By Emmanuel Enebeli
WARRI/Nigeria: Nigerians has been called not to shy from participating in contributing to the sustainable development of their areas, as they are partners in the development of communities where they reside.
The call was made by the Director of Value Rebirth and Empowerment Initiative, (VREI), Pastor Edewor Ogedegbe during a workshop as a sub-implementation partner to the Sustainable Citizen Participation (SCP), in conjunction with Afrihealth Optonet Association, in Okere Community, Warri South Local Government, recently.
The project which is funded by the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF), according to Pastor Ogedegbe, is aimed at educating the people in the selected communities of the importance of participating in the affairs of their communities as they are equal stakeholders, especially in project sitting and implementations.
According to him the project is aimed at the institutionalising the SCP concept in 81 Local Government Areas within the Niger Delta states by creating the Community Consultative Committee, (CCC) in each community of intervention.
The Director of VREI said that at the end of the programme, through the CCC, the people will encourage Sustainable Participation of CSO’s and Women Groups (WG) in setting development and Democratic Agenda in Nigeria and the Niger Delta Region.
“The Project will raise awareness on sustainable Citizen Concept and secure support from stakeholders, NGO’s, Local Government Officials, and empower 126 CSO’s and Women Group leaders as Change agents”. He said.
He called on those selected for the one year program to use the opportunities of their engagements to attract changes to their communities, as their input to projects is vital to the community sustainable development.
“In setting development and project implementation in the Niger Delta and Nigeria, your voice should be heard”.
The workshop attracted leaders of Okere Urhobo Community, women and youth leaders who pledged their supports for the success of the UNDEF SCP sponsored programme.
