NGOs call for increase support to transform marginalized communites in Taraba
Jethro Yerga, Jalingo
Non Governmental Organizations NGOs operating in Taraba State, have called on the State Government, International Bodies and other actors to intensify support of their activities in the state to enable them empower more marginalized communities
The group made the call at the occasion of commemoration of World NGOs Day in Jalingo, the Taraba State Capital
Addressing Journalists on behalf of the NGOs, the chairman, Coalition for Civil Societies Organization, Taraba State, Dr Joseph Gimba, stressed that NGOs in Taraba State had for decades, being providing essential services in the state but lack of adequate support had limited their length of operations
He appealed to the Taraba State Government to increase involvement of NGOs in its committees and activities and to also fulfilled its obligation to the Civil Society Organizations in the State to enable them function well.
“For decades, NGOs have been at the forefront of advocating for human right, social justice, environmental protection and humanitarian aid . Their tireless efforts have empowered marginalized communites, influence policies and provided essential services where government and private sectors may not reach
“As we observe World NGOs Day, we urged Governments, private sector actors, International bodies and Civil Societies to support grassroot organizations through increase funding, technical assistance and capacity building programs
“We encouraged them to enhance collaboration between International NGOs and Community-based groups to scale impact and share best practices
“We also want them to advocate for policies that create an enabling environment for grassroot initiatives to thrive, raise awareness for NGOs and promote volunteerism and civil engagement to strengthen grassroot activism and local leadership”. He stated
While stressing the need to empower grassroot organizations, Dr Gimba reiterated that when you empower communites, you create a ripple effect that leads to sustainable development, Social equity and brighter future for all
“Grass root Organizations are the lifeline of of communites. They operate at the heart of society, tackling issues such as poverty, education, health and climate change with first hand knowledge and locally driven solutions. Empowering them means providing them with adequate resources, policy support and platforms to amplify their voices”. He stated
Meanwhile, the World NGOs Day celebration which was anchored on the theme; “Empowering Grassroot Movement for a Sustainable Future”, was not just a celebration in Taraba, but also a reminder of the fact that meaningful change begins at the grassroot level.
