The Enugu state government on Monday, 7th December, 2020 engaged the citizens of the state towards the preparation of the budget of the state for 2021 fiscal year.
The event which was organized by the state’s Ministry of Budget and Planning was held at Nike Lake Resort, Enugu.
Speaking at the event, the Governor, Rt. Hon Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi said that the event which is centered on consultation of relevant stakeholders is important because “consultations helps to engender support and decisions needs to be diligently implemented and there’s no greater support than consultation,”
On citizens engagement and input into the state government’s budget, the governor who was represented by his deputy, Chief Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo stated that; “As an administration that has responsive, inclusive and accountability governance and fiscal sustainability as key element of its development agenda, this is just a formality but a deliberate and sincere attempt to activate one of the key pillars of our governance style.
“Citizens’ engagement in budget preparation gives the government the opportunity to get the citizens’ invaluable input into a key apparatus for control and management in the system of Budgeting.”
The Governor called on the people to participate fully in the process as it’s key to the success of the government.
Speaking earlier at the event, the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Dr. David Ugwunta disclosed that the essence of Citizens’ engagement is to “allow communities to participate in the process of budget preparation” because at the end of the day, they are the direct beneficiaries when the budget is implemented.
“As we are wrapping up the process of preparing the 2021 budget, we deemed it necessary to interact with citizens represented by their traditional rulers, President General of the various town unions, Youth Groups, Civil Society, etc., to come and tell us what they expect to see in 2021 budget.”
The permanent secretary, Ministry of Budget and Planning, Mr. K.C Ugwu in his remark said that the gathering is to hear from the people on what they want because the citizens is key in any social contract as obtained in a democracy like ours.
He also hinted that the interphase become important to enable the government do projects that will be beneficial to each community and Citizens’ participation is aimed at promoting good governance.
Also at the event are the Commissioners for Works, Gender and Women Affairs and their Health counterpart, Senior Personal Assistant to the Governor on SME, Permanent Secretaries of various ministries, Traditional rulers from all the communities in Enugu State, PGs of various Town Unions, Women and Youth Leaders, Civil Society Organisations, etc.
Below are some pictures from the event;
