My Advocacy for The Education of Underprivileged Girls Out of School in Nigeria
Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima champions advocacy for the education of underprivileged, out-of-school girls in Nigeria through a distinct framework that treats girl-child education as the literal foundation for African nation-building. Operating as a prominent independent media voice, his advocacy blends digital journalism, public policy demands, and strategic partnerships.
His core philosophy, specific initiatives, and public stances on the crisis break down into several key areas:
1. The Core Philosophy: "Future Mothers of Our Nation"
Chima focuses his messaging directly on the societal ripple effect of educating marginalized girls. His personal advocacy manifesto centers on a long-term geopolitical vision:
“On My Advocacy For The Education of Every Girl in Nigeria, I prefer to speak to the future mothers of our nation; their education is the foundation for the nation building of a New Nigeria in the leadership of Africa among the comity of nations in the world.”
2. Demanding "Compulsory Education" Laws
While many global organizations focus purely on funding, Chima uses his platforms to advocate for strict, compulsory basic education laws targeting the millions of vulnerable girls currently falling through the cracks. He argues that voluntary frameworks are insufficient to combat deeply entrenched cultural and economic barriers, meaning local and federal governments must legally guarantee and enforce a girl's right to remain in school.
3. Long-Standing Digital & Media Campaigns
Since 2013, Chima has leveraged his corporate media ecosystem—specifically via Nigerians Report Online—to run consistent public awareness campaigns. Rather than treating girl-child exclusion as an occasional headline, his publications regularly track local education deficits, allocate editorial space to youth advocates, and amplify grass-roots educational non-profits operating in high-risk zones.
4. Strategic Collaboration & Film Advocacy
Chima acts as a media bridge connecting international human rights campaigns with local Nigerian audiences. A key historical milestone in his advocacy occurred when he collaborated as a media partner for the Nigerian premiere and screenings of Girl Rising—the globally acclaimed documentary film mapping the struggles of girls fighting for an education.
Building Networks: He coordinated alongside high-profile Nigerian female activists, including Dr. Joe Odumakin (President of Women ARISE for Change Initiative) and leaders from the Kudirat Abiola Foundation for Democracy (KIND), to lead Q&A sessions with local NGO leaders.
Student Inclusivity:
He used these events to bring school-aged girls, student groups, and policymakers into the same room, utilizing visual storytelling to illustrate the economic realities of illiterate versus educated women.
Nigerian premiere of "In The Name of Your Daughter" cosponsored by the High Commission of Canada in Nigeria on May 23, 2019.
Nigerian Premiere of “Girl Rising” with Holly Gordon of 10x10 and Participant Media on October 11-12, 2013. https://newsghana.com.gh/moments-nigerian-premiere-girl-rising/
EKENYERENGOZI Michael Chima
The Founder/CEO,
International Digital Post Network Limited,
Publisher/Editor,
NOLLYWOOD MIRROR®Series
www.pinterest.com/nigeriansreport
https://twitter.com/nigeriadaily/
https://www.amazon.com/author/ekenyerengozimichaelchima
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelchimaeyerengozi
President Tinubu Addresses The Nation On Democracy Day 2026 (Video & Full Text)
TEXT OF PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU’S DEMOCRACY DAY ADDRESS ON FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2026
Fellow Nigerians
Today, we celebrate democracy and the enduring Nigerian spirit. For 27 unbroken years, since May 29, 1999, Nigerians have chosen their leaders through the ballot, witnessed peaceful transitions of power, and resolved disagreements in courtrooms and legislative chambers—not through violence. We have experienced the longest stretch of civilian rule in our history. Our democracy is not perfect, but it is ours, and we must continue to defend and strengthen it.
In the coming days, Ekiti and Osun States will hold elections. I urge INEC, security agencies, and all parties to ensure these polls are peaceful and credible. Democracy fails when citizens doubt the process. To our National Assembly, Judiciary, the Press, and Civil Society: you are the guardrails of our republic. Criticise me, disagree with me, but never stop believing in Nigeria.
