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FG, OGP Stakeholders Deepen Collaboration to Advance Good Governance, Youth Empowerment, and Accountability
Joel Ajayi
The Honourable Minister of Youth Development and Co-Chair of the Global Open Government Partnership (OGP), Comrade Ayodele Olawande, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing collaboration between government institutions and civil society through the OGP platform.
Speaking at a high-level engagement with civil society actors and representatives of the OGP Secretariat, the Honourable Minister emphasized the critical role of non-state actors in promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in governance.
“The OGP platform has consistently proven to be an effective mechanism for sustained engagement between Ministries and non-state actors,” said Comrade Olawande. “I must commend the OGP Secretariat and all stakeholders, both present and absent, whose dedication has been instrumental in advancing this important agenda.”
Comrade Olawande also recognized the invaluable guidance of elder statesmen and civil society leaders, describing their mentorship as foundational to the Ministry’s progress.
“Without their mentorship and encouragement, we wouldn’t be where we are today. Their values, wisdom, and steadfast support continue to inspire us. Nigeria’s problem is not a lack of accountability; it is the gradual erosion of our shared values. Too many people are focused on distractions instead of addressing the real issues. I cannot be anyone else; I can only be myself. But I strive to embody the values and integrity passed down to us.”
The Minister stressed the importance of instilling strong ethical values in Nigerian youth, noting that value-driven leadership and civic responsibility are essential to national development.
“We must reawaken our young people to the importance of ethics, integrity, and national service. A society that neglects its core values is a society at risk.”
In his remarks, Mr. Soji Apampa, the incoming Co-Chair of the Global OGP, expressed appreciation for the Minister’s continued leadership and commitment.
“Thank you, Honourable Minister, for receiving us. We are optimistic about deepening discussions around the future of the OGP in Nigeria, particularly on leadership transition and sustainability. These issues remain critical to the success of the OGP initiative. We also appreciate your commitment to finalizing the National Action Plan and ensuring it receives presidential approval.”
Also present was Mr. Aiden Eyakuze, Chief Executive Officer of the Global OGP, who underscored the importance of inclusive governance and ongoing engagement between Ministries and civil society.
“The OGP platform has proven to be an effective and trusted space for dialogue and collaboration. The contribution of the Secretariat has been invaluable, and without their support, the progress we celebrate today would not have been possible. We must also recognize the wisdom of our elders and the enduring commitment of our civil society partners.”
Mr. Eyakuze further highlighted the urgent need for value reorientation among Nigerian youth, calling for a return to authenticity and purpose.
“What Nigeria faces today is not so much a lack of accountability mechanisms, but a steady decline in core values. The distractions are many, and as a nation, we must refocus on what truly matters. I cannot become someone else; I can only be true to myself and uphold the principles I believe in. The inspiration and support we’ve received have made us stronger, and we are grateful.”
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from both parties to promote open governance, strengthen youth participation, and advance inclusive national development rooted in transparency, accountability, and shared values.
News
Amb Lion Ogorry Files Landmark Lawsuit Against Sahara Reporters, Sowore For Misleading and Malicious Publication Endangering National Security
Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry, a renowned public advocacy practitioner and activist, today announced the filing of a high-profile lawsuit against Sahara Reporters Ltd. and its publisher, Omoyele Sowore, in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The suit, numbered FCT/HC/CV/4767/2025, accuses the defendants of publishing a false, malicious, and reckless article that violates Nigeria’s Constitution, the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015, and other laws protecting public discourse, national security, and public order.
The originating summons, filed on November 24, 2025, stems from a Sahara Reporters article titled
“EXCLUSIVE: How Tinubu’s Defence Minister Matawalle Maintains Contact With Bandit Leaders, Ordered Them To Compel Communities To Vote For APC—Former Aide,” published on November 19, 2025.
Ambassador Ogorry alleges that the publication contains grave, unfounded accusations against the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, claiming he maintains illicit contacts with bandit leaders, orders communities to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC), and engages in activities that undermine counter-terrorism efforts.
These claims, according to the suit, are not only false but also fabricated to incite alarm, hatred, and ill-will, while endangering national security and public safety.
In his affidavit supporting the summons, Ambassador Ogorry, a Nigerian citizen and resident of Abuja with a long-standing commitment to public order and lawful civic discourse, emphasized that the article was disseminated widely across Sahara Reporters’ website, social media channels, X.com (Twitter) account, Facebook pages, WhatsApp broadcasts, and other platforms. He described the publication as a blatant violation of Section 39(3)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which prohibits speech that endangers public safety, national security, and public order. Furthermore, it contravenes Sections 24(1)(a) & (b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 by disseminating false, misleading, and harmful information capable of causing alarm or ill-will.
“The defendants’ reckless actions have not only tarnished the reputation of a dedicated public servant but have also compromised ongoing military operations against banditry and terrorism in Nigeria’s North-West region,” said Ambassador Ogorry. “This publication promotes distrust, exposes the Minister to risks, and undermines the morale of our armed forces engaged in counter-terrorism. It is a direct assault on our national security and the freedom of expression that must be balanced with responsibility.”
The lawsuit seeks the following reliefs from the court:
– A declaration that the publication is false, misleading, malicious, and not protected speech under Section 39(1) of the Constitution (as amended).
– A declaration that it falls within restricted speech under Section 39(3)(a), endangering public safety, national security, and public order.
– A declaration that it violates Sections 24(1)(a) & (b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 by prohibiting false, harmful, or misleading information.
– AN ORDER OF INJUNCTION restraining the Defendants, their agents, or privies from further publishing, distributing, circulating, or causing to be circulated the said false publication or any other malicious publication especially as it relates to and against the person of Defence Minister, Dr. Matawalle.
– An order directing the defendants to issue a public retraction of the publication and publish a full apology on their website and social media channels for 14 consecutive days.
– General and exemplary damages of N10,000,000,000 (Ten Billion Naira) for the frivolous, false, and malicious publication geared toward endangering public safety, national security, and public order.
Ambassador Ogorry highlighted that the article, based on unverified claims from an alleged “former senior aide,” lacks any official record or evidence, demonstrating the defendants’ disregard for truth and ethical journalism. He urged the court to address this as a matter of urgent national importance, citing precedents such as President F.R.N. v. ISA (2017) and Guardian Newspapers v. AIEH (2011), which affirm that freedom of expression does not protect reckless publications that threaten security.
“This lawsuit is not just about correcting a falsehood; it’s about safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy, protecting public officials from baseless attacks, and ensuring media accountability,” Ambassador Ogorry added. “Sahara Reporters and Omoyele Sowore must be held responsible for their role in spreading dangerous misinformation that could fuel terrorism and disrupt public order.”
The case is set for hearing in the Abuja Judicial Division, and Ambassador Ogorry expressed confidence in the judiciary’s ability to uphold justice and constitutional principles.
About Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry
Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry is a public advocacy practitioner, activist, and Nigerian citizen dedicated to promoting national security, public order, and lawful civic discourse. With a focus on protecting public discourse from malicious interference, he advocates for responsible journalism and governance.
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