The Director-General of the Lagos State Governorship Campaign Council and former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, has called on Nigerians to embrace active citizenship, describing it as the foundation of accountable leadership, democratic consolidation and sustainable national development.

Obanikoro said no society can attain lasting progress when citizens remain indifferent to governance, stressing that meaningful development is only possible when people actively participate in shaping the future of their communities and holding public institutions accountable.

In a post on X on Friday, the former minister noted that active citizenship begins with the simple but powerful belief that the future of any community is too important to be left solely in the hands of elected officials or government institutions.

According to him, democracy thrives when citizens are informed, engaged and willing to contribute their voices, ideas and actions towards building a better society.

“Strong societies are built when citizens stay informed, stay engaged and understand the role they play in shaping the outcomes they desire.

” Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute to the growth and development of society beyond casting a vote during elections,” he said.

Obanikoro emphasised that governance should not begin and end at the ballot box, but should be viewed as a continuous process that requires citizens to participate actively in community affairs, public discourse and civic initiatives.

“The conversation about governance should not begin and end at the ballot box. It should continue in our communities, our institutions and our everyday commitment to making society better,” he stated.

He urged Nigerians, particularly young people, to cultivate the habit of staying informed about issues affecting their communities, engaging in constructive civic conversations and demanding transparency and accountability from those entrusted with public office.

According to the former minister, active citizenship also involves asking informed questions, supporting initiatives that promote the common good and participating in lawful and peaceful processes that strengthen democratic institutions.

He stressed that citizens should not see accountability as an act of hostility towards government but as a civic responsibility that ultimately improves governance and public service delivery.

“Governance works best when citizens are active participants rather than passive observers. Democracy becomes stronger when people remain interested in public affairs, contribute ideas and work collectively towards finding solutions to societal challenges,” Obanikoro added.

He called on Lagosians and Nigerians at large, to embrace a culture of civic responsibility, noting that the country’s democratic future depends not only on visionary leadership but also on an informed and engaged citizenry committed to building a nation founded on responsibility, accountability and shared prosperity