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Veekee James’ 31st Birthday Photos Come With the Sweetest Surprise: Baby Eliana

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By Prosper Mene

Award-winning Nigerian fashion designer Veekee James celebrated her 31st birthday on June 9, 2026, in the most heartwarming way possible — by finally unveiling the face of her newborn daughter, Eliana Adeife Atere, to the world.

The creative director of Veekee James and convener of the popular Zion Warship gospel concert shared a series of stunning professional photos featuring herself and her five-week-old princess. In the captions, the new mom described motherhood as “the greatest gift” she received this year.

“The greatest gift is the title I earned this year: MOTHER!” she wrote, expressing deep gratitude for the blessing of her daughter.

Baby Eliana was born on May 2, 2026, at 7:12 p.m. in Lagos, weighing 3.83 kg and measuring 53.5 cm. Her full name, Eliana Adeife Atere, carries beautiful spiritual significance: “Eliana” is of Hebrew origin, combining “EL” (God) and “ANA” (He has answered), meaning “God has answered.” The couple had been open about their journey to conception.

Fans and followers have flooded social media with congratulatory messages, gushing over the baby’s chubby cheeks, wide eyes, and striking resemblance to both parents. Many noted how the photos perfectly captured the joy of Veekee’s new chapter as a wife and mother alongside her husband, Femi Atere.

A Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and celebrated designer known for her exquisite corsets and bridal creations, Veekee James has built a reputation not just for her fashion prowess but for her authenticity and faith-driven lifestyle. This birthday reveal marks a beautiful milestone in her personal journey, blending her public success with private joy.

Happy 31st Birthday, Veekee James! Wishing you, Femi, and little Eliana a lifetime of love, health, and continued blessings

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Nairobi Summit Forges New Path: African Women Demand Ownership of the Continent’s Economic Future

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By Prosper Mene

The seventh annual Africa Soft Power Summit brought together women executives, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and creative leaders from across the continent—not to seek opportunities in the usual sense, but to claim ownership of Africa’s growing influence, capital flows, and cultural assets.

Under the overarching theme “Africa’s Compound Interest,” the gathering framed economic growth not as abstract GDP figures, but as a compounding mechanism that must primarily benefit Africans themselves. Founder Dr. Nkiru Balonwu set the tone early, challenging delegates: countries that shape the world align their capital with their culture, talent with markets, and innovation with ownership.

Shifting from Visibility to Value Capture

Key discussions moved beyond traditional empowerment narratives. Panels emphasized women’s leadership as critical economic infrastructure. Uche Ofodile, CEO of MTN Benin, stressed that diverse leadership improves information flows and decision-making within organizations. Joyce-Ann Wainaina of Chui Ventures highlighted stark funding disparities: despite Africa boasting more female entrepreneurs than any other continent, women-founded startups captured less than 1% of venture capital in recent years.

In the beauty and wellness sector— one of the continent’s fastest-growing market, speakers like Sneha Mehta of Uncover and Cheryl Itemere Arunga of Endeavor Kenya argued against category bias that dismisses these businesses as merely “aspirational.” They positioned them instead as drivers of employment, value chains, and cultural confidence.

Concrete Commitments and Bold Visions

High-profile voices reinforced the message. H.E. Zainab Hawa Bangura, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Director-General of the UN Office at Nairobi, declared that Africa is shifting global conversations rather than merely reacting to them. Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Culture, Ummi Bashir, cited culture as the foundation—not the backdrop—of development.

In sessions on the female economy, actress and producer Rita Dominic drew from Nollywood’s history to distinguish visibility from ownership: “Visibility gets you hired. Ownership gets you paid for life.” Fellow panelist Wandia Gichuru of Vivo Fashion Group shared the frustration of advertising dollars flowing out of the continent, while Rukky Ladoja of Dye Lab announced a major step forward—establishing a production facility and innovation center in Ibadan, Nigeria, to build local capacity in the garment value chain.

