The Local Government Council Sensitization exercise in Akwa Ibom State which took place in the months of April and May 2010 was a tremendous success.

The objective of the exercise was sensitization of the cross session of the community members at the onset of the project, particularly traditional/Community leaders on the long term benefits of the programmes’ projects to ensure sustainability and arouse interest. To encourage the full integration of women and youths in the programme.

The methodology included official correspondences supported with phone calls and messages to secure appointments for the forum. Each of the 31 Local Government Councils in Akwa Ibom State was expected to assemble for the forum at their Local government Headquarters. The assembly was to include women and youth representatives, traditional and community leaders especially from participating communities, council officials as well as the Executive Chairman of the Council.

The Agenda for the Exercise included:

• Presentation of the comprehensive scope of the MPP9 Programme.

• Presentation of content and details of final infrastructure designs

• Discussions, questions and answers.

Emerging issues:

• Community members turned out promptly for the forum

• So far we have reached out to stakeholders in 27 Local Government Areas.

• Community representatives demonstrated readiness and willingness to participate in the project.

• All the LGAs visited pledged their commitment and support for the project. They already have some funds put aside for their counterpart support.

• However, the level of women participation in the process is still low.

• Some of the councils appeared almost deserted for days/weeks. We observed a gap between the leaders and the led.

• In all, the need for greater women, youth participation in decision making and development from the family to the larger society was reinforced.

By involving a broad range of stakeholders including state and local government departments, CSOs, community leaders and community groups from initial stages of the project, we anticipate that the relationship and the linkages formed between these groups is one that will continue long beyond the life of this project. Participation and ownership by the participants from the start of the project will support its sustainability.