Constituency Projects: Stakeholders call for prioritization of needs of Communities in project execution

Stakeholders on good governance drawn from government, civil society organisations, religious bodies and the media have stressed the need for execution of projects that are of community interest capable of having direct impact on the lives of citizens.

Our Kogi State Correspondent, reports that they made their position known during a Round Table Discussion on Constituency Projects in Kogi State, held in Lokoja, at the weekend.

According to them “People should be given the opportunity to make their input in Projects initiated by their representatives at the legislative arm of governments at all levels because they know what they want and what suits them best. We want communities to always strive to take ownership of projects made available to them.

“Community engagement in project planning and execution is very crucial and should therefore, not be left in the hands of their representatives alone”

The Stakeholders also called on communities across the three senatorial districts of Kogi State to ensure effective monitoring of implementation of constituency Projects by their representatives and functionalities of their offices.

“Citizens have the right to monitor project execution implementation within their constituents in order to ensure proper utilisation of funds released to their representatives for the purpose” they affirmed.

The Stakeholders further admonished lawmakers at both state and national assemblies to ensure equitable spread of constituency Projects and avoid the temptation of limiting them to their political loyalists.

The Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo on Media, Ismaila Isah in his goodwill message, gave an assurance that the present administration in the state will not relent in sustaining the prevailing accountability and transparency spirit in service delivery.

“Projects diversion by officials trusted with them will not be tolerated under the present administration. Such act is a serious crime that will attract punishment irrespective of who you are” Ismaila Isah warned

“Kogi Government will continue to promote citizens engagement on Constituency Projects” the Special Adviser also assured.

Isiyaku Ahmed, the Project Coordinator of Stallion Times Media Services, in his welcome address, highlighted the objective of the forum to include; promoting citizens engagement in initiating Constituency Projects, encouraging the community ownership of Constituency Projects and mutually co-creat Tracking& Monitoring Template for Constituency Projects.

Ambassador Idris Ozovehe Muraina, Co-chair, Non-State Actors (NSA), Kogi State, Open Government Partnership (OGP), in his contribution, called on politicians and other citizens of Nigeria to embrace the practice of true democracy.

“Nigerians should live up to their responsibilities in holding our leaders both in executive and legislative arm of governments accountable to their mandate”

The Round Table Discussion Forum which was organised by Stallion Times Media Services is funded by MacArthur Foundation.

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