BACKGROUND
One of Bako Kontagora Development Foundation (BKDF) aim is to organize and engage in forums and conferences for policy advocacy and enlightenment campaigns for peaceful society. This aim has informed series of webinars organized in view of the current global health and economic conditions occasioned by Covid-19. The first webinar focused on the impact of Covid-19 on rural education. The outcome gave insight to the practical approaches to ameliorating the impact and the organization is currently exploring the recommendations reached at the webinar.
At the second webinar, the focus was to address the good governance on both urban and rural masses using the Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG) established in 2007 as a framework. Governance is defined by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation as “the provision of the political, social and economic public goods and services that every citizen has the right to expect from his or her state, and that a state has the responsibility to deliver to its citizens.” Accordingly, the theme, “Post Covid-19 Good governance Prospects and challenges for promoting the socio-economic well-being of the urban and rural masses part 1: Human Development” dealt with Human development which is one of the four good governance categories under the Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG) framework.
The following were the typical topics discussed by the seasoned resource persons at the second webinar:
1). Cushioning the effect of food crisis: value chain additives for the rural/urban poor to prevent undernourishment which makes the general population more susceptible to diseases. 2). Social welfare programs (N-power/conditional cash transfer): goals, achievements, challenges and plan or recommendations post covid-19. 3). access to mental health services: social and economic pressures arising from the covid-19 movement restrictions and social distancing; among others.
The third webinar focused on the theme, “Post Covid-19 Good Governance Prospects and Challenges for Promoting the Socio-Economic Well-Being of The Urban and Rural Masses Part 2&3: Safety and Rule of Law; Participation and Human Rights”.
“If we do not have justice or the rule of law, the society shall be broken” – RJ Intindola
INTRODUCTION
According to the World Bank, economic development focuses on a sustainable increase in living standards which encompasses material consumption, education, health and environmental protection (World Bank 1991). However, the Apex Bank was also of the opinion that this narrow focus was insufficient and therefore offered a more comprehensive, and inclusive definition of development that includes all segments of the population which states that: “Development in a broader sense is understood to include other important and related attributes as well, notably more equality of opportunity and political freedom and civil liberties. The overall goal of development is therefore to increase the economic, political and civil rights of all people across gender, ethnic groups, religion, races, regions and countries” (Ukwandu, D.C.; Jarbandhan, V. 2016). Consequently, the objective of good governance is to realize the definition above and bring about sustainable development.
This webinar series combine for exploration; two good governance categories namely, ‘Safety and rule of law’ and ‘Participation and human rights’ which are very relevant in the light of the pandemic, recent #EndSARS protest and social unrests that followed in many parts of the country. Imperative for good governance is the strengthening of the institutions of government and ensuring strong performance in both Rule of Law and Transparency & Accountability, (which show the highest correlation with Overall Governance).
Safety and rule of law is about the government ensuring the safety of citizens through the provision of safe and secure environment for the pursuit of individual or group endeavors, and the guarantee of personal security, including the extent to which states have effective methods of adjudicating disputes of all kinds and enforcing laws through a judicial mechanism free of state control. Transparency & Accountability on the other hand, measures the degree to which public officials, institutions and the private sector are subject to oversight and scrutiny by other institutions and citizens, in order to make the government responsive in the pursuit of the public interest.
Participation & Human Rights focuses on civil and political rights and freedoms by assessing citizen participation in the political and electoral process, respect for basic rights, and the absence of gender discrimination.
Success on these fronts will enhance governance outcome for urban and rural dwellers post covid-19 and enable the government to address the increasing agitation for police reforms and demand for accountability by citizens. It will also accelerate the attainment of key SDG goals.
OBJECTIVES
The last Webinar was aimed at promoting discussions and exchange of ideas on the innovative and costeffective ways the government, and key stakeholders can improve ‘Safety and rule of law’ and ‘Participation and human rights’ to achieve key Sustainable Development Goals in view of Covid-19 and social unrest in an era of dwindling revenues. It is hoped that the outcome and recommendations from the webinar will provide useful insights on practical steps to be taken to effectively deliver public goods and services to urban and rural masses in terms of safety, rule of law, participation and human rights for the improvement of their lives.
PARTICIPATION
The two hours webinar had over 55 participants from different parts of the world with representatives from INGO’S, Policy makers, good governance advocates, relevant stakeholders and the general public. The resource persons took turns to provide insights on their topics and espoused practicable ways forward for post covid-19. This was followed by questions and answer sessions where the speakers and the participants alike had a brainstorming session.
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