By Augustine Ehikioya
To align more closely with his administration’s development agenda, President Bola Tinubu has called on civil society organisations (CSOs) across the country to prioritise national interests and reject foreign funding that could undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty and development objectives.
He made the call at the Southern Civil Society Organisations Summit in Lagos on Wednesday.
The President said CSOs must move beyond being perceived solely as critics of government and instead become active partners in driving sustainable development, good governance, poverty reduction and human capital development.
The President was represented at the summit by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.
Speaking on the theme,”Nigeria First and Sustainable Development,” Tinubu commended civil society groups for their contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic, flood disasters and other national emergencies, describing their interventions as patriotism in action.
He said: “Nigeria First does not mean Nigeria alone. It speaks to every policy, partnership and public investment that prioritises the welfare of Nigerians as the main goal. It also means that our development must be inclusive, climate resilient and future facing in a manner that is underpinned by purposeful partnership.”
Declaring the event open, he said civic organisations played crucial roles in public enlightenment, accountability, humanitarian support and community mobilisation.
In a statement by Yomi Odunuga, Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to SGF, the President stressed that the summit’s theme aligns with the objectives of his Renewed Hope Agenda and the administration’s eight priority areas, which include economic reforms, national security, food security, infrastructure development, education, healthcare, industrialisation and improved governance.
According to him, civil society groups are vital partners in delivering these goals and ensuring better outcomes for Nigerians.
Tinubu identified food security as a major area for collaboration, warning that forecasts of prolonged rainfall and heightened flood risks in several southern states could threaten livelihoods and agricultural production.
He urged CSOs to work with government and communities to promote climate-smart agriculture, support farmers and fishermen, protect wetlands and restore mangroves that serve as natural buffers against environmental disasters.
President Tinubu also highlighted job creation and enterprise development as critical pathways to poverty eradication, pointing to opportunities in the marine and blue economy, renewable energy and climate-related industries.
He said greater cooperation between governments, civil society and the private sector would help create sustainable jobs for young people and women across the southern region.
