ABSTRACT:

Local government administration has been adopted as the fundamental instrument for the acceleration and sustenance of rural development. It serves as a vehicle for political education and mobilization. Several efforts have been made towards moving the system from local administration to local government with functional political and economic autonomy. Despite the recent autonomy that local governments have gained in Nigeria, they are still faced with the challenge of educating citizens on the functions and responsibilities of their local government and its representatives. This makes it difficult for citizens to hold their representatives accountable. This article relays the findings of the implementation of #MyLGA Project in Niger State under the support of the Initiative for Social Development in Africa (iSODAF) in collaboration with Enough Is Enough Nigeria (EiE Nigeria). The project is currently being implemented in 5 states of the federation. The project is aimed at bringing the community/citizens closer to their local administrative governance, as well as promoting transparency, accountability and responsiveness in local government administration.

INTRODUCTION:

Bida is the second largest city in Niger State in North central Nigeria with an estimated population of 178,840 people (2007). It is located southwest of Minna, capital of Niger State, and is a dry, arid town. There are several towns and villages in Bida, which include Pategi, Kutigi, Mokwa, Baddeggi, Katcha, Lemu, Lapai, and Enagi. The predominant tribe/ ethnic group in Bida is the Nupe ethnic division, as it is the headquarters of the Nupe Kingdom. In particular, the Etsu Nupe group (presently Etsu Yahaya Abubakar)  is the traditional ruler of the area. Islam is the widely practiced religion in Bida LGA with the Nupe language being the most prominent language. Key landmarks in the area include the Federal Polytechnic Bida and the Niger state school of Nursing, with one of the most popular festivals being the Durbar festival. The LGA consists of districts/Wards which includes Bariki, Cheniyan, Dokoodza, Ma’asaba A, Ma’asaba B, Masaga A, Masaga B, Umaru Majigi A, Umaru Majigi B, Landzun, Kyari, Nasarafu,  Mayaki Ndajiya and Wadata. 

The leadership style of the ancient town of Bida is emirship, and the head of the town is addressed as  Etsu Nupe. Other tribes include Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa, Igala and Gbagi, Ibira.

Geography of Bida:

Bida LGA occupies a total area of 1,698 square kilometres and has an estimated average temperature of 30 degrees celsius. The area has a humidity level of 31 percent while wind speed is put at 9 km/h. The landscape of Bida LGA is characterized by large expanses of dry, arid lands. Other landmark areas in Bida are  Bamisu estate, Ramatu dangana, ECWA poly road, Small Market, Main Market and the Federal Medical Centre (Bida) others. Some notable schools include the Federal Government Girls College Bida, Federal Polytechnic Staff Secondary School, Government College, Bida.

Economy of Bida

Agriculture is an important economic engagement of the people of Bida LGA with a plethora of crops cultivated in the area. Trade is also a critical part of the economy of Bida LGA with markets such as the Bida Main Market attracting thousands of buyers and sellers. Modern Bida is well known for its crafts, notably brass and copper goblets, glass beads and bangles, raffia hats and mats, and locally dyed cotton and silk cloth. The craftsmen work by hand on their own premises in distinctive wards and are organized into close-knit guilds. Bida is also known for its Durbar festival and the Nupe Day Festival. It is also the home to the Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Federal Medical Centre and Niger State School of Nursing.

Bida LGA EiE Nigeria Project Implementation:

Bida is one of the pioneering LGA’s in Niger State and  Nigeria as a whole where the MyLGA project was implemented. The project was sponsored by Enough is Enough Nigeria (EiE Nigeria) and anchored by the Initiative for Social Development in Africa (iSODAF). This project aims at providing community members with the tools needed to hold their representatives accountable. In the implementation of the project, several activities from Baseline assessment, Focus Group Discussions/Stakeholders engagements as well as Community engagements were held in the Bida LGA. On the commencement of the project, the LGA Chairman in person of Hon (Dr.) Suleiman B Sheshi was given a letter of consent and approval through which other executives as well as the Ward councilors were also contacted.

Through the activities highlighted above, the project provided a forum where community heads and stakeholders  could meet. These activities were held in  Mayaki Ndajiya and Bariki wards of Bida LGA, precisely in Efu Mayaki Community and Kangi Community in Mayaki Ndajiya Ward and Kangi Makun in Bariki ward of Bida LGA. The town hall meetings yielded positive outcomes for the EiE Nigeria project; several issues were raised such as the factors that hinder citizens from holding elected representatives accountable, as well as potential resolutions for this challenge.

