By Lucky Isibor
In continuation of its efforts to get the buy in of state actors, politically exposed persons and critical stakeholders in the administration of Local Governments in Edo State, 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), last week paid an advocacy visit Chairman of the Edo State Local Government Service Commission, Rt. Hon. Kabiru Adjoto to solicit his support and the collaboration of the Commission.
While sheding light on the project, its aims and objectives, the Chief Responsibility Officer of JOSEF and project team leader, Dr. Jude Obasanmi pointed out that the E-CEGALE initiative is to strengthen the link between citizens and government institutions with emphasis on ensuring governance at all levels reflects the voices, needs and aspirations of the people.
“We are here as partners in progress, to share ideas and advocate for stronger collaboration in promoting good governance, transparency, and inclusive public service delivery within Edo State.
“The E-CEGALE initiative—Enhancing Citizens’ Engagement and Government Accountability for Local Empowerment—seeks to strengthen the link between citizens and government institutions. Our focus is on ensuring that governance at all levels reflects the voices, needs, and aspirations of the people.
“We recognize the pivotal role of the Local Government Service Commission and the Civil Service Commission as the backbone of the state’s administrative machinery—ensuring professionalism, fairness, and efficiency in service delivery.
“Our advocacy visit today is to introduce the project and solicit for the participation of critical personnel from the Councils to be part of the project and to explore how we can work together to deepen reforms, enhance capacity, and foster a more accountable, inclusive and responsive local government service system.
Responding, the Chairman, Edo State Local Government Service Commission, Rt.Hon. Kabiru Adjoto thanked the team for thevisit and emphasised the need for Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to always see government agencies as partners in progress.
He pledged the Local Government Service Commission’s support to the project, pointing out that it would help in strengthening local government administration in Edo state. He prayed for the achievements of all the set outcomes of the project, which he said will improve the lots of the citizenry.
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.