CSO - News Agency Of Nigeria

Ismail Abdulaziz
Aug, Fri, 2025

Akpabio, Shehu Sani charge civil society on values

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By Daniel Obaje

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged civil society organisations (CSOs) to remain steadfast in defending democratic values and promoting national development.

Akpabio made the call at the 1st Civil Society Summit on Civil Democracy and National Development in Abuja, with the theme: “Civil Society, Democracy and Governance Reforms: Building Sustainable Partnerships for National Development.

The senate president, represented by Sen. Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, said civil society has shown courage and consistency in defending order and the rule of law.

He said CSOs must continue to stand with reason and institutional honour, especially at a time when democracy is constantly tested.

“Democracy is not merely the counting of votes, it is the conservation of virtue. A development divorced from democracy is tyranny and a democracy without development is but a whisper in the wind.

“In the confrontation between the rule of law and the rule of ego, and between parliamentary order and populist spectacle, you have always stood on the side of truth.

“Let history record that when Nigeria trembled in the balance, men and women of conscience did not fall silent, you showed up, not in bitterness, but in responsibility.”

Also speaking, Sen. Shehu Sani, human rights activist, urged civil society to remain strategic and professional under a democratic system.

Sani called on CSOs to shift from being seen as opposition to being active and knowledgeable partners in the governance process.

“You are not here to fight the government, but to engage it. That means you must know the facts, the policies and the decisions coming out of the ministries.

“Those in government today, whether their elections were clean or not, are recognised globally as leaders. That changes your approach as civil society actors.

He urged civil society organisations to move beyond surface-level activism and engage with facts and institutional realities, adding that meaningful advocacy requires research, patience and a deep understanding of public policy

“Whether your focus is health, education, infrastructure or security, you have to understand the inner workings of government so your advocacy is credible and effective.”

In his remarks, Mr Sunday Dare, former Minister of Youth and Sports and Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, said civil society must rise above agitation and focus on constructive engagement.

He said that with civil democracy comes greater expectations for civil society to educate, inform and build trust between the state and citizens.

“Too many good policies fail because citizens don’t understand them. That is where civil society comes in to bridge that gap.

“The civil society must ask itself, Are we helping to build trust and engagement or are we tearing down the very bridges needed to unite the country?

“You are not just watchdogs, you are translators of government policy to the people. That is an enormous responsibility that you have to carry.”

Also speaking, Mr Kenneth Okonkwo, a legal practitioner, urged civil society to remain united and move from passive consultation to active collaboration.

He called for deeper partnerships between civic groups and institutions of governance to deliver true reforms.

“The greatest strength of civil society is in their unity. If you allow them to divide you, they will defeat your purpose.

“We must go beyond reactive advocacy to strategic partnerships, if we want a democratic future, we must align democratic values with inclusive governance.

“This is the time to build a nation where justice, equity and unity are not just ideals, but lived realities.”

Blessing Akinlosotu, Executive Director of the National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN), said that the Council would continue to uphold its ideal, including patriotism, accountability, good governance advocacy and active citizen participation in national development

NAN reports that the summit served as a platform for cross-sector dialogue on democratic accountability, civic engagement and inclusive national development. (NAN)

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Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Workers Day: CSO urges workers collective action against corruption

Philip Daniel Yatai
May, Thu, 2025

General News

Workers Day: CSO urges workers collective action against corruption

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By Ikenna Osuoha

A Civil Society Organization (CSO), Initiative for Leadership Development and Change (ILDC), has urged workers to unite against all forms of corruption for national progress.

Chief Ugochukwu Nnam, President of the CSO made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in commemoration of Workers Day in Abuja on Thursday.

While congratulating workers on May Day, Nnam said that Trade unions and civil servants could play a crucial role in advocating for anti-corruption policies.

‘This is possible by supporting workers who report corruption.

“Refusing to pay bribes, resisting demands for bribes, even when facing pressure, can help disrupt corrupt practices,” he said.

Nnam who commended workers for their dedication to the development of Nigeria, said that workers play a crucial role in fighting corruption through reporting unethical behaviour.

He advised workers to be active in the fight against corruption by implementing robust whistleblower protections, and promoting transparency and accountability within their organizations and communities.

According to him, these efforts can help create a culture of integrity and discourage corrupt practices.

The ILDC president who commended President Tinubu for his commitment in addressing the plight of workers, urged workers to continue to support him.

He acknowledged the present economic challenges, expressing hope that it would soon be over.

Nnam said that the future of workers and Nigerians generally was bright with ongoing economic reforms of the federal government.

He urged Nigerians not to give up in their selfless service to national progress as there’s light at the end of the tunnel. (NAN)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Stop politicising security challenges – Group tells Nigerians

Philip Daniel Yatai
Apr, Wed, 2025

Defence/Security

Stop politicising security challenges – Group tells Nigerians

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

Peace, Security and Development Initiatives (PSDI), a Civil Society Organisations, has urged Nigerians to stop politicising the prevailing security challenges bedeviling the country.

The Publicity Secretary of PSDI, Amechi Oyema, made the call while briefing newsmen on the State of the nation with the theme “Unholy Attempt to Politicise Security Challenges”, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Oyema said that President Bola Tinubu had continued to provide the needed support to the Armed forces of Nigeria and other security agencies to be able to deliver on their mandates.

He alleged that some politicians had decided to politicise the security challenges, adding that they would want the crisis to persist and go out of hand.

“Just recently, when 16 Kano-bound hunters were lynched in Uromi, a prominent politician condemned the killings, and demanded probe.

“Fast-forward to the massacre of 60 Plateau villagers, the same politician immediately faulted Tinubu’s security architecture, as if Uromi had a specially designed security architecture.

“Another attempt to politicise the security challenges is the recent divine intervention that led to the rescue of the former Director-General of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC), retired Brig.-Gen. Maharazu Tsiga.

“Rather than appreciating God and the Armed Forces of Nigeria for the rescue, some have decided to give a different narrative aimed at portraying the government and the Armed Forces of Nigeria as a failure.

“This set of politicians have refused to see anything good in the present administration, hence they will turn their face from the several laudable efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” he said.

Oyema urged politicians to stop demoralising the troops who are making sacrifices to keep the country safe.

According to him, some of them would rather see the country in flames so they can have an avenue to attack the administration.

He called on politicians to show statesmanship in their approach and support the armed forces to defeat the enemies of the country.

According to him, terrorists, bandits and other criminals are surrendering in droves while some stubborn ones are being killed.

“We use this opportunity to advise especially our youths to shun all negative vices and this set of politicians who have their children abroad but would always want to use innocent youths at home to foment trouble.

“Be aware that the military is equal to the task and you won’t go scot free if you allow desperate politicians to use you.

“We want to quote Brig.-Gen. Tsiga who said, “we should not sit down and believe that the government can do it alone. We must do it ourselves,” Oyema added. (NAN)

Edited by Yakubu Uba