By Aisha Mohammed
OXFAM Nigeria and its partners have stressed the need to strengthen the capacity of Ward Development Support Committee members in monitoring community development plans, championing development initiatives, and safeguarding the interests of their communities.
They made this known during a two-day advocacy and capacity-building training, themed Support to Improving Social Cohesion Through Community Development Planning in Three Local Government Areas in North-East Nigeria, held in Guyuk Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
Project Coordinator of Oxfam Nigeria, Samuel Lashon, said the training was designed to strengthen the capacity of Ward Development Support Committee members in advocating for the implementation of local development plans while ensuring transparent reporting to residents.
He explained that leadership and effective management of action groups would go a long way in enhancing documentation, accountability, and coordination in local governance.
Lashon emphasized the need for Ward Development Support Committee members to fully understand their roles in implementing local government development plans to foster safe, inclusive, and gender-responsive communities for sustainable impact.
While commending the organizers, the Representative of the Guyuk Council Chairman and Supervisory Councillor on Education, Ali Audu, described the program as a strategic platform for communities to take ownership of their development.
Audu affirmed that the continued support of development partners plays a crucial role in achieving self-reliance and inclusive growth at the grassroots level.
Participants at the training, Nah Abanitus and Salom Danfulani, appreciated the organizers for providing them with the opportunity to build their leadership capacity and pledged to pass on the knowledge gained to members of their community within their wards, serving as ambassadors of positive change.
The training, which brought together 50 Ward Development Support Committee members from Guyuk and Purokayo wards, is an initiative supported by the European Union in collaboration with the German Cooperation and the Federal Government of Nigeria.
It is being implemented by OXFAM in partnership with the Christian Rural and Urban Development Association of Nigeria, CRUDAN, Community Development and Reproductive Health Initiative, and Yaharakari Foundation, aimed at empowering Ward Development Support Committee members to serve as community representatives to drive social and economic development within their local communities.
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