Victor Umeh, senator representing Anambra central in the upper legislative chamber, says civil society organisations (NGOs) need to be courageous to confront the challenges bedevilling society.
Umeh, who is also the chairman of the senate committee on diaspora, said this at a workshop held for the senate, and the house of representatives committee on civil societies and development matters, on March 15 in Lagos.
The lawmaker said it is imperative for CSOs to be bold in order to set the country on the path to a sustainable future.
He added that civil societies should be about tenacity in bringing about constructive social change, rather than being instruments in the hands of the political class.
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According to the senator, CSOs used to be led by individuals committed to enacting the necessary systemic changes.
“It is not something those who are afraid should venture into,” he said.
“In the past, CSOs were reputed to be diehards who were ready to even go to jail, risk their lives and lose their personal liberties, as long as they were challenging the ills of society.
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“We want to encourage the current generation of CSOs to do the same and know that the life that is worth living is one that is dedicated to bringing change and making necessary impacts.
“When they lend themselves for misuse, they will lose relevance.”
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