By Gift Olivia Samuel, The Sight News
The Collaborative Council of Nigerians in the Diaspora (CCND), has called for grassroots engagement and actionable steps to combat corruption and improve governance in Nigeria.
This call was made on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at the second virtual town hall meeting of the CCND, which was aimed at fostering a meaningful dialogue on the restructuring of Nigeria, focusing on the pressing issues affecting the nation’s future.
The meeting, moderated by the Coordinating Member CCND, Dr. Charles Orbih, had panelists which included notable figures such as; the Executive Secretary, Western Region Organization, Dr. Akin Fapohunda; Georgia State Representative, Segun Adeyina; and the Edo State 2024 Peoples Redemption Party’s Governorship Candidate, Madam Patience Ndidi Key, each bringing extensive experience in governance and community advocacy with a significant portion of the discussion centered on the economic challenges facing Nigeria.
The panelists acknowledged the political and legal hurdles to restructuring and emphasized the need for individual accountability in tackling systemic issues. This dialogue set the groundwork for collaborative solutions among various stakeholders involved in the restructuring process.
In his remarks, Dr. Akin Fapohunda highlighted seven critical defects, particularly the economy’s dire state and the privatization of public resources.
He stressed the need for both economic and political restructuring, arguing that the current government is disconnected from the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians, particularly in light of rising fuel prices and inadequate public services.
Lending her voice, Hon. Patience Ndidi Key, echoed these concerns, advocating for decentralization and resource control to address regional inequalities.
She also addressed the challenges of leadership succession, advocating for transparency and structured transitions between administrations.
The complexities of Nigeria’s demographic landscape were also examined, with Representative Segun Adeyina discussing the dual nature of diversity as both a strength and a challenge. He cautioned against separatism and called for a unified approach to governance, while
Participants, including Uwalaka Uchechukwu, emphasized the importance of including rural voices in discussions and proposed using radio as a medium for broader community involvement.
Dr. Charles Orbih and Dr. Achike Francis expressed gratitude to the panelists and participants for their contributions, highlighting the meeting’s role in generating valuable ideas for future action.
The CCND’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s interests was reaffirmed, with an invitation for continued dialogue and collaboration in upcoming town halls.
It is pertinent to note that this town hall with the theme: “Seeking The Nigeria We Want: Restructuring Nigeria 2”, is the second in the series of town halls of the CCND to discuss the burning issue of restructuring Nigeria.
