BY RITA OYIBOKA
THE Delta State Government has warned that community leaders who fail to obtain official recognition, risk penalties such as fines and even jail terms.
This was disclosed yesterday by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, Hon. Pat Ajudua during a sensitisation campaign organized for members of the Community Development Association (CDA) at Government House Annex in Warri.
The meeting convened traditional rulers, President Generals (PGs), secretaries, women leaders and other key community figures to enlighten them on the implementation of the Delta State Regulation of Community Development Association Law 2021.
During the occasion, Ajudua commended the state government under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Sherrif Oborevwori for the “unwavering support and visionary leadership in promoting community development” especially with the enactment of the law.
Speaking on the law’s implementation, she stressed, “Under the law, 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.
“The ministry will oversee the process to ensure transparency and newly elected executives must obtain a certificate of recognition from the government before assuming office. Failure to comply attracts a ₦500,000 fine or a two-year prison term,” she said.
Additionally, she stressed 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.
“No parallel associations will be recognised, and all CDAs must be officially registered with the Ministry of Women Affairs after obtaining incorporation from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC),” she added.
Meanwhile, the Director of 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 who are operating illegally face a ₦250,000 fine or a one-year prison sentence.
While speaking with newsmen after the event, Ajudua urged communities to work harmoniously with traditional rulers, ensuring fair distribution of resources and funds for community development.
