Lukman Abdulmalik
To foster transparency and accountability in Kano State, the Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED), trained Journalists and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on constituency project service delivery.
The training was conducted under “Promotion of Community-driven Anti-corruption Initiative in Kano State,” a 4-year project supported by the MacArthur Foundation and aimed at encouraging effective citizen participation in governance to enhance service delivery.
Opening the one-day event on Thursday at Chilla Luxury Suite, Executive Director, CHRICED, Dr Zikrullah Ibrahim, noted that the training was set to equip relevant stakeholders with information on constituency projects.
“Our mission is to follow the money and know-how public office-holders are utilizing the funds.
“Citizens, CSOs, and Media have a vital role in exposing corruption in the governance system, especially programs on which the government expends public funds.”
highlighCHRICED Boss highlighted that the training is vital for the effective delivery of critical social services, especially regarding constituency projects.
The Programs Communication Officer, CHRICED, Furera Isiaka, asserted that the project also provides an avenue for information flow and dialogue between constituents and their political representatives.
She added that amplifying investigative reports on corruption will lessen misappropriation of public funds.
“The project also enhances collaboration between community groups and anti-corruption agencies.”
In a presentation titled ‘The Role of CBOs and CSOs in Monitoring Constituency Projects Implementation’, Kano State Coordinator, PERL, Yunusa Hamza, represented by Aquibu Hamisu asserted that CSOs, media, and CBOs must work mutually in reporting issues surrounding corruption in the state.
He added that CSOs, CBO, and Media need also to build capacity for monitoring how government programs are utilized in their constituency.
Hamza stressed that engaging the legislative members on the community needs and demands is key for consideration in constituency projects.
“Identify projects based on the amount allocated, project sides, beneficiaries, contractors’ addresses, and expected time of completion.
“Track implementation and report any progress- positive or negative engagement with contractors.
“Ensure value for money, transparency, and accountability in mobilizing beneficiaries.”
He called on CSOs and CBOs to organize town hall meetings to discuss with relevant stakeholders on the constituency projects.
One of the participants, Executive Director of War Against Injustice, Umar Ibrahim Umar commended CHRICED on its effort towards tackling corruption practices.
Umar ensured to step down the training and also ensure his organization tackles and monitors constituency projects in Kano.
