In an effort to ensure the promotion of community-driven anti-corruption initiatives and strengthen Maternal and Child Healthcare (MNCH) through accountability interventions in Kano, the Resource Center for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) recently engaged Kano Media and Civic Organizations to champion the course.
Expectations are, that the media and civic organizations will work closely by beaming the spotlight on the activities of the government, especially programs on which the government expends public funds going forward.
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While speaking Comr. Ibrahim Zikirullahi, the Executive Director of the CHRICED said if the intended service delivery envisaged through the constituency project is as effective as the intentions should be, basic things such as rural roads, cottage industries, and health facilities, amongst others, would have been a thing of the past.
“Unfortunately, what we have seen since Nigeria’s return to civil rule is a constituency project system that has been severely damaged by corruption, lack of accountability and weak participation of beneficiaries, as they are subverted to serve other interests instead of the public good.
“As things stand, Nigeria is still not close to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal of reducing the maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live birth. The reality is that Nigeria continues to wallow in the unacceptable situation of a maternal mortality ratio of 512 per 100,000 live births.
“With proper planning and management of health budgets and other extra-budgetary interventions targeting the health sector, a lot of difference can be made, just as precious lives will be saved. I call on media and CSOs to take advantage of anti-corruption tools available in laws, such as the Open Government Partnership (OGP), Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, and the Fiscal Responsibility Act.” He said.
Meanwhile, Dr Hafsat a senior lecturer at Bayero University Kano charged Journalists to be resilient in reporting accountability in MNCH as they are the watchdog of the society and also play a critical role of service to humanity.
She also pointed out that the free MNCH bill which is in process and has gone through second reading in the Kano State House of Assembly and gained the popular support of most political officeholders, will be a major boost to the state’s healthcare system and achievement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Kano.
Stated that gender bias in Nigeria not only keeps women down but also restrains the country from nearing its massive potential, pointing out that Nigeria’s gross domestic product (GDP) could grow by 23% or $229bn by 2025 if women participated in the economy to the same extent as men.
“Gender and social inclusion are important in the conduct of constituency projects because it allows for the interaction and engagement of all members in the community. It reduces social isolation and improves health for people with disabilities, increases economic gains and improves opportunities and outcomes for all.” She said.
Ms Zango, therefore, called on the Media and CSOs to ensure best practices for promoting gender and social inclusion in constituency project reporting, adding that all hands need to be on deck as everyone needs to play a role to ensure that any constituency project that will be implemented in their communities are inclusive and beneficial to everyone.
