The nomination window for the second edition of the Active Citizens Awards has begun, according to civic-tech non-profit BudgIT.

An initiative of BudgIT, the award aims to “spotlight and appreciate” people and groups engaged in significant humanitarian activities in Nigeria.

The first edition of the Active Citizens Award was held in 2022 in Lagos.

The 2023 edition will take place on September 16 at the Civic Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos, with the theme “Trailblazers of change: Pioneering solutions, shaping the future.”

Two new categories—health activism and climate change activism—have been added to the 2023 edition of the award, according to Gabriel Okeowo, country director for BudgIT Nigeria, who spoke at a press conference on Monday.

Just seven of the award’s 13 categories are open to public nominations, according to Mr Okeowo. He said a panel of judges will use “extensive research and thoughtful deliberations based on specific criteria” to decide which candidates to nominate in the remaining six categories.

The heads of departments at BudgIT will create a longlist of seven candidates for each category intended for public nominations. A panel of judges will review the qualifications of those on the long list before choosing three finalists, including the winner.

The process for nominations for the award will come to an end on August 4, he stated.

The 13 award categories include Oby Ezekwesili award for women’s advocacy, an award for community service, the Disability rights advocacy/empowerment award, the Solutions Journalism award, and award for civic activism (policy reform & governance).

Other categories are award for health activism, award for institutional transparency (government agencies), Corporate award for civic investments, art for activism, award for inclusion & diversity, hall of fame award for civic activism, and award for climate change activism.