Akwa Ibom partners CSO for transparent grassroots administration

The Ikono Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State has entered into a collaborative agreement with the civil‑society organization Policy Alert to enhance transparency, inclusion, and accessibility in its administration. The partnership aims to promote citizen engagement and improve public‑service delivery at the grassroots level.

According to Otobong Essien, the executive chairman of Ikono LGA, her administration is committed to championing inclusion, accountability, and accessibility. She expressed readiness to partner with organizations that can bring growth and value to the community and pledged to hold quarterly public briefings. These briefings will provide updates on budget performance, key projects, and service‑delivery outcomes, creating a platform for open dialogue among citizens, civil society, and community stakeholders.

The project, led by Idorenyin Eyo, will train 90 youths from ten local government areas across Akwa Ibom’s three senatorial districts. It is designed to empower citizens—particularly youth, women, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized groups—to engage in governance processes and influence development decisions. Inclusive platforms for dialogue, such as advocacy visits, community town‑hall meetings, and participatory budgeting forums, will be established to bridge the gap between citizens and local authorities. The initiative prioritizes gender‑sensitive programming to ensure equitable participation and representation.

By promoting citizen engagement and inclusive governance, the partnership between Ikono LGA and Policy Alert seeks to improve public‑service delivery and add value to the community. This collaboration demonstrates the council’s commitment to development‑friendly governance and its willingness to work with organizations that share its vision for a more inclusive and accountable administration. As the project progresses, it is expected to have a positive impact on the community, particularly through improved service delivery and more inclusive governance, with quarterly briefings and dialogue platforms offering citizens opportunities to engage with local government and contribute to decision‑making processes.