The Director General, Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency, Chief Clement Ofuani, has urged civil societies, non-governmental organizations and the press to partner with government for the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 17(SDG) and sustained development in the state.

Chief Ofuani, who was the chairman of the occasion, made the call on Monday at the One Day Sensitisation Summit for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Non-Governmental (NGOs) and Ex-Militants organised by the Offices of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Girl Child Development/NGO Liaison and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Civil Society in Asaba.

The Director General in his opening remarks, explained the importance of collaboration between the state government and the civil societies and other stakeholders in order to deepen the quality of democracy, governance which will lead to greater development of the state.

He called on all stakeholders to give out proper information to the people so that they can make informed decisions.

In her welcome address, the SSA to the Governor on Girl Child Development/NGO Liaison, Barr. Benedicta Osakunih-Izuegbu, stated that it was “pertinent that CSOs, NGOs and Ex-Militants/stakeholders should partner with the state government to integrate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with national development plans, formulating policies, resource allocation monitoring and follow up.

“This summit is geared towards enlightening all stakeholders on their enormous roles in sustaining the tempo of development in the state as well as create an enabling environment for mutual participation in the Delta State project,” she added.

Delivering the keynote address on the theme of the summit, “Partnership As A Veritable Tool For Sustainable Development of Delta State”, Mr. Richard Akinnola said that partnership between government and CSOs can be achievable with transparency, openness and accountability from both parties.

He explained that for any society to grow and development to be achieved collaboration between the government and CSOs is imperative for the attainment of SDGs.

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