Policy Shapers, a civic-tech organisation based in Port Harcourt, has announced the official launch of the Rivers 2050 Vision, a 25-year development blueprint to be co-created by citizens across Rivers State, Nigeria. As part of the launch, the organisation has opened a public statewide survey to collect the dreams, ideas, and priorities of residents to inform the visioning process.
The Rivers 2050 Vision has been described as a bold, youth-led initiative aimed at shaping a roadmap for sustainable development across all 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Rivers State. Citizens are invited to share their perspectives through the official survey now live at bit.ly/rivers2050.
Over 100 young professionals from diverse backgrounds within and outside Rivers State have joined the Rivers 2050 Task Force, working through sub-committees to facilitate town hall meetings, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and data collection exercises.
“We believe that the future of public policy must be co-created by the people it is meant to serve,” said Ebenezar Wikina, Founder of Policy Shapers and Convener of the Rivers 2050 Vision. “This project is not just about a document; it’s about building a civic culture of participation, imagination, and accountability. Rivers State deserves a future shaped by its people, especially its youth.”
To provide leadership and strategic oversight, a Steering Committee has been appointed from among the task force members. The committee comprises: Udokanma Georgewill, Chair, Book Committee; Wisdom Chapp-Jumbo, Partnerships Lead; Awajimimam J.S. Egop, Chair, Launch Committee; Mmesoma Augustine, Chair, Survey Committee; and Birah Zorbai Jr., Chair, Focus Group Committee.
The insights collected through the survey and wider engagement activities will contribute to the development of the vision book, “Rivers 2050: Our Vision”, a citizen-authored strategic document that outlines practical aspirations for the future of Rivers State.
The official website for the project, www.Rivers2050.org, will launch on April 30, 2025, providing updates, publications, and ways for the public to get involved.