In a bid to ensure transparency and accountability in governance, the Kogi State Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has directed Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the state to implement the commitments enshrined in the action plan of Open Governance Partnership (OGP).
Governor Ododo gave the directives on Friday in Lokoja during the unveiling of the state’s Open Government Partnership (OGP) Action Plan (SAP) and the official inauguration of the Technical Working Group (TWG) to ensure all round implementation of the state action plan (SAP).
Speaking during the occasion which was well attended by civil society groups and top government officials, Governor Ododo , said his administration is committed to accountability, transparency and citizens participation in governance and decisions that will enhance the wellbeing of citizens.
The Governor who was represented by his deputy Salifu Joel Oyibo noted that Kogi State has recorded remarkable progress in agriculture, security, investment in critical sectors of the state’s economy and emphasized that the state government is eager to foster increased collaboration between governments and all other external stakeholders with the main aim of improving the living conditions of Kogi citizens.
While expressing gratitude to his predecessor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello for signing up to the Open Government Partnership (OGP) co- creation platform in 2022, Governor Ododo mandated ministries, departments and agencies under the current administration to strictly prioritize and deliver 100 per cent on these commitments, so as to demonstrate the state government’s avowed commitment to OGP principles and the adoption of technological innovation to provide effective citizens centered service provision across the state.
“I have directed that all government functionaries must continue to demonstrate an understanding of accountability and transparency in their various activities.
“We have also encouraged our people to be more involved in government activities, take ownership and lead in their execution and monitoring – this has led to increased trust between the government and the people.
“Our budget process has been infused with the active involvement of non-governmental organizations, organized private sector and various citizens groups. Kogi state government is on an assured path towards increased openness and public participation through the sign up on the Open Government Partnership (OGP).
“Kogi State is one of the leading states in Nigeria; it has abundant arable land, and makes enormous contribution in the area of agriculture in Nigeria. The state has improved in the areas of security and is conducive for investments.
“The state, having successfully embarked on public governance reforms with the support of the World Bank, Kogi State, has taken steps to become even more open, transparent and accountable,” Gov. Ododo said.
Earlier, the non state actors Co -chair, Ambassador Idris Ozovehe Muraina who gave an overview of the Kogi State Open Government Partnership (OGP) journey, noted that Kogi state signed up to the co- creation platform in 2022 and the state steering committee was officially inaugurated by the current administration in 2024.
According to him, the development and validation of the State Action Plan (SAP) was concluded towards the third quarter of 2024 and the Kogi State Executive Council approved SAP 20th November 2024.
He said the official unveiling of the SAP and the inauguration of the Technical Working Group (TWG) was strategically planned to take place within the global OGP week which started Monday 19th and comes to an end today 23rd May.
Ambassador Muraina explained that the OGP concept involves a global initiative where governments and civil society collaborate to promote transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in public decision-making.
“It is a platform for governments to commit to open government reforms and work with civil society organizations to implement those reforms. The OGP aims to strengthen governance, fight corruption, and empower citizens through open government principles and practices,” Amb. Muraina said.
The Co-chairman admonished the Technical Working Group (TWG) to ensure all round implementation of the SAP which is planned to run its full course between 2024 – 2026.
