The Media Advocacy West Africa Foundation (MAWA Foundation), as part of its core mandate in empowering local communities to demand accountability from their leaders, trained community residents.
The various pieces of training were conducted in three communities in Abuja, Mpape, Yangoji, and Kanzo. The pieces of training were meant to build the capacity of community-based organizations, community media, and community change agents-influencers such as traditional/religious rulers, youth/women leaders, and students.
The communities were trained in demanding accountability, advocacy, lobby, and peace – conflict resolution.
A success story of the training is, shortly after the training in the Kanzo community, residents, worked with MAWA Foundation to establish a community of hub and traditional justice system.
The community of hub and traditional justice system has become institutionalized and serves as a platform where residents meet on a monthly basis to discuss issues of governance, peace, and security affecting them.
They have elected representatives who meet with the Kuje Area Council authority to convey their demand on behalf of the community when the need arises.
With funds from MAWA Foundation, gotten from donations, the organization has been carrying out training in communities, helping local residents by building their capacity to demand public accountability from their leaders and to ensure inclusive governance.