The Agents for Citizens – Driven Transformation (ACT): a programme of the European Union (EU) and implemented by the British Council – Nigeria has urged Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and the media to partner in order to create awareness about the activities of the CSOs to improve the society. The ACT Component Manager: Mrs. Hafsat Mustapher made the plea at a two (2) day Cross States/Regional Reflection Session for its partners from Plateau and Rivers States held at Continental Hotel, Lagos.
Mrs. Mustspher said the ‘Cross States/Regional Reflection Sessions’ are intended to enhance the knowledge base of their partner CSOs in the states/regions paired on their activities and peer review the impacts to the society in the select states. She mentioned that it is also aimed at highlighting the roles of the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and the media in the improvement of the society and implored the media to assist in the reportage of the good works of the CSOs that will enhance the credibility and roles of the CSOs as drivers of change for sustainable development.
She further urged the media to create platforms for synergy and visibility and narrate the good the CSOs are doing to improve the society effectively such that every stakeholder in the society will understand why the CSOs are important. She disclosed that the ACT programme is also strengthening the capacities of twenty (20) CSOs each from ten (10) select states across Nigeria to enable them to become credible drivers of change and sustainable development in Nigeria. She informed journalists at the gathering that ACT is also helping CSIs understand the complex regulatory requirements that enables them to operate within the ambit of the law and reiterated that the CSOs are selected irrespective of their different thematic areas.
