By Lucky Isibor
The project team of Josemaria Escriva Foundation (JOSEF) implementing the Enhancing Citizens’ Engagement in Governance Across Selected Local Government Areas in Edo State (E-CEGALE), has paid advocacy visits to the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu (Esq) and the Commissioner for Works, Hon. Felix Akhabue, as part of its efforts to introduce the project to State actors and politically exposed persons to secure their buy in and collaboration.
Speaking on behalf of the team at the various Ministries, Dr. Jude Obasanmi, the Chief Responsibility Officer of JOSEF and team leader pointed out that the E-CEGALE project, is designed to strengthen democratic governance by empowering citizens especially youth, women, persons with disabilities, and marginalised groups, to engage meaningfully in local government decision-making and oversight processes.
being implemented by Josemaria Escriva Foundation (JOSEF) in partnership with the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room with support from UK International Development is designed to strengthen democratic governance by empowering citizens especially youth, women, persons with disabilities, and marginalised groups, to engage meaningfully in local government decision-making and oversight processes.
While enumerating the project methodology, Obasanmi pointed out that, “Through civic education, public dialogues, and digital tools, the project will promote transparency, inclusiveness, and citizens’ trust in governance.
“Some other activities of the will include the development of an LGA Fiscal Accountability Toolkit, training of over 60 local officials and civil society representatives on fiscal openness, and the introduction of a citizen-accessible platform for publishing local government budget and expenditure data.”
As part of the visit, the E-CEGALE Team also made a formal request to the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to strengthen the project’s impact by issuing a circular to all Local Government Chairmen encouraging collaboration with JOSEF and the E-CEGALE Project Team in implementing activities on fiscal transparency and citizens’ engagement; facilitating access to local government budget and projects to promote openness and accountability; designating a focal person within the Ministry to liaise with the E-CEGALE Project Team for effective coordination and reporting; and supporting the institutionalization of participatory budgeting practices across all 18 LGAs as a model for inclusive governance in Edo State.
Comrade Obasanmi further stressed the strategic role of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs as a key driver of reform and accountability at the grassroots, noting that the success of the E-CEGALE project hinges on the Ministry’s leadership and coordination across the 18 Local Government Councils.
Responding, the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Barr. Paul Ohonbamu, commended JOSEF for its sustained commitment to promoting good governance, transparency, and citizen participation in development. He acknowledged the importance of the E-CEGALE project in bridging the gap between local government authorities and their constituents, noting that such initiatives will complement the government’s broader reform agenda in the local government system.
“This initiative aligns perfectly with our Ministry’s vision to make local government administration more open, responsive, and accountable.
“The Ministry will provide every necessary support to ensure the project succeeds, especially in areas requiring legislative or policy intervention. We also encourage that after the pilot phase, the project be extended to other Local Government Areas of Edo State.”
In his response, the Honourable Commissioner for Works, Rt Hon. (Dr) Felix Akhabue, expressed deep appreciation for the visit and commended the E-CEGALE team for their commitment to promoting transparency and good governance.
Recounting his tenure as Council Chairman in Esan West, ALGON State and National President amongst others, Hon. Akhabue stressed the need for community involvement in project identification, execution and monitoring; adding that, that was the only way to get community buy in and project sustainability.
While pointing out that the E-CEGALE project objectives align with the State Government’s ongoing reforms in infrastructure planning and fiscal responsibility, theWorks Com
missioner added that, “It is high time budgets at the Local Government level became more transparent, and the people at the grassroots were directly involved in determining priority projects.
“The Ministry of Works will continue to support initiatives like E-CEGALE that empower citizens to take ownership of development efforts and hold their leaders accountable.”
The Commissioner emphasized that participatory governance enhances not only accountability but also ensures that government projects reflect the true needs of communities. He assured the E-CEGALE team of the Ministry’s readiness to collaborate in strengthening local-level oversight functions and promoting people-centered development.
The E-CEGALE project, is designed to strengthen democratic governance by empowering citizens especially youth, women, persons with disabilities, and marginalised groups, to engage meaningfully in local government decision-making and oversight processes.
It is being implemented by Josemaria Escriva Foundation (JOSEF) in partnership with the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room with support from UK International Development and will be carried out in six pilot Local Government Areas in Edo State including Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha, Esan West, Esan South-East, Etsako West and Owan West.