by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Pre-Election Statement on the 2023 Bayelsa State Governorship Election
1.0. Introduction
On Saturday, November 11, 2023, citizens of Bayelsa State will exercise their franchise at 2,244 polling units within 105 registration area centers across the state to elect a governor at the off-cycle gubernatorial elections. This election marks the fourth election conducted following the enactment of the Electoral Act 2022 and the first after the 2023 general elections, with attention focused on the Independent National Electoral Commission (Electoral Management Body) performance in administering the polls.
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA Nigeria) has diligently observed situational happenings and pre-election incidents ahead of the elections. We have observed a slight upsurge in the total number of registered voters, with an increase of about 12.74% from 922,182 at the last gubernatorial elections in 2019 to about 1,056,862 million presently. Out of the 1,056,862 registered voters, about 1,017,613 have collected their permanent voters cards (PVC), which is an improved position of 12.60% compared to 2019, where about 889,308 collected their permanent voters cards. This indicates that more citizens are engaging in the political process and have taken advantage of the continuous voter’s registration to ensure that their votes count at the polls.
During the 2019 Bayelsa State Governorship Elections, a total of 45 political parties fielded candidates for the Governorship elections. However, in the forthcoming elections, electorates will be given the options to choose from the 16 political parties fielding candidates at the polls. During our pre-election observation, which is clearly qualitative, we observed that only two political parties fielded women as governorship candidates, and similarly, only two women were fielded as deputy governorship candidates by their political parties. Comparatively, these figures are lower than in 2019, where three political parties had female governorship candidates. However, from the sixteen political parties, none of the fielded candidates are persons with disabilities, which has restricted political representation by women in the highest executive position in the state.
2.0. Methodology/ Approach
FIDA Nigeria, with support from the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) under the “Enhancing Women and Women with Disabilities Participation & Representation in the Political Process & Governance project,” will observe the participation of women and women with disabilities at the polls through 20 trained accredited stationary and roving election observers who will be deployed across the 8 Local Government Areas of Bayelsa State. An election observation tool has been developed, and our approach in observation will be both qualitative and quantitative, leveraging partnerships with other civil society actors in documenting election incidences promoting the participation of women and women with disabilities at the polls. FIDA Nigeria’s citizen engagement will be made possible through the establishment of an Election Data Analytical Centre in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, where our data analysts will document and analyze findings from our citizen observers through the help of civic technology.
3.0. General Observations/Expectations
i. Securing the Polls:
We expect strategic deployment of security personnel across the 2,244 polling units of the state to forestall any form of violence at the polls, which may limit the participation of women, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups. We applaud the deployment of 27,000 police personnel by the Nigeria Police, ensuring that a minimum of four police personnel are stationed in every polling unit in line with global best practices. We further applaud the deployment of 22,600 personnel across Bayelsa, Kogi, and Imo states by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. We call on other sister security agencies to massively deploy their personnel at the polls to checkmate violence, especially in flashpoints and high-risk local government areas of Nembe, Brass, Southern Ijaw, and Ogbia, and all forms of vote-buying that may impede the credibility of the poll. We urge security agencies to ensure the inclusivity of females in their deployment plans and strategy, with a monitoring mechanism in place for deployed security personnel at the polling units to be identified by their name tags and demonstrate non-partisanship in the discharge of their responsibilities, abiding by the revised code of conduct and rules of engagement for security personnel on election duty.
ii. INEC Logistical Arrangements to Aid Priority Voting for Vulnerable Groups:
We expect the early deployment of sensitive and non-sensitive election materials at the polling units, as well as poll officials at the commencement of polls. This will help promote confidence in the system and improve the credibility of the poll. We have observed that the Independent National Electoral Commission has religiously followed its set timetable & schedule of activities, sequel to the elections, in consonance with the dictates of the Electoral Act. We are delighted that the Election Management Body is abiding by her 2018 framework on access and participation of persons with disabilities in the electoral process and the provisions of the Disability Act of 2019 by mainstreaming persons with disabilities as Adhoc polling staff. We hope that the Independent National Electoral Commission complies with the aforementioned frameworks towards ensuring the effective and seamless participation of 880 registered persons with disabilities in the elections. We urge the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure the provision of magnifying glasses for persons with low vision & albinism, braille for persons with visual impairment, and providing priority voting for persons with disabilities, nursing mothers, pregnant women, the aged/elderly, and other vulnerable groups at the polls.
