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A civic advocacy group, the Initiative for Better and Brighter Nigeria (IBBN), has intensified its grassroots mobilisation efforts in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), using sports and community engagement to promote issue-based politics and good governance.
Speaking at a grassroots football match held in Dobi Community, Gwagwalada Area Council, the FCT General Secretary of IBBN, Professor Bishop Chidii Okenchi Christian, said the initiative was aimed at changing the political mindset of Nigerians, particularly at the community level.
Professor Okenchi, whose inscription at the back of his shirt read “New Breeds Without Greed,” explained that IBBN is not a political party, but a political advocacy group committed to promoting accountable leadership across party lines.
“We are very careful about what we do. We are not forming a political party. What we do is to identify candidates from any political party who we believe can genuinely serve the people and deliver good governance,” he said.
According to him, the football match in Dobi Community was part of IBBN’s strategy to build bridges, unite communities, and create political awareness, especially among youths.
“This is about bringing Christians, Muslims, and people of different backgrounds together. We are using football as a tool to engage the grassroots and educate them that politics should not be about tribe, religion, or sentiment,” he explained.
He stressed that the era of voting for candidates based solely on ethnic or religious affiliation must end.
“That time is gone when people say, ‘this one is my brother’ whether he performs or not. If you are not doing well, you should leave. If your party is not doing well, it should leave. What matters is performance and the ability to meet the needs of the people,” he added.
Professor Okenchi noted that the Dobi Community outreach is only the beginning, as IBBN plans to replicate the initiative across other communities in the FCT.
He disclosed that IBBN was established in 2018, with its headquarters in Jos, Plateau State, and has since focused on nationwide mobilisation for good governance.
While responding to questions about the organisation’s achievements, he said IBBN has recorded progress at both national and state levels through sustained sensitisation and mobilisation campaigns.
“Our major achievement is awareness. We are telling Nigerians that governance is not about sharing spaghetti, indomie, or short-term handouts. You may collect these things today, but in less than two years, you will still be in hardship,” he said.
He emphasised that IBBN’s vision is to ensure that the dividends of democracy reach everyone, including children, orphans, the elderly, and the most vulnerable members of society.
“When you vote for the right person, democracy begins to descend from the top to the grassroots — even to the old woman in the kitchen and the homeless child on the street,” he said.
Addressing the participating footballers, Professor Okenchi assured them of the organisation’s continued support and encouraged them to see themselves as ambassadors of positive change in their communities.
“Anywhere you go, remember there is an organisation that supports what you are doing. We are not for any political party; we are for good governance that will represent our children and even the unborn,” he added.
The event attracted community members and youths, reinforcing IBBN’s message that Nigeria’s political future depends on informed choices, ethical leadership, and citizens willing to demand accountability from those in power.
