CHHELD was honoured for the successful implementation of an EU ACT Programme

The Agents for Citizen-Driven Transformation (ACT) program is a 5 years (2019-2024) project implemented by the British Council and funded by the European Union. The close-out was held on 26th March 2024 at Novotel Hotel Port Harcourt and brought together the implementing partners, MDAs, community leaders, CSO members, and other stakeholders.

Group photograph of some CSO members, MDAs and community Leaders

The ACT Rivers State Focal person – Temple Oraeki set the floor by stating the aim of the gathering and what should be expected. The ACT National Program Manager in the person of Damilare Babalola talked about the program background, phases, goals, objectives, strategies, key interventions, timelines, results, and impact of the ACT program in Rivers State. It was stated that the project supported 21 CSOs in Rivers State and had 16 learning resources. It was mentioned that increased/persistent security challenges and COVID-19 were some of the challenges that affected implementation. He ended by emphasizing the importance of collaboration.

Representative of  the Rivers State Governor (seated at the middle), with ACT project staff and some stakeholders

A special remark was received by the Executive Governor of Rivers State – Sir Sim Fubara ably represented by the permanent secretary, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. A keynote address was received by the project coordinator HYPREP – Prof Nenibarini who was represented by Mrs Josephine Nzide. In addition, goodwill messages were received from the office of the Commissioners of Agriculture, Education and Environment, and donor representatives.

Group photograph of CSO representatives

It was time for testimonies from the 21 CSO grantees and community beneficiaries. The CSOs talked about their organizational policy developments, capacity development of staff, inclusion of PWDs in programming, and many others. Some beneficiaries of the programme talked about how the projects has impacted their lives, business and the community at large.

David Prince highlights about the impact of EU-ACT programme on CHHELD, its staff and the LGAs where the project – “Improving Citizens Participation in Local Government Administration” was implemented

At this point, the participants were entertained by a cultural dance crew.

The cultural dance group performance

There was a panel session on experiences working with CSOs, partnerships with the Government, challenges faced by CSOs, and how the CSOs in Rivers State can continue to effectively collaborate with Donors, MDAs, and Media for the greater good of the state. This was moderated by the ED of RINNGOS – Dr Mina Ogbanga. Some of the responses is to re-orientate MDAs on the role of CSO in their work and to integrate more communities during interventions, especially in remote communities.

Cross section of the panelist

Recognition and award presentation to 21 CSOs including CHHELD was done by Damilare Babalola – ACT NPM, for their commitment and dedication to ensuring sustainable development in Nigeria.

Certificate presented to CHHELD, for invaluable collaboration with the EU-ACT Programme

A commitment pledge was received from the governor’s representative. He commended the program and talked about the readiness of Government partnership with the CSOs. He promised to also convey the message to the governor and expected to hear from him directly, soon.

CHHELD staff pose with the Certificate of recognition

The next steps/call to action to sustain the results and impact of the ACT program was handled by the ACT component 1 manager – Ifeoma Chukwuma. Some of the calls to action include more collaboration with MDAs, mentoring more CSOs that have not benefitted, exploring online learning platforms, and many others.

The cultural dance group

Closing remark was done by Temple Oraeki at about 3 pm, saying that this program has enhanced CSOs flexibility in thinking. He also mentioned that if CSOs are well capacitated, the impact will be far-reaching.

A compedium of case studies on the impact of ACT-CSO Partnership

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