Dear gentle reader, reflecting on the first writing in this column on January 9, 2024… it has definitely been a long journey of becoming a columnist. 2024 has indeed been a dynamic year, both for Nigeria and the global community.
Over the last twelve months, this column focused on governance, leadership, development and key policy issues across the African continent and the global North with emphasis on building more equitable, just and accountable institutions. It also focused on ethical AI and tech accountability, addressing digital divides, and championing responsible innovation in Africa and beyond, regulatory frameworks for emerging technologies and their societal impacts as well as thought leadership on Africa’s role in global tech governance.
There was a consistent focus on gender equality and women’s rights, advocacy for women’s empowerment and participation in leadership, technology, and governance, support for global and local campaigns like the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence and gender-responsive policy recommendations and reflections on progress. Several weeks focused on the perennial challenges of corruption, impunity, insecurity, inflation, hunger, poor leadership as well as judicial, elite and state capture.
Regional and global highlights on Nigeria, Kenya, Senegal, Ghana, United Kingdom and U.S. contexts etc further delved into the strategic responses to challenges in economic democracy, governance, elections, economic diversification, youth innovation, security and reflections on advancing tech innovation and regional diplomacy. We also focused on global advocacy and policy on Africa’s growing influence in global diplomacy, particularly in tech and climate policy. We examined contributions to dialogues around equity in internet governance and addressing systemic inequalities globally with some commentary on global efforts toward sustainability and climate justice, aligning with Africa’s interests.
There were some personal reflections about the interconnectedness of governance, technology, and social equity as well as insights into my personal journey as a leader advocating for inclusive, transformative change. There was also grief and loss, a testament to the certainty of the cycle of life and death as well as a reminder to us as humans to cherish and make the most of the little time we have together here on earth.
In the paragraphs below, we will reflect on some of the notable developments across key areas in Nigeria and globally in 2024.
Across the political landscape, Nigeria continued to navigate the post-2023 elections environment in a giddy state, with unsuccessful efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and address contentious political issues. The country has never been more polarised along political, ethnic and religious lines with a growing discontent in leadership across the executive, judiciary and legislature.
While security remained a critical focus, with some measure of progress and plenty setbacks in combating insurgency, banditry, and communal conflicts, economic trends wavered with the naira’s volatility and efforts to stabilize the currency showcased the resilience and struggles of Nigeria’s economy. Investments in tech, agriculture, and renewable energy gained momentum, aligning with broader goals of economic diversification and youth-led innovation hubs and startups expanded, cementing Nigeria’s position as Africa’s tech powerhouse.
Social movements and advocacy for gender equality and women’s rights took centre stage particularly the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence which became even more crucial with the rise in violence against women and girls in 2024. Climate action gained traction, with local initiatives addressing desertification, flooding, and renewable energy adoption.
However, as always, some bright spots with the growing cultural renaissance fuelled by the Nigerian entertainment industry in the music, film, and art continued to dominate the global stage, with artists breaking records and fostering cultural pride. In sports, Nigerian athletes also showed resilience and helped birth the blighted image of the country.
Let’s not forget how Nigerians in the tech and business environment shone brightly like stars to prove once more that the average Nigeria has all it takes to thrive in the right environment, right education and credible leadership. Even Nigerians in the diaspora and the youth are trailblazing the landscape in their respective adopted countries with a proud connection to their homeland that give us hope.
Global Reflections: A Challenging and Transformative Year
At the global level, we also focused on technology and AI with discussions on how AI accountability deepened, with policies and frameworks emerging to ensure ethical tech practices. The digital divide remained a global issue, but initiatives to extend internet access, particularly in underserved regions, showed promising results.
In geopolitics, global conflicts and diplomacy shifted dynamics, with Africa still struggling to play a more prominent role in international decision-making while the push for multipolarity in global governance intensified, challenging traditional power structures. Democratic regression and decolonization were major topics that graced national and international news, global conversations and ideologies. The elections across the U.S., United Kingdom and Africa showed a global shift towards authoritarianism foretelling a more elusive future for democratic governance.
The climate crisis did not renege as devastating natural disasters underlined the urgency of climate action. At the same time, innovations in green energy and global agreements provided glimmers of hope. Africa’s voice grew louder but not stronger in climate discussions, emphasizing the urgent need for climate justice and equitable resource allocation.
In the human rights and equality conversation, women’s rights, and movements against systemic racism gained momentum, although challenges persisted while the theme of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence resonated globally, rallying action and solidarity. Global health challenges remained as post-pandemic recovery efforts continued, focusing on equitable vaccine distribution and health system strengthening and innovations in telemedicine and digital health transformed healthcare delivery.
On the social ladder, the gap between the rich and the poor continued to widen, and many people and nations were thrown into multi-dimensional poverty due to wars, insecurity and rising global inflation. Consumerism and capitalism are both at an all time high and there seems to be no remedy in sight. Hopefully, 2025 will usher in better prospects for people and planet.
A Look Ahead to 2025
2024 has been a year of reckoning, resilience, and recalibration. For Nigeria, it reinforced the need for unity, innovation, and governance reform. Globally, it underscored the interconnectedness of nations and the shared responsibility for a sustainable and equitable future.
As the year closes, there’s optimism that the lessons learned and the challenges we have endured together will drive bolder actions and deeper collaborations across our shared humanity in 2025 because the year 2024 did not just test us, it simply revealed what we are going to be up against and contending with in the year 2025. It therefore calls for a more strategic approach at an individual and institutional level to confront the myriad of challenges and opportunities that the year ahead may bring.
The world must do better, Nigeria must do better, our people especially those at the margins of society cannot be sacrificed daily due to poor leadership and poor economic decisions. The poor infrastructure, persistent hunger and lack in a land that boasts of countless natural and human resources is an indictment on our collective sensibility and our shared humanity.
Dear valued reader, thank you for journeying with me through this column over the past year. Here’s to an extraordinary 2025 filled with wonder, peace, and joy. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!