As part of the European Union’s Support to Democracy and Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) Phase II initiative, the Justice Development and Peace Movement (JDPM) convened a quarterly review exercise in Oyo State, bringing together a broad array of stakeholders from various sectors. The event focused on assessing the progress of ongoing interventions aimed at strengthening governance, promoting democratic values, and enhancing civic engagement across the state.
Key participants included representatives from the Oyo State Government, civil society organisations, education authorities, community leaders, and development partners. The meeting provided an opportunity for stakeholders to review the successes, challenges, and areas of improvement related to the EU-SDGN Phase II projects being implemented in the state.
During the review, JDPM highlighted several achievements, including increased public awareness around democratic participation, the establishment of platforms for constructive dialogue between citizens and government authorities, and the empowerment of youth and women in leadership roles. Notably, the collaboration between schools, civil society, and local government has fostered greater civic education in schools and communities.
In his opening remarks, JDPM Program Director, Mr. Ayo Babalola, underscored the importance of these engagements, noting that the EU-SDGN interventions are driving positive change by creating more inclusive governance structures. “Our work is focused on ensuring that every citizen, especially youth and marginalised groups, has a voice in the decision-making process. This review exercise is essential in helping us refine our strategies and address any gaps in our implementation,” he said.
Stakeholders also discussed the challenges faced, including limited resources for expanding civic education programs and ensuring active participation at the grassroots level. Solutions proposed included enhanced collaboration with local authorities, increased funding for capacity-building initiatives, and the scaling up of successful programs to reach more communities.
The review ended with a set of recommendations aimed at sustaining the momentum of the EU-SDGN interventions in Oyo State. Stakeholders committed to working more closely with local government and educational institutions to ensure the long-term impact of these democratic and governance initiatives.
JDPM through funding from the European Union remains committed to deepening democracy, nurturing good governance, and empowering citizens in Oyo State as part of the broader EU-SDGN Phase II project, which seeks to promote sustainable democratic practices across Nigeria.
