Center trains Media, CSOs on fostering accountability in constituency projects

An Non-governmental organisation, Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED),has trained Kano-based journalist and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) on fostering accountability in constituency project service delivery.

In his remarks at the opening of the one-day event in Kano on Monday, Dr Zikrullah Ibrahim said the aim of the training was to equip relevant stakeholders, with information on constituency projects.

He added that the training was vital for effective delivery of critical social services, especially regarding constituency projects.

“Journalists and CSO’s need to work closely by beaming the spotlight on the activities of government, especially programs on which the government expends public funds,” he explained.

Represented by Programs and Communication Manager of the NGO, Mr Armsfree Ajanaku, the Director solicited for a synergy between the media and other stakeholders.

The synergy he explained, will result in mass coverage and information dissemination to reduce corruption.

The center he said that the accountability skills and capacities of media and CSO’s, must be enhanced to face serious challenges posed by the lack of transparent and accountable governance.

Ibrahim however, explained that the center is always motivated to work for the realization of a democratic Nigeria where participation, inclusion and transparency are guaranteed.

He added that state and non-state actors must actively collaborate towards accountable and responsive use of resources for the collective well-being citizens.

The Executive Director further commended Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), for it’s consistent efforts to track constituency projects.

“The commission had empowered citizens by publishing project details on its website, just as it has been empaneling of a team of expert trackers, to archive the set goals.” Ibrahim revealed.

In their separate presentations, two female journalists, Bilkisu Zango and Khadija Bawas, highlighted the need for the media to change strategies in advocating for transparency and accountability.

Bawas called on media and CSO’s to leverage convergence in media ecosystem for constituency project reporting.

Zango also tasked stakeholders on best practices for promoting gender and social inclusion in constituency project reporting.

Some of the participants pledged to promote accountability in constituency projects through reportage.

Our correspondent reports that about 35 journalists and civil society organisations took part in the one-day training organized by CHRICED.

The training tagged “Fostering Transparency and Accountability in Constituency project delivery in Kano state”, took place at Mambayya House in Kano.