ActionAid Launches Forum for Good Governance in Enugu

Gideon Arinze in Enugu

A non-governmental organisation, ActionAid Nigeria, has launched an inclusive forum that seeks to increase government effectiveness, accountability, and transparency at the state and local government levels in Enugu State. 

The forum, which was tagged, ‘Inclusive Forum For Accountable Society ( IFAS),’ a non-profit making group, also seeks to create opportunities for sharing and learning best practices in participatory governance and increase citizens’ participation in the budgetary process.

Speaking during the launch in Enugu yesterday, Country Director, Action Aid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu, said that the forum was established to, among other things, bridge the gap between the people and the government, where the people come together to address the major needs of their communities.

Mamedu, who was represented by the Head of Programmes, ActionAid Nigeria, Celestine Odo, regretted that most Nigerian citizens do not know their rights and that they do not know that they can hold the government accountable.

”You have the right to ask questions on what the government is doing,” he said. “You have the right to ask questions about what you have in the budget.” 

He noted that the forum is made up of change-makers from all spheres of life including government officials, civil society organisations, community leaders, market traders, women groups, people with special needs, the media, and others.