—As Mr. Ebenezer Bayode lauds Governor Ododo’s commitment to OGP implementation in Kogi.
The Africa Center for Leadership, Strategy and Development, (Center LSD), Monday Osasah, has called on participating states in the Open Government Partnership, (OGP), projects to ensure closer collaboration between the government and civil society organizations to promote the welfare of citizens.
The Executive Director, (ED) of Center LSD, who stated this on Monday during the opening of the North Central Open Government Partnership (OGP), Regional Learning Meeting, held at MNS Resort, Gut, Rayfield, Jos, noted that the concept of the OGP is based on the spirit of Co-creation
The ED who was represented by Amodu Lawal, added that the whole essence of OGP is citizens participation and Openness in governance processes and innovation.
Speaking on the topic “Understanding the Open Government Partnership (OGP) processes and commitments”, Uchenna Arisukwu, said the development of a State Action Plan, (SAP), is key in the effective implementation of OGP chosen thematic areas.
According to him, state government should be urged further to take full ownership of the OGP process in the state and demonstrate political support by funding and full participation. This will ensure sustainability of the process especially as the funding space is shifting
“There needs to be deliberate plan to broker/Consolidate on partnership with existing donors/donor funded projects in the state as a sustainability measure for all the beautiful reforms started or achieved
“In addition, he said there is need fan implementation plan and results framework for states OGP. This will aide effective implementation. OGP National secretariat is happy to provide technical support for this as well as
capacity among others
Speaking on behalf of Kogi OGP, Mr. Ebenezer Bayode, noted that the state Government of Kogi State, under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is committed to the principles of OGP for the benefits of the citizens of the state.
According to him, the Government has demonstrated this by a range of initiatives taken by his administration such as: Improving Public Services by fostering public service improvement or private sector innovation, increasing Public Integrity by the the timely and transparent disclosure of budget documents and information (Open budgeting)
Others he said includes; Open and participatory public procurement process (Open Procurement) leading to effective management of public resources; access to information that guarantees the public’s right to information and records held by government and
citizen engagement through their participation and engagement in budgeting, policy making and governance, including basic protections for civil liberties embarked upon by the government.
He added that the approval and launching of Kogi OGP SAP which is premised on the following thematic areas, Fiscal Transparency, Right and Access to Information, Citizen Engagement and Empowerment, Service Delivery, and Extractive Sector Transparency also shows the seriousness of government to the spirit of the OGP.
“Therefore, our participation in OGP is a sign of the unwavering commitment of the present administration to the community of practice of open governance.
“I wish to place on record the increased collaboration between the government and civil society organizations and other non-state actors with the main aim of improving the living conditions of our citizens.
“In closing, we wish on behalf of government and people of Kogi State express our profound appreciation to the OGP National Secretariat and Centre LSD for their continued support for the implementation the OGP programme in Kogi State.