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  • NerdzFactory, UNDP, Mastercard foundation empower young innovators in Lagos

    NerdzFactory, UNDP, Mastercard foundation empower young innovators in Lagos

    NerdzFactory Company, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Mastercard Foundation, has empowered young innovators with grants and capacity-building training aimed at scaling their innovative solutions.

    The initiative took centre stage on Monday in Lagos at the Innovation State Showcase organised by NerdzFactory Company in partnership with UNDP and the Mastercard Foundation.

    Policy experts, development partners and industry leaders at the event also renewed calls for increased government support for young innovators, stressing their role in driving sustainable development.

    The event, themed “Youth Innovation as a Driver of State Development,” showcased youth-led solutions designed to address key development challenges.

    Speaking at the event, the Founding Partner of NerdzFactory Company, Ade Olowojoba, described the Young Africa Innovates (YAI) Programme as a flagship initiative supported by UNDP and the Mastercard Foundation to identify, support and scale youth-driven innovations across the country.

    According to him, the showcase highlights solutions aligned with Lagos State’s development priorities and demonstrates how the programme is enabling scalable, high-impact innovation led by young people.

    “Mastercard Foundation is sponsoring the programme, UNDP will oversee its implementation, and NerdzFactory will provide training for the innovators,” he said.

    The UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, praised the creativity and resilience of young Nigerians and urged governments at all levels to create policies that nurture grassroots innovation.

    According to her, the showcase proves that breakthrough solutions can emerge from unconventional spaces such as local markets and small workshops.

    “Young people are creating tools that address food losses, designing data-driven systems, and producing world-class ideas with minimal resources. Talent in Nigeria can come from anywhere,” she said.

    Attafuah added that the YAI programme has helped entrepreneurs refine prototypes, validate business ideas, and connect with potential markets.

    The Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, said Lagos remains the hub of Nigeria’s innovation economy.

    She noted that the state has deliberately invested in digital infrastructure, startup clusters, and policies that enable young entrepreneurs to thrive.

    “Innovation is a public good that improves quality of life. Young people do not lack ideas; they need platforms, systems that are fair, accessible, and supportive,” she said.

    The Commissioner revealed that Lagos received more than 9,000 applications for the YAI programme, from which 205 innovators were selected.

    “The state will continue reducing regulatory barriers and expanding opportunities for startups,” she added.

    Speaking on behalf of the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Technical Assistant Akorede Adeboye outlined ongoing initiatives to support agricultural innovation in the state.

    He cited the Lagos Agro-Innovation Club, the Agripreneur Project (LAP), and the Agrithon grant competitions, which have collectively trained over 5,000 young people and funded dozens of agritech solutions.

    “These programmes are designed to grow agribusinesses, create jobs, and build a community of youths solving food security challenges,” he said.

    During a panel session moderated by Adefunke Adewale, founders and innovation leaders discussed challenges facing small businesses, the importance of business intelligence, and the role of mentorship in scaling enterprises.

    Product Owner and Head of Operations at the SME management platform Pearmonie, Nkiruka Achakpo, shared how digital business intelligence tools helped revive failing microenterprises.

    She noted that young entrepreneurs struggle with inflation, inadequate infrastructure, and limited government grants.

    “Even basic support like electricity would significantly reduce the burden on SMEs. Nigerian youths have unmatched drive, but they need encouragement,” she said.

    Co-President of Ashoka Africa, Angelou Ezeilo, said Nigeria trails counterparts such as Kenya and South Africa in fintech and entrepreneurship indicators largely because of poor infrastructure and limited government support.

    “Young innovators operate in the gaps in areas such as health, climate, gender, and economic inclusion, but they do not have the support they need. They need capital, mentorship, networks, and an enabling environment,” she said.

    Ezeilo called for urgent reforms in digital infrastructure, power supply, transportation, and education, stressing that change making skills must be integrated into school curricula.

    Chief Executive Officer of the edtech startup Dataleum, Bode Roberts, advocated for a state-level open innovation and data access policy to help startups collaborate with government agencies and access real-world problems they can solve.

    “You cannot grow what you do not know. Data access will help build stronger capabilities and attract long-term investments,” he said.

