Civic Rights Workshop Empowers Imo Youths to Demand Accountability
Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
A Youth Civic Education and Governance Workshop has empowered young people in Imo State to demand accountability from government officials and promote civic rights.
The workshop, held in Owerri, Imo State, equipped participants with practical tools for democratic engagement and governance reform.
Declaring the workshop open, Executive Director of CATYCOI, Comrade Nonso Orakwe, explained that the idea was to strengthen participants’ understanding of civic rights, raise awareness of access to government facilities and services, and equip them with practical skills to advocate for accountability among local government officials.
He stressed that democracy thrives when citizens are informed, empowered, and actively involved in governance, and urged youths to mobilize communities, promote reforms, and hold officials accountable.
Orakwe, who led session on “Accessibility to Government Facilities and Services,” highlighted key government services crucial to community well-being, including healthcare, education, social welfare, infrastructure, and security. He also identified barriers to accessing these services, such as poor infrastructure, poverty, corruption, and bureaucracy.
The CATYCOI boss identified strategies for improvement, including upgrading facilities, promoting inclusivity, and enforcing anti-corruption laws. He stressed the need for community engagement and citizen participation in planning and decision-making to ensure government services meet community needs.
Another facilitator, Mercy Anakor, discussed challenges facing civic rights in Nigeria, including electoral malpractice and corruption, and urged youth leaders to educate their peers, advocate for reforms, and hold leaders accountable.
During her session on “Advocacy for Accountability of Local Government Officials”, Ezeka Victory equipped participants with tools for citizen-led advocacy, including coalition building, persuasive presentations, fundraising, and monitoring and evaluation of advocacy efforts.
In a practical exercise, participants simulated accountability campaigns, using tools such as coalition building, persuasive presentations, and fundraising to influence policies and practices.
The workshop encouraged participants to educate their peers, advocate for reforms, and hold leaders accountable. It also emphasized need for partnerships between civil society organizations, private sector entities, media, and government agencies in promoting civic rights and accessibility.
