The Justice, Development and Peace Caritas (JDPC) of the Nnewi Catholic Diocese has intensified its Anambra Local Government Accountability Fellowship (ALGAF), strengthening leadership, accountability and governance training for six Local Government Areas in Anambra State. The latest workshop, which marks the third phase of the program, brought together executive LGA chairmen, selected fellows and key grassroots stakeholders from across the three senatorial zones.
In his address, the Director of JDPC Nnewi, Rev. Fr. Benedict Chima Okolo, urged participants to internalize the objectives of the fellowship and domesticate them within their local government areas. He described ALGAF as a social experiment designed to stir new consciousness around leadership, transparency and governance reform. Fr. Okolo emphasized that fellows must take the message back to their communities, educating citizens and empowering them to take ownership of local governance and accountability processes.
The initiative is designed to ensure inclusive participation, engaging young people, women, persons with disabilities, older citizens and community groups in shaping local leadership. According to the program leads, this approach is meant to build a people-centered governance system where communities understand their roles and actively demand accountability.
One of the presenters, Onyekachi Ololo, highlighted how Poverty, Hunger, Insecurity, Inequity and Disease (PHIID) remain deeply interconnected challenges facing Nigerian communities. He noted that breaking this cycle requires strong civic leadership, informed citizens and sustainable local development systems, beginning with functional and accountable LGAs.
During the training, resource persons delivered sessions on key topics essential to good governance. Legal practitioner Mrs. Nkechi Nnoli took participants through the fundamentals of human rights, while Mrs. Ugochi Freeman led discussions on public budgeting and procurement, stressing transparency, due process and community involvement in governance.
The fellowship continues to build the capacity of its 45 selected civic change agents, equipping them with practical skills in public policy, financial analysis, digital governance and community advocacy. Participants are expected to lead reforms within their LGAs and support efforts toward accountable and inclusive governance.
ALGAF is supported by the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room (NCSR) and funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Through this initiative, JDPC aims to promote a responsive, community-driven governance framework where institutions, citizens and local government authorities work together to deliver meaningful development outcomes for Anambra communities.
