Udo Jude Ilo

A Nigerian and citizen of the world.

[Udo Jude Ilo @UdoIlo]

Welcoming the Acting President to #Biafra50 event. https://t.co/5eRtSupYH0

[Prof. Yemi Osinbajo @ProfOsinbajo]

This morning, I am at the Yar'Adua Centre, Abuja for an event themed: MEMORY & NATION BUILDING. BIAFRA: 50 YEARS AFTER...A Sober Reflection.

[Devex @devex]

In a new analysis for Devex, @UdoIlo of @InnoJustice explores the role of justice, institutions, and development.

Read the full analysis.

[Udo Jude Ilo @UdoIlo]

No better testimonial than one spoken deep from the heart that reveals the real daily challenge of being Barack!

[Michelle Obama @MichelleObama]

Barack: You told me all those years ago that you couldn’t promise me the world, but you could promise me an interesting life. Of course, you outdid yourself and managed to give me both.

Eight years in the crucible, and not once did you melt from the heat. Not once did you let it harden you. Instead, you used it to reveal your truest essence: your stubborn optimism and unflinching courage, your dazzling brilliance and unpretentious decency, your ferocious work ethic and absolutely unshakable moral fiber.

[Devex @devex]

"Stability built on impunity is not stability at all — it is merely a postponement of crisis." @UdoIlo of the @InnoJustice challenges the development sector to stop treating justice as a future luxury.

Read the analysis: https://t.co/8ypisGErL8

[Thoughts and Mace Advisory @thoughtsandmace]

“Building on Solid Ground” earns its title. It is practical, honest and timely, and it is written with the kind of clarity that respects your time. If you work in Africa’s civil society space, this book belongs on your shelf, because it gives you both a foundation to build on and a mirror to grow by. It is, simply put, a good read, and one I am proud to recommend.

Read this review by Ijeoma Oforka. A public health professional and the Chief Operating Officer at @Connected_dev . Using this link: https://t.co/4c70ZYL28k

This book is written by @UdoIlo. Get a copy of the book on our website: https://t.co/zy3uEQ974t or on Amazon: https://t.co/XdLdLG9QKq

[Thoughts and Mace Advisory @thoughtsandmace]

Day 2 of the Luminate Nigeria Cohort Mid-Year Retreat brought together deep learning, creative practice, and team bonding.

The day focused on storytelling and narrative building, moving from reflection to hands-on work. Participants explored storytelling as a tool for translating complex issues into narratives that people can see, feel, understand, and act on.

[Thoughts and Mace Advisory @thoughtsandmace]

The third day of the Luminate Nigeria Cohort Mid-Year Retreat saw conversations move beyond storytelling and narrative building to CSO resilience and sustainability .

The day was facilitated by @iniabims, and @UdoIlo, Through conversations on governance, strategy, leadership, and organisational systems, participants examined the structures behind sustainability and the choices that shape long-term impact.

[The Resistance Bureau @ResistBureau]

The democratic deterioration happening in the U.S. has 'emboldened bad behavior,' including in #Nigeria, says @UdoIlo. 'The global solidarity structure for democracy is nonexistent.' Listen to more of this conversation and what we can do to push back:

https://t.co/ZGRvcMj8zp

[The Resistance Bureau @ResistBureau]

"Democracies don't die overnight. It's the little things that gradually chip away at the guardrails of constitutional infrastructure... For #Nigeria, the world is too distracted at the moment to pay attention." Watch our full interview with @UdoIlo here:

https://t.co/ZGRvcMj8zp

[Pathfinders @SDG16Plus]

❓ How can we achieve #JusticeForAll?

🚀 ​Join us for the global launch of Justice Within Reach, a new campaign dedicated to advancing people-centered justice by strengthening diverse pathways to justice worldwide.

🌍 Bringing together senior policymakers, practitioners, and thought leaders, the event will introduce the campaign’s vision, strategy, and key priorities.

