Tinubu moves to bridge gap between FG and local communities
By TYAV SAM TYAV, Makurdi –
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community, community engagement, Abiodun Essiest has launched “Citizens Assembly” in Benue State during a town hall meeting for the North Central Nigeria.
Recall that President Tinubu had appointed 6 Special Assistants for the purpose for the geopolitical zones and Easiest was for the North Central Nigeria.
Performing the ceremony at City Bay Bar and garden in Makurdi, Benue State capital on Abiodun stated that, there were deliberate efforts by President Tinubu to bridge the gap between the government and local communities with the aim of fostering dialogue, understanding, and collaboration in proactively addressing regional needs and concerns.
The Presidential Aide explained that Citizens’ Assembly was created to collectively tackle community problems and foster an inclusive society where every voice is heard.
According to him, “It offers structures across communities where residents can express their thoughts, share ideas, table pleas, and collaborate on lasting solutions to existing problems, while also planning proactively for future challenges”, She added.
The Citizens’ Assembly, according to her provides a tremendous opportunity for citizen engagement, dialogue, collaboration, and peaceful resolution as it is committed to ensuring swift information dissemination, stakeholder engagement, project participation, and continuous deliberations for meaningful outcomes. “Over a thousand indigenes and settlers from the North Central region applied to volunteer for this noble cause”.
Lamenting a significant disconnect between the Federal Government and local communities she disclosed that about 48.2% of participants perceive a lack of engagement from the Federal Government and 78.3% feel unrepresented in the government’s policies and decision-making processes while 62.1% consider community engagement organizations effective even as 68.7% believe the government does not consult with local communities before implementing projects.
“However, nearly 90% believe that co-creation can lead to more sustainable and contextually relevant solutions.These findings clearly indicate a substantial gap in trust and communication between the Federal Government and local communities, a gap stemming from unfulfilled promises by successive governments over the past 25 years since the return to democratic rule”.
The State Program Coordinator, Mlumun Gever on her part, stated that after a rigorous selection process, volunteers were chosen to represent at least one ward across the six states in the North Central Region and the FCT. These volunteers will serve as agents of change and influencers within their communities, developing actionable solutions and ensuring challenges are addressed at the highest levels.
“As we officially launch The Citizens’ Assembly in Benue State today, I urge other government appointees and elected leaders to take a cue from this initiative to replicate this model in our respective communities, states, and regions for our collective prosperity as a nation.To our volunteers, you are all leaders with your sphere of influence, no matter how small. She added.
“Let today’s event inspire you to contribute meaningfully to grassroots development, which will eventually lead to national development. As I conclude, let us be guided by the wisdom of Margaret Mead, who once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world: indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”Thank you, and together, let us make a difference”, she said.