Hamzat Lawal - 🐘

2025-26 @CheveningFCDO Scholar | MA Student @SussexUni | Founder @Connected_dev & @4lowthemoney | 📖🔊 @MalalaFund | ✊🏿🔊 @oxfamnovib | Proud Husband & Dad 🥰

[Hamzat Lawal - 🐘 @HamzyCODE]

The most fulfilling experience is being a husband & a father.

[Hamzat Lawal - 🐘 @HamzyCODE]

It gives me great pleasure to invite you to the launch of a truly moving book “Leading With Our Humanity” by my dear sister, Dr Amina Salihu.

The book goes straight to the heart of what justice really means, it addresses the unseen ways power separates those who are heard from those who are ignored. Amina reminds us that leadership must be measured by how we protect human dignity.

The book is available for reading and download here https://t.co/mQpai11jFL

Launch details:
Friday, May 22, 2026
Shehu Musa Yar'Adua Centre, Abuja 9 AM WAT
Registration is FREE: https://t.co/rDD9C7tvfS

[Hamzat Lawal - 🐘 @HamzyCODE]

Happy Birthday to a real one. Your friendship is a gift, and I’m grateful for every moment, lesson, and laughter we’ve shared. Wishing you greatness, peace, and endless wins ahead @kunlebabsno1

[Hamzat Lawal - 🐘 @HamzyCODE]

@IamJustUstaz @AshakaSaleh Amin🤲

[Hamzat Lawal - 🐘 @HamzyCODE]

I have lost my trusted friend and brother, SALEH (@AshakaSaleh)

I have no words. Innalilahi 💔

[Hamzat Lawal - 🐘 @HamzyCODE]

There are those who study the law, and then there are those who live it, Nnanna Oketa, LL.M, MBA belongs to the latter.

Your appointment as the Head of Legal and Company Secretary, South East Development Commission (SEDC) is a testament to years of quiet brilliance, principled leadership, and an unwavering commitment to doing things the right way.

You’ve been more than a Legal Adviser to Connected Development in the last few years, and seeing you take on this mantle at the SEDC feels like a win for all of us who believe in a better Nigeria.

You’ve always been a brother in the cause and have always treated the law not just as a set of rules, but as a tool for justice and institutional integrity.

The South East Development Commission hasn't just gained a brilliant legal mind, they’ve gained a guardian of governance. I have no doubt that the same rigour and passion you brought to holding power accountable will now help build a lasting legacy for the region.

Onward my friend, and congratulations on this stellar new chapter🎉👏

[Hamzat Lawal - 🐘 @HamzyCODE]

Across communities and countries, individuals and initiatives are driving change, often unseen, yet deeply impactful in a time of growing global challenges.

The UN SDG Action Campaign launched the 2026 edition of the #HeroesofTomorrow: UN #SDGAwards, open for applications until 17 May 2026.

The 2026 Awards recognize these efforts across three categories:
👉 The Changemaker Award honours individuals leading collective action towards justice, equality, and peace.

👉 The Creativity Award honours initiatives that inspire hope and action through visual expression, art, innovation and more.

👉 The Resilience Award honours initiatives building resilience in the face of conflicts, inequalities, or climate change.

Be the Heroes of Tomorrow. Apply or nominate by 🗓️ 17 May 2026: https://t.co/WQFHKWuteV

#HeroesofTomorrow #SDGAwards

[Hamzat Lawal - 🐘 @HamzyCODE]

Late last month, I joined Nabila Aguele (@NabilaAguele, CEO Malala Fund), key stakeholders and education partners at the “Financing the Future of Nigerian Girls: Advancing Gender-Responsive Education Planning and Budgeting” dialogue hosted by @MalalaFund.

One thing is clear, very often, citizens mistake budget allocation for budget implementation; though related, they are not the same.

Budget allocation is the planning and decision‑making phase on how much money is earmarked or set aside for specific sectors, programmes, or projects while

Budget implementation is about how those allocated funds are actually spent and whether they deliver the intended results. This includes releasing funds, paying contractors or service providers, monitoring spending, and adjusting plans when necessary, so that allocations translate into real outcomes like built classrooms, paid teachers, or supported girls’ education programmes.

If we must make progress in closing Nigeria’s girls’ education financing gap, we must understand that one actor or stakeholder cannot close the gap alone.

It takes governments, development partners, civil society, and communities, in demanding gender-responsive education planning and budgeting, and holding government to its commitment, to ensure that every naira spent on education is tracked to where the need is greatest, and measured against whether girls are accessing and completing school👌

#HamzyCODE #FinanceGirlsEducation #GRESP

[Connected Development [CODE] @Connected_dev]

This week on #DevelopmentBlindSpot

Nigeria's 2025 budget allocated ₦15.81 trillion to debt servicing, more than health, education, security, and infrastructure combined (₦14.95trn total).

The country is spending more to pay creditors than to run itself.

1/4🧵

[Hamzat Lawal - 🐘 @HamzyCODE]

The deeper we delve into public policy, it's analysis and public management, the more I appreciate the concept of democracy, not as an ideal, but as a resilient system demanding constant nurturing against elite capture, voter apathy and policy discontinuities.

As citizens, we must wake up to the responsibility of saying NO to reactive fixes and demand sustainable reforms for Nigeria's lasting renewal.

#HamzyCODE #CheveningScholar #Chevening

[Hamzat Lawal - 🐘 @HamzyCODE]

In 2016, when myself and other young civic actors launched the campaign for the #NotTooYoungToRun bill, which was eventually signed in 2018, the goal was simple: get more young people running for public office.