    Chief Executive Officer of Regxta Global Services, Rukayat Bello, appealed for more government focus on entrepreneurs at the bottom of the economic pyramid.

    “Government must look at the grassroots, provide grants, and organize tech events for people in low-income communities,” she said.

  • CEPASD, AU, UNDP, host 5th youth model african union summit in Addis Ababa

    CEPASD, AU, UNDP, host 5th youth model african union summit in Addis Ababa

    The Center for Peace Advocacy and Sustainable Development (CEPASD), in collaboration with the African Union, UNDP Regional Service Centre Addis Ababa, Model African Union Ethiopia (MAU-E), and strategic partners including the Bahá’í International Community, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the Ethiopia Youth Dialogue for Peace Association, has successfully hosted the 5th Youth Model African Union (YMAU) Extraordinary Summit at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

    The summit convened energetic young leaders from across Africa to simulate key AU organs such as the AU Assembly, the Peace and Security Council (AUPSC), and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR). 

    The simulation offered participants a practical understanding of the AU’s governance framework, decision-making systems, and continental policy processes.

    The opening ceremony featured inspiring remarks from several distinguished dignitaries, including Mrs. Nirina Kiplagat, UNDP Coordinator for Governance and Peacebuilding in Africa; H.E. Maxy Ogbede, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Ethiopia; Ms. Illwad Mohammed, Acting Head of the AU Youth Development and Engagement Division; and H.E. Nebiat Getachew, Spokesperson of Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    Convener of YMAU and Executive Director of CEPASD, Mr. Augustine Igweshi, described the summit as more than a simulation, calling it a platform where African youth actively design solutions to the continent’s most urgent challenges.

    “YMAU gives voice to the next generation of African leaders, diplomats, policymakers, and peacemakers. It is where young people learn to think like the AU, lead with vision, and build bridges across borders,” he said.

    Mr. Igweshi highlighted that the simulation empowered delegates with real-world skills in diplomacy, foreign policy analysis, negotiation, research, coalition building, and consensus-driven leadership.

    Addressing the summit’s theme, “Building a United Front to Advance the Cause of Justice for African Youth and People of African Descent through Reparations,” he stressed that reparations go beyond financial compensation to encompass justice, dignity, and historical restoration.

    “Reparations are about healing the wounds of history and building a future rooted in equality and respect,” he noted.

    He urged participants to take the simulations seriously, adding, “Debate with passion, listen with respect, and negotiate with purpose. Let this not just be a simulation but a statement that Africa’s youth are ready to lead, unite, and take ownership of their countries and the continent’s destiny.”

    Initiated by CEPASD, the Youth Model African Union Summit continues to stand as one of Africa’s leading experiential platforms for leadership and diplomacy, strengthening youth involvement in continental governance and advancing the vision of Agenda 2063.

  • Fed Govt, UNDP commit to net zero emission 2060

    Fed Govt, UNDP commit to net zero emission 2060

    The Resident Representative, United Nations Development Programme, UNDP, Ms. Elsie Atafuah has  disclosed that Nigeria and UNDP have united to ignite a movement that reflects the country’s bold commitments to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2060.

    This she said is also to conserve 30 percent of the land and marine ecosystems by 2030, noting that these targets are ambitious, but with the right partnerships and commitment, they are within reach, therefore they are not just launching a project but igniting a movement at both ends.

    Atafuah who was represented by Chidimma Blessed disclosed this at the

    Net Zero Nature Positive (NZNP) Project in  Abuja, a bold global initiative funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented in partnership with the United Nations Environmental Programme(UNEP), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and a coalition of national and international stakeholders, united in the commitment for climate action and nature restoration.

    She said, “Nigeria and the UNDP are united in its commitment to climate action and nature restoration. We know too well that the urgency is real, climate change is already disrupting lives and livelihoods, biodiversity loss is accelerating, and vulnerable communities are bearing the heaviest burdens. The Niger Delta, especially Rivers State and Bayelsa stands at the frontlines of these challenges.

