USAID State2State Trains Kebbi Stakeholders on Community Development Planning for Health Sector Priorities

 

By Mansur Danjuma Sanchi

The USAID Nigeria State Accountability, Transparency, and Effectiveness (State2State) Activity has successfully trained key stakeholders in Kebbi State on the use of Community Development Planning (CDP) to identify health sector priorities. The training, which took place in Birnin Kebbi from August 28 to 30, 2024, aimed to enhance participants' capacity to identify health-related service delivery gaps using the CDP template. This initiative is a significant step towards achieving the objectives of the CDP.

The training was attended by representatives from Health MDAs, Civil Society Organizations, Community-Based Organizations, Traditional Leaders, and other critical stakeholders from the four Emirates of Kebbi State. The event also saw participation from Emirate Health Focal Persons, Ward Development Committee Chairmen, Women Leaders, and representatives of People with Disabilities. Officials from the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and USAID State2State were also present.

Dr. Abubakar A. Koko, the District Head of Lani in Koko Besse Local Government, expressed gratitude to the State Government and USAID State2State for organizing the training, which he described as the first of its kind. He emphasized the importance of applying the knowledge gained to ensure the inclusion of rural communities in the state's budgeting process.

Comrade Umar Haruna Musa, representing the Kungiyan Tallafin Mata Development Initiative, noted that the training had strengthened their understanding of power relations, community development plans, and how to support communities in developing their plans for inclusion in the public budget. Similarly, Hafsat Muhammad from the Joint National Association of People with Disabilities (JONAPID) called for continued support for people with disabilities.

The three-day training was facilitated by Mr. Stephen John, a CE/CB Consultant with USAID State2State. The program featured pre- and post-tests, group work, and interactive sessions on writing CDPs for inclusion in the public budget.

Overall, the training was a vital opportunity for stakeholders to enhance their skills in community development planning, advocacy, and inclusive budgeting for the health sector in Kebbi State.