To our young people: Nigeria is your home and your future. Build here, code here, work here, and vote here. Every great nation was built by those who stayed to solve problems, not by those who abandoned ship.
To our armed forces, police, and intelligence services: Nigeria salutes your sacrifice. To our traditional rulers, faith leaders, and community heads: thank you for your support of peace and reconciliation. The government cannot do it alone.
Today, we honour the resilience of Nigerians who refused to surrender their faith in freedom, and the courage of those who stood firm against intimidation. We pay tribute to patriots who endured persecution, imprisonment, exile, and even death so that future generations could enjoy democracy. I salute labour leaders, journalists, activists, students, women, professionals, political leaders, and soldiers—both those who have passed and those still with us—for their patriotic contributions.
Though this year’s mood is dampened by the abduction of our children in Oyo and Borno, we remain hopeful for their safe return. Democracy without security is not solid enough. That is why this administration declared a security emergency and approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 new police officers and thousands of military recruits. Our 2026 budget commits N5.41 trillion—our largest ever—to defence and security. Our administration is ever ready to do much more to secure our people.
We have moved from training with our allies, the United States, France and other European countries, to precision targeting. In Arege, Borno State, we degraded ISWAP’s command centre. Terror-related deaths are down by 81% since 2015. Over 13,000 terrorists have been neutralised in the past year. But we also keep the door of surrender open. Over 124,000 fighters and dependents have laid down their arms since 2023 through Operation Safe Corridor.
To bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terror: Surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State. These windows of surrender will not remain open forever. No mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians.
At a time like this, let us not assign blame or point fingers. Crime has no ethnicity. We must stand united and be assured that the enemies of our nation shall soon be history. We will triumph over terror and continue to build a more prosperous nation.
June 12 occupies a sacred place in our national memory. It represents more than an election; it is a defining chapter in our story. We remember Chief M.K.O. Abiola, who won a pan-Nigerian mandate transcending ethnicity and religion. We remember Alhaja Kudirat Abiola.
We also remember Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Alfred Rewane, Pa Abraham Adesanya, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, Commodore Dan Suleiman, Dr Beko Ransome-Kuti, Frank Kokori, Arthur Nwankwo, Chima Ubani, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, and the many other heroes and heroines of democracy whose sacrifices helped secure the freedoms we enjoy today.
As beneficiaries of their struggle, we have a duty to strengthen and deepen the democratic institutions for which they fought. The greatest tribute we can pay is to build a Nigeria where freedom is protected, justice is upheld, opportunity is expanded, and government is accountable.
June 12, 1993, revealed the possibility of a true Nigerian nation. The heroes of June 12 secured political freedom. Our challenge is to secure economic freedom. Democracy must be felt in the quality of people’s lives—in opportunities for youth, in prosperous farmers, successful entrepreneurs, and the dignity of our workers.
The reforms we are undertaking were not chosen for ease, but for necessity. Three years ago, our public finances were under severe strain, investment was discouraged, and economic uncertainty threatened our future. We chose to act, embracing reforms to advance Nigeria’s economic freedom.
Since 2023, our reforms have restored stability and credibility to economic management. Federation revenues have risen, providing states and local governments with more resources for infrastructure, education, healthcare, and security. Fiscal transparency has improved, leakage has been reduced, and public funds are better directed to national priorities. Investor confidence has returned, with investments in agriculture, energy, manufacturing, technology, mining, transportation, and the creative industries growing.
Domestic refining capacity has increased, strengthening energy security and reducing our reliance on imported petroleum products.
By 2023, when we came on board, the electricity sector was characterised by chronic generation shortfalls, an unreliable gas supply, and transmission infrastructure so fragile that it could not evacuate available power. Distribution companies were burdened by massive losses and a metering deficit of over four million. Worst of all, the value chain was drowning in legacy debt. The result was a sector that generated less than the 13,500 Megawatts installed capacity, a sector that transmitted less than it generated, distributed less than it transmitted and collected revenue far below what it needed to sustain itself.
