NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
General News

Ministry inaugurates anti-corruption unit for transparency, accountability 

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Ministry inaugurates anti-corruption unit for transparency, accountability

 

 

 

By Vivian Emoni

 

The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment has inaugurated its Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) to strengthen and enhance accountability and integrity within the public service.

 

At the inauguration ceremony on Wednesday in Abuja, Amb. Nura Rimi, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, said that the initiative demonstrated the ministry’s commitment to achieving good governance.

 

Rimi said that the initiative aligned with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope agenda, prioritising ethical governance for national development.

 

“The ministry takes a significant step toward a corruption-free environment with the ACTU inauguration. It reaffirms its dedication to ethical standards and good governance.

 

“The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) provides strategic guidance in combating corruption.

 

“The establishment of the ACTU is a cornerstone of the Federal Government’s unwavering stance against corruption,” he said.

 

Also speaking, Dr Musa Aliyu, Chairman of the ICPC, commended the ministry for its proactive step in inaugurating the ACTU.

 

Aliyu emphasised ACTU’s critical role in upholding ethical standards.

 

According to him, the unit will promote discipline and integrity across the ministry, and also uphold principles of ethical conduct and professionalism in service delivery.

 

“This move is expected to enhance the ministry’s institutional reforms and contribute to a corruption-free environment,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Kadiri Abdulrahman

General News

Tinubu committed to Southeast infrastructure development—APC Chieftain

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By Jessica Dogo

A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC ) in Abia, Chief Sam Onuigbo, says President Bola Tinubu has demonstrated commitment to the infrastructure development of the South-Eastern part of the country.

Onuigbo, a former member of the House of Representatives, said this in Abuja on Thursday while addressing newsmen.

He represents South East in the North East Development Commission Governing Board.

Onuigbo said Tinubu, through his Renewed Hope Agenda, had reflected the commitment through the ongoing rehabilitation of Umuahia Ikwuano-Ikot Ekpene Road.

“Tinubu has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to delivering infrastructure progress and the Umuahia-Ikwuano-Ikot-Ekpene Road is no exception.

“The government’s record speaks for itself, no misinformation can eclipse the tangible strides made daily on this project.

“To insinuate that the project has been abandoned is not only disingenuous but portrays a troubling disregard for verifiable facts.

He said that it was, therefore, unfortunate to claim that the project had been abandoned as being insinuated in some quarters.

According to him, to argue that the APC-led Federal Government was no longer committed to the complete rehabilitation of the road was unfortunate.

“The claims are erroneous, and deliberately crafted to stoke public disaffection and misrepresent the actual state of affairs regarding the road.

“It represents nothing but a disservice to the Federal Government’s efforts,’’ Onuigbo said.

He said he led other stakeholders from the area to convince the Federal Government to intervene in rehabilitating the road.

“We were successful in getting the then Minister of Works, Babatunde Fahola  to award the road contracts. However, funding has always been a problem.

“We were successful in getting the then minister to award the road contracts. However, funding has always been a problem.

“Then we went back and appealed to him, and he was able to move the road to NNPC funding on Road Tax Credit Scheme.

“For the government to approve the sum of N14.37 billion on Feb. 3, 2025, for the same road, means that the road has not been abandoned or neglected,” he told newsmen.

He described the road to be a major economic project for the nation because it links oil-producing states of Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Abia States.

He said it also leads to the commercial city of Aba and Export Processing Zone in Calabar.

“The people of that zone have indeed suffered for lack of good road. I think that is why they are working hard to make sure that the road is fixed.

“Like I said, you can use that road also to go to Cameroon. So it is a major economic point for the nation and I believe that the government realises its importance,’’ Onuigbo said.

He recalled that the road had suffered neglect for years until the APC-led Federal Government intervened in 2016. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne

General News

FG lauds retiring Akajemeli for selfless service, transformation of SERVICOM

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By Fidelia Okosodo/Okon Okon

The Federal Government has commended the retired SERVICOM National Coordinator, Mrs Nnenna Akajemeli, describing her as committed and innovative public servant whose work significantly transformed service delivery in Nigeria.

Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), gave the commendation at the valedictory service of Akajemeli on Thursday in Abuja.

