By Kunle Lawal

As 2024 draws to a close, Electoral College Nigeria (ECN) celebrates another year of remarkable achievements and significant milestones in its mission to foster political literacy, empower citizens, and inspire active engagement in Nigeria’s democratic process. From transformative initiatives to groundbreaking partnerships, ECN continues to shape the future of governance in Nigeria.

Celebrating Five Years of Impact

This year marked a momentous milestone for ECN as we celebrated our 5th anniversary in June. Over the past half-decade, the organization has played a pivotal role in educating and equipping Nigerians with the tools needed to participate meaningfully in governance. This milestone provided an opportunity to reflect on our journey and reaffirm our commitment to fostering a politically literate and engaged electorate.

Growing the Politeracy and Governance 101 Programs

Our flagship programs, Politeracy and Governance 101, witnessed exponential growth in 2024, with over 1,000 participants joining our 13th, 14th, and 15th cohorts. The programs have become a beacon of empowerment, providing young Nigerians with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of governance. As we currently run our 16th cohort, the reach and impact of these programs continue to expand, creating a ripple effect of informed and active citizenship.

Influencing Edo and Ondo State Elections

In September and November, ECN played a vital role in the Edo and Ondo state elections by driving electoral awareness and advocating for free and fair elections. Our work in these elections underscored the importance of an informed electorate and demonstrated our commitment to ensuring credible democratic processes across Nigeria.

Empowering Young Leaders: A Historic Moment at the University of Jos

One of our proudest moments this year was the election of Jane Pwajok, a past student of ECN, as the first female Student Union Government (SUG) President at the University of Jos. This groundbreaking achievement highlights the tangible impact of our programs in nurturing confident, capable, and forward-thinking leaders.

Leading Critical Conversations on Governance

Throughout the year, ECN hosted insightful Twitter Spaces discussions featuring notable thought leaders, including Akin Braithwaite and Livinus Ibiang. These sessions tackled pressing issues around governance, politics, and youth engagement, further establishing ECN as a leading voice in shaping Nigeria’s democratic discourse.

Reigniting Patriotism: The Love for Country Event

On October 1st, ECN hosted the Love for Country event, a dynamic gathering of prominent figures such as Hon. Obinna Nwosu, Blossom Ozurumba, Salihu Tanko Yakasai, and Jude MI Abaga. This event emphasized the importance of national unity, pride, and active citizenship, inspiring attendees to take ownership of Nigeria’s future.

Celebrating Local Governance: A Partnership for Progress

In October, ECN partnered with Hope for the Masses Foundation for the Local Government Awards, a platform celebrating individuals and organizations improving governance at the grassroots level. This collaboration reinforced our advocacy for local democracy and highlighted the critical role of local government in driving sustainable development.

Advocating for Local Government Autonomy

As part of our commitment to decentralization and community empowerment, ECN participated in the Media and Development Conference commemorating the 10th anniversary of CJID. Here, we championed the cause of local government autonomy, emphasizing its importance in achieving good governance and inclusive development across Nigeria.

Amplifying Impact Through Media

In 2024, ECN’s work gained increased media attention, with coverage across various platforms highlighting our initiatives and achievements. This visibility has not only expanded our reach but also strengthened our message of political education, youth empowerment, and active democratic participation.

Conclusion

As we reflect on 2024, it is evident that Electoral College Nigeria has made significant strides in its mission to educate, empower, and inspire Nigerians. From equipping future leaders to advocating for systemic change, ECN continues to push for a more informed, active, and engaged electorate.

As we look to the future, the vision remains clear: to build a Nigeria where every citizen understands their role in governance and is empowered to shape the country’s destiny. For the love of country, ECN will remain unwavering in its commitment to this cause.

Kunle Lawal, Executive Director of Electoral College Nigeria