*calls for active participation of citizens in governance, policy making
By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
Adamawa State office of Multi-sectoral Crisis Recovery Projects (MCRP) in collaboration with Kwachebe Consult Ltd has organized a one-day town hall meeting on civic education in Adamawa.
Chairman of the occasion, Professor Bashir Aliyu, a former Deputy Vice Chancellor of Administration of Modibbo Adama University Yola (MAU) in his opening remarks at Fadfatis Restaurant and event Center, said the Adamawa chapter of the MCRP has developed a toolkit for the civic education programme, which is composed of five modules.
According to him, the modules are human rights participation, conventional citizenship practices, community-based civic engagement, trust in media and government-related institutions, and women’s political and economic rights.
The event was more of interactive with participants drawn from the 21 local governments of Adamawa State, youth, social groups and women.
The participants were enlightened by Justice Hasiya Yunusa Nyako and Professor Jude Momodu who were the speakers of the event.
Jude, a Professor of Peace and Conflict Resolution from the Department of Peace and Security Studies of MAU, talked about citizens’ participation in governance.
According to him, civic education is an informal educational awareness programme, aimed at promoting good citizenship practice and active participation in the process of governance.
He added that for one to be part of the governance process, he must play a role in either belonging to a political party or using other platforms like newspapers, radio, social media, and television to pass messages that will positively alter with government policies.
He called on people, especially the youth, to fully and actively participate in the process of governance, as it is the only way good government can be ensured.
While Justice Nyako presented to participants, a dish of fundamental human rights of people as regards government and participation in the policy-making of the system.
She educated participants that rights are inherent, but said where one’s rights ends, it starts with obligations to the rule of law.
Other erudite scholars and stakeholders at the meeting were, Professor Mu’azu Hammandikko of the Department of Operation Research (MAU), Alhaji Suleiman Buba, Chairman of Taskforce Illicit Drugs and Petroleum Product in charge of Adamawa State, Dr. Sani Shalabgwa, HEA, Environmental and Social Safeguard of MCRP, Adamawa State and Alhaji Haruna Hammanfuro, Component Manager One of MCRP.