Akume, who was represented by Dr Maurice Mbaeri, Permanent Secretary, General Services Office in OSGF, said that Akajemeli was one of the best officials who had played vital roles in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

He said that Akajemeli had accepted a responsibility that many would avoid due to the absence of financial incentives, choosing instead to focus on impactful service.

“This is indeed a wonderful and memorable event as we celebrate a woman of excellence; someone I consider a sister, whose passion and commitment to public service are exceptional.

“She boldly took on the challenge, transformed the system and made the Service Compact with All Nigerians (SERVICOM) office an enviable place that people now lobby to work in.

“Your work reflects the very essence of this administration’s goals. You have driven processes that have helped to attain key mandates of this government,” he said.

Also, Sen. Allwell Onyesoh Chairman, Senate Committee on Federal Character/Inter-Governmental Affairs, congratulated Akajemeli for attaining such a milestone and significant achievements in her service.

Represented by Mr Tope Adeniji, Onyesoh said that her years of service had been marked by exceptional dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to the SERVICOM goals.

“The committee recognises and appreciates Akajemeli’s contributions as the national coordinator of SERVICOM, and notes that she had consistently exceeded expectations and made a meaningful impact on national service,” he said.

Dr Joe Abah, former Director-General, Bureau of Public Service Reforms, described Akajemeli as a colleague and a real sister.

According to Abah, Akajemeli played a pivotal role in the establishment and institutionalisation of SERVICOM, adding that their collaboration continued through various reforms that significantly improved service delivery in key public institutions.

Mrs Henrietta Okokon, Public Awareness Manager and a staff of SERVICOM, described Akajemeli as a mentor, a trailblazer and crusader for excellence.

“It has been a rare privilege to work closely with her over the past five years,” she said.

In her response, Akajemeli expressed gratitude to Tinubu, Akume and other past SGFs, Permanent Secretaries, nodal officers and other stakeholders for their support during her tenure.

She said that the support she received from the presidency and key actors in the public service had greatly enhanced the achievements of SERVICOM in promoting service delivery across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

“I am deeply grateful to President Bola Tinubu for sustaining the vision of SERVICOM, and to the SGF for the unwavering institutional backing we enjoyed,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the outgoing SERVICOM boss acted as coordinator from 2015 to 2017 before she was officially appointed as the National Coordinator for two terms of eight years.

The highlights of the event included the launch of a book, ‘Photo Speaks: A Life of Passionate Service to Nation’ written by Akajemeli. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

General News

PPDC canvasses digital procurement processes, unveils strategic framework

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By Jacinta Nwachukwu

An NGO, Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC), has called for digitalisation of procurement processes to enhance accountability and transparency in procurement governance.

The PPDC Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Lucy Abagi, made the call on Wednesday in Abuja, at the presentation of the PPDC 2024-2028 Strategy Document, titled: `Leveraging Citizen Power for Sustainable Future’.

Abagi said that civil society organisations (CSOs) should not be the primary drivers of procurement processes, saying that government ownership was crucial.

She said that the government should provide regular updates on the use of taxpayers’ money and procurement processes.

According to her, the PPDC has been supporting government’s transparency for the past 22 years.

Abagi said that the NGO’s project, Transparency for Citizen Engagement, was aimed at leveraging citizens’ power for a sustainable future.

She further stated that the project was being implemented in three states: Kaduna, Ekiti and Adamawa to enhance accountability and transparency in the states’ procurement processes.

The chief executive officer said for more transparency in governance, there was the need for state procurement audits, contracting processes and annual reporting on government policies and practices.

“Procurement portals have been developed for the three states, with Kaduna and Ekiti using them efficiently.

“The portals provide detailed information on contractors, contract awards, jurisdictions and timelines.

“The portals also allow citizens to track contractor selection criteria and project monitoring criteria,’’ she said.

Abagi, however, said that observations showed gaps in procurement processes in spite of some progress, with abandoned and poorly executed projects.

She, therefore, called for transparency and accountability in government procurement to prevent project duplication and ensure contractor accountability.

The chief executive officer also urged the government to lead in procurement processes, open government partnerships and open contracting and funding to build capacity for managing procurement portals.

Also speaking, the Advocacy Officer, West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network, Mr Austin Aigbe, said that corruption was the greatest challenge to the Nigerian state, with procurement being a significant loophole.

