BUDGIT OPEN NOMINATIONS FOR 2026 ACTIVE CITIZENS AWARDS, CEREMONY SET FOR JULY 24 IN LAGOS
By Olayiwiola Ibrahim // Lagos// BudgIT, Nigeria’s leading CivicTech organisation promoting accountability, transparency, and effective service delivery, has opened nominations for the third edition of its Active Citizens Awards.
The awards ceremony, themed Celebrating Voices, Inspiring Actions, will hold on Friday, July 24, 2026, at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The Active Citizens Awards recognise individuals and groups using advocacy, technology, community organizing, creativity, research, and public service to drive positive social impact and strengthen democratic values in Nigeria.
The initiative spotlights citizens whose work inspires participation, accountability, inclusion, and collective action across communities.
12 Categories, 7 Open to Public Nomination
This year’s edition features 12 categories.
Seven are open for public nomination, while winners in the remaining five will be selected by the awards committee after independent research and assessment against set criteria.
Nominations are open to activists, civic leaders, community organisers, social entrepreneurs, artists, media practitioners, youth-led initiatives, nonprofit organisations, and innovators making measurable contributions in their sectors. Self-nominations are allowed.
BudgIT’s Country Director, Vahyala Kwaga, said the awards are about honouring the everyday people and organisations 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, Kwaga said.
This award is an opportunity to celebrate their impact and amplify their work.
Joseph Amenaghawon, Chair of the Selection Committee, added that the process will prioritise credibility, impact, innovation, and community relevance.
We are committed to a transparent and rigorous selection process that highlights individuals and organisations creating meaningful change in their communities,” Amenaghawon said.
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.
Nominations will be judged on innovation, impact, milestones, sustainability, diversity, inclusion, organisational structure, and leadership quality.
All entries must include verifiable links to projects or impacts completed within the designated timeframe.
Speaking on the Timeline and Next Steps , the nomination portal opened on May 14, 2026, and will close on June 14, 2026.
A panel of judges will conduct a three-stage review, shortlisting three finalists per category.
One winner will emerge in each category.
Shortlisted nominees and award recipients will be announced ahead of the ceremony on July 24, 2026.
For nomination guidelines, category details, and submissions, visit https://awards.civichive.org/the-award.
For sponsorship inquiries and further information, contact awards@budgit.org or visit https://awards.civichive.org.
About Author
