Eight Years of Vision, Sacrifice and the Courage to Build a New Nigeria

By Dr. Kayode Elusoji

On Tuesday, November 10, 2026, the Great Nigerian Assembly (GNA) marks eight years of vision, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to the transformation of Nigeria. What began as an idea to unite Nigerians around a common purpose has evolved into a people-driven movement with a clear mission: to empower Nigerians to become active builders of the nation they desire, rather than spectators waiting for change.

This anniversary is a moment of thanksgiving, reflection and renewed commitment. Eight years of laying foundations, mobilising professionals and investing in technology are now producing practical instruments that can transform how Nigerians participate in governance and community development.

Nigeria does not lack people, skills, intelligence or resources. What we need is collective responsibility, organised citizen participation, accountable leadership and institutions that translate our enormous potential into measurable progress.

From the Nigerian Diaspora Foundation to the Great Nigerian Assembly

Our journey began on November 10, 2018, as the Nigerian Diaspora Foundation (NDF), a platform established to enable Nigerians abroad to contribute their expertise, resources and experience to the development of their homeland.

As the vision matured, it became clear that lasting transformation required Nigerians at home and abroad to work together. Building a better Nigeria could not be the responsibility of one group alone; it required a collective national effort.

On May 19, 2023, the organisation became the Great Nigerian Assembly, reflecting a broader mission to unite Nigerians everywhere.

GNA is non-political, non-governmental, non-religious and not-for-profit. We are neither a political party nor an opposition movement. We are a platform for constructive engagement, guided by a simple principle: whoever holds public office, citizens must remain organised, informed and actively involved in promoting measurable results.

The GNA CAA Governance Model: Vision Becoming Reality

One of our most significant milestones is the GNA Coverage Area Administrator (CAA) Governance Model, a technology-enabled, citizen-driven framework designed for Nigeria’s 774 Local Government Areas.

Too often, public engagement peaks during election periods and fades afterwards, while communities continue to struggle with poor roads, under-equipped schools and health centres, inadequate water supply and unemployment.

The Model provides a structured, non-partisan framework through which citizens can identify community needs, document public infrastructure, engage Responsible Parties, monitor interventions and recognise measurable contributions.

Through LG CAA Governance Committees, Advisory Councils, Special Development Committees, Ward Managers and Certified Citizen Reporters, the Model strengthens organised citizen participation while complementing, rather than replacing, Nigeria’s constitutional institutions.

At its heart is the Record of Performance (RoP), which documents completed projects and interventions facilitated by public office holders, community leaders, professionals and organisations.

We believe leadership should be judged not by the volume of campaign promises or speeches delivered, but by measurable improvements in people’s lives. The Record of Performance also celebrates those who deliver because accountability must reward excellence as well as expose shortcomings.

Ile-Ife: Where the Vision Took Root

On October 24, 2026, GNA formally inaugurated its pioneering CAA Governance Model structures in Ife Central and Ife East Local Government Areas of Osun State.

On that day, the vision moved from strategy documents and institutional planning to practical structures on the ground. The Ile-Ife experience now provides a foundation for learning, refinement and progressive expansion to other Local Government Areas.

Our belief is that sustainable national development must begin with communities. When citizens are organised to identify needs, document realities and engage appropriate Responsible Parties, development becomes more visible, measurable and accountable.

Ife is not the destination. Ife is the template.

One Million Nigerian Youths: Investing in the Next Generation

Through the Change Nigeria Initiatives (CNI), GNA aims to train and professionally certify one million young Nigerians across all 774 Local Government Areas over the next ten years.

The programme provides professional development pathways in Citizen Reporting, Digital Journalism, Artificial Intelligence, Healthcare Assistance, Agriculture and other practical fields.

In 2026, we celebrated our pioneer cohorts: 30 Certified Citizen Reporters (CCRs) and 22 Certified Digital Journalists (CDJs).

CCRs are trained civic reporters who document community needs, gather evidence and bring verified concerns to Responsible Parties. They are not enforcement agents; they are informed citizens strengthening public participation, transparency and community development.

Thirty may seem small beside one million, but every great transformation begins with a committed first generation.

Our objective goes beyond training young people. We want to equip them with practical skills, professional discipline and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities and country.

Professional Expertise and Technology: Building the Infrastructure for Change

GNA’s 16 Professional Groups connect Nigerians with expertise in health, agriculture, technology, engineering, education, finance, media and other professional fields, linking professional knowledge to practical community needs.

