Policy Shapers, a civic-tech organisation, has unveiled a 25-year development blueprint for Rivers state.
The initiative, dubbed “Rivers 2050 Vision”, aims to chart a course for sustainable development across all 23 local government areas of the state through citizen collaboration.
As part of the launch, the non-profit opened a statewide survey, inviting residents to share their aspirations and priorities for the future.
The organisation, in a statement on Tuesday, said the survey will form a crucial foundation for the visioning process.
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Ebenezar Wikina, founder of Policy Shapers, emphasised the importance of citizen involvement.
He said over 100 young professionals have joined the Rivers 2050 Task Force.
Wikina said they are to work in sub-committees to engage communities through town hall meetings, interviews, and focus groups.
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He said a steering committee has been appointed to provide leadership and strategic direction for the project.
The committee members include Udokanma Georgewill, Wisdom Chapp-Jumbo, Awajimimam Egop, Mmesoma Augustine, and Birah Zorbai.
The insights gathered, Wikina added, will culminate in a citizen-authored document outlining practical aspirations for the state’s future.
“We believe that the future of public policy must be co-created by the people it is meant to serve,” Wikina said.
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“This project is not just about a document; it’s about building a civic culture of participation, imagination, and accountability.”
The official project website for the Rivers 2050 Vision is to launch on April 30, providing updates and opportunities for public involvement.
In 2022, Policy Shapers ran a campaign challenging discriminatory English testing for international students from English-speaking countries.
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