Calls for Nomination
- Safiu Kehinde
Leading CivicTech organisations, BudgiT and Civic Hive, have called for public nomination of outstanding civic actors who have influenced societal changes that impact lives over the cause of the year for the 2026 Active Citizens Awards.
The annual event, organised by BudgiT and Civic Hive with support from Ford Foundation and Open Society Foundation, is slated to hold on Friday 24th of July 2026 at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
With the theme ‘Celebrating Voices, Inspiring Actions’, the 2026 Active Citizens Awards seeks to recognise changemakers who are using advocacy, technology, community organizing, creativity, research, and public service to drive positive social impact and strengthen democratic values.
The awards also seek to spotlight citizens and groups whose work continues to inspire participation, accountability, inclusion, and collective action within society.
Speaking on the nomination for the award during a Press Conference held on Thursday, the Chairman of the Selection Committee, Mr. Joseph Amenaghawon, harped on the need to acknowledge civic actors in the society.
Amenaghawon noted that beyond nomination, the 2026 edition’s nominees will be screened based on impact, sustainability, and milestones achieved.
“So often, civic work is seen as thankless and invisible. But the truth is that many of the positive changes we experience in our communities happen because someone decided to speak up; organise people; ask difficult questions; builds solutions; or refuse to stay silence.
“The award is for these types of people. This is year, we want state it clearly as part of the process. Normally, nominees will be assessed based on nomination, impact, sustainability, milestones achieved, diversity and inclusion and integrity.
“We want to celebrate work that is not only inspiring but building measurable changes in people’s lives.
“From young people organising their communities to civic actors demanding accountability, creating vivid storytelling for advocacy, researchers, and innovators building solutions for citizens.
“These are the people keeping hopes alive.” The Selection Committee Chairman said.
Amenaghawon further noted that the awards process will prioritize credibility, impact, innovation, and community relevance when assessing nominees.
“We are committed to a transparent and rigorous selection process that highlights individuals and organizations creating meaningful change in their communities.
“This award is designed not only to celebrate achievements but also to elevate stories of active citizenship; stories that can inspire broader civic participation across the continent.” He said.
On his part, the Chairman of the 2026 Active Citizens Awards Planning Committee, Temidayo Musa, disclosed that this year’s edition features a total of 12 categories with seven open for public nominations while the winners of the other five will be determined by the awards committee.
“The 2026 awards feature a total of twelve (12) categories. Seven of these categories are open for public nomination.
“For the remaining five categories, the winners will be selected by the awards committee after extensive research and thoughtful deliberation against specific criteria.
“Nominations are open to activists, civic leaders, community organizers, social entrepreneurs, artists, media practitioners, youth-led initiatives, nonprofit organizations, and innovators making measurable contributions within their communities and sectors.” Musa said.
Also speaking on the award, the BudgIT’s Country Director, Vahyala Kwaga, said the award is to celebrate the impact of young people, civic actors, creatives, and innovators shaping the future of democracy and promoting citizen participation against all odds.
“The Active Citizens Awards is about recognizing the everyday people and organizations who continue to show courage, leadership, and commitment to building stronger communities and a more accountable society.
“Across Nigeria, we are witnessing young people, civic actors, creatives, and innovators shaping the future of democracy and citizen participation, often against difficult odds. This award is an opportunity to celebrate their impact and amplify their work.” Vahyala said.
Meanwhile, for any open category, the ACA Awards organisers noted that members of the public nominating an individual or organization must first confirm their eligibility for that specific category.
All nominations must also include links to relevant projects or impacts the nominee has successfully completed within the designated timeframe, as these links should directly support their alignment with the evaluation criteria.
Members of the public are encouraged to submit nominations for deserving individuals and organizations through the official nomination platform, adding that self-nominations will also be accepted.
Meanwhile, the assessment of shortlisted nominees and the final selection of winners will be based on specific criteria: innovation, impact, milestones, sustainability, diversity, inclusion, organizational structure, and leadership quality.
On shortlisting and election, the organisers said a carefully chosen Panel of Judges will conduct a thorough, three-stage review process following the nomination period.
This selection process will result in a final shortlist of three individuals who have achieved the highest grade points in each category.
Ultimately, only one of these three nominees will be selected as the winner in their respective category.