iii. High Turnout of Female Voters:
We expect that an increase in registered female voters will translate to more voters, especially women and persons with disabilities, participating at the polls. The state has a record of above-average turnout of voters in previous elections, except for 2015, where it had a low turnout of about 35.15%. From INEC records, about 490,707 females, amounting to 46% of the voting population, registered for the 2023 Governorship Elections, demonstrating an increase in female voters compared to 2019 with 424,392 registered female voters. We recall that at the 2019 gubernatorial elections, 54.83% of the total voting population exercised their franchise. We expect that due to increased voter awareness and continuous voter registration, more women will participate actively, leading to an increased female voter turnout at the polls.
iv. Functionality of the Bimodal Voters Accreditation System:
We observed the success of the mock accreditation system on the 14th of October 2023 to test the functionality of the BVAS in nine polling units across the three senatorial districts of the state and subsequent upload of the results to the upgraded INEC Results Viewing Portal (IREV). We hope that the system is well-configured towards aiding the accreditation and voting process at the polls. FIDA Nigeria, through her field observers, will critically observe the functionality of this machine across the 2,244 polling units in the state.
4.0. Recommendations/Conclusions
In light of the foregoing, key actors in the electoral processes, particularly INEC, political parties, security agencies, mass media, and Civil Society Organisations, need to pay increasing attention to factors limiting women’s participation ahead of the Governorship Election. As such, the following recommendations are considered pertinent:
• Deployment of Electoral materials (Sensitive and non-sensitive) across all Registration Area Centers and polling units timeously is key for an improved political participatory process for women.
• Effective collaboration and synergy with other stakeholders, especially INEC, Security agencies, and Election Observation Groups, should be cultivated and sustained.
• Security agencies should continually adhere to the principles of impartiality and neutrality toward securing the polls, which will help in mitigating electoral violence, especially those perpetuated against women in elections.
5.0. Conclusion
FIDA Nigeria calls on women, persons with disabilities, and the good people of Bayelsa State to exercise their franchise at the polls peacefully and resist any form of vote inducement and to shun all forms of electoral violence. Political parties are also enjoined to conduct themselves creditably to promote a peaceful process.
May God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Amina Suzanah Agbaje (Mrs)
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Unveils Roadmap to Bayelsa State 2023 Off-Cycle Gubernatorial Elections
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, through its intervention titled “Enhancing Women and Women with Disabilities Participation & Representation in the Political Process & Governance,” supported by the Canada Funds for Local Initiative (CFLI), will commence a series of activities as a buildup to the Bayelsa State Gubernatorial Elections scheduled for November 11th, 2023. These activities are geared towards ensuring effective observation of the political process while synergizing with stakeholders in creating a gender-responsive and protective environment that promotes inclusivity and participation of women and other vulnerable groups in the political process.
Below are the key activities heralding the Gubernatorial Elections:
• Monday, 6th November 2023: A virtual demonstration of FIDA Nigeria’s observation tool to be deployed at the November 11th, 2023 Governorship Elections to relevant stakeholders at 3 pm Nigeria time.
• Tuesday, 7th November 2023: Stakeholders Engagement with civil society groups in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
• Wednesday, 8th November 2023: Capacity-building workshop for Women Election Observers in observing, documenting, and reporting women’s political participation in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
• Thursday, 9th November 2023: Dissemination of FIDA Nigeria’s Pre-Election Statement on the preparedness of the Election Management Body (INEC) and Security agencies in enabling women’s political participation.
• Friday, 10th November 2023: Refresher training for Election Data analysts and incident reporters.
• Saturday, 11th November 2023: Opening of the FIDA Nigeria Election Data Analytical Centre at 7.30 am in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory.
• Saturday, 11th November 2023: Dissemination of interim findings/statement from the elections by 12 noon.
