CSO tasks Anambra PWDs on using FOI for projects, policy monitoring
Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
A non-governmental organisation, Care for the Physically Challenged and Destitute Foundation (CAPCADF), has urged persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Anambra State to explore the window of Freedom of Information, (FOI) in requesting information on critical matters that concern them.
The founder of CAPCADF, Mrs Gloria Nwafor, gave the charge, penultimate Friday, during a one-day stepdown training of PWDs on the use of FOI for accountability and transparency.
According to Nwafor, the FOI Act is a powerful tool that can be leveraged by PWDs to access information on government projects, budgets, and policies.
She also said the Act will enable them to track progress, identify areas for improvement, and demand their rights and interests are respected in governance.
“The Freedom of Information Act empowers you to track budgets allocated for persons with disabilities. The Anambra State government has an annual budget that covers various ministries. By accessing this budget, you can identify allocations for PWDs, check the approved amounts, and assess the implementation level.
“Effective utilization of the FOI Act can bridge the information gap that often hinders us from taking action when our rights are infringed upon,” she said.
Nwafor who said she was trained by the Center for Transparency and Advocacy (CTA) emphasized that PWDs often face significant barriers in accessing social services and opportunities.
She, however, sud by utilizing the FOI Act, the disability community can gain access to crucial information that can help them navigate their challenges.
Ikengaonline reports that the CSO sensitized participants on strategies for crafting effective FOI requests, to enable them access information for transparency and accountability.
