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FG Launches Youth-Led National Action Plan IV as Youth Minister Wraps Up OGP Leadership Tenure
Joel Ajayi
The Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, has formally handed over the baton as State Actors Co-Chair of the Nigeria Open Government Partnership (OGP) National Steering Committee, describing the occasion as one filled with gratitude, reflection, and renewed optimism for the future of open governance in Nigeria.
Speaking at the 22nd National Steering Committee Meeting held in Abuja, the Minister expressed heartfelt appreciation to all stakeholders who contributed to the journey.
“I am deeply grateful for the collective efforts of government institutions, civil society organisations, the private sector, academia, development partners, and ordinary citizens who worked together to strengthen open governance in our country,” he said.
Reflecting on the progress made since 2024, Minister Olawande highlighted the wide-ranging consultations conducted across Nigeria and beyond, which gave Nigerians from all backgrounds a real voice in shaping governance processes.
He noted that the successful implementation of National Action Plan III (NAP III) delivered tangible results in the areas of accountability, access to information, and citizen participation.
“Through NAP III, we made meaningful strides in promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement, while also amplifying Nigeria’s voice on the global OGP stage,” he added.
The Minister also formally unveiled National Action Plan IV (NAP IV) a bold, forward-looking framework shaped largely by the voices and aspirations of young Nigerians.
The new plan contains twelve commitments across six key thematic areas, including digital governance, justice and human rights, anti-corruption, civic space, and climate action.
“NAP IV truly reflects the dreams of a generation that wants greater transparency, accountability, and trust in government,” he said. “However, its success will depend entirely on our collective commitment to effective implementation.”
Comrade Olawande commended his Co-Chair, Obialunanma Nnaobi-Ayodele, for her strong leadership and dedication in representing non-state actors. He also thanked the OGP Secretariat and all members of the 3rd National Steering Committee for their unwavering support and contributions.
In his inaugural remarks, the new State Actors Co-Chair and Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and pledged to build on the solid foundation already laid.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to deepening collaboration between state and non-state actors, while ensuring that OGP commitments lead to real improvements in governance and service delivery for ordinary Nigerians.
Sen. Bagudu particularly stressed the need to sustain momentum in fiscal transparency, anti-corruption, access to information, and public service delivery.
The incoming Non-State Actors Co-Chair, Olusoji Apampa, acknowledged the measurable progress recorded in financial transparency, open contracting, access to information, and open budgeting.
“These are not small achievements,” he noted. “They show that openness is a practical tool that can deliver real benefits to citizens.”
Apampa pledged to work closely with the new leadership to sustain reforms and strengthen collaboration for the benefit of all Nigerians.
News
Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran
Joel Ajayi
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.
In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.
According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.
“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.
The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.
“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.
The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.
“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.
Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.
The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.
“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.
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