor democracy in indigenous systems of consensus, culture, and history.
In his address, ICAD 2025 Team Leader Ambassador Chris Iyama said Africa must urgently stop outsourcing its development path. “We need to start talking to ourselves,” he said. “We need to redefine democracy on our own terms not those handed down by foreign powers.”
ICAD 2025 Team Leader Ambassador Chris Iyama
Iyama challenged the continent to move away from dependency on international aid, questioning why African nations remain underfunded despite vast natural wealth. “For how long will our budgets remain hostage to donor priorities while our people live amidst untapped billions in resources?”
He called for political will and regional collaboration to drive sustainable development and create governance systems that truly serve Africans not foreign interests. “We must unlock our own potential, fund our own progress, and lead our own democratic journey,” Iyama affirmed
Africa’s democracy must be rebuilt from within, with young people at the centre, tribalism dismantled, and foreign models replaced by indigenous systems of governance. This was the resounding call as political leaders, scholars, and civil society actors gathered at the International Conference on Africa’s Democracy (ICAD 2025) in Abuja.
Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, represented by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, stressed the urgent need to prioritise youth inclusion in governance. He said Africa’s parliaments must become proactive by adopting youth-centred legislative frameworks.
“With over 60% of our population under 35, our democracy must reflect their aspirations,” Abbas said. He cited Nigeria’s Not Too Young to Run Act and the Legislative Mentorship Initiative as progress points, while calling for open parliaments, digital civic tools, and regional collaboration.
He warned that without dismantling structural barriers to youth and women’s participation, inclusive development would remain a distant dream.
Renowned Kenyan scholar Prof. Patrick Otieno Lumumba in his Keynote address warned that Africa’s political future remains bleak if tribalism continues to drive electoral competition. “The tribe is innocent; it is the tribalists who are guilty,” he declared, noting that ethnicity is being weaponised by opportunistic leaders.
Lumumba urged Africans to reject colonial-era divisions and embrace inclusive systems inspired by traditional governance models such as Ethiopia’s Gadaa system.
He also decried the rise of kakistocracy governance by the least qualified and urged young people to rise, learn from history, and lead with wisdom.
Cross session of participants
“If tribalism continues to shape our politics, Africa is done. But if we rethink governance and include every voice, Africa will rise,” he concluded.
Former Kenyan Prime Minister H.E. Raila Odinga echoed the call for homegrown solutions, urging African countries to discard imported Western governance models that fail to reflect the continent’s realities.
Former Kenyan Prime Minister H.E. Raila Odinga
“Democracy must be universal, yes but it must also be uniquely African,” Odinga said. He warned against authoritarian drift on the continent and challenged governments to anchor democracy in indigenous systems of consensus, culture, and history.
In his address, ICAD 2025 Team Leader Ambassador Chris Iyama said Africa must urgently stop outsourcing its development path. “We need to start talking to ourselves,” he said. “We need to redefine democracy on our own terms not those handed down by foreign powers.”
ICAD 2025 Team Leader Ambassador Chris Iyama
Iyama challenged the continent to move away from dependency on international aid, questioning why African nations remain underfunded despite vast natural wealth. “For how long will our budgets remain hostage to donor priorities while our people live amidst untapped billions in resources?”
He called for political will and regional collaboration to drive sustainable development and create governance systems that truly serve Africans not foreign interests. “We must unlock our own potential, fund our own progress, and lead our own democratic journey,” Iyama affirmed
Following the passing of Nigeria’s former President Muhammadu Buhari, the nation has engaged in a public reckoning with his legacy. Tributes have poured in from political allies, foreign diplomats, and citizens. Flags flew at half-mast, and debates resurfaced on whether he deepened Nigeria’s democratic fabric or weakened it through prolonged silence and policies that many considered exclusionary.
While this national reflection is understandable, perhaps even necessary it is impossible to ignore a glaring inconsistency in how we distribute compassion in Nigeria. As we mourn one man’s death at the highest echelon of power, we continue to turn a collective blind eye to hundreds of lives lost in rural communities, particularly in Plateau State. Since early 2023, coordinated attacks in Bokkos, Mangu, Riyom, and Barkin Ladi LGAs have led to the deaths of over 1,300 civilians, with tens of thousands displaced. In December 2023 alone, the Christmas Eve massacre in Bokkos saw at least 190 people killed across 23 villages, according to Human Rights Watch. Despite this, national outrage was largely muted, federal response tepid, and media coverage fleeting. This disparity in response reveals a disturbing hierarchy of empathy in Nigeria’s public consciousness, where the lives of the elite are grieved with state-backed solemnity, but the poor are mourned only by their neighbors. What is happening in Plateau State is not merely intercommunal conflict or isolated acts of violence; it is a slow-burning genocide. Villages are wiped out, cultural heritage erased, and survivors are abandoned to IDP camps with inadequate security or support. Yet, we continue to frame the issue in passive, euphemistic terms like “clashes” or “reprisals,” thus avoiding the moral clarity and urgency the crisis demands. Why does this matter? It matters because the way a nation responds to suffering, particularly of its most vulnerable defines its moral standing. When state institutions and political elites demonstrate more concern for protocol than for protection, they erode public trust and feed the very instability they claim to combat. Moreover, selective empathy undermines social cohesion. Nigeria is a multi-ethnic, multi-religious state that cannot afford to normalize systemic indifference to certain regions or groups. If justice and dignity are not evenly distributed, then peace will always be fragile and conditional. The federal government’s silence and the sluggish pace of justice have emboldened impunity. Perpetrators continue to attack knowing there will be no meaningful investigation, prosecution, or international spotlight. Plateau is bleeding, and Nigeria is watching. I believe this is not just a security issue, it is a governance crisis, a communication failure, and a moral emergency. We must demand accountability not just from armed actors, but from institutions tasked with preventing violence and protecting lives.
