Spaces for Change | S4C marked its 13th anniversary on March 13 at a colorful ceremony filled with reflections, gratitude, music and cakes. Over 100 guests—including S4C Board members, funding partners, veteran activists, civil society leaders, family members, representatives of regulatory bodies, law enforcement agencies, professional institutions, media and community allies—gathered in Lagos to celebrate the organization’s journey from its modest beginnings to becoming a powerhouse for social rights advocacy and civic space protection in West Africa. The event featured a film screening, intergenerational dialogue, awards, reflections and moving tributes—each moment reinforcing the values that birthed and powered S4C over the years.
Looking back at the 13-year journey, S4C’s Executive Director spoke passionately about the organization’s history, wins, challenges and lessons learned along the way. What began as an online discussion group on Facebook has evolved into a leading advocacy group in West Africa, touching lives, shaping social and economic policies and securing justice for marginalized communities. She expressed gratitude to the early supporters—funders, partners and family members—who believed in the budding organization with an unknown founder and an uncertain future. As S4C steps into its teenage years, the organization is recharging its vision and mission with renewed energy.
Corroborating S4C’s Director’s reflections, other personalities at the event shared experiences of their encounters with S4C in the early years. A founding board member recalled when the director travelled to Maiduguri, North-East Nigeria, at the peak of the Boko Haram insurgency in 2011 to investigate human rights violations. He praised her exemplary courage and the organization’s evidence-based approach to social justice advocacy. The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (NEITI) also praised the organization’s visionary leadership and relentless advocacy which have transformed the landscape of host community engagement in the Niger Delta. “Spaces for Change has championed the cause of communities long neglected by environmental and social injustices resulting from oil exploration. S4C also empowered these communities with the tools and platforms needed to assert their rights, demand accountability, and participate meaningfully in shaping policies that affect their well-being and livelihoods”, he said.
S4C’s documentary, “Courage in Difficult Times” captured the resilience and fortitude of pioneer activists who laid the groundwork for today’s civic struggles. The screening of the documentary at the anniversary brought to life, the sacrifices, ideals, and relentless pursuit of justice that defined past movements, providing a compelling historical lens for the present generation. The ensuing intergenerational dialogue between veteran activists and the younger civil society leaders bridged the past and present, with veteran activists sharing hard-earned lessons from their years on the frontlines during the military regimes and younger activists reflecting on the evolving nature of advocacy in today’s digital age.
Advocacy and activism in Nigeria have evolved over the years, and across political dispensations, thanks to the advancements in digital technologies. Nevertheless, the risks remain largely the same, especially as surveillance, arrests, and crackdowns are still part of an activist’s occupational reality. One key takeaway from the dialogue is that while the tools and contexts may have changed, the fight for justice remains a continuum – one that requires both the wisdom of the past and the innovation of the present. Wrapping up the dialogue, both veteran and younger activists emphasized the importance of sustained civic engagement, cross-generational collaboration, and institutional reform in the quest for meaningful change.
The event concluded with heartfelt testimonials from key partners such as the Fund for Global Human Rights, the Ford Foundation, and other allies of S4C. These partners commended the organization’s innovative advocacy and unwavering commitment to civic engagement and social justice in West Africa. The ceremony also featured an award presentation to S4C’s Director by members of the Action Group on Free Civic Spaces (AGFCS), recognizing her exceptional leadership, resilience, transparency and dedication to social justice. In addition, S4C presented awards to its past and present staff, acknowledging their outstanding service and contributions toward advancing the organization’s mission. At 13, S4C isn’t done yet. Infact, the organization is just getting started!