Issues Highlighted

• Lack of need-assessments by local government officials before undertaking community projects.
• Lack of interaction with community members before budget preparations.
• Lack of proper education amongst representatives
• Lack of transparency from representatives
• High susceptibility of citizens to vote-buying
• Poor selection of of party flag bearers by delegates
• Poor communication processes between community members and  representatives

Resolutions

• Regular meetings amongst community members
• Selection of new, more competent community representatives to liaise with local government officials
• Improved communication strategies between community representatives and the ward counsellor and local government chairman, in  order to hold them accountable for community infrastructure and projects
• The use of town hall meetings/community meetings to dissuade community members from selling their votes

Information on BIDA LGA Executives

LIST OF BIDA LGA EXECUTIVE MEMBERS & THEIR CONTACT NUMBERS

Written By: SHEHU AHMED BABA
Edited by: EiE Media Team

21^st March 2023 | Community Town Hall Meeting 

Special Guests:

Citizen Journalist: Jimoh Bankole

Summary of the Meeting

The town hall meeting was aimed at educating the citizens on the constitutional roles of local government officials. The meeting also provided a platform for people to ask questions on matters that affect them, strengthening the capacity of citizens to advance government accountability at the local government level.  

This month’s meeting was used to sensitize, educate and mobilize the citizenry to take advantage of the Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) Exercise to register, update and collect their Permanent Voters Card (PVC). The citizen journalist gave a breakdown analysis of how to go about the registration and the age that is eligible to partake in the exercise, his further explanation includes how to recover a lost card, damaged card, and cases of card transfer for relocation purposes. The CJ advised the residents to use the opportunity of the CVR devolution to the ward levels to register for their PVC. The CJ further discussed the importance of PVC as the power the citizens wield to determine who will pilot the leadership of the state through the ballot box. The citizens were discouraged from selling their PVCs or being paid to vote for a certain politician during elections. The people were very happy to hear these messages and pledged their support in positively contributing democratic process. They also vow to register for PVC and obtain their card.

Critical Issues Raised During the Meeting

•  Lack of basic provisions for retired people, 
• lack of potable water,
• Poor electricity supply
• Women that work on farms suffered the invasion of Fulani Herdsmen

Resolution

• The citizens agreed to continue to use the various opportunities available to engage the local government and councilors to express their grievances to the government.
• The citizens resorted to working cooperatively with men of the Amotekun and Vigilante squad in the various communities.

Lessons for Future Engagements

• We should create more time for the question and answer season during the town hall meetings.
• Working more with community institutions such as churches, mosques, traditional leaders, and other opinion groups will help in providing lasting solutions to national issues.

Below are pictorial representations of the participants.          

25^nd March 2023 | Community Town Hall Meeting 

Summary of the Meeting

The town hall meeting was aimed at educating the citizens on the continuous voters’ registration exercise. The meeting also provided a platform for people to ask questions on matters that affect them, strengthening the capacity of citizens to advance government accountability at the local government level.  The meeting was held at the Ikare ward with youth representatives from the ward.

The youth were made to realize that majority of them lack the spirit of participation in the electoral process most especially when it comes to PVC registration, collection, and voting. The community journalist made them realize that for effective leadership the youth must be actively involved in the electoral process. The youth lamented the high rate of unemployment and social support as the reason for being unmotivated in the electoral process. One of the ladies outcried the high level of prostitution among ladies due to unemployment, she said they have lost faith in the political leaders. The youth were made to understand that collectively we can make a change through our active participation in governance most especially at the grassroots. They were also informed about the INEC Continuous Voters Registration which has been brought to the ward level to promote easy access and maximum participation by our people at the grassroots level.

In conclusion, the youths in attendance resolved to register and get their PVC while they were informed of the dangers of vote-buying and involvement in electoral violence as these could mare their future. The youth applauded the initiative of EiE and pledge to always be ready to volunteer in their future programs in Akoko-North-East L.G.A.

Critical Issues Raised During the Meeting

• High rate of unemployment
• Poor road network
• Increase in crime rate
• Bad leadership system.

Resolution

• The citizens agreed to continue to use the various opportunities available to engage the local government and councilors to express their grievances to the government.
• The youth are eager to participate in the electoral process by registering for PVC and making sure they vote when it is election time.

Lessons for Future Engagements

• Working more with community institutions such as churches, mosques, traditional leaders, and other opinion groups will help in creating lasting solutions to national issues.

Below are pictorial representations of the participants.        

