By Philip Yatai

The Coalition of Associations for Leadership, Peace, Empowerment & Development (CALPED) on Friday sensitised community members on the Kaduna State Government’s Open Government Partnership (OGP) Action Plan.

Mr Stephen Waya. Team Lead Community Participations and Engagement, CALPED said at a Town-hall Meeting in Kaduna that the effort was to increase community stakeholders’ awareness on the OGP State Action Plan, 2021-2023.

Waya added that the move was to acquaint stakeholders on programmes and interventions within the OGP framework and how to participate in the implementation.

He explained that the meeting would provide an interface between OGP implementing government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and community stakeholders to bridge the information gap on government programmes.

He added that the meeting would equally help in identifying entry points for community engagement and feedback, and engender partnership for improved service delivery at the grassroots

According to him, the effort will encourage community participation in the implementation of the OGP action, through identified entry points and feedback mechanisms provided by the government.

“The meeting was equally organised to provide technical support that will enable community stakeholders to effectively track and monitor implementation of projects within their communities.

“This, in the long run, will promote partnership between government ministries, departments and agencies, and community stakeholders for improved service delivery at the grassroots”.

He explained that the state government had in October begun implementation of the 2021-2023 action plan in five commitment areas.

He identified the areas as open budget, open contracting, use of technology-based citizen feedback, strengthening social protection systems and improving service delivery in education and health sectors.

“Massive grassroots mobilisation and sensitisation is, therefore, very crucial to increase stakeholders’ participation in the implementation of the plan.

“This will ensure stakeholders’ buy-in, ownership and active engagement of the programmes and intervention, thereby improving accountability and transparency,” he said.

Mr Peter Onazi, Procurement Officer, Kaduna State Public Procurement Authority, commended CALPED for organising the town hall meeting, saying it would help strengthen partnership between government and citizens.

Onazi urged the community members to monitor the delivery of projects in the area and report any anomaly to the government for necessary action. Mr. Emanuel Arege, Ward Head, Matari West, Chikun Local Government Area of the state described the sensitisation and an “eye opener” on the OGP for most community members.