ActionAid Nigeria Country Director, Mr. Andrew Mamedu, says the organisation’s 25-year journey has been defined by its commitment to challenging injustice, empowering marginalised groups and championing inclusive, community-led development across the country.
Speaking on Thursday at the organisation’s silver jubilee celebration in Abuja, Mamedu joined partners, board members and community representatives in reflecting on ActionAid’s national impact, achievements and growth since its establishment.
“We began with a clear conviction that poverty is not natural and that exclusion must be dismantled,” he said, emphasising that the organisation remains committed to addressing systemic barriers affecting vulnerable people.
According to him, true development goes beyond charity; it is realised when power shifts from the privileged to the marginalised.
Mamedu reaffirmed ActionAid Nigeria’s dedication to rights-based, transformative development rooted in fairness, dignity, justice and active community participation.
“We have chosen to stand with women denied their rights, youth denied their voices and communities denied opportunities,” he said, noting ActionAid’s sustained advocacy to expand social protection, representation and inclusion for disadvantaged groups.
He highlighted the organisation’s broad interventions, saying: “Our work spans all 36 states, from supporting more than two million smallholder women farmers to networks like the Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All, which now has over a thousand members nationwide.
“We have also championed women’s land rights, promoted sustainable agriculture, strengthened governance accountability and empowered young people to engage meaningfully in democracy.”
Chair of the ActionAid Nigeria Board, Ms. Rabi Isma, described the 25-year anniversary as both a celebration and a moment of reflection for an organisation deeply committed to justice, empowerment and sustainable progress.
“Twenty-five years is a remarkable milestone, and for ActionAid Nigeria, this is a time to celebrate our growth from a modest country programme to a full-fledged affiliate,” she said.
“At every stage, we have remained steadfast in our mission, working with people living in poverty and exclusion so they can claim their rights and live in dignity.”
She noted that through partnerships, accountability and solidarity, the organisation has built a strong reputation for principled advocacy, people-centred development and feminist leadership.
“These are real stories of transformation that give meaning to our work and inspire us to continue,” Isma added, stressing the importance of collaboration, community resilience and strategic interventions for long-term social impact.
Former presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, congratulated ActionAid Nigeria on its 25th anniversary, describing it as a celebration of impactful service and unwavering national advocacy.
“Mine is a very simple message: big congratulations to the ActionAid family, who are celebrating 25 years of action, impact, service and advocacy in our country,” Obi said.
“This anniversary represents what can be achieved when an institution is committed to human capital development and to building a just and fair society.”
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), highlights of the celebration included a book launch, presentation of awards to outstanding staff and partners, and a posthumous award to Mr. John Moru, ActionAid’s Governance Team Leader in 2005. The award was received by his wife, Abiemwense Moru, and daughter, Kylie John-Moru, who expressed gratitude for the recognition.
