NGO Launches OsunOpenLG, Seeks Increased Development At Grassroots

As part of efforts to further the campaign on the functionality of the local government in Osun State, a non-governmental organisation, the Insight Initiative for Community and Social Development, on Thursday launched the Osun Open Local Government Project.

It also officially inaugurated its 66 advocates, including six people living with disabilities, to spearhead its civic engagement with stakeholders in the 30 local government areas of the state.

The Executive Director of the organisation and Team Lead for the OsunOpenLG, Mr. Jare Tiamiyu, stated that the project is to complement the efforts of government at making the council areas fulfill the developmental yearnings and aspirations of the people.

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Stressing that the project is not to cast aspersion on the government, Tiamiyu added that it is aimed to promote responsible leadership and development at the grassroots level.

He explained that the four cardinal goals of the project are accountability, civic engagement, grassroots development, and entrenching good governance at the grassroots.   

Tiamiyu stated: “The selection of 66 local government advocates, including six people living with disabilities, is a testament to the project’s commitment to inclusion. These advocates will engage with stakeholders, including political officeholders and the public, to educate, retrieve information, and promote collaboration for grassroots development.

“After a rigorous process, 66 advocates were chosen from 168 applications received, with six of them being people living with disabilities. This demonstrates the project’s dedication to inclusivity and equal opportunities.

“The advocates will undergo intensive training before heading out to the various local government areas to engage with key stakeholders, including political officeholders and citizens. Their primary responsibility will be to educate, gather information, and encourage collaboration between the government and citizens for grassroots development.

“The Osun Open Local Government Project is a bold step towards promoting responsible leadership and development at the grassroots level. By supporting this initiative, citizens, government officials, and other stakeholders can contribute to the growth and prosperity of Osun State.

“Our project is not to witch-hunt or expose the government negatively but to seek the development of our people through transparency and accountability at the council level.”

Corroborating him, the Project Manager of the Osun Open LG project, Engr. Onaolapo Kolade reiterated that the project supported by international partners through the Nigeria Youth Future Funds (NYFF), is designed to promote transparency, accountability, and public engagement in local government administration in Nigeria, starting from Osun. 

Kolade added that in the coming weeks, the team would embark on media engagements, advocacy to the stakeholders, and organise a town hall meeting, as well as other programmes to facilitate an impactful journey.