The Federal Government and other stakeholders have been urged to partner with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) as a way of tackling societal ills.
The advice was given by a veteran journalist and activist, Tony Onojobi, during an interview with newsmen.
He said the partnership has become imperative given the multitude of challenges facing governments, especially in developing economies.
He noted that NGOs, in particular, were spread across various communities and, therefore, have the structure to reach rural communities for maximum effect.
“You will recall an incident involving one Mrs Taiwo Aregbeshola who recently absconded from Abeokuta, Ogun State over an attempt to circumcise her baby by her in-laws
“Her story was indeed very worrying because the young woman from what we gathered has been on the run and her whereabouts remain unknown.
“However, I am very happy that her plight has been brought to the attention of the authorities, by an NGO which raised the alarm over the incident
“Without this organisation, the plight of Mrs Aregbeshola and her baby might not have been brought to public attention, talk less of getting needed support,” he said
Continuing, Onojobi, stressed that it will do the government and the society a lot of good if such partnership is encouraged
He said NGOs perform several duties ranging from health, education law, etc, which are crucial to societal advancement.
He, therefore, tasked government at all levels to work closely with such groups as a way of reaching areas government might find difficult to reach
“As a journalist, I can say without any fear of contradiction that there are so many Mrs. Taiwo Aregbesola suffering one dehumanisation or the other partnership with NGOs will go a long way in bringing succour to such people,” he added.
