By Dave Okpogadie, Asaba
The Delta State Civil Society Organisations Forum, (DELCOF) has said that the primary aim of the organization was to partner the government in order to promote good governance, unity, and development across the state.
Comrade Sheriff Mulade made this clarification in Asaba during the inauguration of the forum Exco.
Mulade, who disclosed that DELCOF has over 250 members, also noted that the group was not anti-government, adding that though the group was apolitical, the group’s aim is to support and compliment the activities of government and attract development to the state.
“The primary aim and purpose of this forum is to complement, support and implement developmental efforts of the government of the state and also use the opportunity to attract donors especially developmental donors to Delta state.”
Citing developmental strives of Civil Society Organisations in other parts of Nigeria, Comrade Mulade noted that Civil Society Organisations as a coalition and as network, work across and attract projects to the states.
“Government alone cannot provide the needed development in the state. We have come together to strengthen ourselves as Civil Societies to help the government and to help the society.”
Mulade maintained that DELCOF was enjoying effective partnership with the state government for sustainable development in the state, adding that the mission of the forum was to promote good governance, assist the vulnerable, give voice to the voiceless where necessary.
He added that DELCOF as a body also serves as a link between member organisations and relevant government MDAs in other to promote general understanding and cooperation.
He commended Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for appointing members of Civil Society Organisations into his government, adding that Okowa’s administration had listened to the yearning of the people
In his remark, a co-convener of DELCOF and chairman, Transition Monitoring Group, Delta state, Pastor Egedegbe Edewor, said they had come together to see how they could galvanise their contents and expertise towards attracting funds and development to the state.
He added that there was no ulterior motives behind their coming together other than complementing the efforts of whoever was in power to give the dividends of democracy to Deltans.
Highlight of the event was the inauguration of the Exco led by Dr Andrew Agboroh as Chairman while members of the Board of Trustees were in attendance.