•••‘Another World Is Possible, Together We Will Build It’
By| Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja
The Steering Committee of the Nigeria Social Forum (NSF), in collaboration with ActionAid Nigeria, has expressed solidarity with participants at the ongoing World Social Forum (WSF) in Cotonou, Benin Republic, calling for stronger cross-border alliances and collective action to advance social justice, democracy and inclusive development.
In a solidarity message signed by ActionAid Nigeria Country Director, Comrade Andrew Mamedu; Chairman of the Nigeria Social Forum, Comrade Jaye Gaskia; and other members of the Steering Committee, the organisations extended their greetings to social movements, civil society organisations, trade unions, women’s movements, youth networks, indigenous peoples and other participants attending the global gathering.
The groups described the World Social Forum, which began in 2001, as a critical democratic platform that enables citizens and movements across the world to develop alternatives based on justice, equality, peace, sustainability and human dignity.
They noted that the WSF’s enduring slogan, “Another World Is Possible,” remains relevant to communities confronting inequality, authoritarianism, climate change and economic injustice.
According to the statement, the World Social Forum has also served as an inspiration for the Nigeria Social Forum by providing a platform for Nigerians from diverse backgrounds to dialogue, exchange experiences, build alliances and strengthen collective action for democratic transformation.
The organisations, however, expressed concern over the challenges confronting millions of Nigerians, including unemployment, insecurity, climate shocks, gender inequality, shrinking civic space and inadequate accountable governance.
Despite the challenges, they commended civil society organisations and grassroots movements for their resilience in organising communities, amplifying marginalised voices, defending human rights and promoting peaceful democratic participation.
The statement stressed that the struggles of workers, women, young people, rural communities, persons with disabilities and indigenous peoples were interconnected, urging stronger solidarity among movements across borders.
“When one voice is silenced, democracy grows weaker. When one community is left behind, the nation falls short of its promise. That is why solidarity is not optional; it is necessary,” the groups said.
As the World Social Forum brings together social movements and civil society actors in West Africa, ActionAid Nigeria urged participants to build cross-border alliances capable of linking local struggles to global movements.
It also called for the development of practical strategies to defend civic space, promote climate justice and demand accountable governance, while urging participants to translate the outcomes of the forum into concrete actions within their respective communities.
The organisations further declared that another Nigeria was possible — one where public institutions serve citizens, young people are empowered to realise their potential, women participate equally in leadership, and development leaves no one behind.
They reaffirmed their commitment to the principles of the WSF Charter, including openness, pluralism, non-violence, solidarity and participatory democracy.“We believe that another Nigeria is possible,” the statement added.
The Steering Committee of the Nigeria Social Forum and ActionAid Nigeria concluded by declaring solidarity with the World Social Forum, the Nigeria Social Forum and communities working towards a more just, peaceful and inclusive world.“Because another world is indeed possible!” the NSF noted.
The statement was signed by Comrade Andrew Mamedu, Country Director, ActionAid Nigeria; Comrade Jaye Gaskia, Chairman, Nigeria Social Forum; Comrade Otive Igbuzor; Comrade Eze Nwangu; Comrade Priscilia Achakpa; Comrade Abiola Akiyode Afolabi; and Comrade Ene Obi.
