FG launches citizens assembly to foster stronger relationship with grassroots communities
The Federal Government has launched the Citizens’ Assembly and Community Health Support Initiative in Niger State to foster stronger relationship between government and local communities.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, North Central, Mrs Abiodun Essiet, said this at the launching of the initiative in Minna on Tuesday.
She said the initiative demonstrate President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to integrating diverse voices and perspectives into decision-making processes, enhancing community development and cohesion.
“The initiative serves as a platform for citizens to share their voices, participate in governance and develop actionable solutions to local challenges,” she said.
According to her, a survey conducted in March 2024 revealed a substantial gap in trust and communication between the Federal government and local communities, stemming from unfulfilled promises over the past 25 years.
Essiet said the initiative addresses such concern, ensuring swift information dissemination, stakeholder engagement and continuous deliberations for meaningful outcomes.
She said over 1,000 indigenes and settlers from the North Central region applied to volunteer for the Citizens’ Assembly.
She said selected volunteers would represent each ward, acting as change agents and influencers in their communities.
She also announced the launch of Community Health Support, a new initiative to enroll 100 vulnerable individuals and the informal sector in Niger state for one year, with optional renewal at an affordable rate.
In his goodwill message, Alhaji Mohammed Kolo, Commissioner Environment and Climate Change in Niger, called on youths and women to key into the initiative and ensure the state benefit from it.
One of the volunteers from Mokwa Local Government Area, Mohammed Kpaki, promised deligent discharge of responsibility by serving as a mouth piece between the government and the grassroots.
