WREP Advocates Citizens for Better Local Governance in Taraba

 

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo 

The Women's Rights to Education Programme (WREP) has on Thursday called for strengthened local governance in Taraba State to promote accountability and service delivery. 

Speaking on behalf of the Executive Director of WREP, the Programme Manager, Mr Henry Akya, made the disclosure during a one-day Inception Workshop organised by the WREP in collaboration with the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in Jalingo to discuss local governance challenges and accountability.

Henry Akya explained that the workshop aimed at introducing the project to critical stakeholders and to get their buy-in. 

He added that the 8-month project titled "Strengthening Local Governance Accountability and Service Delivery in Taraba State" is aimed at addressing critical governance challenges and empowering citizens to actively participate in democratic processes. 

According to him, nine civil society organisations would be trained on budget tracking, accountability, and advocacy, which will enable them to demand government accountability and transparency.

Participants at the workshop highlighted local governance challenges and accountability issues in Taraba State, while Mr. Akya noted that WREP has implemented projects that have yielded fruitful results, including appointments and employment of many females in the state. 

Henry emphasised WREP's focus on grassroots development and its commitment to working with the Taraba State government to close gaps in local governance and accountability.

"We have implemented projects that yielded fruitful results, including appointments and employment of many females. We will be working hand in hand with the Taraba State government to close the gap in local governance and accountability in the state," he said.

The Chairman of Ardo-Kola Local Government, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Kini Nomiri, praised WREP for organising the programme to bring enlightenment on the policies of governance at the grassroots.

He further appreciated the efforts of WREP in shaping the understanding of local governance activities among the people and pledged to share the knowledge gained with the grassroots.

Correspondent reports that the workshop was part of WREP's effort in promoting inclusive governance and empowering citizens to demand accountability from their leaders.