Abideen, Nigerian Activist to Speak at US’ John Hopkins University Conference
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Abideen, Nigerian Activist to Speak at US’ John Hopkins University Conference
By Alabidun Shuaib Abdulrahman
Abideen Olasupo, a Nigerian youth development activist and tech enthusiast, has been asked to talk on dwindling civic spaces at John Hopkins University’s second annual conference on enhancing democratic ideals, with some other selected young activists across the globe.
The conference, which will be held in collaboration with a global think-tank, Democratic Moves and titled: “Global Youth Activism Amidst Democratic Decay,” would take place between October 18 and 20, 2021
The Conference, INCNews247 learnt will feature a number of youth activists and scholars from various countries to discuss issues affecting young people around the world.
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Mr. Olasupo, the Executive Director of the Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative (BBYDI), is scheduled to speak on how youth activists may continue their work in the face of restrictive policies by governments.
Olasupo said he was pleased to be adding his voice to the decreasing civic space on a global platform after witnessing gross violations of human rights across the country, including the government’s recurrent total disrespect for court rulings.
“The past few years have seen democratic principles being eroded by governments across the globe. Nigeria is not an exception. There has been a rising concern about government’s deliberate clampdown on civic space in last three years,” he emphasised.
He added that the panel discussion will help to highlight the challenges faced by civil society in the country, as the event is part of the activities lined up for the coming summit on democracy organised by the United States government.
On December 9, 2021, the US president, Joe Biden, will host a virtual summit for leaders from government, civil society, and the private sector, focusing on challenges and opportunities facing democracy around the world. It will also provide a platform for leaders to reiterate their commitments to defend democracy and human rights.
