Discussion on Enhancing Accountability in Local Government

Enhancing Accountability in Local Government: A Roundtable Discussion

Enhancing Accountability in Local Government: A Roundtable Discussion
Enhancing Accountability in Local Government: A Roundtable Discussion

On a recent morning, a key meeting was held to discuss the vital role of accountability and transparency in local government procurement processes. The gathering brought together influential figures, including Dr. Ilawole, the Permanent Secretary; Pastor Akinshimola, Head of the Bureau of Public Procurement; and representatives from civil society organizations (CSOs), youth-led groups, and other stakeholders. The meeting commenced promptly at 10:45 AM, following an opening prayer.

The session began with introductions from all participants, fostering a collaborative atmosphere. Mr. Franklin Oloniju, Executive Director of LAPDO, welcomed everyone and introduced the project aimed at enhancing accountability in procurement processes. Key points from his speech included:

  • Combatting Corruption: Accountability and transparency are essential to reducing corruption and fraud in local governance.
  • Optimizing Resources: Government offices should prioritize effective resource allocation over personal interests.
  • Improving Ondo State: The overarching goal is to enhance the quality of life in Ondo State through better governance.

Miss Ifeoluwaposi from LAPDO provided an insightful overview of the project titled “Promoting Accountability and Transparency in Local Government Procurement Processes.” She emphasized the importance of procurement as a critical entry point for improving local government activities. Following a baseline study, several recommendations were made:

  1. Capacity Building: There is an urgent need for training and retraining of staff to enhance their procurement skills.
  2. Strengthening Systems: Innovative ideas are essential to bolster the procurement system, making discussions like this one crucial.
  3. Proper Documentation: Improved documentation practices are necessary for transparency.

She also highlighted the significance of involving stakeholders during the budgeting phase to ensure effective allocation and procurement.

After a brief tea break and a group photo. Participants also engaged in meaningful discussions about the impact of accountability on local governance and development. Key takeaways included:

  • Meeting Local Needs: Effective local governance should address basic community needs, create economic opportunities, and promote inclusivity, all facilitated by accountability.
  • Innovation and Standards: To meet global standards, there is a pressing need to accelerate innovations within the state, requiring support from both government officials and community members.
  • Leveraging Decentralization: With ongoing decentralization efforts, local governments must seize the opportunities presented by this transition.

In closing, Mr. Oloniju expressed gratitude for the contributions made during the meeting. He encouraged all participants to continue advocating for transparency and accountability in local governance. The meeting wrapped up with a closing prayer, and participants were treated to lunch. The participants received some stipends to cover for their transportation costs.

This gathering not only underscored the importance of enhancing accountability in local government but also reinforced the collaborative spirit necessary for effective governance in Ondo State. As we move forward, continued advocacy and engagement from all stakeholders will be vital in promoting these essential values. Together, we can work towards a more accountable and transparent local government.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

*

Share:

More Posts

From Floors to Desks: A New Chapter for Students in Cross River Communities

  From Floors to Desks: A New Chapter for Students in Cross River Communities A Glimpse into the Past Imagine trying to concentrate on a lesson while sitting on the bare floor, your knees aching as you struggle to write. This was the reality for children in 15 rural communities in Cross River State. But hope arrived with the Ikom Farmer Child and Community Development (IFACCOD) Project, funded by the Rainforest Alliance’s Africa Cocoa Fund with Beyond Beans Foundation as the Certificate Holder and Kids & Teens Resource Centre (K&TRC) as the Implementing Partner. It wasn’t just about giving desks—it was about giving dignity, comfort, and the chance to dream without limits.      420 Desks, 15 Communities, One Future Through this project, 420 three-seater desks were distributed across Alesi, Ekukunela, Afi-Nde, Okosora, Adijinkpor, Bendeghe, Biakwan, Akparabong, Akam, Ochon, Balep, Opu, Biajua, Orimekpang, and Bashua. Each desk brought a new chapter to these communities, giving 1,260 children the opportunity to learn without discomfort. Pupils and Students, once hunched over on the floor, now sit proudly, eager to engage with their lessons and eager to attend school always. Teachers have reported a transformation in enthusiasm—a simple desk has unlocked joy, attentiveness, and

Celebrating Peace: Highlights from the International Day of Peace 2024

Highlights from the International Day of Peace 2024   On September 20, 2024, communities worldwide came together to celebrate the International Day of Peace, a day dedicated to reinforcing the ideals of peace among nations and peoples. This year’s theme, “Cultivating a Culture of Peace,” resonated deeply within our community as we actively promoted peace through advocacy, education, and direct engagement. To mark the occasion, we organized a Road Walk for Peace that began at Cathedral Junction and ended at Isikan Market. This walk aimed to raise public awareness about the importance of peace, especially amidst the socio-political challenges facing our nation. Our core message was clear: peace must be nurtured in every aspect of life, from households to the electoral process. This is because, peace is vital for societal growth. Throughout the walk, our team engaged with community members, initiating one-on-one conversations about peace and its significance. People from diverse backgrounds shared their views on the current state of our nation. They also expressed concerns about electoral violence, insecurity, and the essential role of leadership in fostering peace. These dialogues not only empowered individuals to share their perspectives but also emphasized the collective responsibility of citizens in the peace-building

INEC Sensitization Forum for Voter Education Providers Ahead of the 2024 Ondo State Governorship Election

INEC Sensitization Forum for Voter Education Providers Ahead of the 2024 Ondo State Governorship Election On August 26, 2024, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) hosted a sensitization forum for voter education providers in preparation for the upcoming Ondo State governorship election. The aim of the event was to enhance voter education strategies and also foster collaboration among stakeholders. The forum commenced with Mrs. Rolake Adebumi introducing the event, followed by the national anthem. Key administrators, including Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola and Mr. Toyin Oyeyemi, were acknowledged. Also, participants from various organizations introduced themselves. Administrators emphasized the collective responsibility of ensuring a transparent electoral process. Mr. Toyin Oyeyemi highlighted the crucial role of NGOs and CSOs in supporting INEC, he also stressed the importance of educating the electorate and preventing election-related violence. Strategies for effective voter education discussed, includes: Customizing Outreach: Wearing branded outfits to enhance visibility during campaigns. Outreach & Advocacy: Engaging in direct outreach efforts. Message Design: Crafting effective voter education messages. Community Engagement: Hosting forums and dialogues to increase our connections with communities. Mobile Information Units: Establishing units for election awareness. Information Sharing: Actively disseminating details about voter education events. Media Collaboration: Utilizing television and news media for

Building Skills for Sexual and Reproductive Health: HACEY’s 2-Day Workshop

Building Skills for Sexual and Reproductive Health: HACEY’s 2-Day Workshop On August 19-20, 2024, HACEY organized a transformative 2-day building workshop for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) under the SRHR Impact Plus Project. The workshop aimed to enhance skills, assess capacity, increase knowledge, foster partnerships, and improve networking among participants. The key concept, “No SRHR Without Edu-tain,” highlighted the importance of combining education with entertainment to effectively communicate Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) information. Overview of Adolescent Reproductive Health in Nigeria Martin-Mary Falana led the workshop, engaging the audience on their understanding of SRHR. He shared personal stories that underscored the risks of misinformation and peer pressure, which often lead to unsafe sexual practices. Also, he emphasized the need for early intervention, targeting adolescents aged 10-19, and discussed the challenges they face, including unplanned pregnancies, STIs, and sexual violence. He gave key insights on the following: – Adolescence is a critical transition period. – Erosion of values in modern society affects parental concern about unacceptable behaviors. – Comprehensive sexuality education is essential but often resisted in schools due to cultural beliefs. Participants engaged in group discussions on various SRHR topics such as Factors Responsible for