By: Amaechi Kingsley
The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Nigeria is on a study tour in Turkey to find out how the Local Governance in Turkey has effectively worked and a session was conducted with the President and Executive members of the Nigerian Community Turkey, with focus on the efficiency and effectiveness of the local governance practice in Istanbul Turkey.
The session which was held on the 30th June, 2022 in the conference hall of Grand Cevahir Hotel in Sisli –Istanbul had a team of NIPSS consisting of notable men and women from key sectors of Nigeria and Mr. Zayyad Abdussalam, Minister representing His Excellency the Nigerian Ambassador to Turkey was present.
Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Udaya Rtd. in his exposé noted that the theme for this year’s study is “Strengthening Local Governance, Challenges, Options and Opportunities”.
He explained that NIPSS which was established in 1979 had over the years remained a think-tank that helps in providing policy support and advice to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Rtd. Gen. Udaya stated that NIPSS were in Turkey to unravel how the Local Government system had thrived successfully for decades, noting that the information gathered during their study will be submitted to the Federal Government of Nigeria for consideration and adoption into the Local Government system.
He further appreciated the Nigerian Community Turkey for their presence upon the short notice to the meeting and encouraged them to remain good ambassadors of Nigeria in Turkey.
During the interactive session, the President of Nigerian Community Turkey, Prince Emre Magboh availed to NIPSS his knowledge of over 25 years in Turkey.
He enumerated his understanding of how the Governance system in Turkey functions effectively coupled with the impact it has on the Nigerian Community in Istanbul – Turkey.
He gave answers to issues of security, electricity, infrastructure maintenance, revenue generation (Tax), education, health, data management and others in the Turkish local government system.
After the 2-hour session, “NIPSS study group five senior executive course 44, 2022 presented a plaque to Prince Emre Magboh in complimenting his effort to aid their study as Prince Magboh expressed gladness for their choice of destination in furtherance to their study.
He expressed optimism that their findings if implemented will enhance local governance in Nigeria positively.
Meanwhile, NIPSS study group five senior executive course 44, 2022 were treated to a grand reception (Dinner Night) on the 1st of July, 2022 at the GT lounge, Mecidiyeköy Şişli, Istanbul courtesy of the President, NICOT, Prince E. Magboh.
The team leader of the group, Rtd. Gen. Udaya reiterated that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mohammadu Buhari had charged them to carry out the study, he added that information gathered under a-24-hour notice from the NICOT’s President gave the group an edge in their study since the arrival in Turkey.
Rtd. Gen. Udaya expressed confidence in their report so far, noting that with what they have garnered, the challenges back home will be brought to its barest minimum, he extolled the President of NICOT for his good leadership in coordinating Nigerians in Turkey and thanked NICOT for the warm reception.
The president of NICOT said the reception held in their honor was to encourage their effort in the fact finding mission for our dear country Nigeria adding that with the caliber of personalities in NIPSS, the local government system will be revamped.
He wished them a safe trip on their tours as he presented to each member of NIPSS study group five senior executive course 44, 2022 a plaque to encourage their efforts.
NIPSS study group five senior executive course 44, 2022 members includes:
Zayyad Abdussalam – Deputy Ambassador
Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Udaya (Rtd.) pslc, mni
Prof. Sunday Ochoche, fwc – Directing Staff
R Adm. A. A Adesope, mni – Directing Staff
Yakubu Mohammed Bello (Phd) – Chairman
Omoniyi Sunday Obiyinka – Deputy Chairman
Navy Capt. Kelechi Kingsley Ogbonna – Rapporteur
Col. Stephen Jacob Dogo – Asst. Rapporteur
Engr. Tijjani Usman – Welfare And Finance Officer
Kukbol Dadoh Gonji – Legal Officer
A.I.G Aishatu Abubakar – Monitor General SEC 44, 2022
CP Suleiman A. Yusuf – Security Officer
Mrs. Ninikanwa O. Okey-Uche – Deputy Monitor General, SEC 44, 2022
Brig. Gen. Florence Gyang (Rtd) – Member
Cosmas Nwadinkpa Odoh – Member
Lazarus I. Kpasaba – Member
Prof. Kamoru Olayiwola Usman – Member
