Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
The Justice Development and Peace Caritas (JDPC), Nnewi, has urged fellows of the Anambra Local Government Accountability Fellowship (ALGAF) to intensify the monitoring of projects across council areas in Anambra State to ensure accountability and good governance at the grassroots.
JDPC, a faith-based non-governmental organisation, made the call during the ALGAF Monthly Leadership and Governance Workshop (MLGW) held in Awka, the state capital.
ALGAF, a governance fellowship initiative, is being implemented in Anambra by JDPC Nnewi, with technical support from the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room and funding from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
Declaring the event open, the Director of JDPC Nnewi, Rev. Fr. Benedict Okolo, charged participants to remain steadfast in monitoring local governance. He explained that the core objective of the project is to foster a community-led anti-corruption drive that promotes good governance and positively impacts local communities.
He urged the fellows to take ownership of the initiative and to ask critical questions on issues that directly affect citizens in order to hold government officials accountable.
Presenting a paper titled “Local Government Projects and Citizens’ Monitoring Role for Development,” Isika Chris outlined strategies for effective governance monitoring at the grassroots, stressing the importance of ethics and professionalism in the process.
He reminded participants that the Constitution empowers citizens to monitor governance and demand accountability from their representatives at the local level. He also emphasised the need to ensure that quality projects are delivered and that funds meant to address the needs of the people are not diverted.
In another presentation titled “Information Diet: A Determinant to Reality,” Nuela Umeh urged fellows to guard against fake news and misinformation, warning that political propaganda could undermine effective monitoring.
She advised participants to rely on verified information from multiple sources and avoid sensational headlines. Umeh also shared practical tips on distinguishing credible news from false reports, stressing that accurate information is essential for accountability.
Earlier, in a goodwill message, Arinze Egoh, Head of Planning, Research and Statistics at the Anambra State House of Assembly, commended the programme’s theme and highlighted the House’s critical oversight role in local government administration.
He noted that years of neglect have weakened the local governance system but expressed optimism that the ALGAF initiative would help bridge existing gaps. He assured participants that the House remains open to partnerships and pledged continued support for improved governance.
The President of the Anambra State Town Union Council (ASTUC) Women Wing, Lady Joy Otti, expressed satisfaction with the activities of ALGAF fellows across the 21 local government areas of the state. She encouraged them to sustain their advocacy for good governance among mayors and grassroots communities.
“We are happy that you are doing significant work across all the local governments, promoting good governance and development. We urge you to continue and ensure that the right things are done,” she said.
The representative of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Emmanuel Okoroafor, lamented the nation’s accountability challenges but acknowledged a growing civic consciousness among citizens. He noted that many political leaders are members of churches, adding that faith leaders are increasingly using their platforms to promote good governance and accountability.
Similarly, a representative of the Muslim community, Hajiya Kadidjat Olahan, commended the fellows for their efforts.
“I want to encourage you to continue your work. Corruption has overstayed its welcome. It is our duty to ensure that our leaders get it right. It is a service to humanity,” she said.
Meanwhile, the ALGAF Team Lead, Mr. Onyekachi Ololo, explained that the fellowship comprises local government stakeholders, academics, President-Generals, women leaders, students, persons with disabilities, and representatives of the Muslim community, among others.
He stated that the initiative seeks to train and support participants to become skilled in monitoring local budgets, promoting inclusion, and holding public officials accountable.
“The goal is to make local governments in Anambra more transparent and responsive, ensuring that public funds are prudently managed and that communities receive the services they deserve,” he added.
