By Soliu Owoyabu
The Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) has hosted the stakeholders in Ogun state over COVID-19 pandemic accountability and future recommendations.
WARDC is a nongovernmental organization established in year 2000 in Nigeria to support the promotion of gender equity, laws and policies strengthening in Nigeria.
The programme held on Friday with the Theme “One Day Outreach on COVID-19 Intervention by the Government and Civil Society Organizations; The Role of Freedom of Information Act” at Green Lagacy Resort, Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta the Ogun state capital.
In his remark, the Founding Director of the group, Dr. Abiola-Afolabi disclosed the journey so far of the group in ensuring continuous advocating for public accountability.
She noted the importance of self protection from contacting the pandemic if peradventure it comes back.
“we started during COVID-19. We tried to track the money for the palliative to know how it was distributed. We engaged the stakeholders like Ministry of Health, Civil society organization and other concern people, she said.
We citizens need to comply with the use Nose-Mask to protect ourselves from the pandemic and prepare for the unforeseen circumstances,” she noted.
The participants expressed their displeasure on some of the problem they encountered during the COVID-19 pandemic which includes Equitably and Inclusivity, Ethical Issues and quality assurance, Lack of protection for vulnerable groups, Information dissemination, Apathy to vaccination, Negative impact on Business, Restricted access to essential services, Preparedness and Deviation from procurement procedures.
They also make their demand from from government which can proffer solution to unforeseen circumstances.
In attendance are the Civil society organization, Community leaders, Religion leaders, representative of Ministry of Health, representative of local government service commission and host of others.