By Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto
The United States Government Exchange Alumni Association of Nigeria (USGEAAN) Sokoto State chapter have organized a day workshop on good governance and accountability in Sokoto state.
The 3 day workshop sponsored by the United State Government in partnership which other agencies has, “Enhancing Good Governance and Accountality in Sokoto State” as its title brought 50 participants majorly youths to appreciate the essence of democracy and why it still remain the best form of government.
Speaking in his opening remarks, the chairman of US Government Exchange Alumni Association, Sokoto State chapter, Dr Jabi Kilgori said he truly appreciate the collaboration and relentless efforts of the alumni towards shaping governance.
Dr Kilgori who also
appreciated the US Government for sponsoring the workshop, submitted that it couldn’t have come at a better time than now when good goevernance and accountability is so dearly needed in Nigeria.
“All the topics slated for discussions are very apt and I would want to appreciate the resource persons and urge them to be practical with the participants hence doing so could enhance exchange and sharing of knowledge.
“We are all stakeholders in this democracy and goevernance. Therefore, we need to yearn for the best for this country and generations yet unborn.
“We want the youths to be advocates and ambassadors of good governance. Whatever you can do to make the country better for all of us is highly welcome”
While urging Nigerians to use the social media in promoting peace by adhering to the tenets of effective communication as they speak up against bad governance, Dr Kilgori submitted that, “The primary essence of governance which is security of life and property must not be compromised”.
Delivering his first paper on the,”Tripod of Good Governance In A Democracy And Accountality In Public Resources Management” Professor Abubakar Abdullahi said those
imechanisms that makes democracy works must be readily available to make it attarcative.
“Good governance is a framework that is characterized by ensuring that leaders either elected or appointed are responsive to the demands of the governed.
Abdullahi, who is a Professor of Political Sciences from the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) further noted that the extend to which government respond to the needs of the electorates is what determines whether good governance is in place or not.
Other topics presented at the 3 day workshop also include,”Tolls for Civic Engagement and Advocacy, Citizen Rights and Responsibilities in Governance, Strategies For Holding Public Officials Accountable, as well as Highliting The Link Between Accountability and Community Development”.
