Yiaga Africa Selects Anambra State for People’s Assembly Initiative

The Senior Program Officer of Yiaga Africa, Antonia Onda has highlighted favorable environment and accessibility as key factors in Anambra’s selection as one of the 12 states for Nigeria’s People’s Assembly Initiative to strengthen grassroots democracy.

Onda made this announcement to journalists following the inauguration of the Awka South Local Government People’s Assembly at Vertex View Hotel, Nibo, within the council area.

She stated that Awka South was chosen following a comprehensive baseline assessment conducted by various stakeholders.

The initiative, launched in partnership with the Open Society Foundation in 2022, aims to amplify grassroots voices, fostering engagement in local governance.

“The People’s Assembly allows local government officials to participate in meetings, providing leadership and ensuring that community priorities are effectively addressed,” Onda said.

She underscored the importance of democracy, affirming that despite its challenges, it remains the most suitable form of governance for Nigeria.

• Yiaga Africa Inaugurates People’s Assembly in Enugu

Onda outlined the essential processes for facilitating successful People’s Assembly meetings at the local government level, including planning, participant mobilization, facilitation and moderation. These efforts are part of Yiaga Africa’s commitment to nurturing deliberative democracy in Nigeria.

“The purpose of this initiative is to encourage effective interactions, deliberations and debates surrounding the needs of the community” she said. “We aim to promote a culture of public deliberation, enabling citizens to contribute meaningfully to the decision-making process.”

Onda confirmed that activities for the People’s Assembly would commence in Awka South despite existing challenges.

“These assemblies across the nation will serve as platforms for citizens and local representatives to engage in constructive discussions, all aimed at promoting the public good and reinforcing confidence in the democratic process” she said.

During the program’s opening, Prince Chinedu Okafor, the Executive Chairman of Awka South Local Government Area, pledged support from the state government, under Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, in achieving the assembly’s objectives.

The Program Officer Yiaga Africa, Olaniyan Sanusi, further elaborated during a training session, explaining that the Assembly provides a non-partisan platform for community members to discuss pressing local issues, prioritize needs and engage local government officials. He encouraged Nigerians to remain committed to democracy despite its shortcomings.

Selected participants will lead efforts to initiate the first People’s Assembly in Awka South, aimed at enhancing grassroots governance.

Local leaders including the President General of the Isiagu community Elder Kingsley Nwokoye and the Woman Leader of the Awka community, Barr. Ekweozor Oge, expressed their commitment to disseminate the knowledge gained in their respective communities, including Awka, Amawbia, Isiagu, Ezinator, Umauwulu, Nibo and Nise.

They praised the program as a positive development and commended Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo for his significant achievements in office over the past three years.

The event attracted participants from various civil society organizations, community development groups, religious organizations and others, reflecting widespread community interest and support for the initiative.

Emmanuel Ukoh