The Chairman, Southwest Summit Steering Committee, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Akin Onigbinde, SAN, has called for the institutionalisation of citizen–government engagement as a permanent feature of governance in the Southwest, described it as a vital step toward deepening democracy and accountability in the region.
In his welcome address at the opening of the Southwest Citizen–Government Engagement Summit in Akure, Ondo State, Onigbinde said the initiative mark a historic milestone in Nigeria’s democratic development, offering citizens a structured platform to interact directly with government on policy direction and performance.
He noted that for the first time, the region is witnessing a forum where citizens’ voices and government accountability intersect in an organised, transparent, and participatory manner.
“This is democracy in action transparent, participatory, and accountable,” Onigbinde declared. “For the first time, we are creating a platform where citizens can directly engage with government on policies that affect their daily lives.”
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria emphasised that the greatest threat to the success of the initiative would be the temptation to treat it as a one-off event rather than the beginning of an enduring institution for citizen participation.
“The greatest danger is to allow this to end here,” he warned. “This summit must become a statutory fixture in the Southwest governance calendar.”
Onigbinde outlined that over the two-day event, government officials and citizens would engage in robust discussions across six thematic areas fiscal reforms, security, economic development, infrastructure, governance, and human capital growth all aimed at aligning government policy with citizens’ expectations.
He stressed that the summit is not a mere talk shop but a results-driven exercise, demanding evidence-based presentations, clear commitments, and measurable outcomes from participating government representatives.
“This summit is not just about dialogue; it is about commitments and follow-through. If we can align policy directions with citizens’ needs and translate them into improved quality of life, then we will have succeeded,” he said.
Onigbinde urged participants to speak truth to power with respect and to view the engagement as a collective responsibility to build a Southwest region that is prosperous, just, and truly democratic.
“We must build a Southwest that is not just developed but humane, not only democratic in name but participatory in practice,” he added.
The summit, which brought together citizens, policymakers, traditional leaders, and development partners, seeks to redefine the relationship between the government and the governed in the Southwest, setting a new benchmark for inclusive governance in Nigeria.
