Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu Call for Stronger Government, Civil Society Partnership

Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu Call for Stronger Government, Civil Society Partnership
Tinubu Urges CSOs to Put Nigeria First, Prioritise National Interest
Sanwo-Olu Calls for Patriotism, Accountability

President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu have called for greater patriotism, accountability and stronger collaboration between government, civil society organisations and community-based organisations to accelerate Nigeria’s sustainable development.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that the leaders made the call on Wednesday at the National Summit of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) held in Lagos.

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Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, President Tinubu described the summit’s theme, Nigeria First and Sustainable Development, as timely and significant.

He said national interest must remain the guiding principle for government policies, partnerships and public investments, stressing that the “Nigeria First” philosophy is aimed at ensuring that development initiatives prioritise the welfare of Nigerians while promoting inclusive, climate resilient and future focused growth.

The President noted that the summit aligns with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on economic reforms, national security, food security, infrastructure, healthcare, education, industrialisation and effective governance.

Tinubu identified agriculture, the blue economy, renewable energy and environmental sustainability as critical sectors where stronger partnerships between government and civil society could stimulate economic growth and improve livelihoods.

He also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to working with civil society organisations but cautioned them against undue foreign influence, urging them to ensure that national interest remains paramount when accepting external funding.

Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu Call for Stronger Government, Civil Society Partnership

Speaking at the summit, Governor Sanwo-Olu described the gathering as a defining moment for Nigeria, saying the country requires unity, patriotism and constructive engagement to overcome its current challenges.

He said the “Nigeria First” agenda should serve as a national creed that places the country’s collective interest above ethnic, religious and political differences.

“Nigeria First is more than a slogan. It is a call to every citizen, every leader and every institution to place the collective destiny of our nation above narrow considerations of ethnicity, religion, region or partisanship,” the governor said.

Sanwo-Olu described civil society organisations as indispensable partners in democratic governance, noting that they serve as a bridge between government and citizens while promoting accountability, transparency, electoral integrity, community development and good governance.

He, however, urged civil society leaders to ensure that their advocacy remains factual, constructive and patriotic.

The governor highlighted Lagos State’s collaboration with civil society through open budget processes, town hall meetings and stakeholder consultations on education, healthcare, transportation, environmental protection and social welfare, adding that policies developed with citizens are more sustainable than those imposed without public participation.

Earlier, the National Convener of the summit, Hon. Kunle Yusuf, disclosed that the platform has about 6,000 registered CSOs, CBOs and NGOs implementing programmes aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

He said the summit focused on national unity, peace and security, food security, climate action, democratic governance, institutional reforms and strategic public communication, while urging civil society organisations to combat misinformation by promoting verified and credible information.