To address the problems besetting the sector, I signed the Electricity Act, which grants states authority to generate, transmit, and distribute power. The Presidential Power Sector Task Force is working hard to reduce the metering deficit. It has also been authorised to raise N4 trillion bond to settle verified legacy debts. The Rural Electrification Agency, supported by the World Bank and the African Development Bank, has deployed off-grid and mini-grid power to underserved communities, universities, markets, and hospitals. Electricity is a democratic dividend we owe every Nigerian. We intend to deliver it.
Across the country, infrastructure projects are connecting producers to markets and creating opportunities for enterprise and employment. The National Agricultural Development Fund is deploying 10,000 tractors over five years. Over 1,000 SMEs have been certified for export. Non-oil exports grew by 21% last year.
Yet, many Nigerians still face economic hardship. We remain focused on reducing inflation, expanding food production, creating jobs, improving living standards, rebuilding confidence in our economy, and creating conditions for sustainable prosperity.
We are moving from uncertainty to stability. The next phase is about accelerating growth and ensuring the benefits are felt in every home, every community, and every region. We believe that Democracy must be felt in the pocket.
Recognising that democracy is undermined when people do not feel its impact, my administration has sought financial autonomy for our 774 local councils. A fundamental challenge to our nation’s advancement has been ineffective local government administration. The insecurity we are addressing is partly due to the collapse of grassroots governance. The Renewed Hope Agenda is about ensuring that all Nigerians benefit from governance.
Every generation has a defining responsibility. The generation of our founding fathers secured independence—the generation of June 12 secured democracy. Our generation must secure prosperity.
Let us move forward together—rejecting division, cynicism, and despair; embracing unity, hope, and confidence. Let us build a Nigeria united by a common purpose, strengthened by diversity, where justice is accessible, liberty is secure, and opportunity is abundant.
Among the architects of modern democratic Nigeria, we honour General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua for his vision of national partnership. In recognition of his contributions, the Federal Government has approved the revitalisation and renaming of the completed Institute of Petroleum Studies, Kaduna, as the General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology.
I am also pleased to announce national awards to the following Nigerians, who suffered persecution, endured indignities, exile, incarceration, and, at times, solitary confinement, so that we have democracy today.
Barrister Ayoka Lawani Tunde Fagbenle Oladele Alake Olatunji Bello Louis Odion Segun Babatope Sam Omatseye Sir Ademola Osinubi Bola Bolawole Lade Bonuola Femi Kusa Debo Adeniran Chief Ayo Opadokun Chief Ralph Obiora Ose Osayande Barrister Osa Director Prof. Sylvester Odion-Akhaine Dr Arthur Nwankwo (Posthumous) Dr Osagie Obayuwana Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin Barrister Titus Mann Joe Igbokwe Richard Akinnola Ben Charles-Obi (Posthumous) George Mbah Dr Niran Malaolu Major-General Ishola Williams (rtd) Femi Aborisade Jenkins Alumona Gbemiga Ogunleye Muyiwa Adekeye Babajide Kolade-Otitoju Ike Okonta
We also recognise the soldier-democrats of the June 12 struggle: Major General MA Garba Brigadier General Lawal Jaafaru Isa Col Umar Farouk Ahmed; Col Sambo Dasuki; Col Lawan Gwadabe; Brigadier Jonathan Ndam Temlong Col Musa Shehu; Major General Chris Eze; Major General Harris Dzarma; Col Isa Jibrin; Maj. General Joseph Oshanupin; Col Olusegun Oloruntoba, Olugbede of Gbede Kingdom) Lieutenant Colonel Happy Kefas Bulus Col J Okai; Col Emmanuel Ndubueze; Lt Col Yakubu Muazu Brigadier Yahaya Abubakar, the Current Etsu Nupe, who is already the holder of the CFR title.
The honours list will be released in the next few days.
