By Philip Yatai
Mrs Abiodun Essiet, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, North Central, says President Bola Tinubu administration is strengthening participatory governance through community engagement for sustainable development.
Essiet communicated this during town hall meetings organised by her office in Abaji and Kwali Area Councils, Abuja, on Tuesday.
She said that the meetings were organised in partnership with the National Orientation Agency (NOA), MacArthur Foundation and AGURA Policy.
Essiet said that the meetings were expected to generate feedback on issues affecting the daily lives of the people, ranging from infrastructure gaps to social services, and where possible, provide immediate interventions.
According to her, the move is to transform residents from spectators to active participants in governance processes.
“The goal of the community engagement is to harvest grassroots sustainable solutions that will reflect collective and shared goals for all Nigerians.
“We are also using the opportunity to educate our people on flooding and how to protect themselves.’’
She added that implementing citizens and stakeholder engagements communicated government activities and served as a feedback mechanism.
“It creates an inclusive platform where Nigerians, regardless of their social status, can express their concerns, share ideas and contribute to decision-making processes.
“This grassroots approach has allowed the Tinubu administration to bring governance closer to the people.
“Through town hall meetings and direct community visits, the current administration has actively engaged with diverse groups, ensuring that their voices are heard.
“The voice of the people are not just heard, but are translated into sustainable policies, laws and other people oriented programmes and projects.
“We are also looking at infrastructural problems, we are also looking at humanitarian services that need the Federal Government’s intervention.’’
The presidential aide also said that the administration was also generating feedback on infrastructural problems and humanitarian services that need federal government’s intervention.
“Our goal is not just to hear but to act; and we are committed to ensuring that the feedback gathered will inform government policy as sustainable development solutions,” she said.
According to her, bridging the gap between the government and the citizens through strategic engagement with citizens would improve governance, and promote national cohesion.
Also speaking, the Director, Planning Research and Statistics, NOA, Alhaji Nuru Kobi, commended Tinubu’s administration for initiating a comprehensive set of policies, programmes and projects aimed at addressing various challenges and fostering development across Nigeria.
Alhaji Adamu Yunusa, the Onah of Abaji, and Chairman, FCT Council of Chiefs, also thanked Tinubu for bringing the government closer to the people.
Yunusa, who was represented by the Madaki of Abaji, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi, said that the move would give residents a sense of belonging.
She urged Nigerians to be patient with Tinubu government.
On his part, the District Head of Kwali, Yunana Yatsu, noted that for any government to succeed, it must bring governance to the grassroots. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo