By Isreal Adamu, Jos
YIAGA Africa, a non-governmental organization (NGO), has urged residents of Jos North Local Government Area (LGA) in Plateau to actively engage in governance processes within their communities.
Miss Antonia Onda, Senior Programme Officer of YIAGA Africa, made the call during the launch of its project titled *“People’s Assembly”* in Jos yesterday.
She explained that the initiative would enable citizens to access the full benefits and dividends of democracy in their communities.
Onda added that the project, supported by the Open Society Foundations, aims to promote participatory democracy at the grassroots level.
“The People’s Assembly is a form of deliberative democracy where citizens gather to discuss issues that affect them and present resolutions to the government for possible action,” she said.
“We have established this initiative in LGAs across 12 states in Nigeria, two per geo-political zone.”
“The goal is to empower citizens to take control of governance by identifying their pressing issues and holding government officials accountable through follow-ups and advocacy.”
“This initiative will teach citizens how to prioritize their challenges and present them to the government in order of importance,” she added.
Mr. John Kele, Councillor representing Jenta Adamu Ward of Jos North, expressed his gratitude to YIAGA Africa for the initiative. He emphasized that active citizen participation in governance would benefit both the people and their leaders.
“I particularly commend YIAGA Africa for this initiative, as it will further enlighten citizens about their right to good governance,” Kele said.
“This will positively impact governance in Jos North and other areas where the initiative has been implemented.”
“As leaders, we will also work to partner with citizens and ensure good governance reaches all levels of society,” he concluded.