Day two turned to technology and creativity. Speakers addressed AI sovereignty, narrative control, and the creative economy as “the new crude,” urging Africans to build and own their platforms and stories rather than exporting talent or content for others’ benefit.

A Call for Systemic Change

Throughout the summit, recurring themes emerged: the need for better capital allocation to women-led ventures, stronger local value capture, investment in skills and infrastructure, and deliberate alignment between culture, finance, and human capital. Participants acknowledged progress—such as the scaling of initiatives like the 2X Challenge—but stressed that the real work lies in positioning African businesses to seize available opportunities.

As the event concluded, the message was clear: Africa’s soft power, its culture, creativity, and human talent represents immense compound potential. The women who gathered in Nairobi are determined to ensure that this interest accrues to the continent’s own people, building enduring economic power rather than temporary visibility.

The summit signals a maturing conversation on the continent, one that moves from dependency and external aid toward self-determined growth, ownership, and shared prosperity. For many attendees, it was not just another conference, but a pivotal coordination moment for Africa’s next chapter.

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Atiku Laments Abduction of Ex-Minister Adelabu’s Sister, Twin Nephews

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By Prosper Mene

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly condemned the abduction of the sister and twin sons of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, describing the incident as a stark reflection of Nigeria’s worsening insecurity crisis.

Gunmen abducted Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul (also referred to as Busayo Adelabu John-Paul), the younger sister of Chief Adelabu, along with her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, in the early hours of Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at the Elewura-Challenge area in Ibadan South West Local Government Area of Oyo State.

According to reports, the victims were attacked while heading out in a red Hyundai sedan near the bustling Challenge area. The gunmen, reportedly in a silver Toyota Corolla, whisked them away, abandoning the family’s vehicle with doors left open. Oyo State Police Command has since recovered the vehicle and deployed tactical teams in a bid to rescue the victims.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku expressed deep solidarity with the Adelabu family and called for the immediate and unconditional release of the victims.

“The abduction of the sister and twin nephews of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, once again demonstrates the worsening state of insecurity in the country,” Atiku said. “No one is safe under the current administration.”

The former Vice President, who was the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, urged security agencies to deploy all available resources to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators. He described the brazen daytime operation in a busy part of Ibadan as alarming and indicative of the deteriorating security situation across Nigeria.

The Adelabu family has confirmed the incident and appealed for calm while expressing confidence in security agencies to secure the release of their loved ones.

The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to which Chief Adelabu belongs, also condemned the abduction, urging Governor Seyi Makinde to take decisive steps to address the rising wave of insecurity in the state.

This latest incident has heightened public anxiety in Oyo State, coming amid other recent security breaches, including school abductions near Ogbomoso and attacks on public facilities. Residents have voiced outrage over what many perceive as the government’s inability to stem the tide of urban and rural kidnappings.

Chief Adebayo Adelabu, a prominent APC chieftain and former governorship aspirant in Oyo State, served as Minister of Power under President Bola Tinubu’s administration until his resignation earlier this year.

As of the time of filing this report, no group has claimed responsibility for the abduction, and the victims’ whereabouts remain unknown. Security operatives continue to intensify efforts to track down the kidnappers.

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𝗡𝗥𝗠 𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗘𝘀𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗢𝗸𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗸𝗲 𝗮𝘀 2027 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 ‎

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By Prosper Mene

The National Rescue Movement (NRM) has formally nominated Nollywood actress and philanthropist Dr. Esther Nkem Okereke as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.

Okereke, popularly known in the entertainment industry, emerged as the party’s consensus candidate after a screening process and national convention held in Abuja on Friday. She defeated two other aspirants — Ademola Joseph Onigbokun and Oluwadare Joseph Faduri — to clinch the ticket.

Party leaders described her emergence as a strategic move to inject fresh leadership and rescue Nigeria from what they termed years of systemic failure, economic hardship, insecurity, and corruption.

In her acceptance speech, Dr. Okereke expressed deep humility and commitment to the task ahead.

