News report from News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) stated that a non-governmental organisation Connected Development (CODE), has urged residents of Badari Ward in the Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara State to actively engage their lawmakers for the sake of community development.

During a programme titled "Voice of Change" held on Saturday in Ilorin, CODE representative Kehinde Akinsola enlightened community members on their rights and duties as citizens, emphasizing the importance of making informed requests to their lawmakers. The programme used an open parley platform to help participants better understand the roles and limitations of lawmakers.

The guest speaker and Head of Political Science Department, University of Ilorin, Dr Adebola Bakare, emphasised the need to outline legislative functions and citizens’ powers.

He stressed that citizens should know their responsibilities towards their representatives.

Mr Bakare stated, “We must educate citizens on lawmakers’ roles, lawmaking, oversight, representation and budgeting, and how these relate to them. Citizens must understand their responsibilities towards their representatives and not rely solely on them for personal problems.’’

Mr Bakare advised citizens to think creatively about generating income and not depend on politicians.

“In today’s globalised world, it’s essential to diversify income streams,” he said.

The President of Badari Ward Progressive Association, Sulaiman Ahmed, urged lawmakers to conduct needs assessments in the community before implementing projects.

Also, the Publicity Secretary of the Association, Abdulfatai Ayo, charged community members to take ownership of government projects.

Eighty-one community members participated in the enlightenment programme.

The programme is being held across six states in the six geopolitical zones and is organised by CODE with support from Magamba Africa.