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Despite Hardship, Nigerians Show Resilience as Social Cohesion Climbs to 48.8% — API

Published

4 months ago

June 26, 2026

Joel Ajayi

The Africa Polling Institute (API) has said that despite the economic and social hardships confronting the country, Nigerians continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience and a strong commitment to peaceful coexistence.

Speaking at the 2026 National Social Cohesion Dialogue and the unveiling of the 2026 Nigeria Social Cohesion Survey Report in Abuja on Thursday, API Executive Director, Professor Bell Ihua, said the latest survey findings reflect a gradual but encouraging strengthening of national unity among citizens.

According to Ihua, Nigeria’s Social Cohesion Index (NSCI) rose to 48.8 percent in 2026, representing a two-percentage-point increase from the previous year and the highest level recorded since the survey began.

He noted that although the index remains slightly below the 50 percent benchmark, the improvement signals that Nigerians are increasingly choosing unity over division despite ethnic, religious, political, and socio-economic pressures.

“The upward trend suggests that Nigerians continue to demonstrate resilience and a commitment to coexistence despite prevailing hardships,” Ihua said.

He described one of the survey’s most significant findings as the growing sense of shared identity among citizens. For the first time since the survey commenced, a majority of respondents identified primarily as Nigerians rather than by ethnic, religious, or regional affiliations.

According to him, this marks a major milestone in Nigeria’s nation-building journey and highlights a strengthening national consciousness.

However, Ihua expressed concern over the persistent trust deficit in government and public institutions. The survey showed that 72 percent of Nigerians expressed little or no trust in the government of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while 77 percent reported low trust in the National Assembly and 73 percent in the judiciary.

The report also found that the National Assembly has overtaken the Police as Nigeria’s least trusted institution, with only 23 percent of citizens expressing trust in it, compared with 24 percent for the Police.

In contrast, religious and traditional institutions remain the most trusted among Nigerians. About 51 percent of respondents expressed significant trust in religious leaders, while 45 percent trusted traditional rulers.

On civic participation, 71 percent of citizens said they are willing to sacrifice personal interests for the collective good, while 77 percent expressed readiness to cooperate with people from other ethnic groups to strengthen national unity. Another 73 percent indicated willingness to participate actively in the political process.

The survey also revealed mixed perceptions about national cohesion. While 48 percent of respondents believe Nigeria is more divided today than four years ago, 20 percent believe the country is more united. Political party affiliation emerged as the leading source of division, ahead of ethnic and religious differences.

The study further showed that 55 percent of Nigerians would relocate abroad if given the opportunity, although 61 percent remain optimistic that the country’s future will be better.

API recommended the establishment of a National Social Cohesion Commission to promote inclusive governance, trust, peaceful coexistence, and national unity

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NYP Names Ogbor, Yerima Directors in 2026/2027 Leadership Team

Published

3 hours ago

November 3, 2026

The Gleamer

Cyril Ogar

The Nigeria Youths in Politics (NYP) has appointed two young professionals, Ogbor Christian Oghenetega and Arch. Yerima Eric Abdulazeez, as Directors of Innovation and Youth Empowerment, and Fundraising and Resource Mobilisation, respectively, in its 2026/2027 National Working Committee (NWC).

The appointments, approved by the organisation’s leadership, are aimed at strengthening its institutional capacity, promoting innovation, expanding youth participation and enhancing resource mobilisation to advance its objectives of promoting youth involvement in politics, leadership and governance.

In a statement signed on Tuesday in Abuja, NYP President, Hon. Blessing Oyefeso, said the appointments were based on the appointees’ professional backgrounds, leadership experience, entrepreneurial abilities and commitment to youth development and national progress.

Oyefeso expressed confidence that their wealth of experience, innovative ideas and dedication to service would contribute significantly to the organisation’s growth and the successful implementation of its programmes and strategic initiatives.

Ogbor, a real estate entrepreneur and property development professional from Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, holds a degree in Science Laboratory Chemistry from Delta State University, Abraka.

He has experience in real estate investment, property development, project coordination and team leadership, with professional interests in technology, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship and strategic leadership.

A strong advocate of youth empowerment and national development, Ogbor is passionate about encouraging young Nigerians to participate actively in politics and governance.

In his new capacity as Director of Innovation and Youth Empowerment, he is expected to spearhead innovative initiatives, develop youth-oriented programmes, promote entrepreneurship and digital innovation, and facilitate capacity-building opportunities to equip young people with relevant skills and leadership values.

Similarly, Arch. Yerima Eric Abdulazeez, an architect, entrepreneur and construction professional from Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, brings more than 10 years of experience in architectural design, construction management, project development and consultancy.

He holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) and a Master of Education (MEd) in Architecture. He began his professional career at Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, where he acquired valuable industry experience and participated in projects involving international institutions, including the United Nations (UN) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Yerima is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Yericon-Towersix Integrated Services Ltd., an architecture and construction firm, where he provides strategic and technical leadership in design, construction, consultancy and project development.

As Director of Fundraising and Resource Mobilisation, he is expected to develop sustainable fundraising strategies, identify strategic partnerships, engage potential donors and institutional supporters, and mobilise financial and non-financial resources to support the organisation’s programmes and activities.

His experience in strategic planning, project management, entrepreneurship and institutional development is expected to strengthen the organisation’s resource mobilisation framework and long-term sustainability.

The Nigeria Youths in Politics is a youth-focused political and civic engagement organisation committed to promoting active participation by young Nigerians in the country’s political processes, leadership and governance.

Through advocacy, political education, mentorship, capacity development, strategic partnerships and grassroots mobilisation, the organisation seeks to equip young people with leadership skills, encourage democratic participation, influence public policy and ensure that their voices and interests are represented in national decision-making.

The organisation maintains that meaningful youth participation is critical to building a responsive, accountable and sustainable democratic society.

Congratulating the appointees, Oyefeso urged them to bring their professional expertise, creativity and commitment to service to bear on their respective assignments.

He also charged them to work closely with other members of the National Working Committee to advance the organisation’s vision, strengthen its structures and implement impactful programmes that would create opportunities for young Nigerians.

The appointments take effect within the 2026/2027 National Working Committee cycle as NYP continues efforts to strengthen its structures and expand its impact in youth political engagement, empowerment and national development.

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