By Emeka Nwokocha
ActionAid Nigeria, on Wednesday 23 July, 2024, launched the Delta State arm of Inclusive Forum for Accountable Society (IFAS).
The launch took place at Orchid hotel, Asaba, and was facilitated by Environmental and Rural Mediation Centre (ENVIRUMEDIC), a Nongovernmental organisation.
Speaking at the event, the Advisor, Local Rights Programme, ActionAid, Hajara Opaluwa Adamu, said, “IFAS aims to strengthen the capacity of community members, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders to participate actively in governance to engender effective implementation of government’s policies and execution of projects geared towards improving the livelihood of communities.
According to Hajara Adamu, “Eradication of poverty through social justice is a fundamental objective of ActionAid.” She noted that active citizens participation in governance would promote accountability, and transparency in government.
Speaking further, she added that the Forum provides an opportunity for community members to learn best practices in participatory governance and citizens’ participation in the budgetary process – a vital aspect of governance, stating the compelling need to strengthen social justice in order to end poverty.
Continuing, Hajara Adamu spoke comprehensively about ActionAid’s impactful and sustained Local Rights Programme (LRP) in Delta State, stressing that social justice is a fundamental principle upon which IFAS was established.
She expressed concern about the disconnect between citizens and the government with regard to formulation of policies and execution of developmental projects in communities, stressing that IFAS would address the inherent gaps in governance.
She noted that capacity building training for community members was necessary to enhance their skills, and knowledge towards effective participation in the process of governance and addressing inherent economic and infrastructural challenges that communities are faced with, as well as fostering a sense of ownership and empowerment.
According to Hajara Adamu, membership of IFAS traverses community leaders, people with disabilities, the media, Ministries and Departments (MDAs) of Delta State government, Financial Institutions, Civil Rights Groups, and other stakeholders/government functionaries.
Making a presentation at the event, the Manager, Social Mobilization at ActionAid, Nigeria, Mr. Seun Akioye, spoke extensively on the topics: Tax and Gender Responsive Service; IFAS Process and Strategies, Expected Outcome of IFAS; and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Akioye further noted that, “IFAS is targeted at achieving SDGs 1 (No poverty); SDG 2 (zero hunger); SDG 3 (good health and well-being); SDG 4 (quality education); SDG 5 (gender equality); and SDG 8 (decent/good work and economic growth).
He expressed the need for members of IFAS to work assiduously to making a significant progress in achieving the SDGs 1,2,3,5 & 8 to improve the wellbeing of the communities.
The highpoint of the event was election of the administrative arm of IFAS as follows: Co-Chairman: Mr. Fred Nohwo, and Mr. Daniel Okpako, representing the Ministry of Economic Planning; Vice Chairman: Mrs. Joy Tobele of the civil society organisation; Secretary: ENVIRUMEDIC; Financial Secretary: Bank of Industry, represented by Georgina Umeh; Public Relations Officer (PRO): Comrade Emeka Nwokocha; and Ex-Officio: Mr. Celestine Okonkwo of PWD. In addition, each of the 25 local government areas of Delta State has one representative in the administrative arm of IFAS.
The launch of IFAS in Delta State was a 2-day event attended by Chief Executives, and members of Civil Society Organisations (SCOs); representatives of Ministries and Departments (MDAs) of Deltà State government; Community Leaders; representatives of People With Disabilities (PWDs); representatives of Bank of Industry (BOI); the media; and other government functionaries.
