Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Fellows of the Anambra Local Government Accountability Fellowship (ALGAF) have urged local government chairmen (mayors) in Anambra State to promote citizen-driven budgeting and inclusive governance.
The call was made during a recent high-level advocacy meeting with the Chairman of the Anambra State Association of Mayors, Chibueze Offobike, who also serves as the Mayor of Aguata Local Government Area.
ALGAF is a governance fellowship project implemented in Anambra State by Justice Development and Peace Caritas (JDPC), Nnewi, with technical support from the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room and funding from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
Speaking on behalf of the project team, Onyekachi Ololo of JDPC Nnewi said the meeting was aimed at strengthening the local governance system in the state. He emphasised the need for a more citizen-driven budgeting process, where residents are actively involved in budget design.
“We advocate a budgeting system that allows citizens to participate meaningfully in the design process. Local government budgets should be made available and accessible to the public in line with the principles of transparency and accountability,” Ololo said.
He further stressed the need for mayors to foster a governance system that is responsive to citizens’ needs and open to public engagement, particularly in decision-making processes, to make governance more inclusive and relatable.
In his response, Offobike expressed appreciation to JDPC Nnewi and its technical partners for supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening governance and promoting community development. He reaffirmed his commitment to the welfare and development of the people of Aguata and welcomed the advocacy message.
“The development agenda of my administration is centred on building a ‘Greater Aguata’, driven by the people and structured to deliver measurable outcomes,” he said.
Offobike also urged fellow mayors across the state to see their positions as opportunities for service, stressing the need for local government leaders to be accessible, approachable and accountable to the people they serve.
