African polling institute (API) on Thursday 26th of August 2021, in Abuja organized a one-day Nigeria Social Cohesion Dialogue and Unveiling of the 2021 Nigeria Social Cohesion Survey Report #NSCS2021 supported by Ford Foundation.
The Executive Director, API, Professor Bell Ihua, on behalf of the Board, Management and Staff of Africa polling institute welcome all invited guests to the Nigeria Social Cohesion Dialogue and Unveiling of the 2021 Nigeria Social Cohesion Survey Report #NSCS201, saying he is delighted that API is holding a physical event and being able to bring together key national leaders and critical stakeholders to participate in this very important dialogue on social cohesion. The concept of social cohesion refers to the willingness of citizens to cooperate and work together towards ensuring the survival and prosperity of the country, these two elements are important: the survival element and the prosperity element. However, for these to happen, the country must work towards the wellbeing of all its citizens, the opportunity for upward mobility; and create a sense of belonging for all.
Speaking further, he said that the 2021 Nigeria social cohesion survey is a national citizens’ perception survey, that sought to develop a national social cohesion index for Nigeria as well as gauge citizens perception regarding the state of social cohesion in the country. Building from the 2019 survey, the 2021 survey focused on 10 key indicators of sub-indices in examining the concept of social cohesion in Nigeria: Identity, Trust, Social, Justice, Participation and Patriotism, Natural Resources Governance, Gender Equity, Impunity, Corruption, Self-Worth and Future Expectation. Considering the report quite timely and germane to the current conversation bordering on Nigeria’s unity, stability, progress and peaceful coexistence, which have been threatened in recent times.
Finally, he said that some recommendation from the survey is advocating the need for federal, state and local governments to identify new tactical measures that would promote social cohesion, peaceful inter-relations amongst citizens, and a stronger social contract between the government and the governed at all levels. This can be achieved through institutional reforms targeted at promoting the respect for fundamental human rights of citizens as well as the independence of the press, civil society and the judiciary, which all contribute to promoting good governance. There is also the need to forge a new national movement for Nigeria and Nigerians and their affiliates have an increasing role to play, in shaping and amplifying narratives that help to promote social cohesion, inclusion and unity.
Saying that its strategic objective is to produce and disseminate credible Africa-led and Africa owned opinion research data to support better decision, to promote citizens participation and strengthen democratic governance through opinion research, to strengthen the advocacy for more socially inclusive and evidence-based approaches public policy formulation, to provide a platform for regular dissemination of credible, scientific and independent opinion, polls and finally to serve as a hub for technical capacity building on opinion research, data driven, public policy, practice and advocacy
His Excellency Prof. Yemi Osibanjo, Vice President Federal Republic of Nigeria, Distinguished Senator Ovie Omo Agege, Deputy Senate President Federal Republic of Nigeria, Royal Father of the day- the Etsu Nupe represented by Dr. Rajab Naibe. Goodwill messages from Donor Ford Foundation, representative, poetry recitation by Dike Chukwumerije.
Dr. Abdul Hussaini, the keynote speaker on fostering peace and unity in Nigeria: the imperative of national social cohesion moderated by Mrs. Eugenia Abu (veteran broadcaster /media consultant) with panelists.
Special guest, Prof. Osinbajo said that for the nation to sustain peace and national cohesion, Nigerians need to address their differences, noting that concerted efforts must be made to strengthen the nation’s institutions in other to solve discrimination at all levels in the country.
He said the unveiling of the 2021 Nigeria Social Cohesion Survey would be of benefit to Nigerians.
He also said that the case that Nigerians know that we have been on the path of nation-building for too long to seriously consider the option of secession. We have developed transport links, markets and numerous interdependent economic activities that can only deepen and consolidate, he argued.
For him, we are a resilient people who can surmount present challenges and so while nation-building is hard work, we should all commit ourselves to do the work involved. In telling our stories, we are too attracted to the negative ones and we need to focus on the good narratives – of Christians saving Muslims and Muslims saving Christians during moments of violence.
The same should be in terms of ethnic and community strife. He also called for a move away from attributing evil acts committed by criminals to ethnic communities, and concluded on the note that optimism must prevail because we are an unbreakable people and we, Nigerians, will prevail.
