Osinbajo to deliver keynote address as BudgIT, EiE host TNCG conference in Lagos

Yemi Osinbajo, former vice-president, has been billed to deliver the keynote address at the sixth edition of the Conference on Technology, New Media, Citizens, and Governance (TNCG).

The event is organised by BudgIT, a civic-tech non-profit organisation; and Enough is Enough Nigeria (EiE), a civil society organisation.

It will hold on November 28 in Gbagada, Lagos.

Themed ‘Technology: The Present and Future of Political Action in Africa’, the conference aims to explore innovative ways to enhance citizen engagement, governmental service delivery, and accountability — by leveraging technology.

Previously known as the New Media, Citizens, and Governance Conference, this year’s event has been rebranded to reflect the growing influence of emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), on governance.

Policymakers, private sector representatives, academia, students, and civil society actors, will participate in the conference to explore how technology and new media are reshaping the governance landscape in Africa, and share best practices for using technology in political activism and reform.

Oluseun Onigbinde, global director of BudgIT, highlighted the importance of this year’s conference, saying it aims to advance citizen participation in governance.

“At BudgIT, we are committed to ensuring technology and data remain accessible tools for citizens to hold their governments accountable,” he said.

“The TNCG Conference creates a platform for dialogue, innovation, and partnerships where we can push the boundaries of what civic technology can achieve in transforming governance in Africa.

“Now more than ever, it’s vital that we bridge the gap between citizens and government through technology. The TNCG Conference offers a timely platform to explore the opportunities and challenges ahead.”

Opeyemi Adamolekun, EiE’s executive director, noted the crucial role of technological tools in fostering accountability and inclusive governance.

“Technology has given ordinary Nigerians unprecedented power to hold their leaders accountable and shape public discourse,” she said.

“The TNCG Conference will explore how we can continue to harness these tools to deepen political engagement and drive systemic reforms that strengthen democracy.”

Other speakers at the event include Ousman Kallay, iLAB, Liberia; Mutemi Wa Kiama, co-chair, Africans Rising Movement Coordinating Collective, Kenya; Iyinoluwa Ayobeji, MD, Futures Africa, Nigeria; and Abiola Durodola, ED, AdvoKC.