The Federal Government has launched the Citizens’ Assembly and Community Health Support Initiative in Niger to bridge the gap between government and local communities.
Mrs Abiodun Essiet, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, North Central, said this at the launching of the initiative in Minna on Tuesday.
She said the initiative demonstrated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to integrating diverse voices and perspectives into decision-making processes, enhancing community development and cohesion.
“The initiative serves as a platform for citizens to share their voices, participate in governance and develop actionable solutions to local challenges,” she said.
According to her, a survey conducted in March reveals a substantial gap in trust and communication between the Federal government and local communities, stemming from unfulfilled promises over the past 25 years.
Essiet said the initiative would addresses such concern towards ensuring swift information dissemination, stakeholder engagement and continuous deliberations.
She said that over 1,000 indigenes and others Nigerians from the North Central zone applied to volunteer for the Citizens’ Assembly.
She said selected volunteers would represent each ward, acting as change agents and influencers in their communities.
She also announced the launch of Community Health Support, a new initiative to enroll 100 vulnerable individuals and the informal sector in Niger for one year, with optional renewal at an affordable rate.
In his goodwill message, Alhaji Mohammed Kolo, Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, called on youths and women to key into the initiative and ensure the state benefit from it.
One of the volunteers from Mokwa Local Government Area, Mohammed Kpaki, promised deligent discharge of his responsibility by serving as a mouthpiece between the government and the grassroots.(NAN)
