Abuja: 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, announced in a statement that the two-day event would take place at the Rotunda Hall, Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs from July 31 to August 1.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the summit aims to provide a platform for young people to engage in discussions on governance and national development. Akinlosotu noted that key attendees would include the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Senator Shehu Sani, who represented Kaduna Central in the 8th Assembly, and Mr. Sunday Dare, Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication to the President. Activist Aisha Yesufu is also slated to attend the gathering.
The theme of the summit is ‘Civil Society, Democracy Reforms: Building Sustainable Partnership for National Development’. The event aims to bring together state and non-state actors, development partners, and civil society members to discuss and build sustainable partnerships for national development. It will serve as a platform for stakeholders to engage in dialogues on democracy reforms, share experiences, and foster collaboration among civil society organizations, government agencies, and development partners.
Akinlosotu emphasized that the summit is expected to generate recommendations for policy reforms and actions that promote democracy, good governance, and sustainable development in Nigeria. The outcomes will guide future engagements between civil society, the government, and development partners.
The summit is set to feature prominent figures from various sectors, including Tunji-Ojo, who is expected to share his expertise in governance and public service. With over 17 years of experience, Tunji-Ojo has led transformative reforms in the Ministry of Interior, focusing on modernizing immigration services and strengthening border security.
Other notable attendees include 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, highlighting the summit’s significance in shaping Nigeria’s future.
