The African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (ACLSD), in partnership with the International Peace and Civic Responsibility Centre (IPCRC), has held a one-day capacity-building workshop for Local Government Chairmen in Anambra State, Tuesday, January 3, 2026 aimed at strengthening grassroots governance and improving service delivery.lm.
The workshop, which took place in Awka, Anambra State, was themed “Strengthening Local Government System for Effective Administration, Accountability and Service Delivery IN Anambra State.” It brought together Local Government Chairmen, senior council officials, policy experts, development practitioners, and representatives of civil society organizations.
Declaring the workshop open, the leadership of ACLSD, Mr Monday Osasah respresented by Itia Otabor the director of strategy LSD, underscored the importance of local governments as the closest tier of government to the people. They noted that effective local government administration is central to democratic governance, socio-economic development, and citizens’ trust in government. According to the organizers, the training was designed to enhance leadership capacity, institutional efficiency, and accountability among elected local government officials.
In a keynote address, the Executive Director of ACLSD, stated that many of the developmental challenges facing communities stem from weak administrative structures, limited technical capacity, and inadequate accountability mechanisms at the local government level. He emphasized that empowering local government leaders with the right skills and knowledge would translate into improved public service delivery and inclusive development.
Representatives of the International Peace and Civic Responsibility Centre (IPCRC) who spoke on behalf of the president, Prince Chris Azor highlighted the strong connection between good governance, peace, and civic engagement. They explained that transparent and accountable local government systems help reduce conflicts, promote social cohesion, and encourage citizens’ participation in governance processes.
On his part, Hon. Tony Collins Nwabunwanne, Anambra Commissioner for LG and Chieftaincy Matters, said he was fulfilled at the event.
He noted that he was impressed with the papers delivered, especially that part that mentioned that leadership choice, commitment to the people strengthen the local government.
Hon. Nwabunwanne however highlighted the need for Mayors to create a better working relationship between themselves and their supervisory counsellors as well as the civil servants of the local government for the progress of the local government.
The workshop featured in-depth technical sessions facilitated by governance and public administration experts. Key areas covered included effective public sector leadership, financial management and budget transparency, revenue generation strategies, anti-corruption practices, participatory governance, and monitoring and evaluation of local government projects. Participants were also trained on strategies for engaging communities, strengthening town union collaborations, and responding to citizens’ needs in a timely and inclusive manner.
Interactive group discussions allowed participants to examine the specific challenges facing local governments in Anambra State, such as limited funding, political interference, weak institutional frameworks, and inadequate data for planning. Through these sessions, participants shared experiences, best practices, and practical solutions tailored to their respective local government areas.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, one of the Local Government Chairmen described the workshop as timely and impactful, noting that it provided practical tools for improving governance at the grassroots. He expressed optimism that the knowledge gained would help chairmen strengthen accountability, manage public resources more efficiently, and deliver quality services to their communities.
The workshop concluded with a communiqué calling for continuous capacity-building programmes, stronger collaboration between state and local governments, and sustained engagement with civil society organizations. Participants also emphasized the need for policy reforms that would enhance local government autonomy and operational efficiency.
ACLSD and IPCRC reaffirmed their commitment to promoting leadership development, accountable governance, and peacebuilding in Anambra State and across Nigeria. They stressed that strengthening the local government system remains a critical step toward achieving sustainable development, responsive governance, and improved quality of life for citizens at the grassroots.