Aigbe underscored the importance of citizens’ participation in holding the government accountable for procurement fraud.

He said that eradicating procurement fraud would result in significant savings for the country.

The advocacy officer particularly cited the example of vehicle procurement where funds were repeatedly allocated but not used, leading to repeated expenditures.

According to him, procurement fraud ultimately leads to suffering by members of the public, as funds intended for public projects are diverted.

Aigbe, therefore, called on Nigerians to actively follow the procurement process and hold the government accountable through the PPDC strategy and online portals. (NAN)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

General News

Enact whistleblowing law, CSOs task executive, legislature

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By Perpetua Onuegbu

Some Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have called on the executive and the legislative arms of government to push for the enactment of a whistleblowing law, to strengthen the fight against corruption in the country.

The CSOs – African Centre for Media and Information Literacy (AFRICMIL) and Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CeFTPI), made the call in Abuja on Tuesday at a one-day capacity development workshop on public interest disclosure and accountability.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop was organised in partnership with the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), for Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

Dr Chido Onumah, Coordinator, AFRICMIL, said the call for a whistleblowing law had become expedient considering the increasing level of corruption in the society, especially in the public service.

“Our goal is to support the government to produce citizens who embrace whistleblowing as a permanent transformative culture and use it to expose corrupt practices and other illegalities that are harmful to public interest,” he said.

Onumah said that they were already working with different partners in the six geo-political zones of the country to ensure that the goal of enacting a whistleblowing law was achieved.

“We are now working with MDAs to get them up to speed with the whistleblowing policy of the Nigerian government that was introduced in December 2016.

“So much happened between when that policy was introduced and today; we don’t have a whistleblower law and a lot of whistleblowers face retaliation when they make public interest disclosures in their MDAs.

“So we are here to have a robust conversation with the MDAs and get them acquainted with what the policy is all about, and what it requires to push the campaign for a whistleblower legislation.

“If we have a law, civil servants who report irregularities and corruption in the public service will be protected, and this is a conversation on the future of whistleblowing in the country,” Onumah said.

According to Onumah, the biggest incentive to people speaking out (whistleblowing), is the law.

“We did a survey five years ago, to know why the zeal people have in speaking up dropped, after huge disclosures, when whistleblowing was introduced, we discovered that the more people reported, the more they faced retaliation in their offices.

“So, people felt that self interest was the most important thing; they won’t want to report wrongdoing and then get punished for that.

“I think that the way to go is to have a whistleblower law in the country, so that people are protected and confident to speak up, so that they don’t get sacked when they see something and say something.

“If you don’t provide security for whistleblowers, nobody will stick out their neck to report anything,” he added.

He regretted that out of about 500 MDAs in the country, only about 20 have whistleblowing policies.

Mr Abdul Mahmud, President, Public Interest Lawyers League (PILL), urged MDAs to set up a whistleblowing desk, for workers to make disclosures.

He called for stiffer punishments of anyone who retaliated against any worker who made disclosures against any corrupt individual.

“We have seen people who see things and publish them online, and they become victims of cyber-stalking.

“We are dealing with massive public thievery of our resources, and it is good that we reform the institutional framework of the state, but if we do not reform ourselves, there is little or no result that we can achieve,” Mahmud said.

Earlier, Mr Dasuki Arabi, the Director-General, BPSR, said that the call for a legislation for a whistleblowing law underscored their commitment to entrenching transparency, accountability and good governance within the public sector.

Arabi said that the workshop was convened pursuant to the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2011, a landmark legislation that empowered citizens, promoted openness in governance and ensured access to public information.

“BPSR has over the years played a pivotal role in promoting transparency and accountability within the public sector.

“However, we recognise that in spite of the progress made, challenges persists in the full realisation of the FOI Act.

“Public interest disclosure is a crucial element in the fight against corruption and maladministration. It empowers public servants and citizens alike to expose unethical practices and mismanagement without fear of reprisals.

“As such, fostering a safe and enabling environment for whistleblowers, backed by appropriate legal framework, is imperative,” Arabi said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

General News

Group unveils platform to enhance project execution in Nigeria

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By Desmond Ejibas

The Association of Practising Professional Project Managers of Nigeria (APPMON) has announced the launch of a specialised platform aimed at improving project execution in Nigeria.

