As part of her efforts to make Anambra Local Government Accountability Fellowship (ALGAF) gain currency, JDPC Nnewi has embarked on an advocacy visit to Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE)
The visit was in continuation of the ongoing advocacy and stakeholder engagement under the Anambra Local Government Accountability Fellowship implemented by JDPC Nnewi.
ALGAF initiave under the Directorship of Rev Fr Chima Benedict Okolo, with support from the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room and funding from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), had a strategic interface with NULGE recently.
The purpose of the visit according to Rev Fr Okolo was to present the objectives of the ALGAF initiative, seek partnership and strategic collaboration with NULGE, and to explore areas of mutual interest in strengthening accountability, transparency, and responsiveness in Anambra’s Local Government System.
The JDPC team briefed the NULGE leadership on the goals and expected outcomes of the ALGAF Project and solicit NULGE’s endorsement as well as support for the Fellowship as a participatory accountability model.
Rev Fr Okolo also requested NULGE’s active engagement in ALGAF activities — as facilitators, partners, and reform advocates.
Earlier, Mr. Onyekachi Ololo presented the Advocacy Brief highlighting the ALGAF program’s design, which seeks to train forty five fellows across the state on civic leadership, public finance analysis, and accountability practices at the local government level.
Invaluable Practical insights
He emphasized that NULGE’s involvement would bring invaluable practical insights and institutional grounding to the Fellowship.
He also reiterated the importance of joint collaboration between local government employees and civil society to achieve reform sustainability, further stressing the need for gender-sensitive reforms and the inclusion of women in local government leadership and accountability mechanisms.
The Chairperson NULGE, Anambra State, Comrade Uyanwune Eucharia, flanked by key members of the State Executive Council warmly welcomed the JDPC Nnewi team.
Comrade Uyanwune Eucharia, expressed deep appreciation to the visiting team led by their Director, Rev Fr Chima Benedict Okolo for initiating the ALGAF project.
She described the initiative as “a timely and progressive intervention that aligns with NULGE’s long-standing advocacy for functional and autonomous local governments.
Comrade Uyanwune Eucharia also applauded JDPC Nnewi for recognizing NULGE’s strategic role in local government reform and pledged the union’s full support and participation in the program.
“We in NULGE are happy to partner with JDPC Nnewi under the ALGAF initiative. The local government system needs this kind of collaboration that connects citizens, workers, and institutions.
“We are ready to work with you, nominate members as facilitators, and participate actively in the forthcoming summit,” She stressed .
