By Agabus Pwanagba, Jos
In its efforts to sensitises stakeholders on good governance, a group under the aegis of Accountability Lab Nigeria, has organised town hall meetings in some communities of Plateau State.
The town hall meetings were held in Giring, Kabong and Gangare communities of Jos North Local Government Area of the state.
Speaking separately at the meetings Country Director of the organisation, Odeh Friday, said the town hall meeting was part of its project tagged “Gov-Her-Nance”.
Friday added that the project aimed at promoting deeper participation of women, youths and Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs) in decision making.
According to him, “These town hall meetings are geared toward building trust between communities and government
“Also, to increase the inclusion and participation of women, youths and PWDs in governance and decision-making in Plateau,”he said.
The Country Director further explained that the meeting would avail it the opportunity to collect critical information from communities toward solving their daily problems particularly among marginalised citizens.
He further stated that the initiative would strengthen the community’s ability to self-advocate, adding that the goal is to improve decision-making processes through citizen engagement and inclusion.
“Our primary objective is to promote women’s civic participation, gender-sensitive and inclusive policy-making in project focal locations.
“Also to ensure communities have an improved understanding of their rights and are better equipped to advocate for improved policies in public and private decision-making spaces.
“Data was collected from communities on their challenges to solve daily problems for marginalised citizens”, he maintained.
On the 2023 general elections, the Country Director said, “What we have notice is the issue of voter apathy, which is a concern, especially in the recent Council elections conducted in Abuja; we have to use creativity, like music, TV and every other form of engagement that will get the citizenry interested in the exercise, otherwise they will not participate.
“We have also schedule meetings with INEC, government and other critical stakeholders”, he stressed.
Among those who participated at the meetings include; community leaders, politicians, women and youths groups, PWDs, among others.