Fellow Nigerians, 27 years ago, many doubted democracy would survive here because of our diversity. Today, our diversity sustains our democracy. The road ahead is steep. But June 12 reminds us: Nigerians do not break. We bend, we bleed, but we do not break.
Let us renew our covenant: That the labours of our heroes past shall never be in vain, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from this land.
May God bless the heroes of our democracy. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. May God continue to bless us all.
Happy Democracy Day.
BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Federal Republic of Nigeria
Beyond what you have in your mouth and your smiling teeth.
Your legacy is not defined by what you have done for yourself, but by what you have done for the benefit of others.
It is not by how much you have, but by how much you give.
It is good to build houses.
But it is better to build lives.
Great nations are not built by building skyscrapers, but by building the lives of the people for their general enlightenment, empowerment and upliftment for nation building.
The greatest investment by any government is the investment in the education of the majority of the population.
You cannot build a nation without the education of the people.
- EKENYERENGOZI Michael Chima,
Photograph:
Speaking to the audience at the Nigerian première of Giselle Portenier's award-winning film, "In The Name Of Your Daughter" on Thursday, May 23, 2019 at the Silverbird Cinemas in the Silverbird Galleria on Victoria Island, Lagos.
It was cohosted and cosponsored by the Global Affairs and International Digital Post Limited and supported by the Sona Group.
LAGOS, Nigeria, October 19, 2023/ -- By Tony Elumelu
People often ask me, TOE how do I learn leadership. Should I go on a course? Buy a book? Get a mentor? Are leaders born, or can you become a leader?
Just as I say about business success, leadership has many components – luck, being in the right place at the right time. But I also believe that those talents and those disciplines that you bring, creating a vision and the resilience and focus that delivers that vision, can also forge your own personal leadership.
I was fortunate to work with Chief Ebitimi Banigo, at the start of my career. My leadership philosophy was built working with him. It started with Chief Banigo taking the time to read my application letter and giving me a chance to prove myself at Allstates Trust Bank in 1988. When my colleagues tell me today, “TOE you respond too fast to our emails”, I laugh because I learnt from the master himself – Chief Banigo. When I sent memos to him, he would respond within twenty-four hours; therefore, why should I not respond even faster in this age of technology?
These are some of the leadership values I learnt from my time with Chief Banigo, and I practise them all today.
Leaders must demand excellence: Only by going the extra mile and pushing ourselves, will we truly develop and standout. Hard work and excellence made my bosses Toyin Akin-Johnson and Ebitimi Banigo notice, and subsequently, believe in me. At twenty-seven, I went from being a trainee to being a boss, when I was appointed a branch manager – the youngest bank branch manager at that time. All the things I learned earlier came into play, and I continued learning.
Good leaders find in people, what people did not know they possess –Leaders recognise the talent in their team and then push to unlock the talent. When I work, I work to achieve my goals, but I also work to unlock my teams’ skills. I know everyone I work with has huge potential – for me my success is also about the success of others, growing and nurturing their talent, that is the foundation of our growth at Heirs Holdings Group. This focus on talent, teams, personal transformation, is why I am so insistent on creating institutions, cultures, and pathways, where human capital can thrive. It is why I am an investor in businesses, but also entrepreneurs across Africa.
Leaders must walk their talk - A leader must be consistent. People want to trust a leader that they believe has integrity. Leadership is not just about telling people what to do, it's also about setting an example. A good leader must lead by example and practice what they preach, this demonstrates integrity, it builds trust and respect.
Leaders must impart knowledge: I benefitted from the mentorship of Chief Banigo at Allstates Trust Bank. He helped me to develop my strategic thinking, my frames of reference and to channel my ideas into concrete actions, so that when the moment of opportunity arrived, at the age of thirty-four, I had the self-belief to gather a small group together to take over and revive a failing bank – take that enormous step, that is still shaping an industry and a continent today.
