Oxfam Organize 3-day Workshop To 3 States, FCT Abuja On Open Governance Partnership in Adamawa

Oxfam organize 3-day workshop to 3 states, FCT Abuja on Open Governance Partnership in Adamawa

From Umar Dankano, Yola.

Stakeholders have commenced a 3-day experience sharing and learning more strategies to improve citizens active participation in governance.

The meeting organized by International Non governmental organization,OXFAM, Nigeria had delegates from Adamawa Taraba, Kaduna states and Federal Capital Territory Abuja converged in Yola, the Adamawa state capital Wednesday.

In his welcome address, Country Director Oxfam in Nigeria, Mr.John Makina welcomed delegates from participating states of Adamawa, Taraba, Kaduna and Federal Capital Territory, Abuja saying that the meeting was meant to purposely share experiences and learning for various states.

Represented by the Director Programs and Deputy Country Director, Oxfam, Regina Afiemo said that the meeting was to share commitment to enhance good governance, accountability and sustainable development across the participating states.

“Together, we strive to advance civic engagement, strengthen institutional processes, and deliver meaningful, impactful services for This gathering

is part of Oxfam’s Strengthening Civic Engagement Platforms and Systems for Improved Services (SCEPSIS) project, an extension of Oxfam’s PROSELL initiative.

“With the insights and practical experiences, we hope to share lessons and learnings over the coming days, we aim to explore innovative, resilient approaches to governance reforms that prioritize transparency, inclusivity, and accountability as well participation and inclusiveness.

“While this activity includes opportunities to witness the “Eyes and Ears” project, an Oxfam’s inspiring initiative that empowers citizens to monitor and participate actively in governance processes, we will explore Community Development Plan initiatives, which showcase how community-led actions and policies are transforming local governance”. Regina stated.

She said through this approach, the project has spurred initiatives like the development of a state-functional agricultural policy and facilitated OGP sign-on and budget mentoring, which have fostered increased community actions and greater civic space in rural areas.

“Oxfam is committed to promoting social accountability strategies and empowering citizens to drive initiatives that inspire transparent governance.

“This engagement, centered on a full-scale resilience framework, strengthens interactions between duty-bearers, promoting responsiveness to social services, policy implementation feedback, and clear communication in alignment with the government’s social contract of the right holders”. Afiemo attested.

In his remarks,Tara Jeremiah Wyah, OGP

Point of contact, Kaduna state advocated that the meeting was timely with a view to strengthening the citizens engagement in governance.

Wyah said the project was implemented since 2018 in Kaduna state and has created space for citizens participation in putting people oriented reforms”We are here to share our experiences and learn more from participating states as sustainability of the programs in various states is cardinal”. Said Wyah.

Another delegate and Coordinator, Open Alliance and Co-Chair, Open Governance Partnership,OGP & CSO’s.Joseph Gimba of Taraba state appreciated Oxfam for organizing the meeting noting that they from Taraba will tape from the experiences of other states like Kaduna to develop their level of engagement in governance.