…As regional training ends in Enugu
Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Abia State, operating on the platform of Abia State CSO Champions, have launched a coordinated advocacy and capacity-building campaign, aimed at institutionalising the Civil Society Organisation Self-Regulation Framework in the state.
This resolution followed their participation in the South-East Regional Capacity Development Training on CSO Self-Regulation, organised by the Ethics and Good Leadership Awareness Initiative (EGLAI) in partnership with the EU CSO Strengthening Bridge Project (EU CSO Bridge), implemented by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA).
The Abia State CSO Champions is made up of African Centre for Human Advancement and Resource Support (CHARS-Africa) as the lead organisation, Vivacious Development Initiative (VIDI), Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS), Society for Human Rights Advocacy and Development (SO HAD), and Youth and Students Advocates for Development Initiative (YSAD).
Participants described the training as timely and strategic, noting that the adoption of CSO self-regulation remains a critical pathway for strengthening accountability, transparency, ethical leadership, public trust, and coordinated advocacy within the civil society sector.
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Amaka Biachi, the lead representative of the group, stated that the initiative would deepen institutional integrity within the sector, while also strengthening constructive engagement with government and development partners.
“Self-regulation is not an attempt to shield civil society from scrutiny; rather, it is a bold commitment to transparency, accountability, professionalism, and public service. Our collective resolve is to entrench ethical standards that will enhance the credibility and effectiveness of CSOs in Abia State,” she said.
The group disclosed that a six-month strategic work plan has been adopted, spanning sensitisation and public awareness, policy advocacy, step-down training, monitoring, and evaluation.
Key planned activities, include statewide CSO engagements, periodic media publications, radio programmes, advocacy visits and letters to government and regulatory agencies, step-down trainings for grassroots CSOs, and continuous stakeholder dialogues, all aimed at promoting compliance with the CSO Self-Regulation Framework and advancing the harmonization of CSO registration and operational standards.
According to Okoye, Chuka Peter, representative of CEHRAWS, harmonizing regulatory frameworks, would significantly reduce bureaucratic barriers and promote operational efficiency across the sector.
“A coordinated regulatory environment will eliminate duplications, reduce institutional friction, and allow CSOs to focus more on service delivery, accountability, and development impact,” he noted.
The Abia State CSO Champions further announced the establishment of a state-level platform for CSO self-regulation compliance, designed to serve as a coordination, accountability, peer-learning, and advocacy hub for civil society organisations in Abia State.
The group commended EGLAI, led by Harry Udoh, alongside the EU CSO Bridge Project and International IDEA, for convening the regional intervention, describing it as a significant boost to civil society credibility and democratic governance in Nigeria.
Special appreciation was also extended to the programme coordination team for their professionalism and effective delivery.
The Abia State CSO Champions reaffirmed their commitment to ethical leadership, institutional accountability, democratic values, and the protection of civic space, while pledging sustained collaboration with government institutions, development partners, the media, and community stakeholders.
