The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, in collaboration with the Youth Participation in Progressive Development Initiative, has convened a Stakeholders’ Dialogue and Town Hall Meeting on Local Government Development Plans for the 34 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Katsina State.
The event, held at the Conference Hall of the Medical and Health Workers Union Secretariat, brought together representatives of local governments, legislators, Heads of Local Government Administration, youth leaders, civil society organizations, and members of the media, among others.
In his welcome address, the Executive Director of the Youth Participation in Progressive Development Initiative, Comrade Yahaya Sa’idu Lugga, highlighted the objectives of the project, which is being implemented across all 34 LGAs in the state.
He explained that the initiative aims to promote good governance through civic education, citizen participation in the budgeting process, and the effective tracking of policy implementation.
Resource persons at the meeting delivered insightful presentations. Dr. Bashir Ibrahim Kurfi presented a paper titled “Strengthening Public Institutions and CSOs Engagement on Transparency and Accountability in Katsina State, with Emphasis on Local Government Autonomy.”
He emphasized the importance of institutional reforms and stronger civil society oversight to ensure accountability at the grassroots level.
Also speaking, Dr. Abdulrahman Abubakar Gozaki delivered a paper on the “Roles and Responsibilities of Local Government in the Development of the Common Man.”
He stressed that local councils must prioritize critical services such as road construction, water supply, and improvements in primary education to enhance the living conditions of citizens.
Representing the Katsina State Development Management Board, Isyaku Mani Dandagoro commended the foresight of the organizers.
He noted that the dialogue provided a vital platform for discussing practical approaches to strengthening local government development and fostering community-driven progress.
The meeting concluded with a call for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to deepen transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement in governance at the local government level.