Behind the CAA Governance Model is a substantial investment in digital infrastructure by CPI Technologies Inc., supporting citizen reporting, infrastructure monitoring, project documentation and performance measurement.

GNA News & TV promotes civic education and responsible journalism, while the Global GNA Pacesetter Award celebrates individuals and organisations whose verified contributions improve lives.

Together, these initiatives reflect our commitment to connecting professional expertise, technology and organised citizen participation to practical national development.

A Heartfelt Message of Appreciation

Above all, I give glory to Almighty God, the giver of wisdom, for His inspiration, guidance, strength, protection and grace throughout these eight years. Every milestone we celebrate is evidence of His faithfulness.

To His Imperial Majesty

Our profound gratitude goes to His Imperial Majesty, Oonirisa, Arole Oodua, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife, for recognising the significance of this initiative and extending his royal support.

Kabiyesi’s commitment to the development of Ile-Ife and Nigeria is deeply appreciated. We remain grateful for his encouragement and support for this vision.

To My Family

To my beloved wife, GN (Dr.) Adekeyede Elusoji, and our wonderful children, words cannot adequately express my gratitude.

Your prayers, patience, sacrifices and extraordinary financial support have sustained this mission through its most challenging moments. Your unwavering belief in this vision has been a source of strength throughout the journey.

This milestone is as much a reflection of your sacrifices as it is of my commitment to the mission.

To CPI Technologies Inc.

My special appreciation goes to the dedicated professionals of CPI Technologies Inc., who have spent eight years developing and financing the technological foundation of this vision with remarkable commitment and perseverance.

Your dedication has helped transform an idea into a developing technological and institutional framework for citizen participation and national development.

To Extraordinary Friends

I am especially grateful to GN (Dr.) Sunday Adebiyi and GN (Dr.) Raphael Opeyemi, who have demonstrated the true meaning of friendship, loyalty and unwavering support.

Your contributions, encouragement and confidence in this mission will always hold a special place in the history of the Great Nigerian Assembly.

Special Recognition: The Builders of the Vision

With profound gratitude, I acknowledge the following distinguished Great Nigerians, alongside our Global Board of Trustees, Global Advisory Council, Global Professional Group Council, Professional Groups, implementation teams and volunteers worldwide.

Your time, expertise, resources and sacrifices have contributed immensely to building GNA.

ROLL OF HONOUR

• GN (Prince) Johnson Oluwafunso Adetayo
• GN (Elder) Michael Ojo
• GN (Prince) Tokunbo Adeniji
• HRM Oba Adetayo Rasheed Oladele
• Sooko Architect Alani Opeloye
• GN Sooko Adeleke Odewade
• GN Ajibade Olowoporoku
• GN Piriye Gabriel-Whyte
• GN Collins Nweke
• GN (Dr.) Olusegun Apata
• GN (Dr.) Jonathan Obaje
• GN Olalekan Martins
• GN (Hon. Chief) David Ojumu
• GN (Dr.) Olufunke Momoh
• GN (Engr.) Olugbenga Fabamigbe
• GN (Amb.) Adetunji Adeleke
• GN (Barr.) Olalere Festus Olaobaju
• GN Ebenezer Gbenga Eluobaju
• GN (Prof.) Martin Dada
• GN (Prof.) Adeola Shobola
• GN (Rev.) Amos Oladipo
• GN (Pastor) Niyi Murele
• GN (Chief) Olusola Oyeyemi
• GN Roland Ademola Elusanmi
• GN Bunmi Elujulo
• GN (Prof.) Oladipupo Olafiranye
• GN (Arch.) Simbo Akinola-Odusola
• GN (Dr.) Abdulfatai Raji
• GN Olusina Ojewola
• GN (Dr.) Janet Ogundele Olabode
• GN Abayomi Alowooja
• GN (Dr.) Ikechi Agbugba
• GN (Dr.) Sweet Mordi
• GN (Prof.) Marian Eniola Oyewande
• GN Kehinde Ajayi
• GN Temmy Olagbaju
• GN Yomi Fabunmi
• GN Yakubu Ayinde
• GN Adeniyi Bello
• GN (Dr.) Kayode Ajayi
• GN (Dr.) Wole Ajifolokun
• GN Olusegun Samuel
• GN (Dr.) Kayode Ijisesan
• GN (Dr.) Olusoji Peters
• GN (Pastor) Bunmi Ladipo
• GN Doyin Owobamirin
• GN Oluremi Ogunsayan
• GN Peter Odesola
• GN Bunmi Eluyemi
• GN Gbenga Omisore
• GN (Dr.) Bashir Agboola
• GN Joseph Olatubosun Awofisayo
• GN Babajide Adeleye
• GN (Prince) Samuel Babalola
• GN (Rev.) & Mrs. Agunbiade
• GN (Dr.) & Mrs. Joseph Princewill
• GN Wole Awofisayo
• GN (Alhaji) Ismail Longe
• GN (Dr.) Kazeem Bello
• GN Kola Adeyera
• GN Isaac Oluwabamishe
• GN Henry Falonipe
• GN (Chief) Jerry Bamgbade

