West African Civil Society Institute (WACSI) has convened a meeting with over 40 civil society organisations (CSOs) to deepen its engagement with them.
The institute led by the executive director, Nana Asantewa Afadzinu, during the meeting yesterday in Abuja, advocated for a shift in power dynamics, ensuring that civil society organisations in countries like Nigeria and Ghana are seen as equal partners in the development effort.
Afadzinu said their aim was to build trust-based, sustainable funding models that treat local organisations as vital, not secondary, players.
She said WACSI which is based in Ghana, serves all 15 ECOWAS countries.
“We recognised the need for a dedicated office here. Our new WACSI-Node in Nigeria will allow us to respond to the unique needs of civil society here more effectively,” he said.
Afadzinu added that the WACSI-Node Nigeria office would help bridge existing gaps in support and serve as a local resource for civil society.
“With numerous organisations in Nigeria seeking our support, proximity is essential. Today, we are asking how WACSI can add value to the work of these organisations and strengthen the civil society ecosystem in Nigeria so that it is effective, resilient, and sustainable,” he said.
The session brought together about 40 civil society organisations from various geopolitical zones, reflecting Nigeria’s diverse perspectives and needs.
