STRENGTHENING CSO LEADERSHIP THROUGH SELF-REGULATION, TRUST AND GOOD GOVERNANCE

7, August 2026 !Marriott Hotel, Lagos, Nigeria

 

The Executive Director of Neighbourhood Environment Watch Foundation (NEW Foundation), Dr. Okezie Kelechukwu, participated in a three-day Leadership and Strategic Reflection Retreat for Civil Society Organization (CSO) subnational leaders and platforms at the Marriott Hotel, Lagos.

The retreat, themed “Strengthening State CSO Networks and Platforms to Lead Self-Regulation, Advance Good Governance, and Enhance Sector Credibility in Nigeria,” provided a platform for CSO leaders to reflect on the role of civil society in promoting accountability, good governance, ethical leadership and sustainable development.

The retreat was organized by the Ethics and Good Leadership Awareness Initiative (EGLAI), with funding support from the Council of the European Union and International IDEA. Facilitators were drawn from key stakeholders and the EGLAI team, including team lead Harry Udoh.

The sessions provided opportunities for participants to reflect on the importance of strong internal systems, ethical leadership and responsible organizational practices in strengthening the credibility of the civil society sector. Particular emphasis was placed on self-regulation as an important mechanism for improving transparency, accountability and public confidence in CSOs.

A major takeaway from the retreat was that self-regulation promotes trust, builds credibility and strengthens relationships. For CSOs to remain relevant and sustainable, they must demonstrate accountability not only to their beneficiaries and communities but also to partners, funders, government institutions and the wider public.

The discussions further reinforced the understanding that trust is central to the sustainability of civil society organizations. When organizations consistently uphold ethical standards, transparency and accountability, they are better positioned to build lasting relationships and maintain public confidence.

The retreat therefore served as an important opportunity for CSO leaders to reflect, learn and strengthen their commitment to responsible leadership and sector-wide credibility.

For the civil society sector to remain relevant, trusted and sustainable, self-regulation must become more than an aspiration—it must be reflected in everyday organizational practice.

Trust is the currency of sustainability. Self-regulation builds the trust that makes lasting impact possible.