The National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) has urged councillors from Oron Federal Constituency, Akwa Ibom State to strengthen grassroots governance through accountability and effective representation.

The ​‌⁠​‍‍⁠⁠‍‌‌‍‌​‌‍‍‌​institute’s Director-General, Abubakar Sulaiman, gave the charge during a capacity-building programme organised for councillors from the constituency on Tuesday in Abuja.

Mr Sulaiman, represented by the Director of Audits, David Osanaye, said investing in grassroots leaders’ capacity would improve governance and benefit thousands of citizens across the constituency.

He commended a member representing Oron Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Martins Esin, for initiating the training to strengthen legislative capacity and grassroots leadership.

According to him, councillors occupy strategic positions in governance because they are often the first point of contact for citizens seeking solutions to community challenges.

He urged the councillors to translate constituents’ aspirations into practical governance priorities, particularly in rural and riverine communities requiring improved transportation, healthcare, education, sanitation and environmental sustainability.

Mr Sulaiman said the constituency could leverage blue economy opportunities, including fisheries, aquaculture, maritime transportation, tourism and logistics, through competent leadership, appropriate policies and effective resource management.

He stated that financial prudence, transparency and accountability must remain central to local government administration, adding that public resources should deliver measurable benefits to citizens.

The director-general called for policies promoting youth employment, entrepreneurship, skills development, women’s economic participation and inclusive community leadership to improve livelihoods and strengthen grassroots development.

He also urged the councillors to participate actively in the training, share experiences, discuss challenges confronting their wards and develop practical solutions to improve governance and service delivery.

The director-general reaffirmed NILDS’ commitment to strengthening democratic governance through capacity development, stressing that Nigeria’s democratic future depended on effective leadership at the grassroots.

Also speaking, Mr Esin thanked NILDS for hosting the capacity-building programme, describing it as a historic initiative aimed at strengthening councillors’ knowledge and legislative capacity.

The lawmaker, represented by Omen Bassey, emphasised that separation of powers and checks and balances were essential to effective democratic governance and accountability in public administration.

He said councillors needed adequate knowledge to understand their powers, rights and responsibilities, adding that effective legislative performance was essential for addressing challenges confronting communities.

Mr Esin described councillors as critical to grassroots governance because they represented the people, emphasising the need for tackling insecurity and poverty through effective local government administration.

He urged the councillors to pay attention to the training, participate actively and apply the knowledge acquired to improve legislative performance and translate available resources into development.

“Capacity building equips councillors with the knowledge and skills to understand their legislative responsibilities, address community challenges and translate local government opportunities into meaningful grassroots development,” Mr Esin said.

Earlier, the Team Lead of the councillors, Sunday Eyo, commended Mr Esin for organising the legislative capacity-building programme to improve grassroots leadership and governance.

Mr Eyo, who represents Oruko Ward One in the Urue Offong/Oruko Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom, described the initiative as unprecedented and beneficial to grassroots governance.

He said the programme would equip the councillors with knowledge and skills required to address legislative challenges and discharge their constitutional responsibilities effectively.

Mr Eyo said the initiative demonstrated Mr Esin’s commitment to strengthening human capacity and improving legislative performance across the constituency through sustained investment in grassroots leadership development.

He expressed optimism that the knowledge acquired would enhance legislative activities and contribute to unprecedented development across the federal constituency, benefiting communities and residents.

(NAN)