Comr. Lily-white O. Esigbone Join Niger Delta Youth Leaders Unite at 2025 Social Action Camp to Tackle Shrinking Civic Space and Human Rights Abuses in Nigeria

Port Harcourt, Rivers State — Youth leaders and human rights advocates from across Nigeria converged at the Leadership Training Centre in Aluu, Rivers State, for the 2025 edition of the Social Action Leadership and Bolt Camp, a major national platform addressing democratic freedoms, ecological justice, and the deteriorating civic space in the country.

Among the notable participants were Comrade Lily-white O. Esigbone, 3rd Vice President of Ugbarajo Itsekiri Youths (UIY), President of the Itsekiri Young Elites (IYE), Chairman of the Itsekiri Historical Front (IHF), and member of the Civic Rights Council Nigeria, Warri Branch; and Comrade Toritseju Joseph Ogharandukun, P.R.O of the Itsekiri Young Elites in Port Harcourt.

The annual camp, organised by Social Actions with support from the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation and the Civil Rights Council Nigeria, brought together emerging leaders, policy advocates, gender rights defenders, and community organisers under the national theme:
“Reclaim Your Rights, Secure the Future: Women and Youths for Ecological Justice.”

Opening Sessions Highlight Nigeria’s Rising Governance and Rights Challenges

The programme commenced with an opening briefing by Dr. Prince Edegbuo, who underscored the need for young Nigerians to strengthen their voice in the democratic process, especially at a time when civic participation is increasingly under threat.

Delivering the welcome address on behalf of Social Action’s Director, Dr. Isaac Osuoka, Comrade Botti Isaac charged participants to remain steadfast in holding government institutions accountable.

Participants also received a virtual address from Coordinator Soweto, who reflected on the life and struggles of the late Comrade Aremu, a national figure known for resistance against oppression and advocacy for grassroots democracy.

Scholars and Legal Experts Call for Democratic Reform

In one of the camp’s most impactful sessions, Professor Fidelis Allen, a respected political scientist, delivered a lecture titled “Democracy and the Paradox of Shrinking Civic Space in Nigeria.”
He highlighted growing concerns over government clampdowns on activists, restrictive legislation, and the rising dangers faced by human rights defenders.

Similarly, Barrister Arochukwu Ogbonna led the opening recap, drawing attention to the importance of understanding legal frameworks, engaging communities, and building sustainable movements capable of resisting injustice.

A Gathering of National Voices for Change

The 2025 camp attracted delegates from multiple states across the federation, activists, youth leaders, environmental justice advocates, and civic educators, emphasising nationwide concern over governance failures, environmental degradation, and systemic human rights abuses.

Discussions also touched on economic inequality, gender-based exclusion, and the urgent need for collective action to protect vulnerable communities, especially those affected by oil exploration and political marginalisation in the Niger Delta.

Comr. Lily-white O. Esigbone’s Call to Action Resounds Nationally

Delivering his closing remarks, Comrade Lily-white O. Esigbone issued a national call to action, urging young Nigerians to remain vocal against injustice and unwavering in the defence of democratic rights.

He stated clearly:

“Your silence in the face of oppression is your support for the evils of oppression. If Nigeria must move forward, young people must refuse to be silent.”

A Renewed Commitment to Justice

The 2025 Social Action Camp ended with renewed resolve among participants to resist shrinking civic space, promote ecological justice, and strengthen advocacy networks across Nigeria.
Organisers and participants alike reaffirmed their commitment to defending democracy and protecting the rights of Nigerian citizens in the face of increasing institutional challenges.