Dr Yomi Ariyo, the National President of the association made the remark during a news conference while unveiling the ‘’APPMON Body of Knowledge and Innovation (ABOKI)’’ platform‘’ in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

He said the platform was developed to address the specific challenges and opportunities associated with managing projects within Nigeria and similar emerging markets.

“The platform is more than a compendium of methodologies; it serves as a source of guiding insights and strategies tailored to our local context.

“By integrating global best practices with indigenous knowledge, ABOKI ensures that project managers are adequately equipped to effectively navigate the complexities of our socio-economic environment,” he explained.

Ariyo noted that APPMON, established in December 2024, had already begun taking practical steps to ensure that project execution was conducted in accordance with international best practices.

He added that efforts were underway to support the adoption and integration of the platform within national and organisational project management frameworks.

“As we unveil ABOKI, we are not merely presenting a document; we are ushering in a new era of project management in Nigeria.

“This body of knowledge is intended to be a living document, evolving in tandem with the ever-changing demands of our profession,” he stated.

Ariyo called on management professionals, industry leaders, policymakers, and the academic community to adopt the platform to elevate the standard of project delivery across the country.

Dr Inemi Stephen, South-South Zonal Coordinator of APPMON, remarked that while Nigeria did not lack in ideas or creative potential to embark on projects, the real issue lied in execution.

He attributed poor project execution to systematic challenges, conflicting frameworks, ethical lapses, and the use of imported models that are not suitably adapted to the nation’s environment.

According to Stephen, the country has lost more than N17 trillion due to failed or abandoned projects, including the over 13,000 projects reportedly abandoned by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

“Today, we observe a tangible project landscape marred by abandoned roads, halted hospital constructions, and budgetary black holes.

“The scale and number of intangible projects – such as public awareness campaigns, educational programmes, health initiatives, and social interventions – that have failed or abandoned is unfathomable.

“Therefore, ABOKI stands as a structured, research-based, and practical response aimed at making future Nigerian projects explainable, comprehensible, deliverable, and commendable,” he added.

Stephen, who led the ABOKI research initiative, disclosed that the document comprised six-part methodologies, including Project Evaluation and Audit Standards, and Mediation and Arbitration for project success.

Additional components include Health, Safety, and Environmental standards applicable to all project types; Event Management and Crowd Control; and protocols for Proceeding Against Professional Advice. (NAN)

Edited by Jane-Frances Oraka

General News

3,000 benefit from ANPA, Elegushi Foundation’s free medical mission

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By Joan Odafe

No fewer than 3,000 residents of Lagos State, particularly in the Ikate community, on Wednesday benefitted from a free medical mission in the area.

 

The mission, organised by the Association of Nigerian Physicians in America (ANPA) and Oba Saheed Elegushi Foundation, covered checkups for diseases including hypertension, diabetes, different types of cancer and gynaecological issues.

 

Other services included, glaucoma, cataract, hernia, gallbladder surgeries, and training for medical personnel to enable them improve on their skills.

 

The National Treasurer of ANPA, Dr Lanre Jimoh, said the aim of the mission was to have a kind of multi-specialty hospital, targeted at prevention, treatment and training for medical personnel, who will continue treating patients, after the programme.

 

He added that though ANPA carries out missions in Nigeria annually, this event was special because it marked the association’s 30th Anniversary.

 

Jimoh, who is also a Gastroenterologist in Charlotte, USA, said: “We’ve done missions for many, many years now. So, over time, we’ve continued to find ways to not just come and then go, and then forget about all the people we took care of.

 

“That’s why we have partners, there’s continuity, and also with technology, we’re able to do a lot of these follow-ups virtually.”

 

He said with the help of collaboration, the association was able to carry out about 65 glaucoma surgeries and about 200 cataract surgeries.

 

Jimoh disclosed that the association had plans to establish its presence in Nigeria, rather than coming for missions alone.

 

 

 

The Commissioner for Health in Lagos State, Prof. Akin Abayomi, said the mission, which was planned for nearly nine months, is one of the first of its kind outside the United States.

 

According to him, a medical team from Andorra had been on ground, conducting surgeries, training sessions, and transferring medical capacity to local practitioners.

