BENIN CITY — A public advocacy lecture held to commemorate the 52nd birthday anniversary of Comrade Ikhuenbor Felix, popularly known as Mr. Figo, has thrown the spotlight on the critical role of citizen participation in driving good governance, with speakers charging Nigerians to embrace accountability, inclusiveness, and collective responsibility in nation-building.
The event, held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Benin City, and themed, “Good Governance & Citizens’ Participation,” drew community leaders, political actors, stakeholders, and members of the public to deliberate on the relationship between leadership and civic engagement.
Delivering the keynote address, Hensley Otabor argued that leadership must not be seen as the exclusive preserve of those in positions of authority, insisting that citizens play a decisive role in shaping governance outcomes.
He maintained that while leaders occupy positions of authority, the true measure of leadership lies in their ability to positively impact lives, stressing that citizens must move beyond passive observation to active engagement in democratic processes to ensure fairness and justice in governance.
In his remarks, the celebrant, Ikhuenbor Felix, described the gathering as more than a birthday ceremony, noting that it was deliberately conceived as a platform for dialogue, reflection, and progress on governance issues.
“It is intentional, reflecting our shared commitment to dialogue, accountability, and progress,” he said while welcoming guests, including community leaders, stakeholders, and members of the public.
A defining moment of the event was the recognition of children from the Iwinosa Orphanage, who were honoured as special guests. Their presence, according to the host, underscored the urgency of building governance systems that prioritise the most vulnerable.
“They are not just part of this event; they represent the very essence of conversations like this,” he said, emphasising that policies and leadership decisions must respond to the needs of disadvantaged groups.
Speakers at the lecture reiterated that governance is not the sole responsibility of political office holders but requires active citizen involvement, urging participants to remain informed, engage constructively, and hold institutions accountable.
“Stronger citizens produce better governance, and better governance builds a more just and inclusive society,” the keynote speaker added.
The event, which combined celebration with civic advocacy, ended with a renewed call for sincerity in public participation and a collective commitment by citizens to strengthen democratic processes.