Dorathy Foundation Launches Strategic Policy Blueprint for Niger State

By YM Bina

Dorothy Njemanze Foundation has launched a three year Strategic Policy Blueprint aimed at addressing citizens’ needs and promoting inclusive governance in Niger State.

The launching of Niger State Strategic Policy Blueprint for the advancement of citizens’ needs and Charter of Demands was held in Minna brought together, CSOs, partners, traditional and religious leaders.

The Blueprint, covering the period from twenty twenty six to twenty twenty nine, focuses on key areas including economic opportunities, education, healthcare, security, infrastructure and citizens’ participation in governance.

Speaking at the launch, the Executive Director of Dorothy Njemanze Foundation, Dorothy Njemanze said the document was developed through stakeholders engagements, a Citizens’ Needs Assessment and a Citizens’ Charter of Demands to identify the priorities and challenges affecting residents of the state.

The Executive Director explained that the Blueprint provides a framework for translating citizens’ needs into practical policy interventions, with clearly identified priority areas, responsible institutions, timelines, budget implications and indicators for measuring progress.

She noted that incorporating a gender perspective into policymaking would help identify inequalities and ensure that government interventions respond to the different needs of individuals, families and communities.

Dorothy Njemanze urged the Niger State Government, Ministries, Departments and Agencies to integrate the Blueprint’s recommendations into their planning and budgeting processes, stressed that the success of the Blueprint would depend on adequate funding, effective implementation and regular monitoring of government commitments.

She also called on civil society organisations, community groups and political parties to use the document to strengthen advocacy, monitor government commitments and ensure that citizens’ priorities are reflected in political manifestoes and post-election programmes.

The Executive Director called on stakeholders to take ownership of the Blueprint and ensure that it becomes a practical tool for accountability, improved service delivery and sustainable development in Niger State.

In his remarks, Niger state Coordinator National Human Rights Commission, Dr Nuhu Mohammed, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to protecting women’s rights and ensuring their inclusion in governance, education, healthcare and economic empowerment.

The Coordinator emphasised that access to healthcare, education, livelihood opportunities and participation in decision-making are fundamental human rights guaranteed by the nineteen ninety nine Constitution and anything contrary is considered violation of their rights.

He pledged to present the women’s charter and blueprint to the Niger State Government, House of Assembly and relevant MDAs  for consideration in policy formulation and budgetary allocations, urging relevant stakeholders to take ownership of the blueprint and use it to demand improved protection of their rights and greater opportunities for women across the state.

The Coordinator commended the Dorothy Njemanze Foundation, PWAN, CAPP and Heinrich Böll Stiftung for their support and contributions towards advancing women’s rights.

In their separate Contributions, the representative of Emir of Minna, Alhaji Yakubu Abubakar Bosso, the representative of CAN and other relevant stakeholders commended the organizers and assured of the continued support and cooperation to ensure the domestication of the blueprint.