By Femi Oni (INN), Ekiti
The need for deliberate inclusion of PWDs, youth and women in the implementation of the National Action Plan of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) has again been stressed as Disability Not A Barrier Initiative (DINABI) Nigeria conducted a Focus Group Discussion on the third National Action Plan (NAP).
Mr Olajide Funso, the State Coordinator of OGP Nigeria Youth Network (NYN) in Ekiti state, represented by DINABI’s IT/Admin Officer, Abere Ibukun at the event in collaboration and support from Accountability Lab and OGP Nigeria said the network was created in response to challenges experienced on the implementation of NAP 2 – as an inclusive space for young people, women, People with Disabilities (PWDs) and others who are passionate about open government, to learn, connect to and support the OGP process.
Accountability Lab Nigeria and OGP Nigeria are supporting the OGP Nigeria Youth Network- now a community of over 40 people- to continue to engage and influence policymakers at the national and subnational levels around issues of open governance.
He said further that the goal of the OGP Nigeria Youth Network is to strengthen existing and forge new partnerships with youth groups, women’s’ groups, PWDs, the private sector and government to strengthen and expand the impact of OGP.
It was gathered that the purpose of the discussion is to provide additional information on the implementation of Nigeria’s 3rd National Action Plan of the Open Government Partnership.
The gathering recognized Insecurity, Lack of funding, Lack of political will, Inadequate inclusiveness and representation and lack of proper monitoring and evaluation of NAP as some of the challenges limiting the implementation of the National Action Plan.
They further recommeded that duty bearers should increase activities tailored towards citizens taking ownership of the NAP process at every level while also being more deliberate and strategic in the inclusion of PWDs, women and youth.
The event had in attendance young women and men under the ages of 30 and persons with disabilities in attendance who all shared their thoughts on the process of Open Government Partnership and the implementation of the National Action Plan.
The participants thanked Accountability Lab and OGP Nigeria for supporting DINABI to carry out the discussion in Ekiti.
2 comments
Fantastic reporting. I would really like to be involved and contribute to the work of the several groups tirelessly working for for equitable access and inclusion of PED.
That’d be nice, do you also like to be involved in reporting these events?