By Chioma Obinna

The Board of Trustees and Management Team of the Dr. Osahon Enabulele Foundation (DOEF) have called for renewed commitment to ethical leadership, good governance and responsible citizenship, stressing that collective action is essential to addressing Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges and achieving sustainable national development in 2026.

In a New Year message welcoming citizens, partners, volunteers and stakeholders, the Foundation expressed gratitude to God for the gift of a new year, describing it as “a year of possibilities,” while reflecting on 2025 as a period marked by global, regional and national challenges.

“The year 2025 challenged us, inspired us and strengthened our resolve to serve humanity with compassion, integrity and purpose,” the Foundation said. “Despite a very difficult socio-economic and political environment, we were still able to make meaningful impact in the lives of individuals, students and communities we serve.”

In a press statement signed by the founder, Dr. Osahon Enabulele, DOEF said its interventions in 2025 focused on promoting leadership excellence and good governance, expanding access to quality healthcare and education, and empowering young people through civic engagement initiatives.

One of the highlights of the year was the organisation of a first-of-its-kind, state-wide Inter-Schools Debate Contest in Edo State, which featured 52 secondary schools and 586 students drawn from all 18 local government areas and the three senatorial districts of the state.

According to the Foundation, the initiative was designed to sharpen critical thinking, promote civic awareness and build leadership capacity among young people, while fostering unity across communities.

DOEF expressed appreciation to its members, partners, donors and volunteers, describing their support as instrumental to the achievements recorded in 2025.

Looking ahead, the Foundation said 2026 presents fresh opportunities to deepen its impact, expand its reach and reaffirm its commitment to building an egalitarian society founded on fairness, opportunity and shared prosperity.

“As pacesetters, we remain focused on making greater social impact through leadership development, policy advocacy and the empowerment of citizens with equitable access to quality education and healthcare,” the statement read. “We remain committed to innovation, collaboration and sustainable solutions that address the genuine concerns of citizens and create lasting change.”

Beyond its organisational goals, DOEF urged governments at all levels to demonstrate stronger commitment to leadership excellence and ethical governance, noting that public trust and national progress depend on responsible stewardship.

“Governments must show greater commitment to the security, health, education, welfare and prosperity of their citizens in order to achieve improved national development,” the Foundation said.

The organisation also called on citizens to reject corruption and actively hold leaders accountable.

“We urge citizens to be more responsible followers, committed to changing prevailing negative narratives by consistently holding governments to account and rejecting all forms of inducement designed to corrupt the system,” it added.

According to DOEF, effective collaboration among governments, civil society organisations and citizens could make 2026 a transformative year.

“With all stakeholders effectively playing their roles and working together, we are confident that 2026 can mark a turning point for nations and their citizens,” the statement said.

The Foundation invited stakeholders to continue supporting its mission through advocacy, partnership and a shared commitment to a better future.

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees and Management Team of the Dr. Osahon Enabulele Foundation, we welcome all citizens to the year 2026. May peace, love, unity and progress reign, and may 2026 be more fulfilling and prosperous for people around the world.”