• Saturday, 11th November 2023: Dissemination of preliminary findings/statement from the elections by 5 PM.
• Monday, 13th November 2023: Dissemination of post-election statement by noon.
Citizens are enjoined to participate in our activities, which will be amplified via our social media handles, as we envisage a safe environment for women’s participation in the electoral process.
May God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Amina Agbaje (Mrs)
Country Vice President/National President
by FIDAFIDA Lagos Champions Rights and Well-being on International Day of the Girl Child
In a dedicated observance of the International Day of the Girl Child, the dynamic team from FIDA Lagos, spearheaded by Chairperson Mrs. Chinwe Efobi and guided by Committee Head Mrs. Nnenna Nwaokobia, made a meaningful impact at Topgrade Secondary School in Surulere, Lagos.
Mrs. Roma Wayo, a passionate FIDA Lagos member, took the stage to enlighten and sensitize the students about the “Rights of the Girl Child.” Joining forces were Dr. Mrs. Feyisikemi Dauda, representing the Medical Women Association of Nigeria, addressing the critical topic of “Dental Care and the Benefits of a Healthy Lifestyle for the Girl Child.” Dr. Mrs. Uyime Ivy-King added her expertise to the discourse, focusing on “Self-Confidence and Development” to inspire and guide the young minds.
The event culminated in a mini-legal clinic intervention session, providing invaluable insights and support to address legal concerns affecting the well-being of the girl child. FIDA Lagos once again demonstrated its commitment to shaping a brighter future for young girls by imparting knowledge, fostering confidence, and addressing crucial aspects of their health and rights.
by FIDAInternational Day of the Girl-Child 2023 “Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being”
“When girls are given the opportunity to thrive, not only do their lives change but so do their communities”
FIDA Nigeria solemnly reflects on the theme of the 2023 International Day of the Girl-Child, “Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being”. This resonates profoundly as it underscores the harsh realities faced by too many girls globally. It is a stark reminder of the countless girls who grapple with daily violations of their rights worldwide, stifled leadership potentials, and extremely precarious well-being. Overt discrimination, violence, exploitation, still persists, robbing them of the chance to blossom into their full potential. In a world which is meant to nurture their dreams and aspirations, countless girls instead suffer in silence, their pleas for help often going unheard and unanswered.
In Nigeria, safeguarding the rights of the girl-child remains an uphill battle. Despite existing laws aimed at protecting these rights, numerous girls still face countless barriers such as lack of access to education, early and forced marriages, gender discrimination, and indeed abuse and heightened violence in various forms. The gap between legislative promise and stark reality continues to widen, casting a dark shadow over the futures of these vulnerable young lives.
Sadly, as the call for increased access to education and other opportunities for the girl-child is reaching a crescendo, there has been relentless attacks on the future of the girl-child through series of abductions and kidnappings. These have become rife and somewhat of a daily occurrence. Just recently, on the 22nd of September 2023, a large number of armed bandits invaded the hotels of undergraduates of the Federal University Gusau, Zamfara state and abducted an unspecified number of female students! Such ugly and disastrous occurrences have become one too many.
How do we advocate for the future of the girl-child and the need for qualitative education so she can fully achieve her potential, meanwhile barbarians masquerading under the garb of terror, continue to shatter these dreams and obliterate the future of these girls via unchallenged kidnappings carried out with impunity at schools and institutions of learning across the Nation.
This cannot be allowed to continue!
An investment in the girl-child has tremendous impact on any society, as an empowered and educated woman has the power to educate the whole family and indeed change the trajectory of nation-building! Success stories of Nigerian girls who were invested into, with respect to education and given the right enabling environment to positively impact their generation, abound. Girls like 13-year-old Nigerian-born Emmanuella Mayaki who was the youngest person to be accepted into a university in the United States of America having achieved excellent proficiency in Microsoft programs at age 7, or 16-year-old Esther Okade, a Nigerian-British genius who bagged her Ph.D. in Financial mathematics and had enrolled into a UK university at age 10, and Folafoluwa Oginni who won best student in WAEC at age 17 and became British University’s first Nigerian Valedictorian. These few examples are a clear testament to the tremendous potential embedded in the girl-child if properly harnessed. These girls grow up to become women like Hon. Justice Aloma Muktar. JSC (first female Chief Justice of Nigeria), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Director-General of the World Trade Centre), Amina Mohammed (Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations) to mention but a few.