    “This initiative aligns with Nigeria’s National Agenda on climate change mitigation and adaptation, as championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, under his leadership, Nigeria is accelerating efforts to implement the revised Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), advance the Energy Transition Plan, and drive forward policies that promote climate resilience, green growth, and environmental justice, especially in the Niger Delta region”.

    She assured that, through this project, they will work with state governments in Rivers and Bayelsa to integrate net-zero and nature-positive strategies into development planning. Support communities to champion restoration efforts that reflect cultural values and local wisdom. Partner with women’s cooperatives and youth networks by  ensuring they are not only beneficiaries but leaders of the green transition.

    Read Also: Ikeja Electric, LECAN trains 100 young electricians

    As UNDP “we are committed to working side by side with our partners, the  ministry of Environment, UNEP, the GEF, State governments, and local stakeholders to ensure this project delivers not just on global indicators, but also on the daily realities of farmers, fisherfolk, market women, youth entrepreneurs, and community custodians of nature”.

    Speaking, the Director Planning Research and Statistics, and the GEF focal point, ministry of Environment, Mrs. Aneke Agnes Nkechi said, this marks a significant step in Nigeria’s collective journey towards the transition to a Net Zero and Nature Positive future by promoting ecosystem restoration, expanding access to clean energy and de-risking sustainable investments. The project will also support Nigeria’s vision in achieving the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), Nature Positive Commitment by 2030 and Net Zero emission target by 2026.

  • FG, UNDP launch net zero nature positive initiative to drive climate action, ecosystem restoration

    FG, UNDP launch net zero nature positive initiative to drive climate action, ecosystem restoration

    The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative, Ms. Elsie Atafuah, has announced that Nigeria and the UNDP have joined forces to launch a transformative initiative aimed at achieving the country’s Net Zero emissions target by 2060 and conserving 30 percent of its land and marine ecosystems by 2030.

    Atafuah, represented by Chidimma Blessed, made the disclosure in Abuja at the launch of the Net Zero Nature Positive (NZNP) Project, a bold global initiative funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), UNDP, and other national and international stakeholders.

    She said the project represents more than a programme but a movement to accelerate climate action, nature restoration, and sustainable development in Nigeria.

    “Nigeria and the UNDP are united in their commitment to climate action and nature restoration. Climate change is already disrupting lives and livelihoods, biodiversity loss is accelerating, and vulnerable communities—especially in the Niger Delta—are bearing the heaviest burdens,” she said.

    According to Atafuah, the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s national agenda on climate change mitigation and adaptation, advancing the country’s Energy Transition Plan and revised Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

    She assured that the project would work closely with the governments of Rivers and Bayelsa states to integrate net-zero and nature-positive strategies into their development plans, while empowering women’s cooperatives and youth networks to take leadership roles in the green transition.

    Also speaking, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics and GEF Focal Point at the Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Aneke Agnes Nkechi, described the launch as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward a Net Zero and Nature Positive future.

    She said the initiative would promote ecosystem restoration, expand access to clean energy, de-risk sustainable investments, and support the country’s commitments to achieving its NDCs and nature-positive goals by 2030.

  • UNDP urges Nigeria to adopt national strategy on disaster risk reduction

    UNDP urges Nigeria to adopt national strategy on disaster risk reduction

    The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has urged Nigeria to adopt the National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy (2025 – 2030) and Action Plan.

    The resident representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Nigeria, Ms. Elsie Attaffua, explained that the national strategy was a blueprint for action against all forms of disaster in Nigeria.

    Ms. Attaffua, who was represented by the National Coordinator, UNDP GEF Small Grants Programme, Ibironke Olubamise, said the strategy document will guide the nation’s efforts to reduce risks associated with disasters, protect lives and livelihoods and ensure that no community is left behind.

    Speaking yesterday in Abuja at the National Validation Workshop for the National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy (2025 – 2030) and Action Plan, she noted that the urgency had become obvious because over the past decade, due to the frequent, intense and devastating nature of disasters.

    The disasters, according to her, include: floods, droughts, epidemics, and infrastructure failures.

    Attaffua recalled that Nigeria had recorded several flood disasters which had destroyed homes, farmlands and rendered many homeless, thereby forcing untold hardship to the people.

