In the pursuit of promoting transparency and fairness in external funding, Caritas Africa in conjunction with Caritas Nigeria on the 6th of October, 2023 had a round table discussion in Katsina-Ala Diocese on the topic: “Transparency in the utilisation of externally borrowed funds and equity in the allocation of special drawing Rights: The position of faith-based and other Non-state actors in Nigeria. The Department of the Foundation for Justice, Development, and Peace (FJDP) Katsina-Ala Diocese mobilised participants across the board, ranging from the Muslim community and other religious denominations and some relevant stakeholders to foster a way forward.
The objective of this gathering was to engage faith-based leaders and stakeholders in a collaborative effort to ensure that external funding is utilized in a manner that aligns with the principles of transparency and fairness. Transparency in the management of funds is crucial to uphold the trust and confidence of the public. This becomes even more imperative when external funding is involved, as it comes from sources outside the immediate community or organization. Ensuring that these funds are utilized for their intended purposes is of utmost importance to both the donor and the recipient.
One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the establishment of clear guidelines and procedures for the management of external funding. These guidelines ensure that funds are allocated and disbursed in a fair and transparent manner. Additionally, mechanisms were put in place to monitor the utilisation of funds and to hold accountable those responsible for their management.
The Catholic Bishop of Katsina-Ala Diocese Most. Revd Isaac Bundepuun Dugu in his keynote address appreciated all the guests for honoring the invitation through FJDP. He thanked the IMAMS and other Pastors present; the team from Caritas Nigeria ably led by Mr. Joseph Nkamuke Lead Good Governance Unit, Ashi Waves FM Radio Katsina-Ala, Catholic Star newspaper, and Daily Asset newspaper. He encouraged the FJDP Coordinator to make sure that this collaboration with the other blocks does not only stop but should be strengthened for more discussions in the future. He lauded the importance of the topic for discussion and outlined some causes for the setbacks in the country such as; bad leadership, natural disasters, and poverty not mindless of the statement of the Catholic Bishops to the G7 leaders, that about 149 million people are suffering from food insecurity and urged all to continue to work for the good of all.
The meeting ended on a happy note with lessons learned for a better society.
