…described the ALGAF Dialogue as more than just another event.
Nnewi, Nigeria — The iNews Times reports that the ALGAF Dialogue has reinforced the commitment of Justice, Development and Peace Caritas (JDPC) Nnewi to confronting governance realities at the grassroots level in Anambra State.
Justice, Development and Peace Caritas (JDPC) Nnewi restated its position during the State High-Level Stakeholders’ Dialogue on Local Government System Strengthening for the Anambra Local Governance Accountability Fellowship (ALGAF).
The event was organised by Justice, Development and Peace Caritas in partnership with the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, with support from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
A Moment of Reckoning
Director of JDPC Nnewi, Rev. Fr. Ben Okolo, described the ALGAF Dialogue as more than just another event, but a moment of reckoning and opportunity.
“This is a moment of reckoning because we must honestly confront the realities of governance at the grassroots,” he said.
“An opportunity because we are gathered here with the capacity, the authority, and the collective will to reimagine a better system.”
Fr. Okolo reiterated that the mission of JDPC Nnewi has always been rooted in justice, human dignity, and inclusive development.
He noted that through its partnership with the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room and support from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, the organisation launched ALGAF.
According to him, the initiative is built on a simple but powerful belief: governance works best when citizens are not spectators but active participants.
Engagement Across Nine LGAs
Fr. Okolo disclosed that across the nine pilot Local Government Areas, ALGAF fellows have engaged communities, listened to citizens, interacted with local government actors, and observed governance systems.
“We keep sharing experiences during our peer review to enable us to do better and get the job done,” he added.
Speaking on the theme, “Reimagining Local Governance and Administration in Anambra: Strengthening Citizen Participation, Accountability, and Community-Driven Development,” Aguata Council Chairman, Hon. Chibueze Ofobuike, stressed the need for a strengthened local government system capable of driving development at the grassroots.
According to him, prior to 2024, such engagement would not have been necessary because governance was largely concentrated at the centre, with minimal citizen involvement.
“Whatever is obtainable now can be reimagined, including fiscal aspects, personnel, common services, accountability, and the legal framework under the Local Government Administration Law of 2024,” he said.
He admitted that while the system is not yet perfect, it represents a step in the right direction and remains a work in progress.
“If the local government system is strengthened, Anambra will be strengthened, and our people will have more access to good governance at the grassroots,” Ofobuike added.
Town Unions, Accessibility, Inclusion
Chairman of the Anambra State Town Unions Council (ASTUC), Sir Vin Dike, identified strengthening local governance as essential to ensuring an inclusive, transparent, and responsive system.
He noted that ASTUC under his leadership remains a critical link between government and the grassroots, promoting unity, participation, and accountability.
While commending the organisers of the ALGAF Dialogue for creating a platform for collaboration and meaningful engagement, Dike expressed confidence that the outcomes would significantly improve governance and foster sustainable development in the state.
Public Relations Officer, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Town Union Matters, Mr. Henry Nwasike, frowned at local government chairmen and councillors who render themselves inaccessible to their constituents.
Acknowledging the frustrations such behaviour could cause, Nwasike urged ALGAF fellows not to relent despite discouragements.
“Government is about service. How can a leader positively impact his people by making himself inaccessible and incommunicado, yet expect to be re-elected?” he queried.
Disability Inclusion and Governance Innovation
State Chairman of Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke, appreciated JDPC Nnewi for consistently carrying persons with disabilities along in its programmes.
He urged ALGAF fellows to always wear a disability inclusion lens when designing and implementing programmes to ensure accessibility and inclusion.
“We’ve benefited a lot from your organisation. We see practical inclusion in virtually all your programmes, giving us room for active participation and effective service delivery,” he said.
Earlier, Programme Manager, Onyekachi Ololo, described ALGAF as a governance innovation initiative designed to strengthen local government accountability, citizen participation, and service delivery outcomes in Anambra State.
According to him, ALGAF is structured to address systemic gaps in the local government system, including weak citizen engagement mechanisms, limited transparency in decision-making, gaps in accountability structures, and the disconnect between community needs and government priorities.
He explained that ALGAF operates through a multi-layered governance strengthening model, including capacity building for fellows and civic actors, citizen engagement platforms, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews.
Other components include feedback mechanisms through community interfaces and surveys, community evidence systems, data collection on service delivery gaps, real-time feedback loops, and policy dialogue and advocacy through engagement with local government leadership and high-level stakeholder dialogues.
The ALGAF Dialogue, stakeholders noted, marks a renewed push toward building a more accountable, participatory, and responsive local governance system in Anambra State.
