Cross River Govt Launches Capacity-Building for Local Legislative Officials

Ogoja, Cross River – To bolster grassroots governance and legislative effectiveness, the Cross River State Government, in collaboration with the Centre for Community Policy and Strategic Development (CCPSD), has embarked on a three-day capacity building and utilisation training programme.

The initiative targets councillors, clerks, and deputy clerks serving across the 18 Local Government Legislative Houses in the state.

The training, which commenced at the Ogoja Legislative Chamber in the northern senatorial district, is designed to enhance participants’ leadership and governance capabilities.

Throughout the workshop, officials engaged in a series of presentations, panel discussions, and interactive sessions that delved into legislative chamber protocols, processes, and the intricacies of public administration.

Key topics covered during the training included:

• Budget Process and Fiscal Oversight: Participants received detailed insights into budget formulation, approval, and oversight, highlighting the critical role legislators play in ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency.
• Sustainable Community Development: Sessions emphasised the importance of local government legislators in spearheading initiatives that promote sustainable growth and development within their communities.
• Inclusive Law-Making and Representation: Discussions underlined the necessity of participatory law-making processes and effective representation as cornerstones of a thriving democratic system.
• Legislative Agenda Alignment: The workshop also focused on strategies for tailoring legislative agendas to address the unique economic, social, and geographical challenges of the northern senatorial district.
• Specialised Legislative Skills: Training on legislative drafting, committee systems, document preparation, and strategic development planning equipped participants with the tools needed for effective law-making.

Speaking at the event, Rt. Hon. John Gaul Lebo, Executive Secretary and former Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, stressed that the workshop was critical for enhancing service delivery, policy formulation, and legislative efficiency.

“The synergy between the Executive and Legislative arms is imperative for effective grassroots administration,” Gaul noted. He further cautioned against sidelining the legislative body, emphasising that mutual respect and collaboration are vital to prevent discord and ensure the smooth operation of local government councils.

Adding to the discourse, Hon. Christopher Agbeh, Ogoja Local Government Chairman, reiterated the council’s commitment to forging a strong partnership with the legislative arm.

He hailed the workshop as a timely intervention that would significantly contribute to sustainable development and improve the quality of life for the people of Ogoja.

In a gesture recognising the dedication of the participants, certificates of participation were awarded, marking the successful completion of the training program for the northern senatorial district.

The capacity-building initiative is set to continue, with similar training sessions scheduled for the Southern and Central senatorial districts, ensuring that all local government legislative bodies in Cross River State are well-equipped to address the challenges and opportunities at the grassroots level.