Ebonyi state government has received commendation as the only state fully utilising the Medium Term Expenditure Framework to support effective budgeting.
The state was also rated top in the utilisation of Medium Term Sector Strategy in improving key sectors of education, health as well as Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, WASH.
The commendation was received from the United State Agency for International Development-funded State2State.
The organisation led by its State Team Lead, Sam Onyia, was in the Governor’s office recently on a courtesy visit with members of the State Transformation Committee.
- CNPP wants state creation to address regional imbalance
- ISDEVCOM, NAN partner on 6th International Conference
- Bode George faults proposed 31 new states
- Only death penalty will deter fake drug peddlers — NAFDAC DG
- Navy intercepts 16 boats loaded with 1,000 bags of rice
Stating their mission, Onyia said they were in the Governor’s office to identify with the administration and familiarize the Governor with the activities of the organisation in collaboration with the state transformation committee.
He explained that the STC was established at the inception of State2State in Ebonyi state, for the purpose of overseeing and supervising the reforms being implemented by the Organisation’s activity in the State, adding that the Committee is co-chaired by the Secretary to the State government and a representative of Civil Society Organizations.
Onyia further explained that USAID State2State started its operation in Ebonyi State on November 2, 2022, and have been working closely with the STC to provide support to the State on several governance reforms aimed at improving accountability, transparency and effectiveness, particularly towards improving governance systems in the state with focus on public financial management, procurement, improved service delivery, citizen engagement, and conflict management, among other areas.
He enumerated some of the products from State2State activities to include Ebonyi State budget manual, Ebonyi State local government manual, Ebonyi state public procurement manual, Ebonyi State Internal Revenue Strategy and basic financial instructions which are key to ensuring transparency and fighting corruption in the state, among others.
He added that State2State has organised a retreat for members of the State Executive council for improved data based management to improve governance in the state.
Stating that Ebonyi was one of the few states with the best Development Plans, he further commended the state government for effectively utilizing the platforms of the Open Government Partnership and the Community Charter of Demand Initiatives to enhance citizens’participation in governance.
Onyia emphasized: “The OGP is a very important global initiative which any state that adopts it usually uses to put itself on a global map and attract foreign direct investment to the state.
“This is also working very fine in Ebonyi State.
“The Medium Term expenditure framework is supporting budgeting effectively, and I want to commend His Excellency because the State is actually employing the MTEF.
“Ebonyi is the only state employing it 100 percent.
“The same thing applies to our medium Term Sector Strategy for the key sectors of education, health and WASH.
“More importantly is your attitude to community development through the CCD.
“Now the mother of all documents we introduced is the State Development Plan, a blueprint for economic transformation and development of Ebonyi State.
“Very few states have a development plan but Ebonyi has one, and it is the best.”
While appreciating the Governor for his support which has made all the achievements possible, he observed that the administration’s People’s Charter of Needs agenda clearly resonates with the purpose and objectives of USAID-State2State.
He added: “As a matter of fact, we have noted with gladness that your commitment to good governance and focused implementation of the reformative and transformative agenda of the People’s Charter of Needs have led to tremendous changes and achievements that are worthy of commendation.”
He pleaded with the Governor to set machinery in motion and institutionalize the State Transformation Committee for the sustainability and further improvement upon the governance reforms so far achieved in the state, even as State2State would soon close out its operation in Ebonyi State.
Receiving the visitors, Governor Francis Nwifuru applauded them for their commitment which has added value to the governance system in the state.
He assured that the state would continue to partner and support the organisation in all necessary areas to ensure that their aims and objectives are fully achieved in line with the People’s Charter of Needs agenda of his administration.
The organization, during the meeting, handed over to the Governor the documented copy of the State Development Plan.