ADO-ODO/OTA CITIZENS PRESENT CHARTER OF DEMANDS TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT CHAIRMAN

 
 

 Aftermath the inauguration of the executive Chairman of Ado-Odo Ota local government and had since kicked started activities to make the council exemplary dignified among Ogun state councils,the council's Stakeholders took their time to partner in ensure their contributions are driven towards positive sustainability.

Prince Fadina and Afariogun in talk with Hon Wasiu at the meeting

The Citizens Charter of Demands for Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government was formally presented to the Executive Chairman of the Council, Hon. Lawal Adewale Wasiu, FCA, at a ceremony held at the Council Secretariat in Ota. The presentation, organized by the Ado-Odo/Ota Citizens Engagement Platform, was led by Prince Femi Fadina. This historic event marks a significant step in deepening participatory governance and ensuring the voices of citizens are prioritized in local development planning.

The Convener of the Ado-Odo/Ota Citizens Engagement Platform and the Executive Director of the African Foundation for Environment and Development (AFED), Dr. Adeshola Afariogun, DSL, informed the Local Government Chairman of the existence of Ten Citizens Groups, each with a thematic focus. These groups are designed to engage in budget monitoring and policy advocacy, with the aim of partnering with the government in the execution of the demands outlined in the charter. Dr. Afariogun emphasized that these groups would ensure accountability and collaboration, driving impactful outcomes for the community.
The meeting was attended by key stakeholders, including the Head of Local Government Administration (HOLGA), Alhaji Junaid Babatunde Wasiu, FCA, the Head of General Services and Administration, Mr. Akinde Bisi, other Heads of Departments of the Local Government Secretariat, and members of the Ado-Odo/Ota Citizens Engagement Platform. The platform presented a comprehensive charter encompassing demands across critical areas such as education, disability issues, health, road infrastructure, youth empowerment, agriculture, women empowerment, accountability and governance.
The Citizens Charter of Demands was signed on behalf of the citizens by a diverse coalition of groups and organizations, including the Ado-Odo/Ota Zonal Community Development Committee, the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ado-Odo/Ota Local Chapter, and the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Ado-Odo/Ota Local Chapter. Other notable signatories included representatives from the Nigerian Bar Association, Ota Branch, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Independent Online Chapel, Ota, and youth groups such as the Yewa Awori Youth Council, Igbesa Youth Council, Igbesa Youth Assembly, Ota Youth Assembly, Agbara Youth Ambassadors, and Ado-Odo Youth Assembly.
Additional contributors to the charter included civil society organizations like the African Foundation for Environment and Development (AFED), the Positive Outreach Foundation, Community Initiative and the Triumphant Foundation for Widows and Orphans, as well as foundations and advocacy groups such as the Oba Timothy Oloyede Fadina Foundation and GAF Human Rights, Social Justice and Empowerment Initiative.
Speaking at the event, Prince Femi Fadina, on behalf of the Citizens Engagement Platform, expressed optimism that the comprehensive charter would serve as a roadmap for addressing the pressing needs of the local population. Hon. Lawal Adewale Wasiu, in his remarks, commended the citizens for their active engagement and assured them of the Council's commitment to working on the outlined demands to foster sustainable development across the Local Government Area. He further announced plans to set up a monitoring and implementation committee to ensure timely response to the demands. He urged the platform to emulate progressive Non-Governmental Agencies in bringing developmental projects to the people of the Council area to compliment the efforts of government at the local level.
During the vote of thanks, the Head of General Services and Administration, Mr. Akinde Bisi, on behalf of the Council, appreciated the Citizens Engagement Platform for their dedication to preparing the Charter of Demands presented to the Council Boss. He further implored the platform to give the Chairman time to study the document and merge it with other demands for the betterment of the Council area.
This collaborative effort underscores the importance of inclusive governance and highlights the collective responsibility of citizens, government, and civil society in achieving progress and meeting developmental objectives for the benefit of all residents in Ado-Odo/Ota.