By Francis Ogbuagu Benin City
The African Network for Environment and Economic Justice( ANEEJ) on Monday commenced a 3 day workshop made for capacity building for Civil Society Organizations and Journalists in Edo State
The workshop with a theme “Human Capital Development, Anti- corruption and Budget Monitoring was part of the events billed for implementation of ANEEJ’s programme ( Tackling Human Trafficking ,through Advocacy to Increase Investment in Human Capital Development and Civic Engagement in Edo State.)
Speaking at the event the Executive Director of ANEEJ,Rev David Ugolor said the objectives of ANEEJ was to equip the civil society organization with the knowledge to advocate for changes in current approaches in combating irregular migration through advocacy for human capital development, budget monitoring/ public spending,anti- corruption, good governance, policies and programmes.
He emphasized the need for an overview and evaluation of the Edo State Government budget and provision for human capital development over the past three years and a review of the structures of existing human capital development and interventions inEdo State.
According to him, “One of the project objectives is to provide Civil Society Organizations with the knowledge to advocate for change in current approaches in combating irregular migration through advocacy for human capital development, budget monitoring, public spending,anti corruption, good governance, policies and programmes.”
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“This workshop is coming few days to the inauguration of re-elected Edo State Governor, Mr Goodwin Obaseki,who only last week committed to put better part and effort of his second tenure to human capital development, with a view to building on efforts laid in his first tenure.
“Holding the governor accountable to this commitment is the responsibility of civil societies and media actors in the state.” He said.
In her words,the Director of Fullness of Life, Counseling and Development,Rev Sister Florence Nwanuma said, if government had done what it was supposed to do on human capital development,the EndSARS protest wouldn’t have come at the first place, she pleaded with government at all levels to always release budget allocation for it’s purpose, especially in human capital development.
