As we wave goodbye to 2024, it is time to reflect on the year’s rollercoaster of stories that left us scratching our heads, clutching our pearls, and occasionally shouting, ‘Seriously?!’

Here is a stroll down memory lane featuring our top advocacy calls. And trust us, they are worth another look.

January 

‘No Gree for Anybody’: When a Slogan Becomes a Threat

The year 2024 kicked off with a bang, or rather, a slogan: ‘No gree for anybody’. A harmless catchphrase, right?

Not according to the Nigerian police, who somehow found this phrase so alarming that they issued a warning against its use.

Yes, folks, in a country grappling with insecurity and economic woes, this is where the police decided to draw the line.

Let’s be real: suppressing a simple slogan is a thinly veiled attempt to trample on citizens’ constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of expression.

We were not asking for the moon here, just the right to say ‘no gree for anybody’ without getting side-eyed. Read more

Plateau Killings: Who Is Making Tinubu’s Government ‘Look Stupid’?

The Chief of Defence Staff suggested the Christmas Eve attacks were aimed at embarrassing the government. Well, Sir, embarrassment does not kill people; poor intelligence and weak strategy do.

Our Call: Strengthen Nigeria’s intelligence agencies. Confidence isn’t built by excuses—it’s earned through results.

February: Customs Smuggling: A Masterclass in Irony

When reports revealed that the Customs Service might be smuggling tramadol and motorcycles into the country, we had to ask: Are they customs officers or customer officers for the black market?

Our Call: Ministry of Finance, step in. We need an independent investigation, not a self-audit where the fox guards the henhouse. Read more

March: Delta Drama

After the tragic loss of soldiers in Delta State, the military restricted community access, leaving us wondering: Is this the best way to solve the problem or create new ones?

Our Call: Caution, people! Military operations must focus on solutions, not escalations. A humanitarian crisis is not the sequel anyone wants. Read more

April: Jailbreaks and Empty Promises

Nearly 200 inmates escaped in Niger State, proving that our prisons might as well have revolving doors.

Our Call: Minister of Interior, less talk, more action. Reform those correctional centres before they turn into escape rooms for criminals. Read more

May: Tinubu’s One Year and Education Gaps

After a year in office, President Tinubu still had not cracked the code on improving basic and secondary education.

Our Call: Mr President, turn those ‘renewed hope’ promises into reality. Mobilise state governors and make education a national obsession, not a footnote. Read more

June: GRESP-ing for Change

A two-day workshop on gender-responsive education sector planning sparked hope that schools might finally meet the unique needs of girls.

Our Call: Let’s turn training into tangible change. Education policies must walk the talk for every Nigerian child. Read more

July: Rice Trucks and Economic Tricks

President Tinubu’s rice distribution drive was a well-intentioned distraction, not a solution.

Our Call: Focus on stabilising the economy. Stop handing out rice and start handing out opportunities. Read more

August: Jets and Protests

Buying a jet when citizens can barely afford bread?

Our Call: Show empathy, Mr President. Transparency and accountability should not be optional extras. Read more

#EndBadGovernanceInNigeria: Release Arrested Protesters
Protesters jailed for exercising their rights? We thought this was a democracy, not a dictatorship.

Our Call: Release all peaceful protesters. Democracy thrives on dissent, not suppression. Read more

September: Airstrike Confusion

When residents and the Air Force could not agree on what happened, we knew something smelled fishy. And it was not just the harmattan haze.

Our Call: Kaduna State, step up. Independent enquiries are the only way to uncover the truth. Read more 

October: Rule of Law or Ruler’s Whim?

Skipping constitutional requirements to transmit power is a surefire way to break trust.

Our Call: Mr President, respect the constitution. The rule of law isn’t optional, even on vacation. Read more

November: Arraigning Minors? Really?

Minors jailed for protesting? Even the Grinch would not stoop that low.

Our Call: Protect children’s rights. Review justice policies and stop criminalizing peaceful protest. Read more

December: Tax Reform or Trojan Horse?

A ‘glorious dawn’ for some, a nightmare for others. Tax reforms should not feel like daylight robbery.

Our Call: Cushion the economic strain with targeted welfare programs and subsidies for essentials. The people need relief, not rhetoric. Read more

Our Final Word
2024 was a year of lessons, losses, and lingering challenges. As we step into 2025, let’s demand better: better policies, better leadership, and better outcomes.

And to our leaders: less talk, more action. We are watching, and we have got receipts.