Agora Policy trains CSOs, journalists on policy analysis, advocacy

Agora Policy, an Abuja-based think tank, has trained members of civil society organisations (CSOs) and journalists on public policy analysis and advocacy. 

The two-day workshop, supported by the MacArthur Foundation, was held on Wednesday and Thursday in Lagos.

Waziri Adio, executive director of Agora Policy, said the organisation received 1,440 applications out of which 60 participants were selected for the training.

The first batch of the workshop was held in Abuja in September.

Adio said the training was designed to teach participants how policy analysis and advocacy can be done in an effective and impactful way.

During the training, Osasuyi Dirisu, executive director of the Policy Innovation Centre (PIC), made a presentation on the importance of evidence-based policymaking.

She said policies must be vetted by scientific means and local research to ensure they are applicable in a Nigerian context.

Tunji Olaopa, founder of the Ibadan School of Government and Public Policy, tutored participants on why policy-making matters.

He stressed that policies should not be made without the inputs of  government representatives, especially in the planning and researching stage.

Muhammed Shuaibu, a lecturer at the University of Abuja, spoke on the economics of public policy while Maryam Quadri, a lecturer at the University of Lagos, took a session on the political economy of public policy.

The final day of the workshop featured Samson Itodo, executive director of YIAGA Africa, who shared the policy advocacy lessons learnt from the success of the “Not too young to run” campaign led by his organisation.

He noted that participants must understand the problem that the proposed policy seeks to address and become experts on the issue.

Itodo added that a strong narrative can be used as a tool for galvanising support for the proposed policy.

Bolaji Abdullahi, former minister of sports and youth development, also shared lessons from his experience at the policymaking frontline.

He said a policy gets attention from politicians when it can make or mar their political careers.

Abdullahi added that participants must ensure politicians become aware that any proposed policy can determine poll results before it can yield reward.

Ayomide Ladipo, one of the participants and team lead of TRACKA at BudgIT, said the training helped her gain an in-depth understanding of what policy advocacy entails.

She added that the skill garnered would help her strategise more actionable policies and advocacy.

“I learnt tremendously from each of the sessions. Samson Itodo and Bolaji Abdullahi sharing their experiences and putting actions behind the theory was very eye-opening,” she said.

“The workshop is also very hands-on. I am loaded with skills that I will definitely apply to my work.”

More pictures below.