 

“We’re building a very close relationship with them now because we believe that Lagos is ripe and ready for a massive influx of brain game in the medical profession.

 

“We are beginning to set the environment into one that is receptive to our brothers and our sisters that are in the American community,” he said.

The Traditional Ruler of Ikateland, Oba Saheed Elegushi, said that health was an important aspect of an individual’s life, and should not be trivialised.

 

Elegushi acknowledged the immense contributions of ANPA, and urged residents to take advantage of the free medical mission.

 

Also, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), said ANPA’s medical mission had been constant with so much impact.

 

“We all know that even in America, 70 per cent of black doctors are Nigerians and I know that through you, medical tourism out of Nigeria will be a thing of the past,” she said.

 

Dr Funmi Ige, President of Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Lagos State branch, enlightened the women about breast and cervical cancer, instructing them on what to look out for during breast self examinations.

 

Ige said some sinister signs of cervical cancer to look out for were bleeding for post-menopausal women.

 

Others include bleeding after sexual intercourse or between menstruation.

 

She urged women to go for regular mammograms and cervical screenings.

 

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Enitan Ipade, expressed joy at the opportunity her family had, to receive medical treatment, including a dental check-up, and medications for free.

 

She praised ANPA and the Elegushi Foundation, also urging Nigerians to take issues concerning their health seriously.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that about 137 registered and vetted providers, including doctors, surgeons, anaesthesiologists, were part of the medical team of ANPA.

 

Other groups such as MWAN, Lagos branch; Rotary Club and the Taiwanese Medical Association, also lent support to the team. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

General News

Spelling Bee Coordinator seeks support as 8th edition holds in Abuja

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By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The 8th edition of the Nigerian Spelling Bee began on Wednesday in Abuja, with organisers emphasising the competition’s role in enhancing children’s spelling abilities amid growing dependence on digital communication.

Speaking during the finals, Mr Abdulsalam Ibrahim, National Coordinator of the Nigerian Spelling Bee, expressed concern over the growing trend of poor spelling among students due to the widespread use of shorthand in technology.

“Today, we realise that many children, because of technology, cannot spell properly. They abbreviate words, and that was why we introduced this competition,” he explained.

Ibrahim noted that the initiative has had a measurable impact, with over 20 previous winners now excelling academically.

“Even when they get to university, they are doing well. Most of our scholarship recipients, at least 90 to 95 per cent of them are in first class,” he said.

According to him, the competition also rewards excellence through scholarship awards, in addition to promoting literacy

“Yes, we give scholarships, the senior category champion receives one million naira; the first runner-up gets N500,000, and the second runner-up, N300,000.

“For the junior category, the winner gets N500,000, while both runners-up receive N300,000 each,” he confirmed.

He added that in spite the programme’s success, it has yet to attract sponsorship, noting that they currently have no partners and describing this as a major challenge.

He explained that, although they had reached out to numerous corporate organisations, there had been no response.

The national coordinator further stated that while the Federal Ministry of Education has endorsed the programme, it has not provided any financial support.

He appealed to stakeholders, particularly in the private sector, to support the initiative.

“We’re calling on the public, especially corporate organisations, to assist us. Since the federal government has endorsed the programme, we are hopeful they will take further steps and begin to fund it,” he added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the competition, now in its seventh year, continues to create academic opportunities for young Nigerians while encouraging proficiency in English.

Recall that Nigeria is hosting the 8th African Spelling Bee (ASB) from April 9 to 13, the first time the continental competition will take place in a West African country.

The ASB, established in 2016, has previously been hosted by South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, and Malawi.

The Nigerian Spelling Bee, under the Bee Spelling Competition Initiative, is serving as the Local Organising Committee for this year’s event.

The organisation conducts spelling contests across all 36 states and represents Nigeria at international competitions, including the ASB. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

General News

New NNPCL board indicates Tinubu’s vision and pro-business mindset- TMSG

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The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) has described the composition of the new board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) as a reflection of President Bola Tinubu’s pro-business mindset on the oil industry.

 

In a statement signed by its Chairman Emeka Nwankpa and Secretary Dapo Okubanjo, the group noted that only a President with a wealth of experience and rich private sector background could come up with such a team of industry experts to take NNPCL to great heights.

