By Ibrahim Kado
OXFAM and other implementing partners with fund from German government have closed-out 11 months project on improving social cohesion through Community Development Planning (CDP), in 16 wards of Michika Local Government Area of Adamawa.
Mr John Makina, OXFAM Country Director, speaking at the close-out and review dissemination workshop on Thursday in Yola, said the project had recorded success in improving social cohesion among citizens, IDPs returnees and members of host communities.
“It has reduced ignorance among citizens and some government staff on the significance of inclusive and participatory community development planning and developing of a guiding framework for an effective community development planning process.“It has improved the capacity of government official to integrating the CDP plans from the communities and wards into the LGA budget.
“It has also stimulated community ownership of development initiatives funded by government and non-governmental organisations across the wards,”he said.
Makina said that as project comes to an end, stakeholders needed to harness their collective expertise, resources and passion to ensure the smooth implementation of the CDP document to maximise its impact in the area.
Mr Amos Piribul, Permanent Secretary Adamawa Planning commission, appreciated the implementing partners for choosing Adamawa.
According to him, the state government will ensure sustainability of the project and replicate to other Local Government Areas due to its important.
In his remarks, Mr Amos Drambi, outgoing Council Chairmanof Michika LGA, lauded OXFAM for considering them as the pilot council for the project and assured sustainability of the project for more development in the area.
Alhaji Saidu Bashir, District Head of Bazza, appreciated OXFAM for the implementation of the project in Michika for peaceful coexistence among the people in the area and IDPs returnees.
According to him, the project will be sustained because of its significant for the development of the area.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the other implementing partners are Christian Rural and Urban Development Association of Nigeria (CRUDAN) and Centre for Public Education and Mobilisation for Development in Nigeria.
