Private institutions have been urged to partner with the government in creating initiatives that can impact children, youths and women in the country.

Chairman of Ikeja Local Council, Akeem Dauda, who appealed during a luncheon organised by the Heart of Gold Support & Care Initiative (HOGSCI) and Patrick Ejedawe Empowerment Foundation, in Lagos, lauded the humanitarian feat of the organisation, noting that many of the Foundation’s initiatives have positively impacted society.

The luncheon was held to raise N250 million towards the facilitation of a better future for vulnerable people in society.

MEANWHILE, the senator representing Edo Central Senatorial District, Joseph Ikpea, has called on those who would be elected as chairmen of local councils in the state to explore the full autonomy they now enjoy to bring development to the people.

HOWEVER, ActionAid Nigeria, in partnership with Inspired Youth Network (IYN), has convened a one-day Local Council Fiscal Forum in Lagos to strengthen citizens’ participation in governance and promote inclusive development.

It also stressed the need for greater accountability, transparency and improved service delivery at the grassroots.

The Keynote Speaker at the luncheon, Olaonipekun Daramola, stressed the importance of empowerment and its aftermath impact on society.

He cited how mentorship brought him off the shackles of poverty to wealth and philanthropy.

Earlier, the Chief Host and Convener of the luncheon, Group Managing Director of Patjeda Group, Ehiagwina Joy Patrick, said that the main drive behind the initiatives was her love to build self-reliant and independent people.

Executive Director of Finance and Corporate Services, Patjeda Group of Providence Limited, John Ighodalo, said that the initiative intends to help redistribute and create wealth across the country, thereby reducing the burden of governance.

The Edo Senator also advised them to be prudent in the management of the financial resources of the local councils to avoid incurring the wrath of anti-graft agencies.

Ikpea advised in Uromi, at the weekend, during the All Progressives Congress (APC), Edo Central Senatorial District campaign flag-off for the forthcoming local council election in the state.

The forum, organised under the Strategic Partnership Agreement II (SPA II) Project at Pearlwort Hotel, Alausa, Ikeja, brought together youth leaders, community representatives, civil society organisations and government stakeholders to deliberate on local council fiscal priorities, tax expenditure, public accountability and service delivery.

Executive Director of Inspired Youth Network, Ayomikun Olugbode, stressed that effective local governance could only thrive when citizens, particularly young people, are actively involved in decision-making processes affecting their communities.

Olugbode urged participants to move beyond identifying challenges by proposing practical solutions capable of strengthening trust between government institutions and citizens.