Speakers:
🔹 Hon. @HugoAguilarOrti, President of the Supreme Court of Justice, Mexico (Keynote address)
🔹 Heleen van den Berg, CEO, @Cordaid
🔹 Hon. Nancy A. Catamco, Secretary and Chairperson, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, the Philippines
🔹 Pascale Bambara, Director of Access to Justice and Aid to Victims, Ministry of Justice, Burkina Faso
🔹 Dr. @EWKituku, Executive Director, @KituoSheria
🔹 @UdoIlo, CEO, @InnoJustice
🔹 @ZainabQ, Senior Policy and Advocacy Advisor, @InnoJustice
🔹 Davide Soto-Naranjo, Security & Justice Expert, @Cordaid
🔹 Leonie Mutoni, Coordinator, @ACE_Africa
🔹 Laura Ospina, Senior Program Officer, @SDG16Plus (Moderator)

Secure your spot now! 🔽
https://t.co/cArm1wgwcO

#AccessToJustice #CustomaryInformalJustice #Justice #CIJ #JusticeWithi

[The Resistance Bureau @ResistBureau]

One of the most worrying developments in #Nigeria, ahead of next year's elections, has been the weaponization of the judiciary, says @UdoIlo. "This is not a new trend, but what is really worrying is the brazen nature of it." Watch our full interview here: https://t.co/ZGRvcMj8zp

[Thoughts and Mace Advisory @thoughtsandmace]

If you missed it, here is a full recap of our book launch.

On Thursday, 14 May 2026. Building on Solid Ground: A Primer on Resilience and Sustainability of CSOs in Africa wasn’t just unveiled; it was debated, questioned, celebrated, and signed into the hands of civil society leaders who refuse to keep building on sinking grounds.

From Kole Shettima’s steady chairmanship, to @obyezeks Oby Ezekwesili’s fire-filled keynote, to a panel (featuring @hussainiabdu @gillleverobe @KemiOkenyodo and Amb. Bengt-van, moderated by @AngelaUmoru ) that turned theory into reason, and finally to @UdoIlo Udo Jude Ilo’s closing vote of thanks, accompanied with book signings.

Thank you again to every speaker, panelist, and guest who made this launch a landmark. Watch. Share. And if you’re a CSO leader, ask yourself: Am I building on solid ground?

Find out and learn how to by getting the book using the link: https://t.co/4oUFfT0kuH or on Amazon: https://t.co/3ZjgFffaKg

#BuildingOnSolidGround #CSOResilience #AbujaEvents #CivilSocietyAfrica

[Thoughts and Mace Advisory @thoughtsandmace]

“Governance is very key for me, and there is the strategic planning process.

I learnt early that if you do not plan and you do not have a roadmap where you are going. Then you might not be going anywhere.”

— @KemiOkenyodo , Executive Director, Partners West Africa Nigeria

Kemi brought the heat on governance and strategic planning at the launch of Building on Solid Ground. Her message was simple but sharp: resilience without a roadmap is just wishful thinking.

Building on Solid Ground: A Primer on Resilience and Sustainability of CSOs in Africa by @UdoIlo | Published by @pt_books

Does your CSO have a strategic plan that actually guides decisions?

#BuildingOnSolidGround #KemiOkenyodo #StrategicPlanning #CSOGovernance #CivilSocietyAfrica

[The Resistance Bureau @ResistBureau]

"The world isn't paying attention to what's happening in #Nigeria. This is a huge mistake. The country is in dire straits with politicians focused on exploiting our weaknesses. A country that is already teetering on the edge can easily tip over." -@UdoIlo

https://t.co/ZGRvcMj8zp

[Thoughts and Mace Advisory @thoughtsandmace]

“The other lesson is how you organize yourself, and I believe that in this context, it is important to teach people and to tell people that there are certain basic rules that you must adhere to to advance your credibility, not only towards yourself but towards anyone who holds you under scrutiny.”