FIDA Nigeria is making this urgent CALL TO ACTION for increased protection of the girl-child and calls on the Federal Government, all Security and Law Enforcement Bodies to confront head-on, the hydra headed scourge of terror, impoverishment, marginalization and disenfranchisement facing the girl-child. Government must lead the charge and move beyond rhetoric and speeches or half-hearted commitments and begin to take BOLD AND DICISIVE ACTIONS that will bring about needed changes. Civil Society organizations, Public and Private sectors, stakeholders and in truth all well-meaning individuals need to lend their voices to bridge the gap between rhetoric and reality.
FIDA Nigeria will continue to be a voice for the voiceless and stand as a beacon of hope for every girl. Despite formidable challenges, we remain resolute in our commitment to protect, promote and preserve the rights women and children. We shall continue to navigate legal complexities towards seeking redress and restitution for those who have suffered in silence as we envisage a world where the girl-child is an agent of change, free from terror and discrimination and allowed to soar to her fullest potential!
Together we must ensure that the girl-child enjoys the rights, leadership opportunities, and overall well-being that she rightfully deserves.
Signed
Amina Suzanah Agbaje, (Mrs.)
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria
#Internationaldayofthegirlchild2023
#11thOctober
#Empowerthegirlchild
#protectthegirlchild
#genderparity
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Leads Workshop Against SGBV and CEFM in Southern Nigeria
FIDA Nigeria organized a dynamic Capacity Building Workshop that united 25 impassioned Community Representatives from Delta, Bayelsa, and Edo States in Southern Nigeria.
This workshop wasn’t just a gathering—it was a catalyst for rapid, effective action against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and the scourge of Child, Early, and Forced Marriage (CEFM). The focus? Crafting seamless, tried-and-true referral pathways that deliver unwavering support to survivors.
It was a day of empowerment, where Community Paralegals were armed with the tools, skills, and knowledge to confidently tackle issues of SGBV and CEFM, harnessing established referral networks. And it didn’t stop there. This gathering sought to bolster the capabilities of these paralegals, fortifying their ability to construct transparent pathways, ensuring swift and all-encompassing aid for victims and survivors of SGBV and CEFM, who have faced unspeakable violations of their rights.
The driving force behind this monumental event? A collaboration between the indomitable Palladium and FIDA Nigeria, fueled by the unwavering support of the USAID-funded SCALE project.
by FIDAEmpowering Community Leaders to Combat Violence Against Women in Elections: FIDA Nigeria’s Workshop in Bayelsa State
In a significant stride towards fostering gender equality and amplifying women’s voices in the electoral process, FIDA Nigeria, in collaboration with the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), organized a One-Day Capacity Building Workshop for Community Leaders. The event, held in Bayelsa State, was specifically designed to address the pressing issue of Violence against Women in Elections.
The primary aim of this workshop was to equip community leaders with the knowledge and tools necessary to identify and combat factors contributing to violence against women during electoral processes. By nurturing a comprehensive understanding of these critical issues, participants were empowered to proactively safeguard the rights and safety of women in the upcoming November 11, 2023 off-cycle Governorship Election.
Central to the workshop’s agenda was the establishment of robust referral channels between communities and prominent security agencies. This strategic move is poised to revolutionize the response mechanism for incidents of violence against women, ensuring swift action and a safer environment for female participants in the political arena.
Moreover, the initiative aspires to fortify a resilient community protection framework, with a special emphasis on indigenous women and other vulnerable populations in Bayelsa State. By prioritizing inclusivity and equal representation, this endeavor seeks to create an environment where every voice is heard and valued.
FIDA Nigeria extends heartfelt gratitude to the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives for their generous support, which has played a pivotal role in transforming this vision into a tangible reality. The CFLI’s commitment to championing the cause of women’s rights on an international scale exemplifies the profound impact that collaborative efforts can have in dismantling barriers and fostering a more inclusive society.
