Federal government, through the office of the Senior Special Assistant, SSA, to the President on Community Engagement, North-Central, has inaugurated citizens assembly to tackle community challenges and foster an inclusive society.
The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the citizens assembly volunteers were inaugurated at a town hall meeting yesterday in Lokoja.
SSA to the President on Community Engagement, North-Central, Mrs Abiodun Essiet, said the inauguration was organised by her office in collaboration with the National Orientation Agency, NOA.
Essiet stated that the assembly is a significant milestone in the nation’s journey towards fostering inclusivity and grassroots representation in governance.
The SSA pointed out that community engagement plays a crucial role in building trust between government and its citizens.
“It establishes a direct connection, ensuring that the voices of the people are heard and considered in the corridors of power.
“To gain a clearer insight into the challenges facing our grassroots, we conducted a survey in March 2024, involving 166 respondents from the North- Central region, including Abuja, Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, and Plateau States.
“The findings revealed a significant disconnect between the federal government and local communities.
“For instance, 48.2 percent of participants perceive lack of engagement from the federal government and 78.3 percent feel unrepresented in government’s policies and decision-making processes.
“No fewer than 62.1 percent consider community engagement organisations effective. 68.7 percent believe government does not consult with local communities before implementing projects.
“However, nearly 90 percent believe that co-creation can lead to more sustainable and contextually relevant solutions.
“These findings clearly indicate a substantial gap in trust and communication between the federal government and local communities.
“A gap stemming from unfulfilled promises by successive governments over the past 25 years since the return to democratic rule,” she said.
Essiet stressed that the citizens assembly would bridge the gap by enabling citizens key into President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda to improve governance by promoting national cohesion through strategic engagement with citizens.
She added that the purpose of the meeting was to listen, inform and collaborate with the people.
According to her, the town hall is here to listen to the concerns, challenges and aspirations of Nigerians.
“Your feedback is invaluable in helping us understand what is working and where we need to do more. We want to keep you informed about the ongoing and upcoming initiatives.
“Transparency is key to good governance and it is our duty to ensure that you are fully aware of the steps being taken to improve your lives.
“We need the support, ideas and active participation of every citizen to drive the change we all desire. Together, we can create sustainable solutions that reflect our collective will and shared goals,” she added.
She urged other government appointees and elected leaders to replicate the model in their respective communities, states and regions for our collective prosperity as a nation.
The State Director of NOA, Mr Abdulganiyu Dare, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to ensure swift information dissemination, stakeholder engagement and project participation, among others.
Dare said the agency’s collaboration with the office of the SSA is part of its mandate to inform the public about the policies and programmes of the federal government.
He emphasised that the citizens’ assembly provides a tremendous opportunity for citizen engagement, dialogue, collaboration and peaceful resolution.
Abdulraheem Sanni, representing Ajaokuta Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, commended the federal government for the initiative.
Sanni urged the volunteers to serve their communities with humility, integrity and contribute meaningfully to grassroots development.
Professor Salisu Usman, who was the guest speaker at the event, commended President Tinubu for his various transformational policies aimed at rebuilding the nation.
Usman, a political scientist, however, urged Tinubu to, as a matter of urgency, address the hunger in the land occasioned by subsidy removal.
He also urged the federal government to be fair and just in its anti-corruption fight and promptly address the issue of ‘perceived selected justice.’
NAN reports that volunteers were chosen to represent at least one ward across the six states in the North-Central region and the FCT.
Stakeholders at the occasion include youth and women groups, artisans, students, security agencies, and people with disabilities, among others. (NAN)
