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Tag: Kimpact Development Initiative

  • KDI urges renewed commitment to democracy

    KDI urges renewed commitment to democracy

    As the world marks the International Day of Democracy, the Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) has called on Nigerians and Africans to recommit themselves to strengthening democratic values and practices that deliver real improvements in people’s lives.

    In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Bukola Idowu, and made available to Then Nation, KDI said democracy should not be reduced to a symbolic date on the calendar but must be seen as the daily practice of fair rules, accountability, and citizen participation.

    “Democracy is more than a date on the calendar. It is the daily practice of fair rules applied consistently, leaders held accountable, and citizens empowered with a voice, not just on election day, but every day in between. Democracy is not abstract; it is practical, measured by whether people can truly hold power to account and whether governance delivers real improvements in people’s lives,” the statement read.

    The organisation expressed concern that across Nigeria and Africa, democracy is under increasing pressure, citing economic hardship, insecurity, disinformation, and political polarisation as key threats that continue to erode public trust. It also noted that women, young people, persons with disabilities, and other marginalised communities still face barriers to participation, while civic space is sometimes restricted instead of protected.

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    However, KDI stressed that Nigeria’s democratic journey is not one of inevitable decline but of resilience and possibility. “Nigerians continue to organise, observe, fact-check, litigate, volunteer, and innovate. That civic energy is our national advantage if institutions will match it with openness, accountability, and reform,” Idowu stated.

    Reiterating its mission, the group highlighted areas of its advocacy and research, which include strengthening election integrity, enhancing transparency in campaign finance and political spending, expanding civic education, and driving reforms that improve how public institutions communicate, decide, and deliver.

    “For us, democracy is not about optics, it is about outcomes. The real test is simple: does democracy work for everyone, or only for a privileged few?” the statement added.

    As part of efforts to advance this cause, KDI announced its upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) side event titled “Strengthening Democratic Foundations in Africa”, scheduled for September 18, 2025. The event will convene reformers, researchers, and practitioners to share practical steps and commitments aimed at building democratic resilience across the continent.

    The organisation urged the public to participate either physically or virtually by registering via https://unga80event.kimpact.org.ng/.

    “It is our hope that democracy will work for all,” Idowu concluded.

  • Civil action catalyst for changes, says Initiative

    Civil action catalyst for changes, says Initiative

    The Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) on Friday highlighted the power of civic action in shaping the future of the nation. 

    It noted that they are not just moments of dissent, but powerful catalysts for systemic change. 

    This was as it presented its groundbreaking report, Beyond the Protests: An Exploratory Study of the #EndBadGovernance Movement in Nigeria, during a public event in the nation’s capital.

    The report provides an in-depth assessment of protest organizing, focusing on the socio-political and economic implications of the #EndBadGovernance movement, a pivotal chapter in Nigeria’s evolving history of civic action.

    Delivering the welcome address, the Executive Director of KDI, Bukola Idowu emphasized the significance of the report in unpacking the complexities of recent protests, such as #EndBadGovernance and the earlier #EndSARS movement, which have redefined Nigeria’s socio-political landscape.

    “Today, we gather to unveil our findings on the #EndBadGovernance protest, a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s socio-political evolution,” he stated. “This protest, alongside others, has showcased the remarkable power of civic action in shaping the future of our nation.”

    The report delves into critical dimensions of protest organizing, including regional responses, governance implications, human rights, the rule of law, and the transformative role of social media. 

    According to KDI, the study also underscores how social media has amplified civic action, making protests not just expressions of dissent but powerful tools for driving social change.

    The event highlighted Nigeria’s longstanding history of protests, from colonial times to the present. Recent movements, including #EndSARS and #EndBadGovernance, were described as pivotal moments that have galvanized citizens, drawing attention to systemic governance failures and human rights abuses.

    “Protests in Nigeria have never been mere expressions of dissent; they are catalysts for social change,” the Executive Director added.

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     “Through this study, we hope to deepen our understanding of the factors driving protests and their potential to influence governance and promote human rights.”

    The report, From Posts to Protests, examines the intricate relationship between digital activism and street protests. 

    It underscores the role of social media in mobilizing citizens, amplifying their voices, and sustaining global attention on governance issues in Nigeria.

    Furthermore, the findings reveal that while protests have spurred conversations around human rights and the rule of law, significant gaps remain in policy responses and governance reforms. 

    The report calls for enhanced protection of human rights during protests, policy frameworks to address governance failures and greater recognition of social media as a tool for civic engagement.

    Described as a “clarion call to action,” the report seeks to inspire policymakers, activists, and citizens to engage actively in shaping a more equitable society.

    “This report transcends being a mere research output; it is a roadmap for advocacy and policy-making,” the Executive Director affirmed. 

    “We aspire for our findings to inform decisions, guide advocacy efforts, and inspire citizens to actively promote good governance, human rights, and social justice.”

    The presentation also featured a screening of a documentary that captured the essence of the #EndBadGovernance movement, setting the tone for a series of conversations among stakeholders.

    The Executive Director expressed gratitude to partners and the research team for their contributions to the study, stating, “Your support has been crucial in fostering an environment where civic engagement can thrive.”

    The event concluded with a call for collective action to harness the momentum generated by the report and ongoing civic movements, ensuring that the voices of Nigerians continue to shape the nation’s future.

    KDI’s Beyond the Protests report is expected to serve as a vital resource for policymakers, advocates, and researchers aiming to understand and address the dynamics of protests in Nigeria.

    The Keynote Exploration: From Protest to Policy: Charting Governance Reforms in Nigeria was delivered by Prof Adetunji Ogunyemi, a lawyer and Professor of Political and Economic History at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife.

    The report was reviewed by Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi.

    A panel of experts dissected the topic, “Beyond Protests – A New Governance Blueprint.