As the echoes of this workshop reverberate through Bayelsa State, it is anticipated that the knowledge and empowerment gained by community leaders will be instrumental in paving the way for a more equitable and just electoral process. This initiative serves as a testament to the power of collective action in effecting positive change and advancing the cause of gender equality.
by FIDASexual Harassment of Female Students as an insidious form of Gender-Based Violence MUST be STOPPED!!!
FIDA Nigeria strongly condemns in its entirety and in the strongest terms possible, all forms of gender-based violence against women, particularly those against female students in secondary and tertiary institutions by staff of the institutions, such as teachers and lecturers. In this vein, FIDA Nigeria totally condemns the alleged sexual harassment of female students by the embattled Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Calabar, Prof. Cyril Osim Ndifon as reported recently in various news platforms.
We vehemently denounce these acts as vile and an ugly menace that must be eradicated from our institutions of learning, and our society at large. Students are in school to be educated and must be guided and protected while learning, not to be intimidated and taken advantage of because of their vulnerability and/or gender.
It is alarming that sexual harassment of females particularly in tertiary institutions has assumed a perilously critical dimension, constituting a horrifying kind of violence targeted at violating the fundamental human rights of a person. It is a form of sexual victimization of an individual using unequal power relations. This pandemic is so vile and encompasses acts revolving around explicit or implicit sexual overtures including unwelcome sexual remarks or physical advances, and inappropriate promises of reward in exchange for sexual favours in the workplace, professional or social setting amongst others.
These acts have been criminalized by the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act 2015 and indeed, the extant VAPP Law of Cross Rivers State. Being that the state and all persons of goodwill are under a duty to give effect to these statutory provisions against all forms of violence, including desisting from aiding and/or abetting of same in any manner or to any degree, FIDA Nigeria therefore unequivocally condemns the alleged intimidation of some of the students who bravely spoke up on the alleged Ndifon’s case, currently under investigation.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Barr. Uju Kennedy Ohanenye, by her professional calling and the expectations of her ministerial office, owes a duty of leading the charge towards protecting women from all acts of abuse, including encouraging and supporting victims of sexual and gender-based violence to break the culture of silence and get justice, hence the alleged distasteful manner in which she interrogated the vulnerable and possibly traumatized students is shocking and greatly disappointing
FIDA Nigeria is keenly observing, and shall not hesitate to proceed against such perpetrators, and all persons or individuals who support such acts of violence either by their utterances or actions/ inaction, or who may try to suppress the reportage of these sort of violence meted out to persons. We remain steadfast on our mandate to protect, promote, and preserve the rights of vulnerable women and children using the instrumentality of law, strongly supporting and standing behind all survivors of violence of any kind, including those of sexual harassment and all forms of gender-based violence, and encouraging them to speak up on these crimes as their voices are meant to be heard, and justice delivered for the crimes perpetrated against them.
In conclusion, as the probe panel constituted to further investigate all facets of this case against the embattled Dean Prof C. Ndifon continue in their task, FIDA Nigeria is closely monitoring the proceedings and shall not stand by and watch perpetrators and supporters of these heinous crimes whether highly placed or not, harass, cower, intimidate, badger, suppress and or attempt to wriggle their way out of facing justice and shall follow this matter intently to ensure that justice is gotten at the end of the day, as no one is above the law.
Therefore, we call on the Government, NAPTIP, Law Enforcement Agencies, Civil Society Organizations, and indeed everyone to stand up against this scourge that has slowly crept into the fabric of our nation and ensure that all forms of violence in whatever form it presents itself is stopped!!
We also call on all Students to Stand Tall and Speak their Truth!
Signed
Amina Suzanah Agbaje, (Mrs.)
