I still vividly remember that call on a sunny afternoon in 2016, while stepping out of a discussion radio program on the agriculture sector budget, from Mr. Abel Adejor, State Team Lead of the Engaged Citizens Pillar of PERL (Partnership to Engage, Reform, and Learn), a UK-funded program. The call started a journey with PERL’s Engaged Citizens Pillar (ECP), which extended to the Accountable, Responsive, and Capable (ARC) pillar, and has been nothing short of remarkable and transformative.
Working with the PERL team in Kaduna, I learned and saw firsthand how empowered and engaged citizens can effectively advocate for meaningful reforms, promote good governance and improve quality of service delivery.
From the first 2017 budget analysis engagement I attended, to the trip for a learning visit in Anambra State, series of capacity-building I attended, down to the institutionalization of the Community Development Charter (CDC) process, the annual draft budget analysis, CDC influence tracking and score-card, setting up the co-created Kaduna Local Government Accountability Mechanism (KAD-LGAM), birthing the OpenGov Youth Innovation Hub and opening up the audit process as well as legislative arm with the annual appropriation public hearing.
However, the biggest takeaway from my work with the PERL Team is the power of collaboration. The team did not only preach it but we saw it in how the ARC and the ECP worked collaboratively and harmoniously to deliver progress makers and results. Our work with PERL witnessed the ripple effect of our efforts. Citizens who had previously felt disengaged began to take ownership of their governance processes, demanding accountability and transparency from their leaders.
Through my work with PERL, I also had the opportunity to collaborate with various stakeholders, including government officials, civil society organizations, and community leaders. These partnerships were crucial in amplifying our impact and ensuring that citizens’ voices were heard at all levels. One notable partnership was with a local government council, where we worked together to develop a participatory budgeting process. This ensured that citizens’ priorities were reflected in the budget, leading to more effective allocation of resources.
My experience with PERL also taught me the importance of inclusive engagement. We made a conscious effort to involve marginalized groups, including women, youth, and people with disabilities, in our advocacy efforts. The impact was tangible – improved infrastructure, increased access to basic services, and a renewed sense of hope among community members.
As I reflect on my time with PERL, I am filled with a sense of pride and accomplishment. I know that our work with PERL has made a lasting difference in the lives of countless Kaduna residents. Even as the program comes to a close, we remain committed to sustaining and championing reform and promoting citizens’ engagement.
I can only imagine what would have been the fate of the pupils of Mahuta primary school in Igabi LGA, who were studying under trees after the block of classrooms was burnt down by fire. Through the CDC process, supported by PERL, the community nominated the school, and the LGA reconstructed it, and the pupils are now in class. Or would the Open Government Partnership (OGP) and reforms (public financial management, policies, and strategies, public service management, and monitoring and evaluation) have come this far?
Thank you to all the team that worked with PERL in Kaduna, including at the National. I remove my cap for the PERL leads and program facilitators Adejor Abel, Akau Istifanus, Mustapha Kurfi, Hajara Muhammad, Ashiru Sani, Victor Victor Zino Ashiriba, Abdul Muhammad and all the other supporting team members. Special thanks also to Dr. Adiya Ode and Mr. John Mutu Best wishes.
Goje is an active citizen, civil society member and OGP enthusiast.