Eight years later, the reality hasn’t changed much. The high cost of candidacy now stands in the way of women and young people running for office.

While there have been concessions in the right direction, so much more needs to be done.

As we approach the next election cycle, my call to all political parties and indeed the electoral umpire @inecnigeria is simple: Keep the rates affordable so that the best minds, not just the deepest pockets, can lead Nigeria into the future!✊

I urge citizens to join the call, amplify the demand for #AffordableNominations!

#NotTooYoungToRun #UzabeNigeria #Elections

[Hamzat Lawal - 🐘 @HamzyCODE]

Nigeria Tax Act 2025 took effect earlier this year. While there has been significant engagement particularly with Civil Society Organizations on the provisions of the Act, most citizens have no indepth or clear understanding of it.

On my last interview with @channelstelevision, earlier this month, I spoke on the importance of clear, timely and transparent communication with citizens, not only on the provisions of the Act but how funds will be utililized for the benefit of all citizens.

I applaud the now Minister of State for Finance, Taiwo Oyedele (@taiwoyedele) for the coordinated efforts in engaging CSOs/NGOs, including content creators, and urge him to intensify these efforts particularly in leveraging social media to increase citizens understanding of the Act and how funds will be utililized to encourage compliance 👌

#HamzyCODE #NigeriaTaxAact #TaxAct #CitizensEngagement

[Hamzat Lawal - 🐘 @HamzyCODE]

Over the weekend I had the pleasure of hosting colleagues and friends from @SussexUni and @IDS_UK

What started as a little dinner turned into as interesting evening of discussing and debating global politics & economy, the role of young people, diplomacy and world peace.

These kinds of cultural and academic exchanges matter because when young people are actively engaged in shaping ideas and policies, they don’t just influence the future, they help rewrite the present, and in doing so, change the trajectory of entire countries and global conversations✊

On a lighter note, introducing them to some Nigerian delicacies and snacks was the perfect way to spice up the evening😄

#CheveningExperience #Hamzycode #GlobalPolitics #GlobalPeace

[Follow The Money Int'l 💰 @4lowthemoney]

Meet our newly appointed FTM State Leads 🇳🇬

A network of accountability champions working across states to track public funds, engage citizens, and ensure government delivers.

Because accountability starts locally, and public funds must work for public good.

#FollowTheMoney

[Hamzat Lawal - 🐘 @HamzyCODE]

As the crescent moon ushers the blessed month of Ramadan, we thank Allah (SWT) for granting us another opportunity to draw closer to Him☪️🤲

In this holy month, may our hearts be filled with the warmth of loved ones, whether sharing iftars together or holding distant families close in dua.

Let us also unite in sujood, fervently praying for Nigeria's peace, prosperity, and unity.

Ramadan Mubarak! May Allah accept our ibadah and make us among the righteous, Amin📿🤲

#HamzyCODE #RamadanKareem #Ramadan2026

[Hamzat Lawal - 🐘 @HamzyCODE]

“When citizens lose confidence in how leaders emerge, elections become rituals without meaning, and democracy loses the substance that gives it life"

I'm pleased to have signed the joint press statement calling for broader democratic reforms beyond elections, alongside seasoned advocates, elder statesmen and patriots uniting for Nigeria's democratic renewal✊🇳🇬

https://t.co/2XwX7rfINI

#HamzyCODE #Accountability #Transparence #ElectoralReform

[Connected Development [CODE] @Connected_dev]

Connected Development (CODE), through its Speaker Series, continues to strengthen internal learning and practice.

In this session, @Zainab__Bala led a conversation on narrative power in development communication, exploring how ethical storytelling and journalism shape public trust, elevate marginalised voices, and drive accountability, especially in Nigeria and the Global South.

The takeaway? Data informs, but stories move people.

#CODErs #PeopleOfCODE #SpeakerSeries

[Hamzat Lawal - 🐘 @HamzyCODE]

Climate-responsive leadership and inclusive participation will define the next phase of Nigeria’s political journey!👌

My work over the years within grassroot communities, climate and accountability space has proven that policy conversations must connect with people on the ground. From flood-prone riverine areas to regions facing desertification, climate realities are shaping civic trust, participation, and voter behaviour.

As a result, I recently engaged stakeholders at the climate policy dialogue hosted by the APC climate change network to share my charge on why focus must be on turning awareness into action, particularly when it comes to climate change.

It is our collective responsibility to ensure the dividends of democracy reaches underserved communities beyond policies✅

#HamzyCODE #ClimateAction #ClimateChange

[Hamzat Amynah Usman (MrsHamzy) @Amna_alsharaf]

Electoral Act: Electronic Transmission Of Results Non-Negotiable - @HamzyCODE
https://t.co/q0gsv2LgMg via @YouTube

[Hamzat Lawal - 🐘 @HamzyCODE]

At a time of fragile trust between citizens, the electoral system and the government, the current controversy surrounding the electronic transmission of result is not good for our democracy as it erodes citizens' faith in the process for the forthcoming election.

Electronic transmission of result is simply non-negotiable and the Senate must seize this opportunity to act decisively now.

We cannot afford an election marred by doubt before it even begins✊

Watch the full broadcast of my interview with @channelstv here https://t.co/WNf6TbJ9fs

#HamzyCODE

[Connected Development [CODE] @Connected_dev]

“If transparency depends on discretion, democracy depends on luck.” - CODE

We cannot build credible elections on weakened safeguards, rushed timelines, and unclear result transmission. Ahead of 2027, Connected Development is sounding the alarm: credibility delayed is credibility denied.

📢 Read our full press statement.

#ElectoralReformBill #DemocraticGovernance #NigeriaDecides.