    According to her, “The UNDP through her GEF Small Grants Programme has supported over 220 community environmental initiatives in over 240 communities in 30 states in Nigeria. We have seen how floods have brought untold hardship to the communities, which are the first victims of most of these floods, if not all.”

    She stated that with Nigeria’s population projected to exceed 250 million within five years, the scale and severity of risk will only grow unless Nigeria acts decisively and collectively.

    Attaffuah noted that the strategy was rooted in Nigeria’s national priorities and aligned with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the African Union Programme of Action, the ECOWAS DRR Gender Strategy and Action Plan and the Regional Resilience Strategy for West Africa.

    Read Also: UNDP signs pact with REA to drive clean energy transition agenda 

    The Director General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs Zubaida Umar noted that Nigeria like many nations have continued to face increasing risks from natural hazards, pandemics, conflicts, environmental degradation, and the worsening impacts of climate change which pose threats not only to lives and livelihoods, but also to sustainable national economic development, peace, and security.

    Umar said the National DRR Strategy (2025-2030) and Action Plan (2025–2028) was a timely and strategic document designed to strengthen and institutionalise resilience across critical sectors of the country.

    She said it was anchored on the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, while aligning with Nigeria’s and other global commitments.

    “The strategy provides a coordinated, inclusive, and forward-looking approach to reduce disaster risks, adapt to climate change, and safeguard our development gains,” she said.

    She expressed hope that Nigeria’s disaster management approach would, through the strategy, transform from reactive to proactive, preventive, and resilient

  • UNDP signs pact with REA to drive clean energy transition agenda 

    UNDP signs pact with REA to drive clean energy transition agenda 

    The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) have formalized a landmark partnership to accelerate Nigeria’s clean energy transition, boost innovation, and prepare a future-ready workforce.

    The collaboration will focus on five core pillars — energizing education and innovation, expanding skills development, supporting state-level policy reforms, unlocking innovative financing, and advancing research and communication — to deliver sustainable and inclusive growth.

    At the signing ceremony in Abuja, Dr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu, MD/CEO of REA, described the partnership as “a game-changer for Nigeria’s clean energy future and emphasized that, the initiative will build on ongoing Federal Government renewable energy scale-up efforts, unlock opportunities in local content and manufacturing, and drive sustainable investment”.

    “Our goal is to position Nigeria as a renewable energy hub, reduce governance costs, and catalyze innovation, research, and development,” Aliyu said.

    Read Also: UNDP inaugurates 26kw solar-powered cold room

    MD REA added, “The REA-UNDP partnership pillars are specifically targeted at advancing ongoing efforts in the clean energy space in Nigeria, catalyzing opportunities across critical ecosystems and unlocking the full potentials in innovation, R&D, local expertise and sustainable investment”. 

    Abba emphasized the value of turning Nigeria into the renewable energy hub of Nigeria, leveraging the huge energy market in Nigeria and exploring practical strategies on local content, local manufacturing and innovative finance.

    This, he said, will cut cost of governance and advance sustainability.

    Speaking during the signing ceremony, Ms. Elsie G. Attafuah, UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria stated that, “This collaboration with the Rural Electrification Agency is a bold step toward a more sustainable and prosperous Nigeria. Our partnership will not only provide access to clean energy but also serve as a powerful engine for innovation, youth empowerment, and job creation. We are moving beyond simply powering communities to igniting their full potential.” 

    Elsie emphasized how important it is for the nation to transform its natural resources, such lithium, into impactful renewable products like the lithium battery systems. 

    She explained that innovation, research and development must continue to form a central part of learning institutions to catalyze the creation of green jobs in Nigeria.

  • UNDP inaugurates 26kw solar-powered cold room

    UNDP inaugurates 26kw solar-powered cold room

    The Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP), implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has inaugurated a 26kw second phase solar-powered cold room in Sagbokoji fishing community, Lagos State.

    Sagbokoji is a riverine island community, surrounded by water and located in Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State, opposite Tin-Can Island.

    GEF-SGP UNDP Programme Management Senior Assistant, Mrs Rose Agbo, said the project was to support women in riverine areas, who formerly used charcoal and firewood to preserve their fishing produce.

    Agbo, who represented Mrs Ibironke Olubamise, the national coordinator, GEF-SGP UNDP, said the organisation learnt about the challenges faced through the New Energy Frontiers (NEF) Group.

    “So, we approved a project that is focused on addressing climate issues and then we noticed the population has no access to electricity.

    “They are basically fish farmers and women seafood processors. So in order to address the issue of food security and post-harvest losses, we provided climate-smart solar cold room storage for the coastal community.

    “This will enable them to store their fishes and also generate income that will impact their livelihood as well.

    “Today’s inauguration also features a field visit comprising representatives of 10 NGOs, who are SGP grantees and 10 young energy innovators from across tertiary institutions in Nigeria, who are past or current energy innovation competition prize winners.

    “The study tour will foster knowledge sharing on practical approaches for implementing high-impact community action projects, using case study of Sagbokoji solar cold hub success story,” she said.

    The Chairman, NEF Group, Dr Daniel Adeuyi, said the inauguration was phase two of the solar Sagbokoji cold-room project.

    According to him, ‘’this follows the first phase that was inaugurated in 2023 to help preserve the fish and sea food harvest by the community.

    “Over the last two years, we have gathered real time data of how this intervention has supported this community.

    “In the process, we’ve also identified opportunities for upscaling the intervention to do more really for boosting economic growth within this coastal community, based on the empirical data and fact.

    “The phase two enhancement was able to secure additional support from the funders at GEF-SGP UNDP to expand this infrastructure and attract CSR support from Jubaili Bros Engineering Ltd.” 

    Adeuyi said: “What we are inaugurating today represents a four -fold increase in the combined capacity in the energy generation infrastructure from 6 kW to 26 kW of solar power generation capacity.

    “The inverter capacity used for energy conversion more than doubled from 10kKVA to 23kKVA and the combined battery energy storage capacity increased by five folds from 10kW hours to 50 kW hours of battery energy storage.

    “So, that means more power can be generated during the daytime and more cooling products and services can be delivered from this infrastructure.

    “This will enable continuous operation of the larger cold room when the sun is not shining and on cloudy periods.

    “Beyond cooling, this enhanced infrastructure creates the foundations for pilot independent electricity distribution system model.

    “So, electricity can now be distributed from this infrastructure to other productive hubs in Sagbokoji community where cleaner energy is needed for powering productive economic activities.”

    On challenges, Adekunle Makinde, the co-chair, NEF, said they were partnering with the community to create an enabling environment of training of workers, sourcing of experienced workers, who can operate and maintain this infrastructure.

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    “We are also inviting the community to nominate young men or women who can understudy those experienced operators and also ultimately be able to gain the skill and knowledge.

    “This will enable them to progressively handle the operation with some support and minimal intervention from the project developers.

    “Honestly, it is a bit challenging environment to get workers who will commute daily, and the phase 2 inauguration today also includes an onsite accommodation, thereby creating an enabling environment for the workers,” he said.

    Mrs Jiselle Azankpo, the leader, Fish Sellers Association, Sagbokoji, said they were so happy that the NGO had completed the expansion plans of the solar cold room.

    According to her, this will allow more fishing women in the community to benefit from the project.

    She assured them that the infrastructure would be carefully maintained, noting that they would not spoil any of the equipment given to them.

    Welcoming the NGOs to his palace, the Baale of Sagbokoji community, Chief Ovime Anthony, said the expansion plan would develop the town and bring more prosperity to them.

  • Foundation, UNDP launch initiative to heal police-public mistrust in Katsina

    Foundation, UNDP launch initiative to heal police-public mistrust in Katsina

    In a bid to address growing mistrust and trauma affecting police-public relations, the CLEEN Foundation, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), on Sunday launched a five-day workshop in Katsina aimed at rebuilding trust between law enforcement agencies and local communities.

    The workshop, described as a groundbreaking effort, forms part of a broader initiative spanning multiple states to establish long-term structures for police-community collaboration.

    Its goal is to foster mutual understanding, address the psychological wounds of insecurity, and ultimately build safer societies.