To the many others whose names do not appear here, your contributions are no less valued.

Many of you have laboured quietly, made countless calls, offered words of encouragement, provided financial support and opened important doors. Some have worked behind the scenes without seeking recognition.

Your sacrifices have not been in vain, and we remain sincerely grateful.

To Our Pioneer Youth Professionals

To the first cohort of 30 Certified Citizen Reporters (CCRs) and our 22 Certified Digital Journalists (CDJs), congratulations and thank you.

You represent an emerging generation of informed, skilled, responsible and courageous Nigerians who will help redefine citizen participation in governance and national development.

You are not merely beneficiaries of training; you are pioneers of a new national development movement.

Your commitment and contributions will help demonstrate the importance of informed citizenship, professional skills and responsible community engagement.

History Will Remember the Builders

GNA belongs to every Nigerian, irrespective of ethnicity, religion, political affiliation or geographical location.

Yet history shows that meaningful change is often driven by a committed few who refuse to remain spectators.

Our aspiration is to mobilise that exceptional five per cent of genuine nation-builders who can inspire and empower the remaining 95 per cent.

We believe Nigeria’s transformation requires more than conversations about our challenges. It requires citizens who are willing to organise, collaborate, contribute their expertise and take practical steps towards solutions.

History will remember not only those who discussed Nigeria’s problems, but those who took practical steps to solve them.

The Next Chapter: Building on Eight Years of Foundation

As GNA enters its ninth year, our priorities are clear:

• Consolidate the Ife pilot: Strengthen the CAA governance structures and the work of the Ife CAA Governance Model Committees.
• Expand nationwide: Progressively establish the Model in additional Local Government Areas across Nigeria.
• Raise public awareness: Promote understanding of how citizens, communities, public office holders, professionals and diaspora organisations can work together for accountable development.
• Grow the One Million Youths programme: Expand professional training and certification opportunities, with registration open for upcoming cohorts in Certified Citizen Reporting, Digital Journalism, Artificial Intelligence and other pathways.
• Accelerate technology and partnerships: Advance the digital platform and deepen collaboration with traditional institutions, professional bodies, educational institutions, the private sector, development partners and the diaspora.

Our success will not be measured by conferences held, speeches delivered or committees inaugurated, but by lives improved, young people empowered and communities transformed.

That is the standard by which we hold ourselves accountable.

The Time to Build Is Now

Nigeria has the people, the skills and the resources. What we must strengthen is our collective determination to organise, collaborate and build.

The school in your community matters. The health centre in your village matters. The road connecting farmers to markets matters. The unemployed graduate seeking an opportunity matters.

You do not need to hold political office to contribute to national development. You need the willingness to serve, the courage to participate and the determination to make a difference.

Join the Great Nigerian Assembly. Contribute your expertise. Support youth empowerment. Help identify community needs, encourage responsible leadership and celebrate those whose actions improve lives.

May the next eight years witness a stronger, more united, more accountable and more prosperous Nigeria.

To everyone who has believed in this vision, supported it and sacrificed for it, thank you.

May Almighty God reward your sacrifices, replenish your resources and grant you the joy of witnessing the transformation we are building together.

May God bless His Imperial Majesty, the great people of Ile-Ife, every member and supporter of GNA, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Happy 8th Anniversary to the Great Nigerian Assembly!

Eight Years of Vision. Eight Years of Sacrifice. Eight Years of Building.

• GN (Dr.) Kayode Elusoji

Executive Director, Great Nigerian Assembly (GNA)

Chairman, GNA TV & News · GNA Weekly · GNA

Global Pacesetter

Email: kayode.elusoji@greatnigerian.org