FG launches citizens’ assembly, health initiative in Niger

The Federal Government has launched the Citizens’ Assembly and Community Health Support Initiative in Niger State to foster a stronger relationship between the government and local communities.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement for the North Central Zone, Mrs Abiodun Essiet, made the announcement during the initiative’s launch in Minna on Tuesday.

She stated that the initiative demonstrates President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to integrating diverse voices and perspectives into decision-making processes, thereby 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.

Essiet noted that a survey conducted in March 2024 revealed a significant gap in trust and communication between the Federal Government and local communities, largely due to unfulfilled promises over the past 25 years.

She explained that the initiative aims to address these concerns by ensuring swift information dissemination, stakeholder engagement, and continuous deliberations for meaningful outcomes.

Over 1,000 indigenes and settlers from the North Central region applied to volunteer for the Citizens’ Assembly. Selected volunteers will represent each ward, acting as change agents and influencers in their communities.

In addition, Essiet announced the launch of the Community Health Support Initiative, which aims to enrol 100 vulnerable individuals and those in the informal sector in Niger State for one year, with an option for renewal at an affordable rate.

In his goodwill message, the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change in Niger State, Alhaji Mohammed Kolo, urged youths and women to engage with the initiative to ensure the state benefits from it.

One of the volunteers from Mokwa Local Government Area, Mohammed Kpaki, pledged to diligently fulfill his responsibilities by serving as a liaison between the government and grassroots communities.

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