IPA launches initiative to promote inclusive development, democracy

The Inclusive Progress Agenda (IPA), a non-partisan and development-focused organisation, has formally launched its activities in Kebbi State with a commitment to promoting inclusive governance, economic empowerment, and democratic accountability. 

The IPA said its mission is to ensure that development reaches every citizen, particularly women, youths and vulnerable groups.

It said this would be regardless of ethnicity, religion, location, social status, or political affiliation.

Speaking at the launch in Birnin Kebbi, the Executive Director of IPA, Ola Oyewole, said sustainable development can only be achieved through collaboration between government and credible civil society organisations. 

Oyewole called on the Kebbi State Government, Federal Government, development partners, donor agencies, financial institutions, and private sector to partner with the organisation in implementing programmes that directly improve the lives of the people.

According to him, IPA plans to facilitate access to grants and low-interest loans for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), promote skills acquisition, and vocational training, support entrepreneurship development, strengthen agricultural initiatives for rural farmers, expand digital literacy programmes for young people and implement community-based economic empowerment projects aimed at reducing poverty and creating sustainable employment.

Oyewole also announced the involvement in Election Monitoring and Civic Participation Framework designed to strengthen democracy and promote credible elections in Kebbi State. 

Under the initiative, IPA intends to deploy trained election observers across selected local government areas during future elections to encourage voter education and participation, monitor the electoral process objectively and professionally, support transparency and accountability, and produce independent reports with recommendations for improving future elections. 

The leader of the team reaffirmed that all activities would be conducted in compliance with Nigerian laws and urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, community groups, women’s and youth organisations, development partners, and other stakeholders to join the organisation in advancing inclusive development and democratic governance across Kebbi State.