30 Journalists drawn from print, electronics and online media in Kogi state have been trained on capacity building in the area of Permanent Dialogue Mechanism by Stallion Times Media Services.
Addressing the participants during the one-day workshop tagged: “Get Involved, Dialogue and Improved Project (GDRIP) funded by MacArthur Foundation, the Project Coordinator of the Stallion Times Media Services, Mr Isiyaku Ahmed, said that the main objectives of the training is to build capacity of stakeholders on strategies for effective engagement with government and private sector, to establish a permanent dialogue mechanism for participatory governance as well as to key permanent Dialogue Mechanism strategy into the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Thematic Areas.
The coordinator who admonished participants at the workshop to make judicious use of the rare opportunity to improve themselves in the practice of journalism business also advocated for active involvement of citizens in the process of governance to boost all embracing government business across the country.
The Co-Chairman of Open Governance Partnership (OGP) (Non- State Actor), Kogi state Ambassador Idris Ozovehe Muraina, commended Stallion Times Media Services for its untiring efforts to foster transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in governance.
“This capacity building session marks a significant milestone in our collective journey towards building open, inclusive, and responsive government systems that truly serve the needs and aspirations of our citizens.
“The establishment of a robust Permanent Dialogue Mechanism is crucial in ensuring that the voices of all stakeholders, including civil society organizations, government agencies, and citizens, are heard and integrated into the decision-making processes of the state.
“I want to specifically commend the Stallion Times team for their unwavering dedication to advancing the principles of open government and for their commitment to driving positive change across their project sites in Nigeria.
“Your tireless efforts and innovative approaches serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for all of us working towards a more transparent and accountable world.
“As we come together to share knowledge, exchange best practices, and build capacity in implementing the Permanent Dialogue Mechanism, I urge us to seize this opportunity to collaborate, learn from one another, and forge strong partnerships that will strengthen the foundation of open government in Kogi State and beyond.
“Remember that the work you do today as Stallion Times, will have a lasting impact on the lives of millions of people across your project sites.
“By promoting transparency, fostering dialogue, and engaging citizens in the governance process, you are helping to build a more inclusive and equitable society for future generations” he stated.
Muraina who expressed confidence in the abilities of the Stallion Times in driving positive change and making a meaningful difference here in Kogi State assured that together, “we can create a world where government is truly of the people, by the people, and for the people” he said.
