National leaders have challenged youths to lead Nigeria’s renewal, warning that meaningful change now depends on young citizens organizing, demanding accountability and driving sustained civic action.

They made the call on Wednesday night at the 15th anniversary of Enough is Enough Nigeria (EiE), held in Lagos, with the theme “Footprints and Frontlines”.

EiE is a civil society organisation advocating for accountable governance and citizen participation.

In a virtual keynote address, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, urged young Nigerians to lead change with courage and conviction.

She recalled her 2010 message to youths, saying it remained relevant.

“Do not wait and watch. Do not ask for permission. Get up, organise and make a difference,” she said.

Okonjo-Iweala noted that with 70 per cent of Nigeria’s population under 30, young people hold huge influence in shaping the country’s direction.

She urged them to use their numbers constructively while confronting persistent challenges such as unemployment and poor access to capital.

She praised EiE’s “Office of the Citizen” initiative for empowering communities to demand transparency and improved public services, adding that civic pressure was crucial for reform.

“Real change depends on organised, determined and courageous young citizens,” she said.

In his remarks, Emir of Kano and former Central Bank Governor, Mohammad Sanusi, said rebuilding Nigeria required honesty and collective responsibility.

“As citizens, we must remember this nation belongs to us. We have done enough damage. Enough is enough, we need to stop,”he said.

Sanusi said Nigeria had repeatedly missed development opportunities because public office was often treated as personal property.

He called for a shared national vision that transcends ethnicity, religion and political interest.

Bishop Matthew Kukah of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto commended EiE for its resilience in advancing social justice and called on Nigerians, especially the youth, to persist in the struggle for a fair society.

“The journey to justice and fairness has no finish line.

Let us remain relentless in building a Nigeria that is just, equitable and bigger than all of us,” Kukah added.

Former Minister of Communication Technology, Mrs Omobola Johnson, emphasised collaborative effort in nation-building, saying development required hard work, sacrifice and citizens’ willingness to contribute their “time, talents and treasures.”

Executive Director of EiE, Yemi Adamolekun, said Nigeria continued to underperform because citizens were not demanding enough from leaders.

She urged Nigerians not to detach their personal progress from the fate of the country.

She said, “Whatever industry we work in, if Nigeria becomes a failed state, we will all suffer. Silence is not an option. Evil is amplified when good people stay silent.”

After highlighting EiE’s milestones over the past 15 years, Adamolekun announced 36-year-old Mrs Ufuoma Nnamdi-Udeh as the organisation’s new Executive Director.

The anniversary also featured the relaunch of Footprints: Past, Present, Future (2nd Edition), compiled by EiE and forwarded by the late diplomat Dr Christopher Kolade, in whose honour the event was partly dedicated.

Attendees also watched the premiere of One Voice, Many Echoes, a short film featuring archival footage from the 1993 election annulment protests, the 2010 Enough is Enough marches and the 2020 EndSARS demonstrations.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has called for deeper collaboration with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and the media in the fight against corruption, describing both groups as “critical drivers of national change.”

Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC, Kaduna Zonal Directorate, Bawa Usman Kaltungo, made the call on Thursday in Kaduna at a one-day sensitisation workshop for journalists and CSOs.

Kaltungo, who spoke on behalf of the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, said the workshop was organised to strengthen cooperation between the commission and key stakeholders whose roles remain vital to public accountability and national integrity.

According to him, CSOs serve as the conscience of society and a bridge between citizens and government, while journalists use the “powerful pen” to shape public opinion and expose wrongdoing.

“Together, you are indispensable allies in safeguarding our economy and our collective future,” he said.

Kaltungo stated that the EFCC had benefited significantly from intelligence and information shared by CSOs and the media, which had helped expose suspicious financial transactions, abuses of office and systemic fraud.

“Our fight against corruption is not a solo mission. It requires synergy, trust and shared intelligence,” he said, urging the participants to use the workshop as a platform for open dialogue and strengthened collaboration.

Kaltungo commended the EFCC Public Affairs Department for organising the programme and formally declared the workshop open.

Earlier, Head of Public Affairs, EFCC Kaduna Zonal Directorate, Zainab Ahmed, outlined the objectives of the workshop, describing CSOs and journalists as the Commission’s “most valued stakeholders.”

She said the workshop was designed to deepen understanding of the legal and practical processes involved in prosecuting financial crimes, emerging threats in the digital space, and the preventive responsibilities of non-state actors.

“Our goal is to ensure all participants leave better informed, better connected, and better equipped to play their respective roles,” she said.

