ASAP West Africa held its first public event on January 27^th at the University of Lagos in Nigeria. About 800-1000 people attended the symposium, titled \”Political Campaigns Funding and the Looming Tsunami of Poverty.\”

Dr. Akin Oyebode, Professor of Law at University of Lagos, delivered the keynote address in which he spoke about politics, corruption and poverty to an engaged audience. In his speech, the professor criticized the ruling People’s Democratic Party for its corruption and stressed the need for leaders to start serving the collective interests of Nigeria’s citizens. He referred to the country as \”a plutocracy masquerading as a democracy,\” and stated, \”public service… should be open to all men and women of noble intention, commitment to the people\’s cause, and requisite goodwill.\”

Other speakers at the symposium included the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Rahaman Ade Bello, Professor Adebayo Ninalowo, Professor Ralph Akinfeleye, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma of the Ford Foundation, Mr. Dapo Olorunyomi of Premium Times, Mr. Sam Omatseye of The Nation, and Dr. Femi Aribisala. ASAP President Thomas Pogge delivered a video address, in which he explained ASAP’s global mission and vision.

All but one of these speakers echoed the sentiments of Dr. Oyebode. Contrary to the keynote speaker, Dr. Femi Aribisala defended the ruling class. According to him, the nation’s leaders have leveraged their political power to alleviate the suffering of Nigeria’s citizens. The audience expressed its disagreement with this assessment, adding energy to the debate.

The media was well represented, with several outlets in attendance, including: The Guardian, Punch Newspaper, The Nation, Daily Times, New Telegraph, Tell Magazine, Unilag Television, and Premium Times.

Following the success of its inaugural symposium, ASAP West Africa plans to launch the organization in Lagos with a 3-day conference. The chapter may also organize workshops or seminars before the launch.

Media coverage of the symposium is available from Premium Times and The Guardian.

ASAP is proud to announce that its West African Chapter will be hosting its first symposium on January 27th at the University of Lagos. The one-day symposium, titled Political Campaigns Funding and the Looming Tsunami of Poverty, will investigate the impact of political corruption on democracy, development, and access to human rights in Nigeria. In particular, it will investigate the connection between corruption and the country\’s rising poverty rate. Looking towards the general elections scheduled to take place later this year, the event will bring together scholars, activists, and development practitioners to discuss how corruption can be confronted. This event is co-sponsored by Premium Times, Nigeria\’s leading online investigative newspaper, which will report on the symposium discussions.

Akin Oyebode, Professor of International Law and Jurisprudence at the University of Lagos, will give the keynote address. Other notable speakers include ASAP President Thomas Pogge, Innocent Chukwuma of the Ford Foundation, and Dr. Hussein Abdu of ActionAid Nigeria.

The full schedule is available below. For more information, please contact oluwaseunolanrewaju@asapwestafrica.org.

Program for the Public Discourse on Political Campaigns Funding and the Looming Tsunami of Poverty in Nigeria

Date: January 27th, 2015
Venue: Julius Berger Auditorium
Time: 10:00 am — 2:00 pm

10:00-10:30: Courtesy Call on the Vice Chancellor
10:30-10:45: Arrival of guests at the Auditorium
10:45-11:00: Opening and Introduction of Guests
11:00-11:05: Welcome Address by Professor Thomas Pogge, President of ASAP
11:05-11:15: Chairman’s Opening Remarks by Professor Adebayo Ninalowo
11:15-11:20: Remarks by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Rahaman Ade Bello
11:20-11:30: Public Discourse as a University of Lagos Tradition by The Speakers Society
11:30-12:00: Keynote Lecture by Professor Akin Oyebode
12:00-12:10: Culture of Impunity and Democratic Consolidation by Mr Innocent Chukwuma, Ford Foundation
12:10-12:20: Remarks on Keynote Lecture by Mr Femi Fani-Kayode
12:20-12:30: The Media\’s Watchdog Role in Society by Professor Ralph Akinfeleye
12:30-12:40: The Dividends of Democracy and Poverty by Dr Hussein Abdu, Action Aid
12:40-12:50: Remarks by Mr Femi Aribisala
12:50-1:00: Investigative Journalism and Democratic Consolidation by Mr Dapo Olorunyomi, Premium Times
1:00-1:10: Remarks by Mr Femi Falana, SAN
1:10- 1:20: Brief Talk on ASAP, West Africa by Dr Ibraheem/Tejumaiye
1:20-1:50: Contributions from Participants
1:50-2:00: Closing

Elaine Kellman speaks with Robtel Neajai Pailey, a Mo Ibrahim Foundation Ph.D. Scholar at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, who is battling corruption in Liberia.