By Cletus Felix
The Cross River State Government, through the Ministry of Local Government Affairs, in collaboration with the Center for Community Policy and Strategic Development (CCPSD), has commenced a three-day capacity-building and utilization training program for local government councillors, clerks, and legislative officers.
The workshop, themed โBuilding Institutions to Deliver Service and Facilitate Sustainable Development in the Local Government System,โ draws participants from the Northern Senatorial District.
Declaring the event open on Tuesday at landmark Hotel Ogoja, the Deputy Governor, Peter Odey, represented by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Sylvester Agabi, underscored the vital role of local government legislators in strengthening democracy and governance.
He emphasized that equipping them with the right skills and knowledge would enhance decision-making and service delivery at the grassroots level.
He said โHaving served for eight years in the State House of Assembly, I understand firsthand the critical role that well-informed lawmakers play in shaping policies that impact the well-being and development of our communities.
“This workshop will equip councillors and legislative officers with the necessary skills and expertise to carry out their responsibilities effectively,โ the deputy governor stated.”
He commended the CCPSD and the Ministry of Local Government Affairs for initiating the training, describing it as a step in line with Governor Edet Otuโs People First leadership vision, which prioritizes strengthening local governance and fostering sustainable development.
The deputy governor urged participants to utilize the training to enhance their legislative functions, improve their ability to draft, debate, and implement laws, and contribute to the socioeconomic advancement of their constituencies.
He also called on stakeholders to collaborate in building resilient institutions capable of delivering quality services and driving sustainable development in Cross River State.
In his remarks, John Gaul, Chairman of CCPSD, reaffirmed the organizationโs commitment to empowering communities through research-driven policy solutions, strategic development initiatives, and capacity-building programs aimed at improving governance and quality of life.
He emphasized the timeliness of the workshop, considering the ongoing discussions on local government autonomy in Nigeria, and stressed the importance of equipping legislative officials with the necessary expertise to perform their duties effectively.
Goodwill messages were delivered by Hon. Cyril Omini, Member representing Yakurr 1 State Constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation; Prof. Jake Otu Enyia, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) Political to the Governor; as well as former House of Assembly members Rt. Hon. Ogana Lukpata (Yala II) and Hon. Idagu Agaji (Bekwarra).
They lauded the state government and CCPSD for organizing such a critical training initiative and urged participants to take full advantage of the opportunity to strengthen their legislative capacity.
The workshop featured insightful presentations from governance experts and facilitators, covering key areas such as effective legislative procedures, public accountability, legislative career development, local government administration in Nigeria, and stakeholder engagement.