“Today, with deep humility, a profound sense of duty, and unwavering faith in the destiny of our beloved nation, I stand before you to formally accept this nomination as the Presidential Candidate and standard bearer of the National Rescue Movement.”

She described her candidacy as “a sacred assignment” aimed at national renewal and vowed to tackle key challenges facing the country.

The National Chairman of the NRM, Prince (Dr) Chinedu Obi, praised the transparency of the process, noting that Okereke was the only aspirant who fully met all constitutional and party requirements. He positioned the 2027 election as a critical opportunity for Nigerians to choose genuine change.

Who is Esther Okereke?

Dr. Esther Nkem Okereke is a seasoned Nollywood actress and film producer known for her roles in movies such as A Woman’s Plight, Wedding Saga, and Crux. She is also recognized for her philanthropic work and business interests across multiple sectors. Her supporters often refer to her as Dr. NEO.

Her entry into the presidential race adds a unique dimension to the evolving 2027 political landscape, joining a growing list of opposition figures expected to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and other major contenders.

Political analysts view the NRM as a relatively young but ambitious party seeking to carve a niche through unconventional leadership recruitment.

As the political atmosphere heats up toward 2027, all eyes will be on how Dr. Esther Okereke translates her popularity in the entertainment industry into broad-based political support across Nigeria’s diverse regions.

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Help free abducted Oyo teachers, students, NANS urges Oluremi Tinubu

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By Prosper Mene

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), South-West Zone D, has appealed to Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to intervene in the ongoing abduction of teachers and students in Oyo State.

In a statement on Friday, May 29, 2026, NANS urged the First Lady to leverage her influence and ongoing state visit to Ekiti State to push for the immediate and safe release of the victims kidnapped from schools in Ahoro Esienle community, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The abduction occurred on May 16, 2026, when armed gunmen launched coordinated attacks on three schools: Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esienle, Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, and another primary school in the area. The attackers abducted approximately 39 students (including young pupils as young as two years old) and seven teachers.

One of the abducted teachers, a mathematics instructor identified as Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed and beheaded by the kidnappers. President Bola Tinubu condemned the killing as “barbaric and unacceptable” and assured that security agencies are intensifying efforts to rescue the remaining victims.

NANS South-West leadership expressed solidarity with the affected families and students, describing the continued captivity as unacceptable. The group called on the First Lady to use “the influence and moral authority of her office” to draw national attention to the plight of the victims, accelerate rescue operations, and advocate for better protection of schools nationwide.

The students’ body also announced plans to stage a solidarity protest and advocacy rally in Oyo State on Monday, June 1, 2026, to demand urgent action from security agencies.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has been providing regular updates on the situation. Security forces, including tactical teams from the police and intelligence response units, have been deployed, with operations extending into neighbouring Kwara State forests. Several suspects believed to be informants or logistics providers for the kidnappers have been arrested.

President Tinubu, while marking Children’s Day, reiterated that the abducted children and teachers “are not forgotten” and pledged intensified coordinated rescue efforts alongside stronger protection for schools in vulnerable areas.

As of Friday, the victims remain in captivity amid ongoing search operations complicated by terrain and weather conditions. Families continue to await their safe return.

NANS affirmed its commitment to supporting all lawful efforts to secure the release of the abducted students and teachers.

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Children’s Day: FG Pledges Equal Opportunities for Every Nigerian Child

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By Prosper Mene

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to providing equal opportunities and inclusive education for every Nigerian child, as the nation celebrates Children’s Day on May 27, 2026.

Speaking at the national celebration, the Minister of Education, Professor Maruf Alausa, described the day as a powerful reminder of the country’s responsibility to invest in the future of its children through quality education, improved well-being, and unrestricted access to opportunities regardless of background, location, or ability.

“Every Nigerian child deserves to feel seen, heard, and supported. Today, we renew our pledge to build an education system that leaves no child behind,” the minister said.

The 2026 celebration, themed “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,” highlights the government’s focus on inclusive policies, protection of children’s rights, and the creation of safe learning environments across the country.

