Applauding Kaduna South’s OGP Action Plan -By Abdullahi Abubakar Ladan

The draft LAP, meticulously crafted by the OGP Steering Committee, addresses critical areas that resonate deeply with the everyday struggles of Kaduna South’s residents. It commits to bolstering healthcare through the provision of more health centres, essential medical equipment, recruitment of personnel, and enhanced monitoring of primary healthcare facilities. Special emphasis is placed on improving access to quality services for marginalized groups—women, youth, and persons with disabilities—while tackling longstanding issues like limited funding, insufficient training, worker shortages, inadequate incentives, ambulance availability, and supportive supervision. These commitments align seamlessly with Kaduna State’s SUSTAIN Agenda, promoting participatory decision-making where citizens are not mere beneficiaries but active leaders in shaping policies.

What makes this initiative particularly praiseworthy is its collaborative spirit. The plan envisions implementation through partnerships between government, civil society, and stakeholders, with robust monitoring mechanisms incorporating citizen feedback, performance reviews, and ongoing input to drive impactful, long-term change. Hon. Rayyan Hussein’s leadership in making Kaduna South the first LGA in Kaduna State-and the third in Nigeria-to join the OGP in July 2025 deserves special recognition. His quote in the press release captures the essence: “When we open our governance to the people, amazing things start to happen. Trust builds, services improve, and our community grows stronger.” Indeed, this is the kind of visionary approach that can rebuild public confidence in local administration.

Dr. Suleiman Tanko, the Citizens Co-Chair of the OGP Secretariat, echoes this optimism, noting that the draft’s completion reflects the fruits of government-citizen collaboration. As someone who has long championed transparency in Nigeria, I see this as a model for other local governments. Kaduna South’s historic entry into the OGP, an international platform established in 2011 to foster open, accountable, and responsive governments, positions it as a pioneer in domestic reforms. By opening the draft for public review via the accessible Google Docs link (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1c6m2rukFotZE6JxLDMHAKtTCbIYnxtWr/edit), and inviting feedback until October 31, 2025, through email (kadunasouthlgaogp@gmail.com) or direct comments, Hon. Rayyan Hussein is ensuring that the final plan truly mirrors the community’s needs.

To my fellow citizens in Kaduna South and beyond: this is your moment to act. Whether you are a member of a Civil Society Organisation (CSO), Community-Based Organisation (CBO), union, or simply an concerned individual, your input can refine this plan and make it even more effective. Imagine a Kaduna South where healthcare is equitable, decisions are inclusive, and governance is transparent-this is within reach if we participate. I encourage you to review the draft, share your thoughts, and hold the leadership accountable. Such engagement not only strengthens the plan but also fosters a culture of ownership that sustains progress.