Alamu Kolapo, Osogbo
The Executive Director of the nongovernmental organization, the Insight Initiative for Community and Social Development, Mr
Jare Tiamiyu, has said
Osun Open Local Government Project is a bold step towards promoting responsible leadership and development at the grassroots level.
Speaking at the launching of the Osun Open LG Project held in Osogbo, Osun state capital, Tiamiyu said the innovative project is supported by international partners through the Nigeria Youth Future Funds (NYFF), designed to promote transparency, accountability, and public engagement in local government administration.
Tiamiyu disclosed that the project is four key pillars – accountability, civic engagement, grassroots development, and good governance aimed at addressing the peculiar challenges facing local governments in the State.
He said, by providing a platform for citizens to engage with their leaders and demand better governance, the project seeks to reposition local governments for greater prosperity.
He said that sixty-six (66) local government advocates, including six People Living With Disabilities is testament to the project’s commitment to inclusion
According to him, 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 project also plans to organize a town hall meeting, which will bring together major stakeholders to discuss local government fiscal autonomy and development goals in Osun State. This gathering will provide a platform for citizens to engage with their leaders and demand better governance.
“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,” he added.
