Stakeholders Urged to Address Governance Gaps in ACHPN After Low Congress Participation
An elder statesman, Dr Abdullahi M. Jawa, has called on stakeholders to urgently address governance lapses in the Association of Community Health Practitioners of Nigeria (ACHPN).
Jawa made the call in a situational analysis following the ACHPN National Delegates Conference held on April 10 in Abuja.
He said the conference recorded less than five per cent participation, with over 80 per cent of members reportedly unaware of the congress.
The elder statesman described the development as a serious governance and legitimacy gap requiring immediate institutional reforms.
According to him, the situation reflects weak communication systems, low inclusiveness and poor engagement structures within the association.
He identified key problem areas to include poor communication flow from national to grassroots levels, weak membership database and low awareness of members’ rights.
Jawa also noted limited representation and declining trust in leadership processes, particularly in the conduct of elections.
“This is not merely an awareness issue but a governance credibility challenge that must be addressed without delay,” he said.
He emphasised the need for a comprehensive and verified national membership database to enhance effective communication.
The elder statesman recommended digital registration systems and identity management for members across all levels.
He also called for the establishment of a multi-level communication framework from national to facility levels, with designated focal persons.
Jawa advised the use of diverse communication channels, including SMS alerts, emails, WhatsApp platforms and traditional media.
He stressed that information dissemination must reach grassroots members and not be restricted to leadership levels.
On elections, he urged early and wide publicity of congress activities, recommending announcements be made at least four to eight weeks in advance.
He said details such as dates, venues, eligibility criteria and agendas must be communicated through multiple platforms.
Jawa further advocated sustained member sensitisation campaigns to educate practitioners on governance processes and participation rights.
He called for decentralised engagement through state and local government congresses to strengthen grassroots involvement.
On leadership and governance, the elder statesman urged reforms to ensure transparency, accountability and inclusiveness.
He recommended fair nomination processes, proportional representation and hybrid participation in congresses.
Jawa also called for timely publication of election guidelines, delegate lists and congress outcomes to enhance transparency.
He stressed the need for quarterly reporting by the executive committee and improved financial accountability mechanisms.
According to him, leadership capacity building in governance ethics, strategic management and communication is critical.
He further urged the establishment of conflict resolution mechanisms to address grievances and prevent internal divisions.
Jawa proposed a 90-day corrective action plan to restore confidence and strengthen institutional structures.
He said the first phase should involve acknowledgement of communication gaps and nationwide membership data updates.
The second phase, he added, should focus on state-level sensitisation and awareness campaigns on participation in governance.
Jawa said the final phase should include review of election procedures and introduction of digital notification systems.
He also identified long-term needs such as digital governance platforms, institutionalised communication policies and regular performance reviews.
The elder statesman expressed optimism that the reforms would improve awareness, participation and legitimacy within the association.
He warned that failure to address the challenges could lead to internal conflicts, loss of credibility and weakened partnerships with stakeholders.
Jawa urged all stakeholders to adopt corrective measure
