2024: CSO unveils anti-corruption initiative to track constituency projects in Kano
A Civil Society Organisation (CSO) Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has launched a new initiative aimed at combating corruption and monitoring constituency projects in Kano State.
The Executive Director of CHRICED, Dr. Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, announced this on Thursday in Kano.
Dr Zikirullahi said that the project’s goal is to mitigate the impact of corruption on the provision of quality social services to the historically underserved populations of Kano State.
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He emphasized that the initiative would tackle the issues of opacity, lack of accountability, and transparency deficits that have plagued the execution of Zonal Intervention Projects, commonly known as Constituency Projects.
“The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has noted that these projects are often marred by corruption, insufficient beneficiary involvement, and subpar outcomes, leading to the squandering of limited public funds.”
“The project is predicated on the belief that active citizen participation, skill development, and a thorough understanding of how to interact with relevant institutions are crucial for influencing the providers of these services and ensuring that the needs of the citizens are met.”
Dr. Zikirullahi outlined the project’s objectives, which include mapping constituency offices and tracking key public projects. The initiative will conduct workshops to build the capacity of the media, civil society organizations (CSOs), and community groups.
“These workshops aim to empower participants from Kano State’s three senatorial districts with the skills to identify and monitor constituency offices and projects, thereby generating valuable data for citizen-led accountability.”
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“The selection of workshop participants will be intentional, focusing on inclusivity and considering factors such as gender, youth engagement, and the inclusion of people with disabilities. Selections will be made from community-based associations and youth networks, ensuring that these groups can continue to utilize their newly acquired skills beyond the duration of the project. CHRICED will also provide training manuals to community-based organizations (CBOs) for their use.”
“Furthermore, CHRICED plans to introduce the needs and concerns of economically disadvantaged constituents into the 2025 budgeting process and advocate for the effective implementation of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) in Kano State through the Kano State Civil Society Accountability Forum. Collaborating with gender specialists, the organization will conduct a gender analysis of the budget and incorporate the findings into stakeholder meetings, town hall sessions, radio shows, and public hearings for the 2025 budget.”
“The aim is to highlight and address any shortcomings in the proposed 2025 budget, advocating for amendments that cater to marginalized groups, including women, youth, and people with disabilities. CHRICED will also produce an informational booklet in both English and Hausa, containing contact information for state and federal legislators, publish policy briefs, produce informational, educational, and communication (IEC) materials, and hold regular press briefings. These efforts will enable community journalists and bloggers to adapt investigative reports to local contexts.”
“CHRICED, established in 2006, is a Nigerian non-profit, non-governmental organization committed to promoting human rights, the rule of law, democracy, and accountability.”
Dr. Zikirullahi expressed deep appreciation to The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation for its support and confidence in Nigeria’s future. He acknowledged the foundation’s significant role in the fight against corruption and recognized other grantees working in similar areas.
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