CITIZEN JOURNALIST: ADAMS SURAJUDEEN ABIODUN

28^th March 2023 | Community Town Hall Meeting 

Special Guests:

OSE LGA High Chief: High Chief Egbukuyom: 

Citizen Journalist: Ayejuni Tony

Summary of the Meeting

The town hall meeting was aimed at educating the citizens on the constitutional roles of local government officials. The meeting also provided a platform for people to ask questions on matters that affect them, strengthening the capacity of citizens to advance government accountability at the local government level.  The meeting had in attendance High Chief Egbukuyomi representing the Bale of the community and other youths from ward 6, issues discussed include youth restiveness and gainful employment for the youth. The high chief decried the high level of insecurity in their community due to high militancy activities and cultism. He said most of their youths have resolved to cultism as a way of life thereby wasting their lives to rival gangs.

The youth also decried the irregularities of the scholarship/bursary award given to youth from their region which was previously enjoyed and encouraged them to embrace education as most of their parent cannot afford the high cost of education. The chief also calls for the development of road walkways on the riverine communities and street lights. He said these are the work of the local government but they hardly can find the support that the local government is rendering to their communities. He said most of the community projects are self-help projects done by the people in the communities. They only hear about money awarded to the government for community projects but no execution has been experienced over time. The meeting was a participatory interactive session where all present felt free to express their mind.

In conclusion, the community journalist encourages all to participate fully in the ongoing voter’s education and ensure they learn how to go about registering and getting their PVC. He stated that the PVC is the absolute power the citizens wield to choose leaders that will represent them. They were encouraged to shun vote-buying and choose wisely in the next general elections.

Critical Issues Raised During the Meeting

• Voters’ registration 
• Community development project
• Scholarship/ Bursary award

Resolution

• The citizens agreed to continue to use the various opportunities available to engage the local government and councillors to express their grievances to the government.

Lessons for Future Engagements

• Working more with community institutions such as churches, mosques, traditional leaders, and other opinion groups will help in providing solutions to national issues.

Below are pictorial representations of the participants.          

21^st March 2023 | Community Town Hall Meeting 

Special Guests:

Citizen Journalist: Olowodasa Oluwafunminiyi Joshua

Summary of the Meeting

The town hall meeting was aimed at educating the citizens on the constitutional roles of local government officials. The meeting also provided a platform for people to ask questions on matters that affect them, strengthening the capacity of citizens to advance government accountability at the local government level. The meeting had in attendance men and women from Braham Camp in Irele. Issues discussed include poor electricity power supply due to warn-out transformers. They complained that most communities within the local government suffer poor power supply. The landlord association had done its best but intervention from the government is very essential. They said many now resort to generators to run their businesses which is affecting the growth of many businesses because of the high cost of fuel.

The people also lamented that there is no good road in Irele local government. During the rainy season, the farm road is very bad and not motorable which makes it difficult for them to transport their products from the farm to market. The issue of insecurity was also discussed as a major challenge due to herdsmen’s invasion of their forest. The women could no longer carry out their farm activities as they do before and this as a serious negative effect on their survival.

In conclusion, the citizen journalist encouraged all to take advantage of the voters’ registration to register and get their PVC to enable them to vote for the candidate that will represent them properly. The participant also lauded the impact of this project as it gives them the opportunity to discuss matters that are important to them and pledged to always support the initiative.

Critical Issues Raised During the Meeting

• Bad road network
• Insecurity
• Poor power supply.

Resolution

• The citizens agreed to continue to use the various opportunities available to engage the local government and councilors to express their grievances to the government.

Lessons for Future Engagements

• Working more with community institutions such as churches, mosques, traditional leaders, and other opinion groups will help in providing lasting solutions to national issues.

Below are pictorial representations of the participants.          

24^th March 2023 | Community Town Hall Meeting 

Special Guests: Citizen Journalist: Abidakun Samuel Akindele  

Summary of the Meeting The town hall meeting was aimed at educating the citizens on the constitutional roles of local government officials. The meeting also provided a platform for people to ask questions on matters that affect them, strengthening the capacity of citizens to advance government accountability at the local government level.  The meeting was held with youths from Akure North local government area during their meeting time. The various issues discussed include continuous voters’ registration exercise. The youth were made to understand that only a few Ondo state youth participate in the last general elections and at the moment majority have not registered for PVC and that is not too good for the State. The youth decried the lack of trust in the political system which demotivated their participation in the democratic process. In conclusion, they were being encouraged to register and collect their PVC to enable them to choose wisely who will lead them for the next four years. The youth agreed to register and collect their PVC and vote.

