12^th February 2023 | Community Town Hall Meeting 

Special Guests:

MR. OLLEYELOGUN OGUNGBEDE: CHAIRMAN ONDO EAST ARTISAN ASSOCIATION

The town hall meeting was aimed at educating the citizens on the constitutional roles of local government officials. The meeting also aimed to provide 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 the Artisan Association in Ondo East local government area and in attendance the Chairman of the artisans, the executive, and other members of the local government. 

The meeting discussed issues around financial support/ empowerment for their members. They complained that most opportunities are being hijacked by politicians. They also discussed issues of bad road networks in the rural communities and spotlighted the activities of the timber contractors and how it affects their roads and farm settlement pathway. The Chairman also stressed the need for all members to pay their revenues as this will enable them to confront the local government representative on issues of development. The chairman also emphasised the need for members to pay their monthly dues and be regular at meetings to enable them to keep updated with information that affects them. 

In conclusion, the community journalist thanked the association for their being present and added that accountability and transparency must always be demanded from the local government officials in nonviolent ways. The community journalist as well used the opportunity to invite the chairman to our radio program on Breeze F.M.

Critical Issues Raised During the Meeting

• Lack of good roads.
• Lack of potable water which means boreholes.
• Lack of electricity

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

Work more with community institutions such as churches, mosques, traditional leaders, and other opinion groups to help to create lasting solutions to national issues.

Below are pictorial representations of the participants.          

Citizen Journalist: Akinagbe Richard