C’ River Gov't, CCPSD Train LG Officials On Grassroots' Governance, Public Administration
Judex OKORO
The Cross River State Government in collaboration with Center for Community Policy and Strategic Development (CCPSD) has commenced capacity building and utilisation training for councilors, clerks and deputy clerks for 18 Local Government Legislative Houses in Cross River state.
The training exercise is aimed at enhancing governance and leadership capabilities at the grassroots level as well ad enhance participants’ capacity in service delivery, policy formulation and legislative effectiveness.
The 3-day impactful exercise, which commenced at Ogoja Legislative chamber in Ogoja local government area for northern senatorial legislative council officials, focused on legislative chamber protocols and processes, amongst others.
The event featured different presentations, panel and interactive discussions targeted at deepening participants’ understanding of governance and public administration.
Papers were delivered in key areas including understanding the budget process and the legislature’s role to enable participants gain insights into the intricacies of budget formulation, approval and oversight, thereby underscoring the critical role of legislators in ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency.
Other papers delivered centered on promoting sustainable community development with sessions highlighting the pivotal role of local government legislators in driving initiatives that foster sustainable development within their communities; effective representation and inclusivity in law-making where discussions emphasised the importance of inclusive and participatory law-making processes as a foundation for sustainable growth in a democratic system.
Besides, paper was equally delivered on aligning legislative agendas with local contexts and the strategies for tailoring legislative agendas to address the unique economic, social and geographical characteristics of the northern senatorial district.
The training further tutored participants on critical specialised areas including legislative drafting, committee system in the legislature and preparation of legislative documents as well as strategic development planning.
Speaking, the Executive Secretary and the former Speaker of Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. John Gaul Lebo, said the workshop is designed to enhance participants’ capacity in service delivery, policy formulation and legislative effectiveness, emphasising the importance of synergy between the Executive and legislative arms in ensuring good governance at the grassroots level.
Gaul stated that Executive and the Legislative arms collaboration has become imperative for effective and efficient results at grassroots' adminstration, forestall rift and mutual distrust between the two arms, adding that such mutual respect will prevent negative relationship.
He advised against sidelining the legislative arm as their collaboration is key to the effective governance and smooth operation of the local government council, noting that a well-trained legislative body is crucial for the proper enactment and implementation of laws that benefit the community.
He expressed optimism that with continuous training and collaboration, the legislative arm would be better equipped to address the needs and challenges facing the people of Ogoja and Cross River State at large.
Also speaking, the Ogoja local government chairman, Hon. Christopher Agbeh, restated council's commitment to fostering a strong and effective partnership with the Legislative arm.
He said strengthening the legislative structure is essential to achieving sustainable development and improving the quality of life for the people of Ogoja.
He hailed the organisers of the workshop, which together various stakeholders, as very timely and critical intervention aimed at reinforcing the capacity of the local government legislative bodies.
He urged the councillors to contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of their communities.
A Certificate of participation was presented to every participant at the event, marking the successful completion of the program in the Northern Senatorial District.
The training will also hold in Southern and central senatorial districts.