The event, hosted by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and other stakeholders, featured parades, cultural displays, and engagements with children from various schools and backgrounds.

Government officials stressed ongoing efforts to address challenges such as out-of-school children, gender disparities in education, and vulnerabilities faced by children with disabilities. The FG highlighted initiatives aimed at expanding access to quality education, strengthening child protection systems, and promoting equal opportunities nationwide.

In his remarks, the minister commended the resilience and potential of Nigerian children while calling on parents, educators, and society to join hands in nurturing the next generation.

“Children are not just the leaders of tomorrow — they are the foundation of our today. Their dreams must be matched with deliberate actions and investments,” he added.

The Federal Government continues to partner with organisations such as UNICEF and civil society groups to advance child rights and development programmes.

As Nigeria marks this special day, the message remains clear: the future of the nation depends on empowering every child with the tools, opportunities, and protection they need to thrive.

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‎𝗦𝗮𝗻𝘄𝗼-𝗢𝗹𝘂, 𝗛𝗮𝗺𝘇𝗮𝘁 𝗽𝗮𝘆 𝗘𝗶𝗱-𝗲𝗹-𝗞𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗿 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗧𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗯𝘂, 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗮𝗴𝗼𝘀

by Women Times on

Lagos, Nigeria – May 27, 2026

By Prosper Mene 

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, accompanied by his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, on Wednesday paid a festive courtesy visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as part of activities marking Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

The visit, which took place in Lagos, underscored the cordial relationship between the Lagos State Government and the Presidency. Governor Sanwo-Olu described it as a moment of goodwill and an opportunity to reaffirm the strong working partnership between the state and federal governments for the progress of Lagos and the nation.

In a statement on his verified X handle, Governor Sanwo-Olu wrote: “Together with the Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, we visited His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and our First Lady, HE Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as part of the Eid el Kabir celebrations. It is always a pleasure to have the President back home to Lagos.”

The leaders were pictured in warm, celebratory moods, dressed in traditional attire befitting the occasion. The visit followed the Eid prayers earlier in the day at the Dodan Barracks Prayer Ground, where President Tinubu joined Governor Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Hamzat, and other dignitaries for prayers focused on peace, unity, and national progress.

Eid-el-Kabir, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most significant celebrations in the Islamic calendar, commemorating Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. The festival emphasizes themes of sacrifice, generosity, tolerance, and communal harmony.

President Tinubu, who is in Lagos for the festivities, used the occasion to urge Nigerians to embrace values of love, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence. The presence of the Lagos State leadership at both the prayer ground and the courtesy visit highlights the collaborative spirit between federal and state institutions.

Political observers view the visit as a demonstration of loyalty, unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC), and continued alignment between the President and his political base in Lagos, where he previously served as Governor.

The brief but symbolic engagement ended with prayers for the continued well-being of the President, the First Lady, and the nation at large.

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Coco Gauff Begins French Open Title Defence with Dominant Straight-Sets Win Over Taylor Townsend

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By Prosper Mene

Defending champion Coco Gauff launched her bid for a second consecutive French Open title with a commanding 6-4, 6-4 victory over fellow American Taylor Townsend in the first round at Roland Garros on Tuesday.

The world No. 4, who claimed her first Roland Garros crown in 2025 by defeating Aryna Sabalenka in the final, overcame an early setback to dispatch Townsend 6-4, 6-0 in one hour and 20 minutes on Court Philippe-Chatrier.

Gauff found herself down 1-3 in the opening set but reeled off 11 of the final 12 games to seize control. She broke her opponent six times overall, showcasing the precise movement, powerful returns, and baseline dominance that have defined her clay-court resurgence.

The match carried extra emotional weight as the two Americans are close friends off the court. They shared a warm embrace at the net following the contest, with Gauff acknowledging the challenge of facing a familiar opponent in the opening round.

“Taylor and I have known each other for so long,” Gauff said afterward. “This is I think our first match on tour. So, we know each other off the court, but on the court, not so well.”