A presentation by the Head of Legal and Prosecution, Nasiru Salele, took participants through key issues in financial crime prosecution, including levels of involvement, evidence assessment and investigation procedures.

Salele identified challenges affecting prosecution, such as uncooperative judges and frequent transfers of Federal High Court judges.

He also highlighted advancements in EFCC investigations, including the use of AI tools and strengthened international cooperation.

Another session, led by Ayukor Ovirororo of the Procurement Fraud Section, focused on cryptocurrency-related crime. He explained how criminals store, move and launder crypto assets through centralized and decentralized exchanges.

Ovirororo warned that while cryptocurrency offers economic opportunities, it also poses national financial risks, citing recent high-profile cases as examples of unregulated digital operations escalating into major threats.

The final session, presented by Tony Orilade, Head of Public Interface at the EFCC Headquarters, centred on the preventive roles of CSOs and the media.

He emphasised the impact of investigative journalism, policy advocacy, public awareness campaigns and monitoring of government activities.

Orilade added that CSOs also provide safe platforms for whistle-blowers and play a significant role in shaping stronger anti-corruption frameworks.

From Attah Ede, Makurdi

Olam Agri, in partnership with Sustainable Collective Advocacy for Africa Development (SCAAD) Initiative, is to launch the Community Resilience Opportunities for Women and Youth (CROWY) in Benue and Nasarawa States.

A press release by Elizabeth Nnoko Communication Manager, Olam Agri, said the CROWY Project is aimed at creating lasting positive change for women and youth across Nigeria’s North-Central region.

The Project ground-breaking initiative is designed to empower grassroots women and youth farmers, aligning with national development and gender equality objectives.

The project also, aims to strengthen livelihoods during off-farming seasons by equipping beneficiaries with strategic leadership skills, entrepreneurship training, and increased awareness on inclusion, gender equality, and early warning signs and systems related to Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

Delivered in collaboration with Rich-Oak Life Initiative, Sahel International Support Foundation, and Elikizi Foundation for Women and Youth Advancement, the CROWY Project seeks to close critical economic gaps by providing inclusive livelihood opportunities, access to cooperative financing, and leadership support for emerging women and youth-led enterprises.

“We aim to create 10 Village Savings and Loan Associations and support 100 of women and youth entrepreneurs within the first year in the fields of tailoring, baking amongst others.

“This intervention will expand economic opportunities, promote self-employment, and build sustainable and resilient livelihoods across the targeted communities.

“Across Nigeria, women, youth, and persons with disabilities continue to face systemic barriers to education, livelihoods, and leadership pathways. Recent statistics highlight the urgency of this challenge.

“In 2023, women’s labour force participation stood at just over 52%, down from nearly 57% in 2010 (Statista, 2023). Youth unemployment remains critically high, with 53% of Nigerians aged 15–24 unemployed or underemployed (World Bank, 2024).

“According to Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs, as of October 2025, approximately 70% of Nigerian women live in extreme poverty, unable to meet basic needs or sustain livelihoods

“These figures paint a stark picture of structural inequalities that continue to undermine national development and social stability”, the statement said.

On the part of SCAAD initiative, a Statement by Frances Okeke, Executive Director, stated that “Every day, we meet women and young people with immense creativity and resilience, yet without the support they need to thrive truly. Nigeria’s overlapping crises have made survival even harder for them, especially in farming communities where off-season periods often deepen economic vulnerability.

Okeke maintained the through the support of Olam Agri, the CROWY Project is stepping into this gap, offering practical skills, livelihood opportunities, and hope to grassroots women and youth.

Said he, “Together, we are equipping individuals not only to earn a living during non-farming seasons but also to lead, innovate, and uplift their communities. When women and young people are given the tools to succeed, entire communities become more resilient and rise with them.”

While Anil Nair, Country Head Olam Agri Nigeria added, “Our partnership with SCAAD Initiative on the CROWY Project reinforces our shared vision of resilient, empowered, and economically active communities. Women and youth are central to the future of agriculture in Nigeria and supporting them through targeted skills development and inclusive financing is essential for long-term national growth.

“Olam Agri will continue to champion initiatives that uplift vulnerable groups and strengthen the fabric of our communities.”

“Olam Agri and SCAAD Initiative invite government agencies, community leaders, NGOs, and development partners to join in supporting inclusive livelihood strategies. Collaboration is vital to building resilient, equitable communities.

“The partnership is committed catalyze efforts to enhance economic opportunities, promote self-employment, and build sustainable livelihoods for women and youth in conflict-affected communities”.