'We'll confront governance realities'
Justice, Development and Peace Caritas (JDPC) Nnewi, Anambra state has restated its commitment to confronting realities of governance at the grassroots. Director, Rev. Fr. Ben Okolo gave the assurance during
Justice, Development and Peace Caritas (JDPC) Nnewi, Anambra state has restated its commitment to confronting realities of governance at the grassroots.
Director, Rev. Fr. Ben Okolo gave the assurance during State High-Level Stakeholders’ Dialogue on Local Government System Strengthening for Anambra Local Governance Accountability Fellowship (ALGAF) organized by JDPC in partnership with the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room and support from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
He described the engagement as not just another event, but a moment of reckoning and opportunity.
He said, "This is a moment of reckoning because we must honestly confront the realities of governance at the grassroots.
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"An opportunity because we are gathered here with the capacity, the authority and the collective will to reimagine a better system.
"At the Justice, Development and Peace Caritas Nnewi, our mission has always been rooted in justice, human dignity, and inclusive development."
Speaking on the theme, “Reimagining Local Governance and Administration in Anambra: Strengthening Citizen Participation, Accountability, and Community-Driven Development,” Aguata Council Chairman, Chibueze Ofobuike stressed the need for strengthened local government capable of driving development at the grassroots.
Chairman, Anambra State Town Unions Council (ASTUC), Sir Vin Dike identified strengthening local governance as essential to ensuring an inclusive, transparent and responsive to the needs of the people.
"ASTUC under my leadership remain a critical link between government and the grassroots. Their role in promoting unity, participation, and accountability cannot be overstated," he noted.
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Earlier, Programme Manager, Onyekachi Ololo described ALGAF as a governance innovation initiative designed to strengthen local government accountability, citizen participation, and service delivery outcomes in Anambra State.
According to him, ALGAF is designed to address systemic gaps in Local Government system including weak citizen engagement systems, limited transparency in decision-making, gaps in accountability structures and disconnect between community needs and government priorities.
Public Relations Officer, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Town Union Matters, Mr Henry Nwasike frowned at Local Government Chairmen and Councilors who make themselves inaccessible to their constituents.
Acknowledging the frustrations such dispositions could be, Nwasike urged the ALGAF fellows not to relent in the face of discouragements.
