Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Olakunle Maruf
Published on 2024-02-23 11:40:07
A Civil Society Organisation, based in Sokoto state, has made the decision to align with the harmonised advocacy and monitoring plans and update of USAID State2State action plans for the next quarter. This resolution was reached at a one-day meeting organised by USAID State2State, where CSOs were updated on the implementation of the last quarter’s action plan.
During the meeting, USAID State2State local government manager, Abdullahi Shagari, representing the USAID State2State Citizen Engagement/Capacity Building Specialist, outlined the objectives of the meeting. These included the review of citizens’ participation in the 2024 budget process, identification of Community Development Chartered (CDC) projects captured in the 2024 budget, and the identification of citizens’ economic priority projects by the private sector captured in the 2024 budget.
Dr Auwal Ahmed Musa, OGP Co-Chair in the state, also made a presentation during the meeting. He highlighted that partnering CSOs reviewed the state action plan with regards to the four pillars of the Open Government Partnership (OGP), a global partnership involving over one hundred countries, including Sokoto state, which was enlisted as one of the two hundred sub-nationals in February 2022. The OGP’s four pillars focus on fiscal responsibility, transparency and accountability in government, citizens’ engagement in governance, and the use of technology in governance.
Dr Auwal mentioned, “We are conducting the Community Development Chartered (CDC) programme on our own as CSO in fifty-five wards under five local government areas of Tambuwal, Wamakko, Sokoto North, Sokoto South, and Gwadabawa respectively. The CDC will also be done for the 2025 budget as we are tracking the 2024 budget to look at the implementation of citizens’ suggestions that appeared in the budget.”
The meeting provided an opportunity for CSOs to engage with USAID State2State and other stakeholders to ensure effective monitoring and implementation of action plans. By aligning with the harmonised advocacy and monitoring plans, the CSOs are demonstrating their commitment to fostering good governance and citizen participation in Sokoto state.
Overall, the collaboration between USAID State2State and the CSOs is aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement in the governance process. It is also an important step towards ensuring that citizens’ priorities are reflected in the budget and that development projects are effectively implemented for the benefit of the people of Sokoto state.
In conclusion, the meeting was a significant opportunity for the CSOs to reaffirm their dedication to working in partnership with USAID State2State and other stakeholders to advance the goals of good governance and citizen engagement in Sokoto state. The resolution to align with the harmonised advocacy and monitoring plans demonstrates the collective commitment of the CSOs to drive positive change and development in the state. Moving forward, it is crucial for all parties involved to continue working together to ensure the effective implementation of action plans and the meaningful participation of citizens in the governance process.
Read the original article on Nigerian Tribune
