LEAD RADIO CITIZEN TOWN

On the 21st February 2023, another edition of the LEAD RADIO CITIZEN TOWN HALL 023.2 took place at the Savannah Centre conference hall. The town hall was preceded by a press briefing by the Council of the Wise followed by a conversation on the: IMPACT OF THE NAIRA REDESIGN AND THE NEW CBN REGULATIONS ON THE 2023 GENERAL ELECTIONS.

The current challenges of the nation were highlighted as it relates to the currency policy saga by seasoned panelists. Likely solutions were proposed on how to navigate the challenges.

Council of the Wise on A Strategic Consultative Engagement with Dr. Goodluck Jonathan

In continuation of stakeholders’ engagement for non-violent 2023 General Elections in Nigeria, as well as promotion of national unity and cohesion, the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development Council of the Wise paid an interactive visit to Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, GCFR, the former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in his Abuja office on the 17th February 2023.

Sensitization Workshop for Key Political Actors on Peaceful 2023 Elections and Electoral Act in Plateau

As part of the effort towards the promotion of peace before, during, and after the 2023 general elections, on the 14th of February 2023, Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development organized a Sensitization Workshop for Key Political Actors on Peaceful 2023 Elections and Electoral Act in Plateau state tagged as Peace Pavilion 023.2 with the common theme; “Ku Zabi Zaman Lafiya” (Vote for Peace) in Plateau state.

The event had Gubernatorial candidates of political parties and other relevant stakeholders in attendance. The candidate also signed a “Pledge Card” to be peaceful; before, during, and after the elections.

Two technical sessions were facilitated by Prof. Remi Sonaiya, the 2015 presidential candidate of the KOWA Party and Mr. Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, Former Director of Legal Services, Independent National Electoral Commission.

Council Of the Wise Strategic Consultative Engagement with The Sultan of Sokoto

Yesterday, His Excellency, Amb Brownson Dede led some members of the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development’s Council of the Wise on a strategic consultative engagement with the Sultan of Sokoto. The visit was part of the Council’s last leg pre-election lineup activities scheduled toward promoting a peaceful and credible 2023 general elections nationwide, vis-a-vis promoting national unity and cohesion, before, during, and after the 2023 polls.

His Eminence, Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni received the Council members in his chamber alongside members of his traditional council. He commended the Centre for always birthing nationalistic and impactful interventions. He further gave his commitment to working with the Centre and the Council whenever he is called upon.

Regional Consultative Forum Akure

On 25th January 2023, also in Akure Ondo state Southwest Nigeria, Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development Advocacy Council (Council of the Wise) joined the Regional Consultative Forum themed: Nigeria and the Challenges of National Unity Beyond 2023 General Elections.

His Royal Majesty, Oba Adedokun Omoniyi Abolarin, the Oragun of Oke Ila Osun state led the conversation supported by Prof Remi Sonaiya, Presidential candidate of KOWA party in the 2015 general elections, and Amb Sani Bala, Executive Director of Savannah Centre.

Speeches were presented by notable individuals with Chief Ezenwa Nwagwu, Convener Say No Campaign – Nigeria as lead speaker; Dr. Adetunji Ogunyemi Associate Professor of Economic History, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Osun State; Barr. Jumoke Ogunjebi Chairperson FIDA Ondo State and Obatola Jonathan, Founder/Executive Director, Pacesetters.

The event highlighted the challenges of national unity and possible ways to attain peace in 2023 general elections.

Advocacy visits to; Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, Odundun II, and the Ondo state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Oyediran Oyeyemi

As part of the continuous engagements of the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development Advocacy Council (Council of the Wise) on National Unity and Cohesion, on 24th January 2023 engaged critical gate keepers and stakeholders in Ondo state.

The Council paid advocacy visits to; Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, Odundun II, and the Ondo state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Oyediran Oyeyemi.Their message was on the need for peaceful 2023 general elections and for the actualisation of a working and prosperous Nigeria.

Views were exchanged and commitments were made to a peaceful and secured Nigeria before, during, and after the elections.

Oba Adedokun Omoniyi Abolarin, the Oragun of Oke Ila Osun State; Prof Remi Sonaiya, Presidential candidate of KOWA party in 2015 general elections and Amb Sani Bala, Executive Director of Savannah Centre were on the ground for the advocacies.

Advocacy Meeting to the Presidential Candidate of Social Democratic Party (SDP)

On the 20th January 2023, the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development Council of the Wise met with the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Presidential Candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo in Abuja.

The meeting was part of the strategic engagement of the Council on the subject of national unity, issue-based campaign and quest for peaceful 2023 general elections.

Sensitization Workshop for Key Political Actors on Peaceful 2023 Elections and Electoral Act in Kano State

On the 17th of January 2023, Savannah Centre organized Sensitization Workshop for Key Political Actors on Peaceful 2023 Elections and Electoral Act in Kano epithet as Peace Pavilion 023.1 with the common theme; “Ku Zabi Zaman Lafiya” (Vote for Peace) in Kano state.

The event had eight Gubernatorial candidates in attendance such as; APGA, PRP, ADC, SDP, NRM, YPP, NNPP, ADP, AA, and AAC in attendance and also signed a “Pledge Card” to be peaceful; before, during and after the elections.

Also in attendance were Party Chairmen for ADC, ADP, AA, APM, SDP, and AA. Key stakeholders such as INEC, Police, DSS, NSCDC, and CSOs participated in the event as well, while the Emir of Kano also sent high-power representatives.

Citizens Town Hall Meeting on the 2023 General Elections: The Nation We Want & the President We Need

On the 16th December 2022, Savannah Centre for Diplomacy Democracy and Development under the Leadership Effectiveness and Accountability (LEAD) project held its first Citizens Town Hall Meeting with the Theme: The 2023 General Elections: The Nation We Want & the President We Need.

Critical stakeholders expressed their views on matters pertaining to the current state of the country and key recommendations were made that could help guide the thoughts of Nigerians on characteristics to consider in getting the President we Need that may birth the nation we want.

National Quarterly Policy Desk Review (NQDR)

On the 7th December 2022, Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development under the Community Initiatives to Promote Peace (CIPP) project held a National Quarterly Policy Desk Review (NQDR) with a special focus on: Climate Change Act, 2021, Food Security Bill, 2019 and Digital Right and Freedom Bill 2019.

The event gathered relevant stakeholders across CSOs, education, PWDs, and the legal sector. Key recommendations were made that could help improve the piece of legislation.