KEFFI, Nasarawa State – Stakeholders at the 2026 Project Nigeria Conference have declared that Nigeria’s democratic consolidation remains a work in progress, urging stronger institutions, judicial independence, and greater youth inclusion to secure the nation’s future.
The conference, held Friday, June 12, 2026 at the School of Postgraduate Studies Auditorium, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, was convened by the Beyond Boundaries Legacy Leadership Initiative, BBLLI, in partnership with the North Central Youths, NOCYAD. It brought together policymakers, civil society actors, academics, youth leaders, and development partners under the theme: “Democratic Consolidation in Nigeria: Leadership, Rule of Law, and the Future of Governance.”
In his keynote address, Professor Usman Shehu Umar identified weak institutions, erosion of the rule of law, elite capture, and voter apathy as major barriers to democratic growth. He called for comprehensive electoral reform, judicial independence, sustained civic education, and value-based leadership as the path forward.
A one-hour panel discussion with nine discussants drawn from academia, civil service, civil society, and secondary school student representatives expanded the conversation. The panel focused on youth inclusion in governance, security sector accountability, constitutional reform, anti-corruption frameworks, and the role of media and technology in deepening democracy.
The conference also featured cultural performances, a musical performance by fast-rising artist Super Keeng, and the unveiling of a book titled “The XI Tablets” by the Convener, Comrade Omaga Daniel. Thirty copies of the book were distributed to participants through a raffle draw. The book is positioned as a guide for youth leadership and peaceful coexistence.
In its observations, the conference noted that leadership deficits, poor accountability mechanisms, and inadequate civic education continue to undermine public trust. It stressed that electoral integrity, judicial independence, and security sector reform are critical to restoring confidence in democratic institutions.
The conference resolved that political parties must institutionalize internal democracy, while leaders at all levels should uphold transparency and service-oriented governance. It also called on government to guarantee full independence for the judiciary and security agencies, strengthen anti-corruption agencies, and mainstream civic education in school curricula.
Participants further underscored the need to promote patriotism, lawfulness, honesty, competence, and character reformation as foundations for national development. They mandated BBLLI and NOCYAD to sustain the dialogue through policy briefs, advocacy, and grassroots engagement, with recommendations to be disseminated to the executive, legislature, judiciary, and relevant stakeholders.
In his closing remarks, Rapporteur Comrade Afolabi P. Omonofhene affirmed that democratic consolidation is not an event but a continuous process, adding that with committed leadership, respect for the rule of law, and active citizenship, Nigeria’s democratic future can be secured for generations to come.
Photos 📸: Project Nigeria Conference 2026: Stakeholders Demand Stronger Institutions, Judicial Independence, and Youth Inclusion for Democratic Consolidation
_Signed_
Comr. Afolabi P. Omonofhene
Rapporteur, Project Nigeria Conference 2026
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