By Cecilia Ogezi
Advocacy for Good Ethics and Accountability for Development (AGEAD), in collaboration with the Integrity Advocacy for Development Initiative (IADI), hosted the third edition of the National Legacy Summit, themed “Doing the Talk”, to emphasize actionable commitments in Nigeria’s governance and socio-economic landscape. The event took place at a time when the nation is looking to align civil society organizations (CSOs) with the government’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
AGEAD, a non-profit and non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting ethical standards and unity across Nigerian society, has continued to champion peace, integrity, and accountability in its programs. This summit brought together key CSOs, including the Almushahid Initiative For Transparency and Accountability (AITA), which has long been a leading force in promoting national unity and holding the government accountable.
The Executive Director of AGEAD, Henry Thomas, who is also the convener of the summit, remarked that the 2023 edition focused on addressing critical governance issues, advocating for more than just promises but real, actionable plans. “This summit is about ensuring that government agencies and Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) deliver on their mandates and are held accountable,” Thomas stated. He further mentioned that AGEAD had been actively monitoring budgets across various government agencies, recognizing and awarding those with commendable projects and accomplishments.
Christopher Ofomhi, Executive Director of IADI, emphasized that the initiative stemmed from a desire to ensure that governance is not just a matter of words but of action. “We aim to see a country where national development is driven by both words and action,” Ofomhi said. He highlighted that the summit was one of several collaborative efforts designed to build a stronger, more transparent nation.
The summit’s highlights included the official launch of the Safe Public School Project, an initiative focused on improving the quality of education in Nigeria’s public primary schools. This project seeks to provide secure access to education for less privileged children, ensuring that safety is prioritized in their learning environments.
In recognition of exemplary leadership in various sectors, the summit also honored ten outstanding CEOs for their contributions to national development. Awardees included Professor Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, recognized for his leadership in the educational sector, Dr. Salisu Shehu Umar, Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Auchi, and Mr. Samiu Adeyemi Adeniran, Statistician General of the Federation, among others. Other honorees included the Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Demography and Marine Research, Prof. Ayinla, and Brigadier YD Ahmed, Director General of the National Youth Service Corps.
Dr. Salisu Umar, in his acceptance speech, stressed the importance of collaboration between CSOs and the government for effective nation-building. He pointed out that research and information sharing between these entities are crucial for informed decision-making, and that the CSOs’ role in shaping governance cannot be underestimated.
The National Legacy Summit, which has been a platform for meaningful dialogue and practical solutions, reaffirmed the vital role of CSOs in the development of Nigeria, ensuring that citizens and the government work together towards achieving sustainable national progress.
