By Lucky Isibor
The Josemaria Escriva Foundation (JOSEF)Ekpoma has received certificate of recognition from the British Council on the successful implementation of the
“Empowering the Youths to Stimulate Participatory Democracy at Community Levels in Edo State”, project under the European Union Agents for Citizen-Driven Transformation (EU ACT).
The award of the certificate of recognition was issued to Josemaria Escriva Foundation during the close out ceremony of the EU-ACT programme on Thursday, 14 March at Protea Hotel in Benin City.
“The Empowering the Youths to Stimulate Participatory Democracy at Community Levels in Edo State” was implemented by Josemaria Escriva Foundation in the five local government areas of Esan West, Esan Central, Esan North -East, Esan South -East and Igueben Local Government Areas in Edo Central Senatorial District.
The project was funded by the European Union and implemented by the British Council and it’s resource partners.
In an opening remark, the National Programme Manager of the EU-ACT, Damilare Damilola pointed out that the main purpose of the EU-ACT project was to enhance the role and credibility of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) noting that 19 Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and 9 Community Based Organisations (CBOs) were engaged in Edo State.
According to Damilare Damilola who was represented by the national programme officer of EU-ACT, Dr. Ifyeoma Chukwuka, “Its priority goal is to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development in Nigeria through enhancing the capabilities of CSOs and their role as independent development actors and drivers of change. ACT’s main purpose (Specific Objective) is to enhance the credibility and role of CSOs as drivers-of-change for sustainable development in Nigeria.
“To achieve this objective, the Programme has maintained a focus on scaling up results in two areas: (i) providing organisational capacity development support to selected CSOs in 10 states across the 6 geo-political zones, and (ii) facilitating effective coordination of CSO and constructive engagement between CSOs and other actors to enhance and enable regulatory frameworks for CSO operations in Nigeria.
“While the result areas have focused primarily in 10 states, and working alongside 233 CSO partners, engagement under the result area two has had its footprint in all the 36 states of the federation, and connecting closely with key MDAs, the National Assembly, international organisations, the donor community at the national level, as well as with State Houses of Assembly. More than 40 CSO networks/coalitions have been engaged in this line of our work.
“Edo state is one of the focal states selected for ACT’s implementation. Specifically in this state where CSOs comprising of 19 NGOs working within the metropolis, 8 CBOs, FBOs and Associations working in the rural and semi-urban locations”.
Speaking with journalists after receiving the certificate of commendation from the EU-ACT national programme officer, Dr Ifyeoma Chukwuka, the Chief Responsibility Officer of Josemaria Escriva Foundation, Dr. Jude Obasanmi enumerated what the project accomplished in the five local government areas it was implemented.
“The project seeks to achieve improved youth participation in political processes through capacity building undertakings and community organizing initiatives; to contribute to the emerging of a youth leadership in mobilizing and empowering communities to play active roles in bringing about behavioural change, initiating development, promoting good governance and adherence to the rule of law for the consolidation of peace and security”.
During the implementation of the project, we, “Trained youths on effective leadership, advocacy, Needs assessment at community levels and social mapping of stakeholders.
“Increase in the number of youths who have decided to go and collect and /or register for their PVCs.
“Number of young persons who have aspiring to contest the LGA election, State House of Assembly and National Assembly elections.
“Engagement of youth aspirants for the various elective positions (LGA, State and National level) .
“Mobilisation of Persons With Disability (PWDs) to be involved in governance”.