By Samuel Adeola
The Path to Peace Foundation has launched a new initiative to strengthen accountability and citizen participation in grassroots governance, following the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling on local government autonomy.
The initiative, tagged “The Abuja Project: Empowering Communities for Grassroots Impact,” is focused on the six Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Foundation noted that rural communities in Abuja are often excluded from decision-making, leaving governance weak and many community needs unmet.
It stressed that with the Supreme Court’s July 11, 2024 judgment granting financial and administrative autonomy to local governments, transparency and accountability have become even more critical.
Speaking on the project, the organisation’s Communications Officer, Fareedah Omiyale, said the initiative, supported by the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund is designed to bridge the gap between councils and citizens.
“The Abuja Project is a timely intervention to strengthen autonomy and enhance efficiency, accountability, and grassroots empowerment for rural development,” Omiyale said.
The programme will feature a series of fellowships, town hall meetings, research initiatives, and advocacy campaigns aimed at deepening local governance and amplifying citizens’ voices in decision-making.