The victory extends Gauff’s winning streak at Roland Garros and highlights her strong recent form on the surface. Conditions were notably challenging, with temperatures in Paris approaching 100°F (nearly 38°C), yet the 22-year-old American said the heat ultimately aided her performance.

Gauff will now prepare for a second-round matchup against Egyptian qualifier Mayar Sherif on Thursday as she seeks to become the first woman to successfully defend the French Open title since Justine Henin in 2007.

Townsend, known for her crafty left-handed game and doubles prowess, pushed Gauff early but could not sustain the momentum against the defending champion’s superior athleticism and consistency.

Gauff’s successful title defence opener signals her intent to build on last year’s breakthrough, where she became the first American woman to win the French Open singles title since Serena Williams in 2015.

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SWAN Expands Educational Support to Boys’ Schools, Collaborates with NDLEA to Combat Youth Drug Abuse

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The Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN) has expanded its annual Equipping School Library Project to include boys’ schools across Lagos State. The initiative now combines the donation of books and educational materials with mentorship sessions focused on career development and social vices, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

For the 2026 edition, the beneficiary schools include Boys Academy Senior and Junior Schools, Sura, Obalende; Ajayi Crowther Memorial Senior Grammar School, Bariga; Archdeacon Adelaja Senior High School, Bariga; and Army Cantonment Boys Senior and Junior Secondary Schools, Ojo.

During the outreach, Mrs. Blessing Osakwe-Ogo (JP), SWAN’s National Chairperson, emphasised the Society’s commitment to empowerment and education for both genders. She highlighted the importance of access to quality educational resources for the intellectual growth and future success of young people.

“SWAN believes in knowledge, research, exploration, learning, and continuous improvement. Without knowledge, both students and professionals cannot attain their full potential. This is why equipping school libraries with professional and contemporary books remains one of our core objectives,” she explained.

The initiative aims to empower and inspire both the girl-child and boy-child, foster a reading culture among secondary school pupils, raise awareness about SWAN and the accounting profession, donate books to school libraries, establish SWAN Future Accountants’ Clubs, and organise quiz competitions, among other goals.

Osakwe-Ogo urged students to develop the habit of reading and to utilise their school libraries for research and personal growth, regardless of financial constraints. She also introduced the students to the accounting profession as a versatile and highly sought-after career path offering numerous opportunities for advancement and leadership, outlining pathways to becoming Chartered Accountants.

Encouraging the boys to stay focused on their future, she advised: “Study hard, stay disciplined, and avoid distractions. Prioritise your education, complete your secondary schooling successfully, and pursue higher education to achieve success in life.”

She also called on teachers to maintain supportive, approachable relationships with students to encourage open communication when they face challenges or need guidance.

Mrs. Ronke Akeredolu, Chairperson of the SWAN Equipping School Library Project Committee, noted that since the initiative was revived in 2021, SWAN has positively impacted many young people through book donations, in-house quiz competitions, and the creation of Future Accountants’ Clubs.

Akeredolu praised the successful extension of the programme to boys’ schools and appreciated the dedication of the project committee members.

Beyond academic and career support, the Society addressed the rising concern of drug abuse among youths. During a lecture, Ms. Latifat Fatola, Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics at the NDLEA, warned students of the biological and psychological dangers linked to substance abuse.

“Stay away from drugs and negative peer pressure because the brain is not fully developed until about age 25. Substance abuse affects the frontal lobe responsible for judgment and decision-making. Every choice you make today will affect your future, so live responsibly, maintain good character, and strive to become the best version of yourself,” Fatola advised.

Mrs. Oyebanjo Felicia, Vice Principal of Archdeacon Adelaja Senior High School, expressed gratitude to SWAN for the donation, noting it would motivate students to read more and improve academically. She urged alumni associations and corporate organisations to follow suit.

Mr. Olayinka Adeniji, Vice Principal of Ajayi Crowther Memorial Senior Grammar School, described the initiative as “highly laudable,” adding that SWAN’s support complements government efforts to enhance educational standards.

