By Winnie Onu, Makurdi
Lawyers Alert (LA) has concluded a capacity strengthening workshop for Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) from Otukpo and Katsina-Ala Local Government Areas of Benue State to enhance participatory governance, accountability, and transparency in public finance management.
The training held at the weekend aimed to empower local actors with the knowledge and tools to effectively engage in governance processes, promote transparency, and ensure judicious use of public resources in their respective communities.
Lazarus Mom, the Lawyers Alert Team Lead, noted that the project was timely given the Supreme Court’s recent ruling granting full autonomy to local government councils across the country, stressing that the initiative comes at a critical time as the nation moves toward the 2027 general elections.
“The autonomy means that funds should come directly to the local governments. In theory, the Supreme Court has granted autonomy, but in practice, that is not yet the reality. As these funds begin to flow, there must be accountability,” Mom said.
He explained that the essence of the workshop was to equip CBOs with the necessary tools to demand accountability and transparency in local governance.
“Once equipped, they can ask the right questions, monitor projects, and ensure resources are used for the common good. CBOs are best positioned to do this effectively,” he added.
Mom urged participants to put the lessons learned into practice in their respective communities, noting that the Otukpo and Katsina-Ala LGAs were selected for the pilot phase of the intervention.
Resources persons at the workshop, Senior Legal Advisor, Victor Eboh, Esq., and Senior Legal Officer, Ozobulu Solumtochukwu, Esq., both emphasised the importance of civic engagement and transparency in achieving sustainable development at the grassroots.
