(DDM) – Former presidential candidate Peter Obi joined ActionAid Nigeria in Abuja on Thursday, November 27, 2025, to celebrate the organisation’s twenty-five years of service and advocacy.
DDM gathered that the event brought together civil society leaders, activists, and stakeholders to reflect on the organisation’s accomplishments in social justice and community development.
The celebration marked a significant milestone, highlighting ActionAid Nigeria’s contributions to human rights, poverty reduction, women’s empowerment, and sustainable community development across the country.
Peter Obi commended the organisation for consistently placing people at the centre of its mission and for acting with integrity throughout its two and a half decades of service.
He observed that ActionAid Nigeria’s interventions have strengthened communities, protected vulnerable populations, and promoted accountability in governance.
Obi noted that the organisation has helped shape a more meaningful democratic space in Nigeria by encouraging citizen participation and responsive leadership.
During his address, Obi reflected on the pressing challenges facing Nigeria, including rising inequality, worsening insecurity, declining productivity, and a growing deficit of public trust.
He stressed that organisations like ActionAid Nigeria play a crucial role in advocating for systemic reforms and in ensuring that communities remain empowered to hold leaders accountable.
Obi encouraged the organisation to continue its work in community mobilisation, policy advocacy, and social education, urging it to remain a force for meaningful change.
He emphasised that empowerment must go beyond short-term interventions and should create long-lasting, measurable impact on livelihoods and social outcomes.
Obi highlighted the importance of governance that is people-centred and outcomes-driven, asserting that accountability and transparency are vital for sustainable development.
He further urged all stakeholders, including civil society, government agencies, and private sector actors, to collaborate in building a Nigeria where justice is not just promised but actively practiced.
The former presidential candidate underlined the need for inclusive policies that guarantee access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for all citizens, particularly marginalized groups.
Obi praised ActionAid Nigeria for its ability to combine advocacy with grassroots implementation, ensuring that policies translate into tangible benefits for ordinary Nigerians.
He concluded by calling on communities and institutions alike to work collectively towards a Nigeria where no one is left behind, and citizens can fully exercise their rights.
The event also served as a platform to share success stories, highlight ongoing challenges, and outline strategic priorities for ActionAid Nigeria in the coming years.
Civil society experts noted that the organisation’s 25-year journey offers lessons for other NGOs, demonstrating the importance of sustained engagement, integrity, and measurable results in nation-building.
By celebrating this milestone, ActionAid Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to fostering social justice, empowering citizens, and contributing to a more equitable and accountable society.