 

“For us, the appointment of Engineer Bashir Ojulari, who, until now, was Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer of Renaissance Africa Energy Company and Engineer Musa Kida as the non-executive Chairman of the 11-man board, signposts a new dawn at the NNPCL.

 

“Although this is not the first time the corporation would have an outsider in charge, it is the first time the board will be entirely populated by industry experts.

 

“We are simply elated that no single politician is on the board which for us is a demonstration of President Tinubu’s readiness to ensure professionalism in deference to the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.

 

“We totally agree with the President that the board’s restructuring is crucial for ‘enhancing operational efficiency, restoring investor confidence, boosting local content, driving economic growth, and advancing gas commercialisation and diversification’.

 

“For the avoidance of doubt, there is none of the President’s appointees on the NNPCL board who is not a technocrat with deep insider knowledge of the oil and gas sector.

 

“We are glad that these are people who are used to setting and meeting targets; hence, President Tinubu’s immediate action plan of conducting a strategic portfolio review of NNPC-operated and Joint Venture Assets to ensure alignment with value maximisation objectives will not look like a big task.”

 

It said the group look forward to the NNPCL meeting the target set by the Tinubu administration of raising oil production to two million barrels per day as well as a daily gas production of 8 billion cubic feet in 2027.

 

The group added that it would not be out of place to expect the new NNPCL to perform feats similar to that of global giants, Aramco, and Petrobras, as well as compete with them on the international stage.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

General News

Stakeholders push for functional democracy at Abuja summit

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By Abigael Joshua

Stakeholders gathered in Abuja on Tuesday to call for the establishment of a functional democratic system that delivers tangible benefits to Nigerian citizens.

The call was made during a political summit organised by the Rufus Ebegba Centre for Leadership and Environmental Sustainability (RECLES), a non-governmental organisation (NGO).

Dr Rufus Ebegba, founder of RECLES, stated that Nigeria’s democratic system must be adapted to serve the needs of its citizens, especially in light of ongoing security challenges and economic hardship.

He noted that the summit was convened to examine crucial issues affecting the sustainability of democracy in Nigeria.

“We need to ask ourselves whether our democracy is truly effective. If it is not, then we must explore a system of democracy that is better suited to the Nigerian context,” he said.

“There is an urgent need for citizens to be actively involved in the democratic process. We must reform our system, our democracy must not fail us.

“A functional democracy is one that ensures economic stability and guarantees the security of lives and property,” he added.

Ebegba also urged the current administration to prioritise the security of citizens.

“I am deeply concerned about the persistent issue of unstable electricity supply. Without reliable power, our economy cannot grow. We need power that is both affordable and accessible, especially in urban centres, to support small-scale industries,” he said.

He emphasised the need for democratic systems to evolve in response to national challenges.

“We are currently undergoing a process of democratic evolution, which is why this summit is so important. At its conclusion, we hope to determine whether our current democratic model is truly working”.

Similarly, Dr Barry Johnson, National Deputy Youth Leader of the Labour Party, presented a paper titled “Dismantling Political Criminality in Nigeria”.

He stressed that political stability is the foundation of any functioning democracy.

“The political landscape of a nation reflects the reality of life within it,” Johnson said, as he called on the government to create space for young people to participate in decision-making processes.

He also emphasised the need for independent and effective police, judiciary, and law enforcement institutions.

“Policies and laws that promote transparency and accountability, such as freedom of information laws and the strengthening of anti-corruption agencies must be properly implemented.

“These agencies must be allowed to function freely and without interference,” he said.

Johnson further urged the Federal Government to focus on genuine empowerment rather than short-term palliatives.

“Empowerment must come through skills development, not handouts,” he said.

He also identified poverty as a key driver of criminality and urged the government to address it.

“Security agencies must be reformed to effectively combat insecurity. Insurgency can only be tackled if competent individuals are put in place. Electoral reforms must also be implemented to ensure free, fair, and credible elections,” he added.

Mr Otunba Adigun, Chief of Staff to Mogaji Ibrahim-Olaniyan, National Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee, called on Nigerians to unite in their approach to politics.

He encouraged citizens to set aside ethnic divisions and praised RECLES for its grassroots awareness campaigns.

He also noted the important role traditional leaders must play in political education and community engagement. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

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