The Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) has commenced a 3-day workshop to come out with a strategic framework for interfacing with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).

Speaking at the occasion, ECOWAS Director of Gender and Civil Society Organizations, Dr. Sintiki Ugbe, said the main objective of the workshop was to determine a policy direction to govern the operations of ECOWAS structures and departments, including rules of procedures, as they seek to engage CSOs.

She added that the expected outcome of the meeting evolves a framework for effective regional cooperation, adding that the ECOWAS vision 2020 seeks to deliver meaningful development to the peoples of the region, particularly at the grassroots.

In his speech, Special Adviser to the President on Relations with Civil Societies, Prince Chineme E. Ume-Ezeoke, hailed the commission's scientific approach to strategic engagement with civil society as critical stakeholders in ensuring the delivery of its mandate in the sub-region.