In fulfillment of the 8 points agenda, the Enugu State Citizen friendly Governor, has reiterated his commitment to open government partnership during the occasion of the One Day Citizens Engagement on the 2022 Budget convened by the Ministry of Budget and Planning at Nike Lake Resort.
In a Keynote address, the Peoples Governor, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi ably represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Uchenna Eze Ortuanya reiterated that his administration from inception signed up to the open government partnership which transcends into openness, inclusiveness and transparency in the State’s budgetary procedure. Thus, the need for Citizens Engagement which creates a platform during the budget season for Citizens in the state to make inputs on developmental projects they want the government to execute in the next fiscal year.
Prof. Ortuanya noted that the administration of his Excellency put an end to the era where the people were treated with a catalogue of budget which was never executed. Hence, the government has always taken practical steps in identifying people oriented projects that are achievable in line with Section 14 subsection 2 of the Nigerian Constitution.
However, he emphasized the government’s effort to place the welfare and security of lives and properties above every other consideration.
Also at the event, the Honourable Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Dr. David Okelue Ugwunta in his address thanked the Governor Rt. Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for his transparency and accountability in governance. He pointed out that the essence of the citizens’ engagement was to carry the citizens who are the sole beneficiaries of all the government projects along in all the activities of the government.
Dr. Ugwunta added that in preparation for the 2022 budget, it was expedient to elicit inputs from the citizens of what they want the government to do in the next fiscal year and beyond.
He noted that despite the dwindling revenue witnessed in the 3rd Quarter of 2021; the State government has been committed to appropriate utilization of available resources towards human, capital and infrastructural development of the State.
Present at the event were the Honourable Commissioners for Finance; AdaOnah Kene-Uyanwune, Health; Ass. Prof. Ikechukwu Obi, Education; Prof. Uche Eze, Science and Technology; Sir Obi Kama, Youth and Sports; Manfred Nzekwe, Former Accountant General and SPA to the Governor on Financial Matters; Dr.Sir, Pascal Okolie ,PG Town Union ; Sir, Paully Eze, Permanent Secretaries and a host of others.
Other dignitaries at the event include the Council of Traditional Rulers led by Igwe Amb. Agubuzo, Women Group led by Mrs. Vera Ezeugwu, Civil Society Organizations led by Barr. Cromwell, Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria Enugu State Chapter; Rev. Emmanuel Edeh National Youth Council of Enugu State Students, Nigerian Youth Parliament, NANs, National Youth Council of Nigeria led by Him. Barth Okoh , Enugu State Female Comrades, National Youth Assembly of Nigeria, Heroine Foundation, Chairman Lead Network Africa; Mr. Chukwuma Ephraim Okenwa, AmakaChinwuba Foundation, ConnectedDevelopment, Chairman National Union of Journalists Enugu Chapter, Mr. Rex Arum.