Critical Issues Raised During the Meeting

• Poor leadership and representation.

Resolution

• The citizens agreed to continue to use the various opportunities available to engage the local government and councilors to express their grievances to the government.

  Lessons for Future Engagements

• Working more with community institutions such as churches, mosques, traditional leaders, and other opinion groups will help in providing lasting solutions to national issues.

Below are pictorial representations of the participants.          

23^rd March 2023 | Community Town Hall Meeting 

Special Guests:

Citizen Journalist: Akinagbe Richard

Mr. Olleyelogun Ogungbede: Chairman Ondo East Artisan Association

• Summary of the Meeting

  The town hall meeting was aimed at educating the citizens on the constitutional roles of local government officials. The meeting also provided a platform for people to ask questions on matters that affect them, strengthening the capacity of citizens to advance government accountability at the local government level. 

  The meeting had in attendance youths from ward 3 in Ondo East L.G.A. The issues discussed include Continuous Voters’ Registration Exercise, youth empowerment, and the high rate of poverty prevalence in the local government due to unemployment.

  The youth lamented being marginalized from the Ondo State scholarship/bursary whereas they benefit maximally from it in the previous administration. The youth decried the high rate of poverty in their community due to the high cost of living and unemployment. Most of their girls are into prostitution for them to make ends meet.

  
  

  In conclusion, the community journalist encouraged the youth to take advantage of the CVR ward devolution to register for their PVC at their respective wards so as to enable them to partake in the next election and vote for the right choice that will represent their interest well. He also encouraged them to engage with their representative and have information about developmental projects initiated in their local government by the federal, state, and local governments, this will help in promoting accountability, transparency, and honesty in governance. The youth resolved to register and collect their PVC for them to be able to vote out the bad representation they are experiencing now.

  
  

  Critical Issues Raised During the Meeting

  • Lack of good roads. 
  • Lack of potable water.
  • Poor electricity supply.

   

  Resolution

  • The citizens agreed to continue to use the various opportunities available to engage the local government and councilors to express their grievances to the government.
  
  

  Lessons for Future Engagements

  • Working more with community institutions such as churches, mosques, traditional leaders, and other opinion groups will help in providing lasting solutions to national issues.

Below are pictorial representations of the participants.          

24^th March 2023 | Community Town Hall Meeting 

Special Guests:

Citizen Journalist: Alamudun  Busola

Summary of the Meeting

The town hall meeting was aimed at educating the citizens on the constitutional roles of local government officials. The meeting also provided a platform for people to ask questions on matters that affect them, strengthening the capacity of citizens to advance government accountability at the local government level.  

The meeting was had in attendance the women representatives from the church, mosque, and interested community members. The women commented about the lack of drugs, equipment and shortage of personnel at the basic health centres and primary healthcare centres in the local government most especially in the rural settlements. The issue of insecurity among women farmers was also raised and pleaded with the local government chairman to come to their aid as many could no longer go to their farms for work and harvest anymore. 

In conclusion, the community journalist encourages the women to register and get their PVC so as to be able to vote in the forthcoming election where new leaders will be selected to represent them. He also told them to use their various unit to promote peace and demand accountability and transparency in governance at the local government level. The women appreciated the initiative and requested more of such forums to enable them to articulate their voices.

Critical Issues Raised During the Meeting

• The local government officials are not accessible to the people.
• The Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and the primary schools in the local government area are in a very bad state.
• The high rate of invasion by Fulani herdsmen on their farmland.

Resolution

• The citizens agreed to continue to use the various opportunities available to engage the local government and councilors to express their grievances to the government.
• The citizens resort to working cooperatively with men of the Amotekun and Vigilante squad in the various communities.

Lessons for Future Engagements

• Working more with community institutions such as churches, mosques, traditional leaders, and other opinion groups will help in providing lasting solutions to national issues.

Below are pictorial representations of the participants.          

21^st March 2023 | Community Town Hall Meeting 

Special Guests:

Adewoleoye Abimbola: Councilor Ward 4

Akinnaso Ige: Councilor Ward 5

High Chief Apostle Olusotoye:  Community Leader

Citizen Journalist: Ayokunle Henry

Summary of the Meeting

The town hall meeting was aimed at educating the citizens on the constitutional roles of local government officials. The meeting also provided a platform for people to ask questions on matters that affect them, strengthening the capacity of citizens to advance government accountability at the local government level.  The meeting was held in ward 4 of the local government with the presence of Hon. Adewoleoye Abimbola and Hon. Akinnaso as the councilors representing ward 4 and ward 5 respectively. The occasion was also graced with the presence of the High Chief Apostle Olusotoye and women leaders in the ward. The community journalist used the opportunity of the presence of these stakeholders to present major issues around local government development. He also raised concern about the status of youth participation in the continuous voters’ registration and stated the need to address the dilapidated condition of structures and amenities in secondary and primary schools at the local government.

