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]

Following the money and demanding accountability is not always easy as there are push backs sometimes even from citizens due to personal bias and sentiments.

In difficult settings (i.e an environment where the political, legal, and social systems are intentionally or structurally rigged to prevent open scrutiny of public funds), tracking public funds faces severe systemic roadblocks due to:

✅ Elite capture that corrupts resource distribution.

✅ Closing civic spaces leading to restrictions on activists and citizens

✅ Contested authority in the form of fragmented or conflicting political power

In this presentation for my Master of Governance, Development and Public Policy at @sussexuni @ids_uk, I explore how understanding these constraining factors is key to overcoming barriers and driving real impact✊

#FollowTheMoney #HamzyCODE #Accountability #ActiveCitizenship

[Hamzat Lawal - 🐘 @HamzyCODE]

A Tribute to a Life of Honour, Wisdom, and Legacy of an Extraordinary Man.

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. Indeed, to Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return.

Three days ago, my family suffered the painful loss of a remarkable man, my beloved father-in-law, Alhaji Usman Yahaya (Baba). Although he has now been laid to rest according to the beautiful rites of Islam, his memory and legacy will continue to live in our hearts.

It is difficult to put into words what this loss means to us. What makes it even more painful for me is that, because of my postgraduate studies abroad, I am thousands of miles away and unable to stand physically beside my wife, Amyna (@Amna_alsharaf), and the family during this moment of profound grief. As a husband and son-in-law, there is no greater pain than wanting to comfort those you love but being separated by circumstances beyond your control.

Baba was more than my father-in-law; he welcomed me as his own. Every encounter with him was filled with warmth, kindness, laughter, and meaningful conversations. He was gentle in spirit, generous with his wisdom, and always carried himself with humility and dignity. His calm presence made everyone around him feel at ease. He was a man whose life exemplified what determination, discipline, and integrity can achieve. Despite having limited formal education, he became a highly respected merchant whose business interests took him far and wide. Through resilience, vision, and unwavering commitment, he built a name that commanded respect. To me, he was a legend who conquered the business world; not merely through wealth, but through character, wisdom, honesty, and the trust he inspired in others.

Beyond his accomplishments in business, his greatest achievement was the life he lived and the people he nurtured. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, a proud grandfather, and a compassionate humanitarian whose generosity touched many lives. His wisdom was practical, his counsel was sincere, and his life was a lesson in perseverance, humility, and service.

One of the greatest blessings Allah bestowed upon me through him was the hand of his precious daughter; my beloved wife, Amyna (@Amna_alsharaf). She embodies the values of love, strength, kindness, and grace that he and her mother instilled in her. For entrusting her to me and welcoming me into his family with such warmth, I will remain forever grateful.

Though we mourn his passing, we also celebrate a life that was rich in purpose and impact. His legacy will not be measured solely by the businesses he built or the places he travelled, but by the family he raised, the values he lived by, and the countless lives he inspired through his generosity, discipline, and humanity.

I pray that Allah (SWT), in His infinite mercy, forgives all his shortcomings, accepts his good deeds, expands and illuminates his grave, grants him peace in the barzakh, and admits him into Jannatul Firdaus among the righteous. May Allah also grant my dear wife, our mother (Aunty), siblings, grandchildren, and the entire family patience (sabr), strength, and comfort during this difficult period.

Baba, thank you for your kindness, your wisdom, your example, and for raising the incredible woman I am blessed to call my wife: Amyna. Your earthly journey has ended, but your legacy will continue to inspire generations.

May Allah grant you eternal rest in Al-Jannah Al-Firdaus (Ameen).

[Hamzat Lawal - 🐘 @HamzyCODE]

“Calling on young Nigerians to move beyond electoral participation and become active players in the country’s political process, meaningful change requires sustained engagement in leadership, accountability, and governance”✊

Read full publication also covering my experience moving #SaveBagega from an online advocacy to offline civic action and community organizing on The Sun paper via https://t.co/yIlrDFdlWn

#YouthParticipation #Governance #Democracy #HamzyCODE

[Hamzat Lawal - 🐘 @HamzyCODE]

Power is not a prize to be hoarded; it is a shared tool for development and justice. Sadly, power is also not given, but deliberately cultivated over time, beyond the ballots!

