The three-day Capacity Strengthening Workshop on LGA Governance in Gombe State brought together Executive Chairmen, Vice-Chairpersons, and Directors of Budget from Adamawa State to enhance their skills in gender-responsive planning, budgeting, and inclusive leadership. This engagement forms part of the European Union-funded programme, Supporting Sustainable Social Protection, Participation and Economic Inclusion, implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and dRPC across Abuja, Borno, Adamawa, and Gombe States, aimed at strengthening governance systems, promoting equitable service delivery, and fostering meaningful participation, particularly for women and marginalized groups.
The workshop created an immersive, participatory environment where political and technical leaders explored key concepts in gender-responsive local government administration and budgeting. Participants deepened their understanding of national and state gender policies and legal frameworks and examined practical ways to apply these principles in LGA governance and service delivery. The sessions also addressed gender-responsive approaches to internally displaced persons governance in Adamawa State, providing a context-specific focus for local challenges.
Through group exercises, role plays, and team-based problem-solving, participants identified system-level and institutional barriers that limit the influence of women and Vice-Chairpersons in budgeting and decision-making. They collaboratively developed strategies to overcome these barriers, foster inclusive leadership, and strengthen collaboration within their LGAs.
A central component of the workshop was the development of personalized action plans, which outline concrete steps for implementing gender-responsive initiatives and establishing follow-up mechanisms to track progress. By equipping local government leaders with the knowledge, practical tools, and commitments necessary for action, the programme advances more inclusive, accountable, and equitable governance in Adamawa State, building on similar initiatives previously held in Abuja and Borno States.
