Women Affairs Commissioner, urged CDAs to get govt certification.

The Commissioner for women Affairs Community and Social Development Honourable Pat Ajudua has called on Community Development Associations.( CDA) to get a certificate of recognition from government. 

 Honourable Ajudua made the call during a sensitisation campaign for members of the Community Development Association (CDA) at the Government House Annex , Warri. 

 Speaking on the need for implementation of the law , she noted that the law states , that CDAs must notify the Ministry of Women Affairs six months before conducting an election, with voting taking place three months before the current leadership’s tenure expires. 

 According to her, The ministry of women Affairs,will oversee the process of elections to ensure transparency stressing that the newly elected executives of the various CDAs must obtain a certificate of recognition from the government before assuming office. 

The Women Affairs Commissioner said Failure to comply to the directives will attracts a ₦500,000 fine or a two-year prison term. 

 Honourable Ajudua opines that CDA leadership must be rotational among families, clans, villages, or quarters, with a maximum tenure of three years,

 renewable for a second term if re-elected noting that no parallel associations will be recognised, and that all CDAs must be officially registered with the Ministry of Women Affairs after obtaining incorporation from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) 

 The Women Affairs Commissioner, commended the state government under the leadership of Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori for the unwavering support and visionary leadership in promoting community development especially with the enactment of the law. 

 She urged communities to work harmoniously with traditional rulers, ensuring fair distribution of resources and funds for community development.

 Meanwhile, the Director, People’s Rights at the state Ministry of Justice, Barr. Juliet Ojeifia, reiterated the legal requirements for CDA registration, including submission of a community-approved constitution, board of trustees' details, executive members' records, and a palace endorsement to prevent disputes.

 She warned that unregistered CDAs operating illegally will face a ₦250,000 fine or a one-year prison sentence. Present at the sensitization campaign were traditional rulers, President Generals (PGs), secretaries, women leaders, and other key community figures who were enlightened on the implementation of the Delta State Regulation of Community Development Association Law 2021.