Young Nigerians must therefore consciously:

1. Engage in local governance by attending local government council meetings and ward briefings to influence immediate community projects.

2. Track budgets using social accountability models like @4lowthemoney and demand accountability.

3. Join political movements and build grassroots structures from within registered political organizations.

4. Leverage social media strategically by transitioning from online outcry to organized, offline civic action and community organizing.

Special thanks to Cambridge University (@cambridgeuniversity) Nigerian Society (@cuns_cantab) for having me.

The future of Nigeria will not be defined by the promises leaders make, but by the spaces young people choose to occupy. May the conversations we keep having ignite the needed actions for the future✊

#YouthParticipation #Governance #Democracy #HamzyCODE

[Hamzat Lawal - 🐘 @HamzyCODE]

Earlier today, I joined other prominent speakers for the Beyond the Ballot conversation at Cambridge University (@Cambridge_Uni)

Before I share further insights, I leave you with this question...knowing leadership is an act of service, what MUST young people do differently to ensure we always hold our leaders accountable?

#YouthParticipation #Governance #Democracy

[Hamzat Lawal - 🐘 @HamzyCODE]

@amin_uba Thank you

[Hamzat Lawal - 🐘 @HamzyCODE]

Well and occupied with school work

[Habiba Zuntu🦋 @Nr_HabibaZuntu]

It's been quite long,I hope @HamzyCODE is doing well.
My regards to the triplets. ❤️

[Hamzat Lawal - 🐘 @HamzyCODE]

True democratic change doesn't start or end at the polling unit, it lives in the communities we build and the accountability we demand every day✊

This Saturday, I will be at the prestigious University of Cambridge (@Cambridge_Uni) to speak on "Beyond the Ballot: Leadership, Youth Participation & Nigeria's Future." hosted by the Cambridge University Nigerian Society. I will be sharing the lessons from our grassroots campaigns across Africa and deeper insight from my current studies; Master of Governance, Development and Public Policy at @sussexuni @ids_uk

This timely dialogue reflects our current democratic reality, one where true leadership must extend far beyond election cycles.

Honored to join an incredible panel of thinkers and changemakers pushing the boundaries of impact:

Tunde Onakoya ( @Tunde_OD Founder, Chess in Slums Africa @chessinslums)

Professor Chidi Odinkalu (Professor, International Human Rights Law)

Mojisola Hunponu-Wusu (President, Woodhall Capital Group @WoodhallCapital)

The conversation is urgent. The time to build the Nigeria of our dreams is now.

🗓️ June 20th, 2026 | ⏰ 12:30 PM
📍 The Main Theatre, St John’s College, Cambridge
🔗 RSVP: https://t.co/ZtrG6NumXO

#HamzyCODE #CivicEngagement #YouthParticipation #Governance

[Hamzat Lawal - 🐘 @HamzyCODE]

Today marks 40 days since you left us, my dear friend SALEH. The pain of your absence remains, but so do the memories, laughter, and kindness you shared.

You are deeply missed and fondly remembered every day. May Allah forgive your shortcomings, expand your grave, and grant you Al-Jannah Al-Firdaus. Continue to rest in peace, my brother SALEH Shehu Ashaka @AshakaSaleh 🕊️

[Social Voices @SocialvoicesNGR]

Digital violence is silencing women globally. Women journalists report doubled rates of online attacks. Coordinated harassment targets women in public life to undermine their credibility and force them offline. Yet in Nigeria, this conversation remains critical and underfunded.

[Tosin.X @Dontee___]

Just left Lagos state University LASU where I represented my Boss @HamzyCODE at the school Communication Parliamentary Summit 8.0 alongside esteem speakers milk. Kudos to the students for a brilliant event!

[Connected Development [CODE] @Connected_dev]

Democracy isn’t just a date on the calendar. It’s a daily choice to stay aware.

When the majority makes decisions, the minority still deserves a voice, and when numbers are missing, trust begins to fade.

This Democracy Day, we ask: are you paying attention to the numbers that don’t add up in your community, your school, your ward?

Remember, democracy starts long before election day. It begins with every action and inaction we take as citizens.

Happy Democracy Day, Nigeria 🇳🇬

#June12 #DemocracyDay #CivicEngagement #AccountabilityMatters

[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🧵