The death of former President Buhari should not overshadow the death of our national conscience. If anything, it should compel us to interrogate what kind of republic we are building, one where we remember the powerful but forget the powerless? We need more than condolences. We need a shift in national priorities. That includes: Immediate deployment of impartial investigations into the Plateau killings;
Transparent and equitable support for all internally displaced persons (IDPs);
Stronger early-warning systems and community-based conflict prevention strategies;
A responsible media that doesn’t allow crises to vanish from the headlines once political drama resumes.
Finally, we must recenter humanity in public discourse. Behind every number is a name, a family, a future extinguished. Whether in the corridors of Aso Rock or the ravaged hamlets of Daffo, every Nigerian deserves dignity in life and justice in death. Buhari’s death is a moment not just of mourning, but of moral recalibration. If we can lower our flags for a former president, we can raise our voices for the voiceless. The test of any nation is not how it remembers its leaders, but how it protects its people.
Nankpak Cirfat
Nankpak Cirfat is a communications officer – media relations at Connected Development (CODE), a journalist, and a development advocate He works at the intersection of civic accountability, good governance, peacebuilding, and public storytelling.
A strong call for a fresh constitutional order resonated from Abuja this week as the National Summit on the Future of Nigeria’s Constitutional Democracy concluded with far-reaching resolutions aimed at redefining Nigeria’s governance and future.
Convened by the Patriots, a group of eminent elder statesmen, in partnership with the Nigerian Political Summit Group (NPSG), the two-day summit held from July 16 to 17 brought together a broad coalition of stakeholders, including traditional leaders, youth and women organisations, civil society groups, academics, and professionals.
Addressing participants, the Convenor of the Summit and former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, said the summit had critically assessed Nigeria’s current governance system under the 1999 Constitution.
He explained that the prevailing constitution was not a product of the people’s will and had failed to address the country’s longstanding governance challenges.
Anyaoku was quoted as saying that the existing constitution had weakened federalism, fostered ineffective governance, escalated insecurity, and deepened socio-economic disparities.
Participants at the summit reportedly agreed that a new Constitution was urgently needed. They recommended that it be drafted through a non-partisan National Constituent Assembly, to be elected and supervised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). They also resolved that such a Constitution should be subjected to a national referendum prior to being assented to by the President, in order to ensure popular legitimacy.
Stakeholders advocated for a return to true federalism, with a restructuring of the country into federating units aligned with the six geopolitical zones. They reportedly called for the devolution of powers from the central government to the sub-national levels to enhance efficiency and accountability.
The summit reportedly suggested a review of the presidential system of government, with a view to adopting a more cost-effective and sustainable governance model. Participants also proposed legislative and judicial reforms, which would include the establishment of special courts and the empowerment of federating units to create their own courts of appeal.
According to the communiqué, the summit further recommended the institutionalisation of independent candidacy, the introduction of strict anti-defection laws, and the full-scale implementation of electronic voting technologies to improve electoral transparency and credibility.
The summit emphasized the urgent need to drastically reduce the cost of governance, proposing a 75% cut in the number of government agencies and a limit on the size of ministerial and commissioner appointments.
Participants also called for robust anti-corruption reforms, including a thorough restructuring of the police and judiciary to ensure effectiveness and public trust.
On human development and inclusivity, the summit stressed the need to protect citizens’ rights, ensuring guaranteed access to education, security, and employment. Delegates also advocated for the inclusion of women, youth, and persons with disabilities in governance structures.
Additionally, the summit urged that Nigerians in the diaspora, estimated to be over 15 million, be granted voting rights in future elections.
On security matters, it was reported that the establishment of state police and the implementation of community-based policing were among the key recommendations aimed at tackling insecurity at the grassroots.
Participants backed the principle of fiscal federalism, urging that states be granted greater control over their natural and financial resources to foster local development and accountability.
Chief Emeka Anyaoku, in his closing remarks, expressed hope that the resolutions reached would serve as a blueprint for building a new Nigeria anchored on justice, equity, and shared prosperity.
He said that the summit aimed to ignite a national rebirth one in which no citizen is oppressed and every Nigerian child can dream and aspire to a better future.
The summit ended with a unified pledge from participants to continue advocating for the implementation of the resolutions as part of a broader effort to reform Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.
Africa Security Investigation News 