Why we picked Anambra for People’s Assembly Initiative — Yiaga Africa

The Senior Program Officer of Yiaga Africa, Antonia Onda, has cited a conducive environment and easy accessibility as the major reasons why Anambra was among the 12 states chosen for the People’s Assembly Initiative in Nigeria.

Onda disclosed this while speaking to journalists shortly after inaugurating the Awka South Local Government Peoples Assembly at Vertex View Hotel, Nibo, in the council area of the state on Friday.

She stated that Anambra, specifically Awka South Local Government Area, was selected after a thorough baseline assessment was conducted by relevant stakeholders.

Onda noted that the platform, established in partnership with the Open Society Foundation in 2022, aims to amplify the voices of the people at the grassroots level.

She explained that local government officials can participate in the People’s Assembly meetings to provide leadership and ensure that major local priority issues are properly addressed.

She emphasized that, despite its challenges, democracy remains the best form of government for the country.

Onda outlined the processes for hosting an effective People’s Assembly at the local government level, which include planning and preparation, participant mobilization, facilitation, and moderation, among others, as part of Yiaga Africa’s efforts to entrench the culture of deliberative democracy in Nigeria.

She added that the essence of the initiative is to foster effective interactions, deliberations, and debates on the needs of the people at the grassroots level.

She said the People’s Assembly is expected to commence activities at the Awka South Local Government regardless of all challenges.

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“What we are trying to promote here in the council area and the state at large is a culture of public deliberation whereby citizens can contribute to and influence the decision-making process at the local council level.

“So, these assemblies, which are being established across the country, will serve as platforms for citizens and elected local government representatives to engage in fair and reasonable discussions and debates, all aimed at securing the public good and instilling confidence in the democratic process,” she said.

In his remarks while declaring the program open, the Executive Chairman of Awka South Council Area, Prince Chinedu Okafor, assured the group that the state government, under Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, will support them in achieving their set goals in the state.

Addressing the participants during a training session, the Program Officer of Yiaga Africa, Olaniyan Sanusi, explained the essence of the People’s Assembly. He said the Assembly will allow people to convene under a non-partisan platform to deliberate on issues affecting their communities, debate the issues, and agree on priority matters to engage local government officials. He urged Nigerians not to give up on democracy, despite its inadequacies.

A few individuals were selected to lead the team of sound minds to kickstart the first People’s Assembly in Awka South Local Government Area to improve grassroots governance in the state.

In their separate contributions, the participants, including the President General of the Isiagu community, Elder Kingsley Nwokoye, and the Woman Leader of the Awka community, Barr. Ekweozor Oge, promised to spread the knowledge they have gathered to their various communities—Awka, Amawbia, Isiagu, Ezinator, Umauwulu, Nibo, and Nise—that constitute the council area.

They described the program as a welcome development.

They also commended Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo for his tremendous achievements within three years in office.

The Nigerian Tribune gathered that the event saw participants from various civil society groups, community development organizations, religious groups, and others.