    Speaking at the opening session, Professor Etannibi Alemika, a board member and facilitator for the foundation, emphasised that the programme is not a one-off intervention but a strategic effort to promote sustained partnerships between the police, civil society, non-governmental organisations, the media, and professionals.

    Read Also: UNDP, GJF rethink governance, building trust in Sahel

    “This is not your typical one-off meeting,” Alemika said. “We are building sustained partnerships between the police and civil society because security is a shared responsibility.”

    He further explained that the heart of the programme lies in a two-pronged approach: firstly, to repair fractured relationships by improving communication and cooperation between law enforcement and the public, and secondly, to address the lingering trauma that insecurity has inflicted on communities.

    The initiative is expected to serve as a model for community policing efforts across Nigeria, paving the way for stronger civic engagement and lasting peace.

    ”The second, which is equally critical, centres on trauma, training officers to recognise emotional distress in themselves and the public, especially in the context of violent encounters”

    ”The police need help too. They face constant pressure, fear, and violence. By giving them tools to cope, we’re helping them serve the public better. At the same time, communities dealing with trauma from raids, conflict, or violence will now have somewhere to turn”,

    ”Beyond psychological healing, the workshop also challenges both sides to fulfil their civic duties. Citizens are encouraged to respect the rule of law, while the police are urged to protect human rights and operate with empathy and fairness.

    ”If the police and the public don’t trust each other, we all suffer. But when we listen, respect, and support each other, security improves and so does society.”

    Katsina State Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Shehu, highlighted the psychological toll of policing, noting that officers are often first responders to violent and traumatic incidents, yet receive little support or recognition from the public for their mental health needs.

    He described trauma as a serious issue that comes in different forms, acute, chronic, and complex, adding that the workshop was timely, given the growing insecurity and stress officers face in the line of duty

    He urged citizens to cooperate more fully by testifying in court and following through on cases, stressing that convictions depend not just on police work, but on public participation in the justice process, mutual respect and better understanding of police roles

  • UNDP, GJF rethink governance, building trust in Sahel

    UNDP, GJF rethink governance, building trust in Sahel

    Efforts to tackle the persistent challenges facing the Sahel region are set to gain new momentum with the launch of the Sahel Governance Forum. 

    Against a backdrop of political instability, insecurity and economic hardship, the forum aims to serve as a crucial platform for redefining governance and promoting lasting solutions in the region.

    The inaugural edition of this landmark initiative will take place in The Gambia from July 30–31, 2025. 

    It is being convened in partnership with the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF), the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), the Office of the Special Coordinator for Development in the Sahel (OSCDS) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

    The Sahel is no doubt at a crossroads. From Mali to Burkina Faso and from Chad to Niger, democratic institutions are under severe strain. Military coups, insurgent violence, disinformation campaigns, and the marginalization of youth and women have combined to undermine peace and good governance. In this context, the Forum was convened not merely as a conference but as an incubator for resilience, a platform where leaders, civil society, and international partners could collectively chart a path forward.

    Crucially, the Forum has come to serve as a convener of dialogue at a time when dialogue is under constraint. With rising authoritarian tendencies and waning trust in electoral processes, forums such as this become sanctuaries for democratic discourse. The Sahel Governance Forum, therefore, is more than an event, it is a defiant stand for inclusive governance, institutional strengthening, and sustainable peace.

    This is knowing that at the heart of the governance conundrum in the Sahel lies a deeper legitimacy crisis. When citizens lose faith in the state’s ability, or willingness to deliver justice, security, and opportunity, governance becomes fragile, and the potential for unrest multiplies. This is why the Forum’s focus on social cohesion and trust is not only timely but essential.

    The conference is being availed further weight by the enduring legacy of Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, former President of Nigeria and a globally recognized champion of peace and democracy. Through the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, he has consistently advanced the ideals of democracy, reconciliation, and good governance, particularly in conflict-prone societies. His presence and active leadership at the Forum underscores his deep commitment to these values.

    Dr. Jonathan’s post-presidency has become a case study in transformative leadership. Rather than retreat into quiet retirement, he has thrown his weight behind peace mediation efforts, electoral integrity missions, and democratic reforms across Africa. His role in helping to peacefully resolve political crises in The Gambia (2016-2017), Mali, and elsewhere, attests to his diplomatic clout and unwavering belief in democracy as a tool for development.

