BBYDI Equips Grassroots Ambassadors With Tools To Defend Civil Liberties

Ilorin,  Kwara State– The Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative (BBYDI) has empowered grassroots advocates with the tools and strategies needed to champion civil liberties and inclusive governance.

The one-day workshop, held at Sinclair Hotel, Ilorin, focused on gender justice, digital rights, and addressing restrictive legislations.

Bringing together ambassadors, experts, and policymakers, the event combined expert-led sessions with practical activities aimed at fostering advocacy skills.

Halimat Olufade, BBYDI’s project lead, opened the workshop, stating the importance of recognising digital rights as fundamental human rights.

She discussed key aspects, including freedom of expression, privacy, and access to information, as essential for building inclusive digital spaces.

One of the highlights was a session by Barrister Anthonia Oshiniwe, who explored the intersection of gender justice and technology.

She analyzed how digital platforms can either empower or marginalize women, advocating for deliberate policies to ensure safe online spaces for women and girls.

Professor Abdulfatai Oladapo Sambo delivered a critical lecture on Nigeria’s controversial NGO Regulatory Bill, warning against its restrictive provisions.

“This bill poses significant threats to human rights and community development,” he stated, urging for its reassessment to safeguard civil liberties.

Mrs. Eduvie Olutimayin’s session emphasised grassroots advocacy as a powerful force for systemic change. Using the EndSARS movement as a case study, she encouraged participants to engage communities, document efforts, and develop creative solutions to drive change.

On his part, Mr. Wale Bakare addressed the challenges of digital inclusion, focusing on data privacy and systemic barriers that marginalise vulnerable groups. He called for policies to ensure safe and equitable digital participation, particularly for women and underrepresented communities.

In a practical session, Mr. Sanni Alausa-Issa guided participants on creating advocacy messages and petitions tailored to specific audiences. He stressed the importance of emotional appeals, clear problem statements, and actionable demands to mobilise support.

Despite acknowledging barriers such as limited access to technology and potential resistance to advocacy efforts, participants expressed confidence in their ability to drive change. “We are equipped to inspire our communities and advocate for justice,” one participant noted.

In his closing remark, BBYDI Global Director, Abideen Olasupo, congratulated the trained advocates on their selection and participation in the programme, while pledging his organisation’s continued support for them to amplify grassroots advocacy.

He disclosed that the trained advocates were expected to go to their various communities to organise town hall and also gather feedback from constituents with a view to engaging their lawmakers on the proposed NGO bill.

Olasupo added that his organisation had also commenced advocacy on radio to increase awareness on gender justice and digital rights. The event is made possible with support from the Karibu Foundation