KONGONET, Stakeholders Advocate Self-Regulatory Framework for CSOs in Kogi
Stakeholders at a one-day training organised by the Kogi NGO Network (KONGONET) in collaboration with the Ethics and Good Leadership Awareness Initiative (EGLAI) have advocated the adoption of a self-regulatory framework for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Kogi State.
Participants at the training, titled “Step-Down Training on Scaling Adaptation of Self-Regulatory Framework for CSOs in Kogi State,” described the initiative as timely and necessary for strengthening transparency and accountability within the non-profit sector.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of KONGONET, Hamza Aliyu, urged participants to pay close attention to the sessions, noting that there are no specialized institutions dedicated to teaching the principles and practice of self-regulation for civil society organizations.
According to him, self-regulation remains a better option than waiting for government-imposed regulations.
Speaking on the objectives of the training, Barr. Lilian Okolo said the programme was designed to serve as a guide for participants and equip them with the knowledge required to strengthen civil society operations in Kogi State.
She explained that the overall goal of the training was to build the capacity of CSOs to adopt and adapt the Self-Regulatory Framework, thereby promoting transparency, accountability and effectiveness in the sector.
Barr. Okolo stated that by the end of the training, participants were expected to understand the landscape of civil society organizations in Nigeria, including their types, roles, legal status and operational realities.
She added that participants would also be able to identify and apply the Nigerian CSO Minimum Standards of Operation, explain the rationale and modalities for self-regulation, understand the Hybrid Self-Regulation Model for Nigerian non-profits, and develop action plans for implementing and scaling the framework within their respective organizations.
She urged participants to engage actively during the sessions, stressing that their experiences, questions and contributions would enrich the learning process.
Barr. Okolo noted that self-regulation should not be seen as a burden but as a badge of honour that demonstrates integrity and commitment to good governance.
According to her, the adoption of a self-regulatory framework would enhance the credibility, sustainability and impact of civil society organizations in Kogi State.
More than twenty Civil Society Organizations were represented at the one-day capacity-building programme.
