PARTICIPATORY GOVERNANCE;AN ANTIDOTE TO ALIENATION AND APATHY - CACOL

  The Centre for Anti- Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL)   in collaboration with office of  Political,  legislative and Civic engagement held  workshop  on Tuesday  with the theme;" Strengthening p participatory,  Corruption  free  Governance at the Grassroot  level" . Chairman of  CACOL  Debo Adeniran  in his welcome address during the workshop stated that " Grassroot governance  is the bedrock of democracy  .It is the level where government policies either translate into tangible benefit or  dissolve  into frustration "

           He  emphasized  that citizens are active participants ,not passive recipient in the process that affect their lives. He  said participatory governance fosters ownership,  it reduces conflicts,  unlocks local innovation and ensures that public services truly respond to public need. It is the most important antidote to alienation and apathy.                    Debo Adeniran , further stated that CACOL envisions a new informed citizens who confidently ask questions , demand transparency in budget and monitor project implementation. He also  urged community leaders to constructively engage with officials, leveraging platforms for feedback and also as a partnership for development.                     The Honorable commissioner  for  local government , Chieftaincy    Affairs and Rural Development  , Honorable Bolaji kayode Roberts who was represented by Barrister Abiodun Abdullah  during his keynote address  stated that  " good governance  is not achieved by putting out policies alone. It is  strengthened when the people for whom policies are  designed are  meaningfully involved in shaping them.                            Abiodun Abdullah  mentioned that participatory governance empowers  citizens to contribute ideas, express concerns,  monitor projects and jointly evaluate government performance. When communities participates, 

 policy making becomes  grounded. When local councils listens governance becomes more effective. And when collaboration thrives, development is accelerated. This is the essence of grassroots democracy ".

                   He urged   stakeholders , local government officials,   civil society organizations, traditional institutions, market associations , youth groups and media to be committed to rebuild trust and also to deliver governance  that is accountable and people centered .

                 The  guest speaker    Comrade Affiong  L. Affiong  during  her presentation urged local government to allow a symbiotic relationship between the citizens and local government.  She said that local government should encourage people and also organize meetings with interest groups in order to gather information on  the needs of grassroot people , as this would help them get closer to the people and provide necessary  basic amenities.

              She made suggestions that participation, governance and grassroots are very important at local government levels.                    He  reiterated  that the event aligns with the global commemoration of the international anti-corruption Day has declared  by the United Nations convention against corruption. 

          He gave specific examples of those that laid  their lives in the struggle against corruption in Nigeria  such as  Tai Solarin  and Gani Fawehinmi   of blessed memory.                           He urged  participants to utilize the knowledge and networks gained during the workshops as tools for transformation in their various communities and the nation.