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria
FIDAnigeria
saynotoallformsofviolence
saynotosexualharrasment
EndGBVNow
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Held a One-day Workshop on Plea Bargain as a Tool for Speedy Dispensation of Corruption Cases
”Plea Bargain as a Tool for Speedy Dispensation of Corruption Cases”
This was the crux of the One-Day National Capacity Building organized by FIDA Nigeria with support from the MacArthur Foundation for Actors in the Criminal Justice system, Judicial Officers, Economic and Financial Crimes Officials, Law Enforcement and Security Agencies, private practitioners amongst other critical stakeholders.
The training was targeted at increasing capacity of participants and impacting thorough knowledge on the concept, principle, workings and challenges of plea bargain as a tool for speedy dispensation of corruption cases; Improve synergy and coordination amongst Criminal Justice actors; Provide a platform for shared learnings particularly for Judicial Officers and prosecutors for Economic and Financial Crimes, and other Law Enforcement and Security Agencies to examine the critical issues and challenges faced in the utilisation of Plea bargain.
The provisions of the Proceeds of Crimes ( Recovery and Management Act (POCA) 2022, were also X-rayed and thoroughly discussed by participants.
The workshop and subsequent interactive discourse threw up various recommendations, including the need to have a streamlined and harmonious Guideline on Plea bargain at National level, and functional committees at state levels to oversee the process of plea bargain as is already done in some states. These amongst several other well thought-out recommendations are geared towards enriching the jurisprudence of Plea Bargain as a veritable tool for speedy dispensation of corruption cases.
fidanigeria
macarthurfoundation
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AccountableLegalSystem
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria organized her 2nd SGBV/CEFM Bi-annual Coordination meeting in 2023 for selected stakeholders yesterday in Abuja
The Bi-annual Coordination meeting being the 4th in the series provided a platform for shared learning, mutual coordination, interactions, and networking amongst civil society actors working within the space. The meeting also addressed issues on sustainability of coordinated interventions by civil society organisation while expanding on other areas of best practices for effective preventive and response strategies on Sexual & Gender Based Violence (SGBV) and Child Early Forced Marriage (CEFM)
Present at the meeting were the Country Vice President and National President FIDA Nigeria, Amina Suzana Agbaje; Eric Umoru Eric Umoru – Social Protection & Inclusion Advisor Palladium; National Asst. Publicity Secretary Shaltha Nachamada; MDAs ,CSOs & Stakeholders from various parts of the country.
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Side Event at the 63rd NBA Annual General Conference
The parallel event of FIDA Nigeria which took place during the pendency of the 63rd Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference held on the 30th of August 2023 at Moshood Abiola National Stadium Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, with the Theme ”Getting It Right: Women As Agents Of Change In Nation Building-Making A Case For The Nigerian Woman”
In her opening remarks, the Country Vice President/National President FIDA Nigeria Amina Suzanah Agbaje noted that “In the grand tapestry of Nigerian history, women have always been present, silently shaping the destiny of our nation. They have stood as pillars of strength, demonstrating resilience in the face of challenges, and nurturing the seeds of progress within our communities. However, it is time we give Women the recognition we truly deserve, as agents of change in nation-building.”
The plenary session had a line up of erudite guest speakers including Ene Obi, immediate Past Country Director, Action Aid Nigeria; Johnson J. Usman SAN, Principal Partner, J.J Usman SAN and co.; and Oluwatoyosi Giwa, Project Manager, Access to Justice for Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities for the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) programme. It was moderated by Chisom Ihekwaba, co-founder of Sisters’ Bond Initiative.
In attendance were notable personalities which included member Board of Trustees FIDA Nigeria Prof Jummai Audi; Past Regional Vice Presidents Chief (Mrs.) Victoria Olufunmilayo Awomolo SAN and Hajiya Laraba Shuaibu; Past Country Vice President FIDA Nigeria Rhoda Prevail Tyoden; National Secretary Eliana Martins; National Asst. Publicity Secretary Shaltha Nachamada; Members of the National Executive Council of FIDA Nigeria; Chairman, Nigerian Law Reform Commission; FIDA Members and a host of other dignitaries and delegates.
It was a well-attended event that sparked off enlightening, incisive and highly interactive discussions on the various ways women’s numerous contributions and the invaluable role they play as agents of change, shape and transform the trajectory of nation-building.