— Amb. Bengt-van Loosdrecht, Netherlands Ambassador to Nigeria

Ambassador Bengt-van brought the diplomat’s precision to a blunt truth: credibility is earned by following the rules, even when no one is watching. Especially then.

Building on Solid Ground by @UdoIlo | Published by @PTBooksGlobal

#BuildingOnSolidGround #CSOCredibility #GovernanceMatters #CivilSocietyAfrica

[Thoughts and Mace Advisory @thoughtsandmace]

“We sometimes assume that the integrity of the founder’s background and history is enough to sustain the organization. However, we know also that no matter how disciplined you are, unless you are able to institutionalize that discipline, you cannot run effectively. That is where governance matters a lot. The book speaks about this.”

— @hussainiabdu , Country Director, @CARE_Nigeria

He named the hard truth many founders avoid: your personal integrity is not enough. You need systems. Structures. Institutionalized discipline.

Building on Solid Ground by @UdoIlo

#BuildingOnSolidGround #HussainiAbdu #InstitutionalGovernance #CSOSustainability

[Thoughts and Mace Advisory @thoughtsandmace]

“This book is a timely reminder that strong civil society is built on sound governance, adaptability, and trusted partnership.
Across Africa, CSOs continue to demonstrate resilience and leadership in the face of complex challenges.”

— @gillleverobe, Deputy High Commissioner, United Kingdom

She reminded the room that resilience isn’t just an internal job, it’s built through trust, adaptation, and partnerships that actually work.

Building on Solid Ground by @UdoIlo

Get the book now.

#BuildingOnSolidGround #GillLever #CSOPartnerships #TrustedPartnerships #CivilSocietyAfrica

[Jeffrey Smith @Smith_JeffreyT]

For @ResistBureau I had the pleasure of speaking to development expert @UdoIlo. We unpacked the warning signs in #Nigeria, ahead of next year's election, that many seem to be ignoring. He rightly reminds us that democracies don't collapse overnight. Watch: https://t.co/x3FwPF1RaL

[CDD West Africa @CDDWestAfrica]

🚨 NEW BLOG POST

As Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 elections, concerns around electoral credibility, democratic backsliding, institutional fragility, and political interference are becoming harder to ignore.

Originally published by African Arguments and republished by CDD-West Africa, Nigeria’s Road to Undemocratic Elections in 2027 examines the warning signs shaping the country’s democratic trajectory, from weakened institutions and shrinking civic trust to the growing risks of procedural manipulation and contested legitimacy.

The piece raises a critical question:
What happens when elections continue to hold the appearance of democracy, but gradually lose the conditions that make democracy meaningful?

At stake is more than electoral administration. It is the future of public trust, political accountability, and democratic resilience in Nigeria.

📖 Read the full piece here: https://t.co/lZLC6EAhmE

#CDDWestAfrica #Nigeria2027 #Democracy #Elections #ElectoralIntegrity #Governance #PoliticalAccountability #DemocraticResilience #WestAfrica

[The Resistance Bureau @ResistBureau]

🚨NEW INTERVIEW🚨

Is #Nigeria's democracy cracking ahead of the 2027 election? We spoke to @UdoIlo who warns: electoral reforms stalled, rule of law weaponized, and opposition in disarray. However, hope is not lost and resilience remains strong. Watch: https://t.co/ZGRvcMj8zp

[Thoughts and Mace Advisory @thoughtsandmace]

Thank you to everyone who came out today!

These are some of the beautiful faces that showed up to our Abuja book launch of Building on Solid Ground (BSG) today.

Everyone who showed up made the experience memorable.

Building on Solid Ground is authored by our Founding Partner @UdoIlo

Get the book now on Amazon: https://t.co/3ZjgFffIzO or via our website: https://t.co/4oUFfT0Skf

#BuildingOnSolidGround #CSOResilience #CivilSocietyAfrica #BookLaunch #PremiumTimesBooks