By Sarafina Christopher
No fewer than 800 affiliate members are expected to attend the inaugural Civil Society Summit to be hosted by the National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) in Abuja.
The Executive Director of NCSCN, Mr Blessing Akinlosotu, in a statement on Monday in Abuja, said the two-day event would be held at the Rotunda Hall, Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs from July 31 to Aug.1.
He said the event would provide a platform for young people to brainstorm on governance and national development.
Akinlosotu said the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Sen. Shehu Sani, who represented Kaduna Central in the 8th Assembly, and Mr Sunday Dare, Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication to the President, would grace the occasion.
He said that Aisha Yesufu, an activist, civic and community development crusader, will also attend the summit.
According to him, the theme of the summit is “Civil Society, Democracy Reforms: Building Sustainable Partnership for National Development”.
He said that the summit was aimed at bringing together state and non-state actors, development partners, and civil society actors to discuss and build sustainable partnerships for national development.
“The summit will provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss democracy reforms, share experiences, and build partnerships for national development.
“It will also offer opportunities for networking and collaboration among civil society organisations, government agencies, and development partners.’’
Akinlosotu said that the summit was expected to produce recommendations for policy reforms and actions that would promote democracy, good governance, and sustainable development in Nigeria.
According to the NCSCN executive director, the outcomes will define future civil society engagements with government and development partners.
“The summit is set to feature prominent figures from various sectors; Tunji-Ojo is expected to attend, bringing his expertise in governance and public service.
“With over 17 years of experience, Tunji-Ojo has implemented transformative reforms in the Ministry of Interior, including modernising immigration services and strengthening border security.”
He listed other notable attendees as Ayodele Olawande, Minister of Youth Development, Hajiya Iman Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs and Zephania Jisalo, Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs.
“Sani, a veteran activist, will also contribute to discussions on governance and development.
“Their collective presence underscores the significance of the summit in shaping Nigeria’s future,’’ Akinlosotu said.(NAN)
Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo
