ALGAF Fellows Task Mayors on Citizen-Centric Budgeting, Governance in Anambra
By Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Fellows of the Anambra Local Government Accountability Fellowship (ALGAF) have called on Local Government Chairmen (Mayors) in Anambra State to promote citizen-driven budgeting and governance in the State.
The call was made during ALGAF’s recent high-level advocacy engagement with the Chairman of Anambra State Association of Mayors, Chibueze Offobike, who doubles 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, from JDPC Nnewi, said the meeting is aimed at strengthening the local governance system in the state, emphasizing the need for a budgeting system that is more citizen-driven, where citizens are actively involved during budget design processes.
“We advocate for a budgeting system that is more citizen-driven, where citizens are actively involved during budget design processes. Local government budgets should be made available, and accessible to the public whenever required, in line with principles of transparency and accountability,” Ololo stated.
He also stressed the need for Mayors to foster a local government system that is responsive to citizens’ needs, and open to citizen engagement, particularly in decision-making processes, thereby making governance more relatable and inclusive.
In response, Mayor Offobike expressed appreciation to JDPC Nnewi and the technical partners for supporting initiatives that strengthen governance and promote community development. He reaffirmed his commitment to the development and welfare of Aguata people and welcomed the advocacy message.
“The development agenda of my administration is designed around building a ‘Greater Aguata’, driven by the people of Aguata and structured to deliver measurable development outcomes,” he said.
The Mayor also called on other Mayors across the state to view their positions as opportunities for service, emphasizing that local government leaders must make themselves available, approachable, and accountable to the citizens they represent.
www.odogwublog.com reports that the engagement was productive and strategically significant, strengthening the visibility of the ALGAF project and securing the Mayor’s goodwill and commitment toward closer collaboration.
