OFFICE OF HON. AKIN ROTIMI, JR.
MEMBER-ELECT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
EKITI NORTH 1 (IKOLE/OYE) FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY
PATHWAY TO EXCEPTIONAL DELIVERY OF
THE R.O.L.E. OF AN ELECTED FEDERAL REPRESENTATIVE:
A Proactive Guide to Leaving No One Behind
A CONCEPT NOTEThis paper presents a proactive guide towards
preparedness for effective representation and
inclusive governance, Itis developed to enable Hon.
Akin Rotimi, Jr., a first time Member-Elect, House
of Representatives, Ekiti North 1 (Ikole/Oye)
Federal Constituency, to develop strategies that
ensure the voices of his constituents, including the
traditional institution, youth, women, people living
with disabilities, workers in the public and private
sectors, farmers, and artisans, e.tc,, are heard and
included in his legislative agenda, programs, and
interventions
The guide proposes a mix of desk research,
qualitative methods, and a few quantitative
methods to provide a reliable body of evidence that
will form a roadmap for the development of the
constituency. The document is a proactive guide to
discovering and validating the thoughts and
aspirations of constituents, and develop strategies
for addressing them, while harmonizing plans with
existing global, national, and sub-national
development agendas, the manifesto of the All
Progressives Congress (APC), as well as ongoing
efforts by development stakeholders operating in
the constituency such as entities of the state and
federal governments, elected representatives in the
Senate and State House of Assembly, and
development partners. Itis designed tobe a pathway
towards harmonizing efforts and achieving agreed
developmental goals.
Introduction:
Inclusive governance is a concept that has gained
widespread recognition as an important framework
for promoting democratic governance in Africa. It
refers to a process of decision-making that involves
a broad range of stakeholders, and enlists
marginalized and vulnerable groups, in the
governance process. This approach secks to create a
more participatory and representative political
system, where all citizens can have a say in how their
societies are governed, and where decision-making
processes are transparent, accountable, and
responsive to the needs of all citizens. Inclusive
governance recognizes that every citizen, regardless
of their gender, ethnicity, socio-economic status,
religion, or political affiliation, has a role to play in
building a prosperous and peaceful society.
In Africa, inclusive governance has become a
critical area of focus in recent years, as the continent
seeks to address a range of challenges, including
poverty, inequality, and conflict. Many African
countries have struggled to establish inclusive
governance systems, due to a range of factors,
including weak institutions, corruption, and
exclusionary political cultures, However, there is
growing recognition that inclusive governance is
critical to promoting sustainable development,
peace, and social cohesion in Africa
‘The Government of Ekiti State, under the leadership
of ILE. Governor Biodun Oyebanji, has made
considerable efforts to promote greater citizen
participation in decision-making processes,
i eaimprove the responsiveness of governance systems
to thenceds of marginalized groups, and build more
effective and accountable institutions, Inclusive
governance has thus become critical in the current
dispensation and would shape the future trajectory
of governance in Ekiti State.
Hon. Akin Rotimi, Jr. - a values oriented young
leader is thus following in this path, and is desirous
of ensuring his tenure of office as an elected
representative is built on the foundation of robust
consultation and inclusion, which would
democratize access to power, resources, and
opportunities, and encourage dialogue,
cooperation, and consensus-building among all
stakeholders in the constituency. ‘The projected
output of the process outlined in this document is
the ‘Roadmap for the Sustainable Development of
Ekiti North 1 Federal Constituency’
‘This unprecedented initiative by Hon, Akin Rotimi,
Jk. affirms that he is on the pathway to exceptional
delivery of his R.O.L.E, as an elected representative
who willleaveno one behind.
R.O.L.E.
‘The underpinning of this document is the MHR-
Elects understanding of the R.O.LE. of an effective
lected representative as follows:
+ R: Robust Representation
+ O: Diligent Oversight
Legislative Activism
Empowerment of Constituents
Priorities:
‘The entire process will be guided by the priority
areas as promised by Hon. Akin Rotimi, Jr. during
the electioneering period as follows:
+ Education
+ Health
+ Human Capital Development
+ Infrastructure
+ Security
+ Social Protection
Key Output
+ Document: ‘Roadmap for the Development
of Ekiti North | Federal Constituency”
Goals
+ To promote inclusive governance that
ensures equitable access and participation
forall members of society, regardless of their
gender, ethnicity, religion, socio-economic
status, or physical abilities
+ To enhance transparency, accountability,
and responsiveness of the Hon. Akin
Rotimi, Jr. Constituency Office.
+ To foster trust and collaboration between
government and members of society, and to
facilitate the engagement of marginalized
communities in decision-making processes.
+ To promote sustainable development that
addresses the needs of present and future
generations, and to ensure that governance
systems are aligned with the principles of
accountable stewardship and social justice.
04Objectives
+ To consult with a broad range of
stakeholders, including marginalized and
underrepresented groups, to ensure that
their perspectives and concerns are
incorporated into the strategy document.
