GEM Strengthens Grassroots Network, Inducts Ward Coordinators in Moro, Edu and Patigi Federal Constituency

By NupekoTv.com ✔

GEM Strengthens Grassroots Network, Inducts Ward Coordinators in Moro, Edu and Patigi Federal Constituency

By Tomi Vincent Fadunmade

The Golden Era Movement (GEM) inducted Ward Coordinators from Edu, Moro, and Patigi Local Government Areas of Kwara State on Saturday, charging them to mobilise their communities for increased citizen participation in governance and democratic accountability.

Speaking at the induction ceremony and mentorship seminar, the National Convener of GEM, Dr Seyi Adigun, was represented by the movement's Vice Chairperson, Mrs Funmilola Olufemi Oki, who stated that the movement remains committed to building a network of grassroots leaders capable of driving civic engagement and promoting good governance. He urged Nigerians to take ownership of the democratic process, noting that sustainable development can only be achieved through active citizen involvement rather than dependence on political actors.

Dr. Adigun reiterated that GEM is not a political party but a citizens-driven movement focused on fostering accountability, transparency and inclusive development. He disclosed plans by the organisation to build the capacity of at least 100,000 community advocates and directly engage 2.4 million Nigerians over the next six months.

In his address, community leader and World Bank project expert, Alhaji Yahaya Jiya Ahmed, challenged young people to embrace non-partisan engagement with public officials and prioritise development over partisan interests. He identified insecurity, inadequate healthcare, poor educational outcomes and limited empowerment opportunities as some of the pressing challenges confronting communities across Edu, Moro and Patigi LGAs. Alhaji Yahaya urged the newly inducted coordinators to serve as development custodians through project monitoring, town hall engagements and community-based accountability initiatives.

Delivering a paper titled “Community Needs Assessment and Advocacy for Developmental Interventions Versus Politics of Partisan Loyalty: The Need for a New Citizens’ Posturing,” Hon. Abdulrafiu Abdulrahman called on youths to place community development above blind political loyalty. He stressed the importance of active citizenship, constructive advocacy and capacity building, urging participants to become agents of positive change committed to integrity, accountability and sustainable development.

Also speaking, Engr. Abdulkarim Ayinde encouraged participants to become active contributors within their communities, describing youth involvement as indispensable to democratic growth and national development. He maintained that lasting progress would only be achieved when young people embrace leadership, volunteerism and community service. 

The event culminated in the formal inauguration of the Ward Coordinators, who pledged to advance GEM’s vision of promoting responsible citizenship and grassroots-driven development across Kwara State.