StallionTimes Media Service on Saturday engaged journalists from various media organisations and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in a one-day round-table discussion, in Kano State to analyse constituency projects.
The discussion was targeted at tackling critical issues surrounding constituency projects in Kano, Kano State, as part of the “Get Involved, Dialogue and Improve (G-DRIP)” initiative.
The event brought together civil society organizations, faith-based groups, women’s associations, persons with disabilities, journalists and state actors to foster active citizen engagement in governance.
During the discussion, participants voiced concerns about the lack of community awareness regarding constituency projects and highlighted the absence of a legal framework governing their identification and implementation in Kano State.
Observations also included insufficient public information on project approvals and releases, alongside a notable absence of gender-based initiatives, and the need for better coordination with local authorities and thorough needs assessments was also underscored.
To address these challenges, attendees reached several key resolutions:
Advocacy for legal frameworks: Participants committed to engaging federal and state legislators to advocate for legal guidelines that prioritise gender inclusivity in constituency projects.
Community awareness initiatives: Plans were made to conduct town hall meetings, media engagements, and advocacy campaigns to educate citizens about the importance of their participation in tracking and monitoring projects.
Inclusivity in project identification: The discussion emphasised the need for greater involvement of women, youth, and marginalised groups in the identification and execution of constituency projects.
Monitoring and evaluation frameworks: A tracking and monitoring template for constituency projects will be developed, alongside the establishment of local committees to ensure projects meet specifications and are completed on time.
Empowering citizens: Efforts will be made to educate the community about their rights and responsibilities, promoting transparency and accountability in project implementation.
Enhanced access to information: Participants highlighted the importance of raising awareness about online portals that track constituency projects, ensuring citizens can access vital information.
Legislative engagement: There is a call for legislators to establish constituency offices and set designated times for direct interactions with their constituents.
This round-table, part of a broader effort supported by the MacArthur Foundation and the Wole Soyinka Center for Investigative Journalism, aims to strengthen participatory governance and media literacy in Kano and Kogi states.
As the discussion concluded, there was a palpable sense of urgency among participants to implement these resolutions, reinforcing the vital role of citizen engagement in driving accountability and quality service delivery in governance.
