Lagos, Nigeria – In celebration of our great nation’s independence today, on its 65th year, the Digital Future
Development Initiative (DiF-DI) is joining millions of Nigerians globally to reminisce about the journey of our nation, one that has been of sacrifice, resolve, and the irrepressible will for freedom, unity, and prosperity. The journey thus has been one of historic struggle: from military to civilian government, from the turbulence of transition to the robust self-assertion of democracy.
Where we stand now, our best work and our biggest challenge is democracy. It is the people’s voice, the holiness of the institutions, and the power of engagement. While still plagued by disinformation, cynicism about elections, corruption, and disenfranchisement of young people, women, and minorities. As the 2027 general elections draw near, Nigerian democracy can be made stronger through citizens’ engagement, transparency, and fairness. The voice of every Nigerian counts, and the voice of every Nigerian must count. Democracy cannot still be the monopoly of select individuals; it should be the right of all.
Article 21 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights reminds us that “the will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government. “That will cannot be diluted, sidetracked, or muted. It has to be heard through people’s participation in governance, elections, and places where citizens can express themselves freely, hold their leaders accountable, and influence decisions that impact them.
We at DiF-DI have faith in empowering Nigerian youths to be digitally innovative and intentional for progress, to become democracy and development champions. We are certain that technology and AI are not tomorrow’s means but agents of transformation today. AI, when meaningfully engaged with, can transform governance, learning, health, and elections. But it has to be people-centric, respect for rights, and responsive, so digital power is not translated into new exclusion.
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As Nigeria marks 65 years today, we make the following appeals:
To Government: Inculcate inclusive governance where access is not determined by resources, gender, tribe, or party politics, but by citizenship.
To Electoral Authorities: Promote early reform and technological innovation that ensures transparency, reduces manipulation, and increases public confidence in elections.
To Civil Society and Media: Keep amplifying the people’s voice, combating disinformation, and defending civic space.
To Nigerian Youth: Use your voices, your votes, and your platforms to demand accountability, to reject disinformation, and to spread unity rather than division.
The journey so far has also taught us that liberty is not natural — it is built, defended, and reiterated each generation. Nigeria today, in its 65th year of Independence, must, besides commemorating independence, be committed to the practice of deepening democracy, harnessing the digital revolution responsibly, and ensuring no one is left behind.
DiF-DI is ready. We will continue to enable youth with digital literacy, civic capability, and leadership potential to be active democratic citizens and development agents. The future digital, the future inclusive, and the future democratic — if we build it together.
Habeeb Adisa is the Communication Lead, DiF-DI
