The Department of History and International Studies at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University is currently hosting its inaugural international conference, drawing participants from various backgrounds to engage in discussions on pertinent issues facing Nigeria’s democracy.
Themed “Democracy, Protests, and Governance in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic,” the conference has attracted students, scholars, political figures, and departmental staff and management. The event commenced with an address by the Chief Host and Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Kate Omenugha, who emphasized the importance of free expression in governance. She stressed that allowing individuals to voice their opinions is crucial for effective governance, as it provides leaders with valuable insights to guide their decisions.
Representing Professor Omenugha, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, Professor Mathias Ananti, highlighted the reasons behind the relatively low level of protests in Nigeria despite prevailing challenges such as poverty and security agency brutality.
In a thought-provoking lecture, the keynote speaker, Right Honourable Somtochukwu Udeze, the Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, underscored the significance of peaceful protests as a catalyst for societal change. He emphasized that peaceful demonstrations serve as a platform for Nigerians to demand accountability and drive positive transformations within the society. Udeze urged leaders to heed the voices of protesters and collaborate with them to address existing gaps in governance.
Engineer Julius Chukwuemeka, the Commissioner for Power Resources and Chairman of the occasion, commended the conference for fostering productive discourse on Nigeria’s democratic journey since 1999. He emphasized the importance of defining democracy within the Nigerian context and called for meaningful deliberations to drive sustainable progress.
Mr. Chijioke Okoye, the Acting Head of the Department of History and International Studies, highlighted the conference’s objective of promoting academic exchange and generating recommendations to enhance the democratic process in Nigeria.
The three-day conference, which commenced on April 24th, will conclude on April 26th, culminating in the recognition of deserving individuals through award presentations. It serves as a platform for critical reflections and constructive dialogue aimed at shaping Nigeria’s democratic trajectory.
