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Femi AwodeleFriday, January 27, 2017
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ADVOCATING POLICY IN NIGERIA'S DEMOCRACY


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bout 7-9 years ago, God gave me a vision, to start a family advocacy organization in Nigeria. I drew up the model based on the family advocacy group I was serving on their board at the time. I then ask God to send me who He has chosen.

The Olaores (Dr. and Dr. Mrs) were those people (they were transitioning from the US back home at the time), we worked hard for years to register an organization, but we soon found out that things run differently in Nigeria, bottomline - the advocacy part of the organization could not move forward for many reasons (money and Nigeria factors).

As democracy in Nigeria matures, one of the thing the CHURCH need to learn to do is ADVOCACY in an organized manner. The church must learn to separate POLICY Advocacy from being engaged POLITICALLY which is what CAN and PFN does now.

The CHURCH in Nigeria (not necessarily leaders, it could be lay people) need to set up policy groups, that identify bills being debated in legislative houses (state and federal) across Nigeria, they need to work with executive branches to have the president, governors, and council chairpeople to support and challenge what is being written into law.

What is happening in Nigeria now, does not support rule of law and portrays jungle justice kind of ruling, which is why we are called a "third world country". We react to stupidly crafted laws when it affects big men, and then we throw out the baby with the birth water.

My recommendation - have advocacy groups set up, at all levels of government, decide what area of influence what advocacy group will focus on, influence policy (bills) before it becomes law and ensure that laws are enforced regardless of who breaks it.

It is also very important for Pastors from the pulpit to NOT support one candidate over another, rather to support or be against policies. Our pastors must also watch what they say out of passion or strong emotion, so their testimony of Christ is NOT affected or derailed. I honestly believe that every church organization must have a team that help them disseminate information that the body decide to advocate for.

I believe we'll learn and grow from this experience.

Remain Blessed

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