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    The Foundation he leads has become a respected pan-African institution, convening stakeholders, producing research, and advocating for policies that deepen democratic practice, especially in leading mediation missions during elections in order to prevent election related crises in the nations of the subregion. Through its work, GJF has built a bridge between theory and practice, between policymakers and the people, and between conflict and consensus.

    What makes the Sahel Governance Forum especially significant is its collaborative DNA. The GJF, in joining forces with the UNDP, UNOWAS, OSCDS, underscores the necessity of multilateral approaches to the region’s complex governance challenges.

    Each partner brings to the table a wealth of experience, institutional capacity, and local knowledge. UNOWAS offers political insight and regional strategy. OSCDS brings in development-oriented perspectives crucial to tackling root causes of fragility. The UNDP contributed its global development lens, with special attention to inclusive governance and capacity building.

    The GJF which hosts the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) brings to bear on the process, the wealth of experience and wisdom of the subregion’s former Presidents and statesmen who populate the body as members.

    Together, these institutions forged a coalition of intent; intent on restoring citizen trust, empowering local governance structures, and promoting peaceful political transitions.

    Hosting the inaugural Forum in The Gambia is a symbolic masterstroke. Once under autocratic rule, The Gambia has emerged in recent years as a hopeful example of democratic renewal. Its peaceful transition of power in 2017, in which Dr. Jonathan played a mediating role, highlighted the power of dialogue over violence. By returning to Banjul to host this Forum, the region was reminded of what is possible when democracy is protected and nurtured.

    President Adama Barrow’s administration, in hosting the Forum, affirms its commitment to regional leadership on governance. 

    The success of the Sahel Governance Forum must not be measured solely by the speeches delivered or communiqués released. Its real legacy will lie in how effectively its recommendations are implemented, how robustly its networks are maintained, and how consistently its spirit of dialogue is kept alive. Forums come and go, but institutions and movements must endure.

    This is where the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation can play a unique role. With its growing influence, it can serve as a moral compass and a strategic convener, helping to translate forum outcomes into real-world impact. Its independence and credibility position it well to act as a bridge between governments, civil society, and international partners.

    The Sahel Governance Forum is a model worth replicating across Africa, a model rooted in inclusive dialogue, multilateral collaboration, and African leadership. It is a timely reminder that Africa’s governance challenges, while formidable, are not insurmountable.

    Dr. Goodluck Jonathan’s vision of “democracy as a tool for peace” continues to resonate across the continent. His Foundation, through initiatives like this Forum, is helping to build the scaffolding for a more stable, democratic, and prosperous Sahel.

    The work is far from over, but the journey has begun. And thanks to the Sahel Governance Forum, it is a journey that now has direction, allies, and renewed hope.

  • YEEP Summit: Foundation partners Reps Deputy Speaker, UNDP, NYSC, others to drive youth economic growth

    YEEP Summit: Foundation partners Reps Deputy Speaker, UNDP, NYSC, others to drive youth economic growth

    Activate Success International Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), has said it is partnering with the Office of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives to empower young entrepreneurs through the National Youth Entrepreneurship Empowerment Program (YEEP’25) Summit.

    In a statement, on Saturday, the founder of the Foundation, Love Idoko-Uloko announced a lineup of other esteemed partners to include top government agencies, international organizations, and private sector companies.

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    According to her, the top government  ministries and the critical stakeholders outside the Office of the Deputy Speaker,  are the Federal Ministry of Youth Development; Federal Ministry of Women Affairs; the National Youth Service Corps; Nestle Nigeria;  United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); JAMUB Group;  Crown Luxury Properties, and YIAGA Africa.

    Idoko-Uloko said that the event aims to equip young entrepreneurs with the necessary tools, grants, and mentorship to succeed in their venturess.

    She said the YEEP’25 summit scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja will bring together young entrepreneurs, industry experts, and policymakers to share knowledge, experiences, and resources, expressing profound gratitude to the partners,” Idoko-Uloko said.