POLITICS & CULTURE: THE JOURNEY FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA
Join us on Thursday, November 5th, 2020 for a virtual conversation on Zoom about politics & culture: a journey to good governance in Nigeria. This virtual event will bring together members in the Diaspora and people passionate about the #EndSars movement and good governance in Nigeria.
PANEL TOPIC & CONVERSIONS: The Future of Nigeria and Good Governance panel – hosted by SiAD.
#EndSARS isn’t just about police brutality. It’s about the future of Nigeria and good governance. The movement to #EndSARS ignited and has quickly grown into a global rallying cry due to the activism of Nigerian women and youth. Join the Conversation and share ideas on how members in the Diaspora can influence the change we want to see to make a difference in Nigeria. The EndSAS movement has defined political consciousness in Nigeria and It will lead to a higher turnout in 2023 election and help define campaign issues for the 2023 election, accountability and good govern-ance.
The EndSARS protests have been compared to the Black Lives Matter fight against police brutality in the US. It has attracted massive global support with solidarity protests in UK, US, Germany, and other parts of the world. Celebrities such as Kanye West, John Boyega and Rihanna among a host of others gave their support, shining a global spotlight on the #EndSARS
Economic inequality has reached extreme levels in Nigeria, according to the United Nation Human Rights Commission, while Oxfam reported that in 2019 close to 70% of the country’s population lives below the poverty line. Young people under 30 make up more than 40% of Nigeria’s population. They face severe hardship and chronic unemployment. According to Chatham House, “If Nigeria’s unemployed youth were its own country, it would be larger than Tunisia or Belgium.”
EVENT HOSTS: SOCIETY FOR AFRICANS IN THE DIASPORA
Date: Thursday, Nov 5th. 6 PM (CT) and 7 PM EDT
PANELISTS
Harry Akinola
Global Head of Learning & Development, Puma Energy Founder, Africa Shift Initiatives & Ushift
Niyi Ojuolape
Nigerian Diplomat, United Nations Population Fund’s UNFPA Country Representative to Ghana.
Dr. Lilian Ajayi-Ore
New York University Faculty & Founder/CEO,
Global Connections for Women Foundation (GC4W)
David D. Simons
CEO and Founder of Kingdom Social Media,
Adjunct Professor at Temple University, Klein College of Media and Communication
Attorney Steve Okoroha
Executive Director of Pan-African Legal Services
Goodman
MODERATOR
Seun Ariyo and Ayo Shofoluwe
Event Link: Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4060847075?pwd=cHJadEdqZFpJUVBrTHprNW03d3o0Zz09
In the meantime, please do let me know if you have any questions. Look forward to seeing everyone on Thursday!
Conversations:
- What role does Diaspora should play in the development of Nigeria and why is it important for the diaspora to join in the movement of EndSARS?
- Has Nigerian youth found its voice with the EndSARS protest movement? with this protest movement, they are making their voices heard and speaking up against violence, harassment, extortion, and good governance? Can there be peace, stability, and development in Nigeria? What are your thoughts?
- A democratic government is accountable to the people. It has the responsibility to fulfill its end of the social contract, while public officials (political office holders and civil servants) are social servants; they serve society and the population. The government has the responsibility to ensure equality and promote fundamental human rights. Is there a difference between GOOD GOVERNANCE and human rights, How can we achieve accountability, transparency, and great leadership?
- What are the strategies and approaches that can be employed in integrating diaspora into the conversation going on at the moment and How can we ensure the youth have a voice in politics and decision making at the local level and national level?
- How can the Diaspora participate more and influence in public decision-making through civil society organizations and democratic elections?
- Governance and political leadership in Nigeria have been driven by self-interest and other primordial considerations, which take priority over that of the public. The state has failed in three major areas: security of lives and properties, promotion of the rule of law, and provision of visionary leadership. Can you suggest a way forward or blueprint to solve the problems?
- What advice can you give Nigerians in the Diaspora who are interested in participating in leadership or political initiatives on the continent but are not sure how and where to start?
- How can we use resources like social media and other technological platforms to integrate and encourage Africans in the Diaspora to join the efforts aimed at creating an electoral culture on the continent?
- How can we ensure the youth have a voice in politics and decision making at the local level and national level?
