NILDS Training Seeks to Strengthen Legislative Practice in Akwa Ibom

National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) has commenced a two-day capacity-building training for 53 local government councillors from the Oron/Mbo/Okobo/Udung Uko/Urue-Offong/Oruko Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State.

The training, themed “Strategic Leadership, Developing Legislative Practice and Procedures for Effective Local Government Administration in Nigeria,” was sponsored by the member representing the constituency in the House of Representatives and Chairman of the House Committee on Youth Development, Rep. Martins Esin.

The Director General of NILDS, Prof. Abubakar O. Sulaiman, represented by the Director of Internal Audit, Mr. David Akinyemi Osanaiye, commended Rep. Esin for investing in grassroots leadership and human-capacity development.

In his address, he noted that investing in the knowledge and competence of local government councillors would improve the quality of governance and strengthen democratic institutions at the grassroots.

He emphasised the importance of responsive leadership in coastal and riverine communities, highlighting priorities such as rural connectivity, water transportation, healthcare, education, sanitation, environmental sustainability, fisheries, agriculture, youth empowerment and access to markets. He also identified the blue economy as an opportunity for sustainable development in the constituency.

“The future of Nigerian democracy will not be determined only in Abuja or in the state capitals; it will also be determined in the wards, communities and local government councils where ordinary citizens encounter government in their daily lives,” the Director General said.

He reaffirmed NILDS’ commitment to working with the National Assembly, State Houses of Assembly, local government councils and other democratic institutions to strengthen the capacity required for effective legislative practice and democratic governance.

Speaking on behalf of the participating councillors, the team leader, Hon. Sunday Effiong Eyo, who represents Oruko Ward 1 in Urue-Offong/Oruko Local Government Area, commended Rep. Esin for sponsoring the training.

He described the initiative as unprecedented, noting that the knowledge acquired would help the councillors address legislative challenges and discharge their constitutional responsibilities more effectively.

Eyo also expressed appreciation to NILDS, the resource persons and the organisers for providing the councillors with the opportunity to strengthen their legislative and leadership skills.

Other dignitaries at the opening ceremony included Barrister Omen Bassey, Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, representing Rep. Esin; Hon. John Ntem Tekim, Personal Assistant to the lawmaker; and Dr. John Olanrewaju, a training consultant at the Institute.

The two-day programme is designed to strengthen the councillors’ understanding of strategic leadership, legislative responsibilities, oversight, community engagement and effective local government administration.