A civil society organisation, CSO, in Akwa Ibom State, Policy Alert, has called for strengthened citizens’ engagement in governance at the local level.
It noted that such participation would improve service delivery and deepen accountability.
Idorenyin Eyo of Policy Alert made the call during a one day Town hall meeting on ‘Governance and Citizens Engagement’ organized in partnership with Okobo local government with support from the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund, NYFF, held in Okobo.
“Strengthening participatory governance at the local level remains critical to improving service delivery and deepening accountability.
“In many communities within Okobo Local Government Area, citizens particularly youth and women have limited access to structured platforms for engagement with public officials.
“This gap often leads to weak feedback mechanisms, reduced transparency, and low trust in governance processes,” she said.
At the meeting, the Executive Chairman of Okobo LGA, represented by the Vice Chairman, Mrs Veronica Clement, called for open and honest discussions, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the local government and citizens in promoting transparency, accountability, and improved service delivery.
She reaffirmed the council’s commitment to sustaining inclusive governance practices through regular town-hall meetings to strengthen collaboration with citizens and improve service delivery.
Meanwhile, the participants while sharing their concerns with the council officials highlighted the need to complete the primary healthcare centre for improved access to quality healthcare services in the community, as well as establishment of financial institutions within the local government.
They also raised concerns about the absence of an ICT centre in the community, stressing that school leavers currently travel to the state capital to register for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, examinations. They noted that the situation creates financial and logistical burdens for families.
The participants further raised concern over shortage of teachers in Community Secondary School, Okobo.
According to them, currently, the school has only six teachers serving approximately 800 students, a situation which they said negatively affects the quality of education.
Akwa Ibom: CSO seeks participatory governance at grassroots