The women at the meeting complained about the risk their children pass through in crossing the expressway to go to school which makes most parents withdraw their wards from government schools and enrolled them in private schools. The women also lamented the non-availability of health facilities and shortage of staff at the health centre. This creates a challenge in providing medical care for their children when they fall sick. They had to travel to a neighboring village for proper medical care. The women pleaded with the two councilors to take their demand at the meeting to the chairman for quick action. 

In conclusion, the community journalist encouraged all to take advantage of the continuous voters’ registration exercise to register and collect their PVC and this is the power that will enable them to choose a leader that will represent them. The councilor from ward 4 also pleaded with the people to be patient and promise to convey their message to the chairman. The High Chief also advised the community residents to embark on self-help projects as this has been done in some communities and issues of basic interests like the construction of classrooms was resolved. He said all cannot be left to the government alone, that the people as well need to contribute their own quota towards the growth and development of their local government.

Critical Issues Raised During the Meeting

• Dilapidated classroom 
• The Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and the primary schools in the local government area are in a very bad state.
• The local government officials are hostile in their engagement with the citizens.
• Low turnout for the Continuous voters’ registration exercise.

Resolution

• The citizens agreed to continue to use the various opportunities available to engage the local government and councilors to express their grievances to the government.

Lessons for Future Engagements

• Working more with community institutions such as churches, mosques, traditional leaders, and other opinion groups will help in creating lasting solutions to national issues.

Below are pictorial representations of the participants.          

8^th February 2023 | Community Town Hall Meeting 

Special Guests:

PASTOR TEMITOPE OLUWARANTI: RELIGIOUS LEADER

MR. IDOWU AKINYELURE: CHAIRMAN LANDLORD ASSOCIATION

Summary of the Meeting

The town hall meeting was aimed at educating the citizens on the constitutional roles of local government officials. The meeting also provided a platform for people to ask questions on matters that affect them, strengthening the capacity of citizens to advance government accountability at the local government level.  

In his declarative speech, the citizens’ journalist representing Owo local government in persons of Mrs. Alamudun Busola, urged participants to think of how they can contribute to the growth and development of their community through active participation in governance issues. He emphasized the importance of trust, honesty, and modesty in governance, enjoining citizens to elect leaders who are known to be fair and just. 

Mr. Akerele Olushola, the chairman of the landlord association further cautioned the people to stop overburdening the local government officials on issues outside the constitutional provision of their roles and responsibilities. He emphasized that the government alone at all levels cannot provide all that the citizens require from it without citizens’ active participation in good governance. During the meeting, participants were educated to note that the community should determine what the sole administrator of the Local Government should do through their Ward Councilors. 

Additionally, the meeting was aimed at discouraging citizens from selling their votes during elections.

During the meeting, the dangers of vote-trading for Nigerian politics, democracy, and development were highlighted, while proffering solutions to these challenges. It was noted that vote-buying is a criminal act according to the law and deliberate creation of poverty by politicians to enable them to occupy their desired political offices.

Also, citizens expressed  their concerns that politics has now become the only available job for politicians, hence that increases the rate of vote-buying. While many stated that poverty was one of the reasons why people sell their votes during elections, the citizens as well noted that poor awareness against voter inducement was helping vote-buying to gain grounds in Nigerian elections, lamenting that the National Orientation Agency was not sensitizing citizens enough on dangers of vote-buying.

Critical Issues Raised During the Meeting

• The local government officials are not accessible to the people.
• The Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and the primary schools in the local government area are in a very bad state.
• The local government officials are hostile in their engagement with the citizens.
• The high rate of invasion by Fulani Herdsmen to farmers on their farmland.

Resolution

• The citizens agreed to continue to use the various opportunities available to engage the local government and councilors to express their grievances to the government.
• The citizens resort to working cooperatively with men of the Amotekun and Vigilante squad in the various communities.

Lessons for Future Engagements

• We should create more time for the question and answer session between LG officials and citizens.
• Working more with community institutions such as churches, mosques, traditional leaders and other opinion groups will help in creating lasting solutions to national issues.

Below is a pictorial representation of the participants.

Below are pictorial representations of the participants.

CITIZEN JOURNALIST: OJUOPE SUNDAY