“We are partners in progress. Whatever SWAN has provided will add value to the resources already available through the government. I believe the mentorship and engagement will positively influence students’ attitudes and outlook,” he said.

Mr. Ogunyemi Kayode, Principal of Boys Academy Senior School, Sura, Obalende, commended SWAN for extending the project to boys’ schools and for tackling the increasing menace of drug abuse among students.

Mr. Sobanke Olalekan, Principal of Boys Academy Junior School, praised the organisation’s support, asserting it would motivate students towards academic excellence.

Mrs. Tunde Idowu and Mrs. Mabo, Principal and Vice Principal of Army Cantonment Boys Senior and Junior Secondary Schools, Ojo, also expressed appreciation for SWAN’s efforts in raising awareness about drug dangers and encouraged the Society to continue the programme.

The event concluded with prizes being awarded to the top three winners of the quiz competitions held across participating schools, alongside the official inauguration and certification of newly established Accounting Clubs — further affirming SWAN’s commitment to nurturing future accounting professionals.

SWAN is the female arm of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, founded in 1978. Its mission is to unite female accountants, mentor young professionals, and provide a robust support network to help women excel both professionally and personally.

 

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𝗗𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘀 — 𝗘𝘇𝗲𝗸𝘄𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

 Dr. Obiageli “Oby” Ezekwesili has declared that democracy is not the exclusive property of politicians, but the sacred inheritance of the citizens who breathe life into it.

Speaking at recent engagements, including sessions convened by civil society networks on electoral integrity, the former World Bank Vice President and co-founder of #FixPolitics stressed that the fate of Nigeria’s democracy rests not in the hands of the political class, but in the collective will and vigilance of ordinary Nigerians.

“Democracy does not belong to politicians. Democracy belongs to the citizens,” Ezekwesili asserted. She warned that the continuous erosion of democratic norms, weak institutions, and declining public trust in electoral bodies like INEC are pushing the nation dangerously close to the brink of state failure.

Ezekwesili’s message comes at a critical time. With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, concerns are mounting over electoral transparency, the integrity of the electoral process, and the persistent capture of democratic spaces by a self-serving elite. She urged citizens to move beyond passive voting and embrace active, sustained participation in shaping governance.

Her words echo a deeper truth: when citizens abdicate their responsibility, politicians quickly treat public office as personal property. Nigeria’s history is littered with examples where the political class has prioritised personal and partisan interests over national development — from unfulfilled electoral promises to the weakening of accountability mechanisms.

“Stop playing with fire,” she cautioned in related interviews, emphasising that unclear electoral rules, lack of transparency, and repeated breaches of public trust are recipes for deeper national instability.

Ezekwesili’s philosophy aligns with her long-standing advocacy through initiatives like #FixPolitics and the School of Politics, Policy and Governance (SPPG), which aim to build a new generation of ethical, competent leaders while empowering citizens to demand better.

She has repeatedly argued that true democratic renewal requires:

Electoral reforms that leave no room for ambiguity or manipulation.

Stronger institutions insulated from political interference.

Active citizen engagement beyond election cycles — through oversight, advocacy, and holding leaders accountable.

Restoration of public trust in INEC and other democratic pillars.

Her message is particularly poignant for Nigeria’s youth and the Gen Z demographic, many of whom felt disillusioned after the controversies of the 2023 elections. Rather than retreat into apathy, Ezekwesili calls on them to channel their energy into organised, strategic action.

As Nigeria grapples with economic hardship, insecurity, and governance deficits, Ezekwesili’s words serve as both a warning and a rallying cry. Democracy is not a spectator sport. It demands vigilance, participation, and courage from those it is meant to serve.

The political class must be reminded that they are stewards, not owners, of the Nigerian project. Power ultimately flows from the people — and the people can reclaim it.

In the words of Dr. Ezekwesili: Nigeria does not belong to the political class. Nigeria belongs to Nigerian citizens.

The question now is whether citizens will rise to claim their democracy before it slips further away.

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