The Abia State CSO Champions have come up with a six months strategic work plan to ensure the implementations of the five- point resolutions it agreed upon during the South-East Regional Capacity Development Training on Civil Society Organisation (CSO) Self-Regulation held n Enugu recently.
In a communique signed by Amaka Biachi Esq, of the African Centre for Human Advancement and Resource Support (CHARS-Africa) – Lead Organisation, the group identified Sensitisation and Awareness Creation, Periodic publication of advocacy materials on CSO self-regulation and the need for harmonization of CSO registration frameworks, and Convening of periodic meetings of CSOs in Abia State to deepen awareness and build consensus as some of the plans to achieve the desired results .
Here is the Communique made available to DECENCY GLOBAL NEWS.
COMMUNIQUÉ
Issued at the End of the South-East Regional Capacity Development Training on Civil Society Organisation (CSO) Self-Regulation, Held in Enugu, January 21–22, 2026 and made public on 29th January, 2026.
By: Abia State CSO Champions
PREAMBLE
We, members of the Abia State CSO Champions, comprising:
1. African Centre for Human Advancement and Resource Support (CHARS-Africa) – Lead Organisation, represented by Amaka Biachi, Esq.
2. Vivacious Development Initiative (VIDI) – represented by Amb. OnyinyeChi Joy Nwosu
3. Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS) – represented by Okoye, Chuka Peter
4. Society for Human Rights Advocacy and Development (SO HAD) – represented by Cassius Ukwugbe
5. Youth and Students Advocates for Development Initiative (YSAD) – represented by Obinna Nwagbara,
6. Mr. Godfrey Opurum Jr. of BusinessDay Media, and
7. Jovian Youth Education & Leadership Development Initiative , (JELDI), represented by Mr Nwadinobi Okezie
having participated actively in the South-East Regional Capacity Development Training on CSO Self-Regulation, organized by the Ethics and Good Leadership Awareness Initiative (EGLAI) in partnership with the EU CSO Strengthening Bridge Project (EU CSO Bridge) implemented by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), held at Aaron’s Place, Independence Layout, Enugu, from January 21 to 22, 2026, hereby issue this communiqué on this day, 29th January, 2026.
BACKGROUND
The two-day intensive capacity-building workshop brought together civil society actors and media practitioners from across the South-East region to deepen understanding of the Hybrid CSO Self-Regulation Framework, strengthen accountability systems, promote ethical leadership, encourage peer collaboration, and advance coordinated advocacy for a more enabling civic space in Nigeria.
The training further emphasized the urgent need for self-regulation within the civil society sector as a strategic pathway to enhancing credibility, transparency, trust, good governance, and effective service delivery, while also resisting undue governmental restrictions and safeguarding civic freedoms.
KEY OBSERVATIONS
Participants observed that:
1. Weak internal accountability mechanisms and fragmented registration frameworks have contributed to declining public trust in some CSOs.
2. Effective CSO self-regulation enhances credibility, legitimacy, boosts public confidence, and protects civic space.
3. Harmonization of CSO registration and operational standards is necessary to reduce regulatory bottlenecks and promote institutional sustainability.
4. Collaboration, peer learning, and coordinated advocacy are essential for strengthening the civil society ecosystem in Abia State and the wider South-East region.
RESOLUTIONS
Following extensive deliberations, the Abia State CSO Champions resolved as follows:
1. To champion the adoption and institutionalization of the CSO Self-Regulation Framework in Abia State.
2. To promote ethical leadership, transparency, accountability, and peer learning among CSOs.
3. To sustain inter-state and regional collaboration for enhanced advocacy impact and democratic governance.
4. To establish a functional platform for CSO self-regulation compliance in Abia State, serving as a coordination, learning, accountability, and advocacy hub., and
5. Also to champion the adaptation of a harmonised CSO registration framework in Abia State.
SIX-MONTH STRATEGIC WORK PLAN (February – July 2026)
To actualize these resolutions, the Abia State CSO Champions unanimously adopted a six (6) months strategic work plan, structured under the following pillars:
I. Sensitisation and Awareness Creation
✓ Publication and dissemination of this Communiqué and a joint Press Release on the training and self-regulation initiative.
✓ Periodic publication of advocacy materials on CSO self-regulation and the need for harmonization of CSO registration frameworks.
✓ Convening of periodic meetings of CSOs in Abia State to deepen awareness and build consensus.
✓ Organization of periodic radio programmes and media engagements to expand public understanding and support.
✓ Conduct of step-down trainings for CSOs across Abia State.
✓ Strategic media engagement by the Abia State CSO Champions to amplify advocacy messages.
II. Advocacy on CSO Self-Regulation Compliance & Harmonization of CSO Registration Framework
✓ Development and dispatch of advocacy letters to relevant state and non-state actors.
✓ Working visits and advocacy engagements with government institutions, regulatory agencies, the legislature, traditional institutions, and development partners.
✓ Engagement of media stakeholders to promote policy dialogue and public accountability on civic space protection.
III. Step-Down Training, Monitoring and Evaluation
✓ Sustained stakeholders’ engagement sessions.
✓ Implementation of step-down capacity development trainings for grassroots CSOs.
✓ Establishment of monitoring, evaluation, documentation, and reporting mechanisms to track progress and outcomes.
COMMITMENT
We reaffirm our collective commitment to promoting ethical standards, institutional accountability, democratic governance, and strengthened civic space in Abia State through sustained collaboration, advocacy, and capacity development.
We further pledge to work constructively with government institutions, development partners, the media, and community stakeholders, while upholding the independence and integrity of civil society.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We sincerely commend the Ethics and Good Leadership Awareness Initiative (EGLAI), led by Dr. Harry Udoh, the EU CSO Strengthening Bridge Project, and International IDEA for this timely, strategic, and impactful intervention. We also acknowledge Mrs. Elizabeth Okwori, Shiiwa Mnenga, and the entire organizing team for their effective coordination and delivery of the programme.
Signed:
Abia State CSO Champions
✓ Amaka Biachi, Esq.
Lead Representative, CHARS-Africa
✓ Amb. OnyinyeChi Joy Nwosu
Representative, VIDI
✓ Okoye, Chuka Peter
Representative, CEHRAWS
✓ Cassius Ukwugbe
Representative, SOHAD
✓ Obinna Nwagbara
Representative, YSAD
✓ Mr. Godfrey Opurum Jr. of BusinessDay Media
✓ Mr Nwadinobi Okezie ,Representative JELDI
Date: January 29, 2026
Venue: Aba, Abia State.
