Satellite Town, Lagos — November 27, 2025
The GEM Unity Summit, themed “Good Governance Through Unity of Purpose Across Ethnic Groups,” was held on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at the Oriade LCDA Secretariat, Satellite Town, Lagos. The event, which commenced at 11:00 a.m., brought together community leaders, government officials, ethnic group representatives, and civil society stakeholders in a collective call for strengthened unity and cooperation at the grassroots.
The summit was led by the President of GEM, Ms. Amaka Udeani, who emphasized the need for shared purpose among diverse ethnic groups to foster effective governance. She was joined by key members of the GEM leadership team, including Mr. Valentine Godwin (Vice President), Comrade Benedict Stephen (Secretary), Mr. Gbenga Ayoade (Financial Secretary), Mrs. Adetunji Omotola (Oriade Coordinator), Mr. Obiora Okonkwo (South East Coordinator), and Ms. Nancy Seth (Publicity Secretary).
The summit recorded a remarkable turnout of government dignitaries and distinguished leaders. The Executive Chairman of Oriade LCDA, Hon. Rasak Akorede Olojede, was represented by his Personal Secretary, Dr. Akinrolabu Olukayode, who praised GEM’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and as well projected the Good governance programs achieved by the Exceutive Chairman within 100 days in office. Also present was the Former Executive Chairman of Oriade LCDA, Hon. Ramotalai Akinola Hassan, represented by Hon. Tunde Musa, Keynote speaker – Prince Ambrose Ahmed – Convener Voice of Amuwo/Oriade Summit. Legislative heavyweights such as Hon. Wuraola Salimata Adewale (Leader of the House), Hon. Amodu Oladele Buari (Deputy Leader, Councillor Ward H), Hon. Oluwaseun Samuel Ogundero (Majority Leader, Councillor Ward E1), Hon. Omolabake Shakirate Onyeahasi (Chief Whip, Councillor Ward D), Hon. Habuna Habeeb Oladimeji (Councillor Ward E2), and Hon. Oluwaseyi Albert Olayemi (Councillor Ward I) added depth to the discussions on governance and accountability.
A notable strength of the summit was the presence of respected ethnic group leaders who highlighted the need for unity as a driving force for local development. Among them were Alhaji Mohammed Adah, Chief Onyemachi Ik (Ochiagha) represented by his son, Mrs. Olude Idowu, Nze Edwin Egboka (Eze Eziokwu), Comrade Sulaiman Mohammed Ridwan, Chief Victor Nnotum, Hon. Dora Onyeto, Mr. Ashiru Kehinde, and Mr. Akinyemi Temidayo. Their contributions reinforced the importance of cultural harmony, insisting that good governance thrives in communities where diversity is embraced rather than tolerated.
The event also welcomed several special guests, including Governor Imitimi Michael (Chairman, Satellite Forum), Mrs. Dele Lawrence, spoken-word artist Young Adaugo Anaba, and Bishop Godwin Aggrey, the National President of Trinity Apostolic Church Lagos. These guests enriched the summit with thought-provoking insights and encouragement for sustained collaboration across ethnic and religious lines. Many reiterated that grassroots unity remains the heart of community progress and national stability.
The climax of the summit came with the much-anticipated unveiling of the GEM Presidential Grassroots Initiative, presented by Ms. Udeani. She outlined the purpose of the initiative as a transformative, long-term strategy designed to promote good governance and nation-building. According to her, the initiative will work closely with the President and the sitting government before, during, and after the 2027 elections to ensure that citizens at the grassroots receive equitable recognition and reward—not only during election cycles but in everyday civic participation. She further appealed for public support for GEMPAY, GEM’s upcoming neo-banking application, which aims to streamline funding for empowerment programs and scale GEM’s impact across communities nationwide. The initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in strengthening local empowerment structures.
As the summit progressed, participants expressed renewed optimism about the future of inter-ethnic collaboration. Attendees shared feedback on how best to strengthen ethnic cohesion, promote trust, and encourage peaceful coexistence within their communities. To further motivate involvement, GEM issued empowerment access cards to attendees, granting them eligibility for future empowerment opportunities under the organization.
The summit concluded with a strong, unified pledge to deepen cross-ethnic collaboration and champion governance that prioritizes inclusivity, equity, and shared purpose. GEM also announced plans to inaugurate the GEM Noble Council, Oriade Chapter, in the coming week. This council will be tasked with driving the strategic execution of the decisions and initiatives discussed at the summit, ensuring that the vision of unity and good governance takes practical root in the Oriade community.
The 2025 GEM Unity Summit ultimately stood as a powerful testament to the transformative potential of grassroots unity—an affirmation that Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity and its people’s collective resolve to work together for a better future.
GEM News
News: GEM Unity Summit Champions Grassroots Harmony and Good Governance in Oriade LCDA
Global Ethnics Movement (GEM) Visits Ohaneze Ndi Igbo Oriade Chapter Ahead of Unity Summit
Global Ethnics Movement Pays Visit to Prince Ambrose Ahmed, Convener of Voice of Amuwo/Oriade Summit
Global Ethnics Movement Pays Visit to Oriade LCDA, Seeks Strategic Partnership for Community Development
GEM Voice: Global Ethnics Movement Stakeholders Pay Courtesy Visit to Hon. Wuraola Salimata Adewale – Leader of the Legislative House, Oriade LCDA