Today, when I am faced with an impossible situation, I ask myself, ‘What Would Chief Banigo Do?’. I worked with Chief Banigo from 1988 - 1995, till this day, he is the one I turn to, when I need advice. #Leadership #TOEWay
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA).
PRESIDENT TINUBU WELCOMES TRIBUNAL VERDICT AND CALLS FOR COLLECTIVE EFFORTS TO BUILD THE NATION
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Wednesday, has assured Nigerians of his renewed and energized focus on delivering his vision of a unified, peaceful and prosperous nation, following the judgment by the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja.
President Tinubu welcomes the judgment of the Tribunal with an intense sense of solemn responsibility and preparedness to serve all Nigerians, irrespective of all diverse political persuasions, faiths, and tribal identities.
The President recognizes the diligence, undaunted thoroughness, and professionalism of the five-member bench, led by Justice Haruna Tsammani in interpreting the law.
The President affirms that his commitment to the rule of law, and the unhindered discharge of duties by the Tribunal, as witnessed in the panel's exclusive respect for the merits of the petitions brought forward, further reflect the continuing maturation of Nigeria’s legal system, and the advancement of Africa's largest democracy at a time when our democratic system of government is under test in other parts of the continent.
The President believes the Presidential Candidates and Political Parties that have lawfully exercised their rights by participating in the 2023 general elections and the judicial process, which followed, have affirmed Nigeria’s democratic credentials.
The President urges his valiant challengers to inspire their supporters in the trust that the spirit of patriotism will now and forever be elevated above partisan considerations, manifesting into support for our Government to improve the livelihood of all Nigerians.
Once more, President Tinubu thanks Nigerians for the mandate given to him to serve our country while promising to meet and exceed their expectations, by the grace of God Almighty, and through very diligent hard work with the team that has been put in place for that sole purpose.
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Chief Ajuri Ngelale Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) September 6, 2023
20 Years of Advocacy For Character Development of Nigerian Children and Youths for Nation Building: 2003 - 2023
In 2003, my King of Kings Books International sponsored the King of Kings Books International National Essay Competition for Secondary Schools in Nigeria at the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies of the University of Lagos with the mission of character development of Nigerian children and youths for visionary leadership in the nation building of a New Nigeria.
In 2004 spoke to children and youths of the Foursquare Gospel Church at 62/66 Akinwunmi St, Alagomeji-Yaba, Lagos with the approval of the General Overseer, Rev. Wilson Badejo who met with me and commended my mission.
In 2004 I left Lagos for Bonny Island in Rivers State, where I sold books on medicine and true love in the Nigeria LNG Residential Area 1 where I had the presentation of my book, "The Language of True Love" on the Valentine's Day, February 14, 2006 and also sold the book on the street.
I joined the Assemblies of God Church in evangelism and supported church planting on Bonny Island.
I returned to Lagos in 2008 to focus on the advocacy for the education of the millions of underprivileged girls out of school in Nigeria.
The success stories include the following:
* Nigerian premiere of "In The Name of Your Daughter" cosponsored by the High Commission of Canada in Nigeria on May 23, 2019.
I am glad and grateful for the cooperation and support of everyone, company and organization since 2003 to date in the upliftment of Nigerian children and youths.
Great nations are not built by making great speeches, but by doing great things for human development and nation building.
- Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima, author of "Children of Heaven", "Scarlet Tears of London", "Diary of the Memory Keeper", "The Prophet Lied" and other books distributed by Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other booksellers worldwide.
Author of "In the House of Dogs" , "The Prophet Lied", "The Victory of Muhammadu Buhari and The Nigerian Dream", "Diary of the Memory Keeper", "Scarlet Tears of London" and other books.
Nigeria is in sociopolitical crisis, because the country is ruled by political title chasers and political title chasers are not nation builders.
So, public office holders who are obsessed with their political office titles don't care about principles of visionary leadership. And until they realise their follies of selfish pursuits of political titles and greed for Machiavellian power over others, they will continue to fail in nation building from the local government to the Office of the President.
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