+ To establish clear targets and indicators for
measuring progress, and to develop a
monitoring and evaluation framework to
track progress over time.
+ To provide guidance for the Hon, Akin
Rotimi, Jr. Constituency Office, in
implementing the strategy, and to build
capacity for inclusive governance at all levels
ofsociety.
+ Topromote public awareness and education
on the importance of inclusive governance,
and to foster a culture of participation and
collaboration among all members of society.
Approach
Developing a strategy document for a constituency
can be a complex process that requires a structured,
approach to ensure its effectiveness. ‘The following
approach would be used to produce a
comprehensive and effective strategy document:
+ Conduct a needs assessment: Identify the
current situation, challenges, and
opportunities. This will help us to
understand the needs and gaps that need to.
beaddressed.
+ Identify the stakeholders: Identify the
stakeholders who will be affected by the
strategy document, including government
officials, civil society organizations, private
sector entities, youth and women groups,
traditional institution, e.t.c.
+ Consultation and engagement: Engage
stakeholders in consultations to gather their
input and perspectives. This would be done
through interviews, focus group
discussions, surveys, e.tc. It is essential to
ensure that the consultation process is
inclusive and participatory.
05
Develop a framework: Develop a framework
that outlines the goals and targets, as well as
the key strategies and actions required to
achieve them, ‘This would include a detailed
action plan with timelines, roles, and
responsibilities for each stakeholder.
Prioritize actions: Prioritize actions based
on available resources, as well as their
impact and feasibility. It is essential to
ensure that the actions are realistic,
achievable, and integrated
Develop monitoring and evaluation
framework: Develop a monitoring and
evaluation framework to measure the
progress and impact of the strategy
document. This should include indicators,
targets, and data collection methods.
Validation: We would hold validation
sessions with key stakeholders to ensure
they agree with the final draft of the strategy
document.
Finalize the strategy document: Review and
finalize the strategy document, ensuring
that it is comprehensive, coherent, and
feasible.
Communication and dissemination
Communicate the strategy document to all
stakeholders and the wider public. ‘This
would be done through townhall meetings,
online platforms, and other
communication channels,Theme:
+ Leaving No One Behind.
Project Description:
‘This exercise is a governance, socioeconomic,
ethnographic research, and policy strategy
development project.
Methodology:
We shall be implementing a mix of desk research,
largely qualitative methods, and a few quantitative
methods. The desk research will involve a review of
existing literature on inclusive government and
representation. ‘he qualitative methods will
comprise focus group discussions and key
informant interviews with a diverse range of
stakeholders, including young people, women,
people living with disabilities, workers in the public
and private sectors, farmers, and artisans, The
quantitative methods will involve surveys of a
representative sample of the constituency.
Stakeholders Mapping:
+ Office of the Senator-Elect for Ekiti North
senatorial district.
+ Offices of Members of House of Assembly-
Elect in the constituency (Ikole 1, Ikole 2,
Oye, Oye2).
+ LGA / LCDA Executives in the
constituency.
+ Traditional Institutions (Kabiyesis of 41
communities, chiefs, e.tc.),
+ Town Unions (Existing development unions
of the 41 communities).
+ People with Disabilities
+ Youth Groups
+ Women Groups
+ Tradeand Artisan Unions
+ Civil Society Groupsin the State
+ Security Agencies
+ Non-Indigenes
+ Religious Bodies
Conclusion:
‘This proactive guide for preparedness for effective
representation and inclusive governance is an
essential tool for policymakers and political leaders
seeking to promote inclusive government and
representation. The success of this initiative would
establish a healthy precedent for future elected
representatives across the country and beyond, and
for all public servants, policymakers, and political
leaders, who should adopt similar approaches to
enable them build inclusive governments that cater
to the needs of all members of their societies, and
leaves no one behind.Proposed Schedule of Activities:
S/No.| Activity Format Dates
T | Consultations Letters May, 2023
2 Request for Submissions May, 2023
3 | Focus Group Discussions _ | Education May, 2023
4 Health May, 2023
5 Human Capital Development May, 2023
6 Tafrastructare May, 2023
7 Security May, 2023
8 Social Protection May, 2023
9 | Validation Sessions Constituency Townhall meeting 7 June 3, 2023
Online
10 | Stakeholders Engagement / | Townhall meeting in Abuja / Online _ | June 14, 2023
11 _ | Presentation of Roadmap | Constituency Townhall meeting June 17, 2023
References:
United Nations Development Programme. (2017). Mainstreaming the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development: A Handbook for Policy-Makers and Other Stakeholders.
Retrieved from:
https://www.undp.org/content/dam/undp/library/corporate/brochure/SDGs/Mainstreaming_203
0_Agenda_Handbook_for_Policy_Makers_and_Stakeholders.pdf
World Bank Group. (2013). Inclusion Matters: The Foundation for Shared Prosperity. Retrieved
from:
https://www.worldbank.org/content/dam/Worldbank/document/SDN/background-note
inclusion-matters-the-foundation-for-shared-prosper
Collaborating Organization