Azeez Hanafi
The Lagos State Government has called on Civil Society Organisations to actively contribute to policy-making process in the state.
The Special Adviser on Civic Engagement to the governor, Mr. Kehinde Joseph, assured the CSOs that the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode-led administration would continue to encourage partnerships necessary for successful and easy implementation of programmes and policies in the interest of residents of the state.
Joseph made the call on Tuesday at a stakeholders’ meeting at Alausa, Ikeja, adding that the theme of the meeting, ‘Stand up for Someone’s Right Today: Be Your Neighbour’s Watcher,’ was in line with the aspiration of the state government to ensure equity, inclusiveness, responsiveness and justice.
He said, “All CSOs and the government must now work together in different spheres of governance to ensure effective service delivery to the citizenry, particularly the vulnerable.”
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Civic Engagement, Dr Kayode Oguntimehin, urged members of the public to have confidence in CSOs, describing them as groups that fostered justice and equality in the society.
The Special Assistant to the Governor on Civil Engagement, Mr. Taiwo Aiyedun, promised that the state government would continue to engage CSOs in discussions and issues that would move the state forward.
The CSOs present at the meeting urged the government to be more humane in its developmental strides, noting that alternative shelters should always be provided for those whose shanties were demolished.
They also demanded a periodic review of the laws prohibiting street hawking and restriction order on okada riders as well as demolition of markets to meet societal realities.
Copyright PUNCH.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: editor@punchng.com
source: http://ift.tt/2v3Q0y0
http://ift.tt/eA8V8J