From Ifeoma Ejiofor
Anambra Local Government Accountability Fellowship (ALGAF) an initiative of has held her monthly leadership and governance workshop.
The workshop held at King David Hotel, Awka.
In his welcome remarks, the Director, JDPC Nnewi Catholic Diocese, Rev Fr. Benedict Chima Okolo emphasized the need for participants to concentrate on goals and objectives of the project.
Rev Fr Okolo pointed out that the ALGAF Project, is a social experiment designed to awaken a new consciousness around leadership, accountability, and governance reform.
The project which he noted is not an ordinary program is supported by the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room (NCSR) with funding from the UK FCDO.
He pointed out that ALGAF is a bold and innovative social experiment campaign initiated by JDPC Nnewi, which offers opportunity to model how citizens, institutions, and government can work together in re-imagining a responsive and people-centered local governance system for Sub-Saharan Africa, beginning from in Anambra State.
“Today’s workshop provides a unique space for us to reflect, learn, and act. Through issues identification and stakeholder mapping, we will sharpen our ability to understand the governance landscape and identify entry points for reform.
“Our strategic communication session will strengthen our voice to engage constructively, while the training on research methodology will equip us with the evidence we need to demand and sustain accountability.” Rev Fr Okolo said.
He appealed to the participants to approach the workshop with open minds and deliberate hearts.
“ALGAF is intentional about inclusivity. The communities we represent — young girls, aged men and women, persons with disabilities, support groups, and vibrant women associations — are counting on us to create a model that speaks to their realities.
“Let us use this workshop not just to learn, but to commit ourselves to building a governance system that is transparent, participatory, and effective,” he asserted.
In his presentation, Onyekachi Ololo said ALGAF intends to Strengthen Leadership and Governance Skills by equipping fellows with tools in strategic communication, policy research, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement.
Ololo said that the Project also intend to Foster Inclusive Development Models by encouraging fellows to co-create a responsive model of governance that reflects the realities of communities.
He identified promotion of accountability and transparency, establishment of collaborative platform where communities and local governments can work as partners rather than adversaries as part of the mile stones the project seek to achieve.
Ololo urged the fellows drawn from a.wide.spectrum of the society to ensure inclusiveness, balance and representativeness and as well endeavor to see the big picture of the project.
Two resource persons, Chioma Chinyere, and Ebubechukwu Okoye made presentations at the workshop which was attended by selected persons from the three senatorial zones in Anambra State.