By Patrick Obia
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Inclusive Forum for Accountability Society, IFAS, has ended a two-day stakeholders’ engagement in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.
The key actors included traditional leaders, security agencies, the judiciary, the government, media, and civil society organizations among others.
The engaging session held at Hogis Hotel conference hall, Calabar, June 28-29, saw participants chat about inclusiveness, accountability, equal opportunities, and governance in their various communities.
Royal fathers took turns pouring out their hearts on issues tickling their communities. They were charged to speak out whenever projects are not done or poorly executed in their domain, ask questions as well as deviate from gestures that will hinder development.
Day one had the launching of IFAS and engagement with community leaders on good governance and accountability while day two was a dialogue between community leaders and political parties.
The Keynote speaker, Mr. Adetundan Adewale of Action Aid Nigeria, enjoined participants to play their part in citizen-governance inclusiveness to foster development.
He said Action Aid, which was established in 1999 but kicked started officially in 2007 is in 45 countries and has the vision of “a just, equitable and sustainable world in which every person enjoys the right to a life of dignity, freedom from poverty and all forms of operation.”
Discussing political parties-community engagement along with Adewale, Mr. Tijah Bolton-Akpan advocated for an equal chance for women especially when she is competent.
Addressing stakeholders earlier in the event which also drew the Chairmen of Biase, Obubra, and Bekwarra Local Government as pilots, the Principal Counsel of Basic Rights Counsel Initiative, James Ibor Esq. said the purpose of the forum is to engender sustainable development and the welfare of the people.
Administering oath of office to newly elected execs who were elected orally by participants, Rotary Officer in the State- James Ibor charged them to take the bull by the horn for robust rural development.
They are Dr. Josephat Ogar as Chairperson, Hon. Ada Charles as Vice-Chairperson, Mrs. Joy Adebayo as Secretary.
Others include Joshua Moses as Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Uke-Ogah Duke as Financial Secretary, and Jonathan Ugbal as Ex-officio.
The highlight of the event includes interactive sessions and group photographs.
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