We ‘ll no longer accept your unwholesome practices, Nasarawa tells NGOs ***urges regulation of their activities.

By David Okpashi

Nasarawa state government has said it will no longer accept the unwholesome practices and activities of the Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs in the state.
This is even as the government has also expressed concern over the attitude of the NGOs which it said were not in compliance with the estant laws of the state

In order to regulate, supervise and monitor the activities of the Organizations, the state government has set up a platform to regulate, stem the access of most of the organizations in the state.

This, the government said it will henceforth be an offense for any NGO to operate in the state without being identified, register under one platform for easy monitoring and regulation in accordance with the estant law of the state.

Addressing Journalists ahead of this year’s International NGOs day, state Commissioner of Humanitarian, Social Services and Non Governmental Organisations, Margret Elayo, explained that the move was in response to the unwholesome practices and activities of the NGOs operating in Nasarawa.

According to the Commissioner, the state government under the ministry has created a platform to checkmate and ensure effective monitoring and supervision of all the NGOs in the state.

“When I assumed office as commissioner, the first thing we did as a ministry was to create a platform to enable us obtain data, information as well have the records and numbers of NGOs in the state.

“This is to ensure that we do not have a duplication where two or three NGOs carry out out the same function where other departments will be lacking.

“If you are not on that platform then you are not NGO in Nasarawa State. As a ministry, we will not accommodate or condone activities of any NGO that is not in the platform”, the commissioner declared.

She said that the ministry was collaborating with international bodies who were willing to donate funds to serious NGOs working in the state.

“There’s no point been in the state when getting funds either locally, nationally or internationally and all you do is to get an apartment, enjoy yourself and take pictures of our people and said you have contributed immensely, we will not take that,” she warned.

Elayo who however, appreciated the role of NGOs, noted that they have been instrumental to the enhancement of the lives of vulnerable people of Nasarawa state, providing essential supports to meet their basic needs.

“NGOS in other countries are heroes, working to uplift marginalized communities, protect the environment, and advocate for human rights. The issue is different in our local comm.munities.

“As we celebrate international NGO Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to collaborate with NGOs and the media, they are not adversaries but partners on a shared journey towards progress,” declared.

Elayo then called on stakeholders to join hands in celebrating the efforts of NGOs, as state anticipate further progress and the implementation of more vibrant, people-oriented projects that align with the goals SDGs.

“The commitment of the Nasarawa State Government to NGOS remains steadfast and poised to grow stronger through enhanced partnerships and increased support for NGOs Humanitarian Social Services,” she said