BudgIT opens nominations for second edition of ‘Active Citizens Awards’

BudgIT, a civic-tech non-profit organisation, has opened the nomination process for the second edition of the Active Citizens Awards.

The award is an initiative of BudgIT that seeks to “spotlight and appreciate” individuals and organisations doing impactful work in the Nigerian humanitarian space.

The maiden edition of the award took place in 2022.

The 2023 edition, with the theme “Trailblazers of change: Pioneering solutions, shaping the future”, will take place on September 16, at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Gabriel Okeowo, country director, BudgIT Nigeria, said two new categories – health activism and climate change activism – have been included in the 2023 edition of the award.

Okeowo said out of the 13 categories of the award, only seven are eligible for public nominations, while nomination for the remaining six categories will be based on “extensive research and thoughtful deliberations based on specific criteria” by a panel of judges.

He added that the nomination portal for the award will close on August 4.

The 13 categories include: Oby Ezekwesili award for women advocacy, award for community service, disability rights advocacy/empowerment award, solutions journalism award, and award for civic activism (policy reform & governance).

Others are award for health activism, award for institutional transparency (government agencies), corporate award for civic investments, art for activism, award for inclusion & diversity, hall of fame award for civic activism, and award for climate change activism.

Nominations for all categories will undergo a number of selection processes. For the categories meant for public nominations, seven individuals in each category will be longlisted by heads of departments in BudgIT. The credentials of the longlisted individuals will be presented to a panel of judges that will select three finalists, including the winner.

The winners of the categories not open for nominations will be selected based on extensive research.

To nominate individuals and organisations, click on this link.