Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has assured Civil Society Organizations in the state of his government’s willingness to partner with them for the development of the state.
The governor made the commitment through his Chief Technical Advisor, Developmental Partnership, Strategic Linkages and the Diaspora, Mr. Manji Wilson, at the inauguration of Caretaker Committee of the CSOs forum, Plateau State at COWAN Hall in Jos South LGA of the state.
The Governor said his administration is open to groups or individuals that have something to offer to better the lives of citizens of the state, as well as open to constructive criticism, hence, his administration considers the civil society organizations as partners in progress.
“Whenever you organize a program that needs government support, as long as it is genuine, we will give you the endorsement that is required” he added.
The governor’s representative who is also from the civil society community, appreciated the convener of the forum and urged the newly inaugurated Caretaker Committee to mobilize all the civil society organizations on the Plateau into the forum, according to him, more is achieve in team work than working in isolation and rivalry.
In his acceptance speech, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of the forum, Rev. Christopher Damcher lamented that before now the civil society space in the state has suffered setbacks due to absence of a common united platform where various networks of different thematic interventions are coordinated without rancor.
Rev. Damcher added that the civil society is complementing government’s effort in taking development to various communities within and even beyond the state and commended the CSOs for doing that.
The Chairman called for cooperation from members to the new structure of the CSOs in the state for effective operations and progressive collaboration and partnership with MDAs, Developmental partners, Implementing partners, Security agencies, Traditional Councils, Religious bodies, Media organizations and all stakeholders.
“We call on all Non Governmental Organizations, (NGOs), Community Based Organizations (CBOs) Faith Based Organizations (FBOs), and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to join the new movement to reconcile and bring synergy in our collective effort to bringing the gains of our various interventions, empowering our people and scaling up the development of Plateau State”, he maintained.
The CSOs leader thanked the Plateau State Government for creating the enabling environment for CSOs to operate and prayed that the Open Government Partnership (OGP) will bring about inclusivity and implementation for greater and all round development of Plateau State.
Plateau State Coordinator of the National Orientation Agency, NOA who was represented by Mrs. Hannatu Unanam said CSOs are a voice to reconned with, and having a forum that would drive the process would go a long way in adding a voice to the progress of the society.
Earlier, the Convener of the forum, Hon. Obadiah Afwanks in his welcome address, said the era of competition is over, noting that before now NGOs have been working separately but they felt the need to come together and work as team.
He said about 30 CSOs networks in Plateau State attended the meeting that gave birth to the forum and the caretaker committee to serve for a period of 6 months before handling over to elected officials.
The caretaker committee that were sworn in by Barrister Naankus Fyaktu include, Rev. Christopher Damcher, Chairman, Hon. Obadiah J. Afwanks, Vice Chairman, Dr. Raulatu Piwuna General Secretary, Mrs. Anna Kisaba, Treasurer and Mr. Nanmak Bali as Publicity Secretary.