The Good Governance Unit of Caritas Nigeria, in collaboration with the Catholic Legislative Liaison Office (CLLO), participated in a high-level training on Legislative Advocacy and Engagement held in Cape Town, South Africa. The programme, hosted by the Catholic Parliamentary Liaison Office (CPLO) of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference, was designed to strengthen the Church’s capacity to advance people-centred legislation.
Participants explored South Africa’s democratic journey, with particular emphasis on the Church’s role in fostering an enabling environment for Civil Society Organizations to promote transparency, accountability, and effective service delivery. The training covered key advocacy competencies, including the distinction between lobbying and public policy advocacy, as well as the development of evidence-based briefing papers.
In furtherance of institutional collaboration, CLLO Nigeria’s representative, Utsa Ushahemba Vitalis, engaged with CPLO leadership to deepen cross-border partnerships. He also paid courtesy visits to the Archbishop and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cape Town, reinforcing ecclesial engagement and solidarity.
The week-long programme, which concluded on May 2, 2026, equipped participants with enhanced skills and strategic tools to promote social justice, accountable governance, and evidence-informed advocacy within the Nigerian context.
