The governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has assured the citizens that the era of having projects that aren’t executed is gone.
The Governor gave the assurance on Wednesday, 24th November, 2021 during the ‘Citizen’s Engagement On The 2022 Budget’ organised by the Ministry of Budget and Planning.
“Never again, shall we be presented with a catalogue of projects that are never executed. This government is prepared and have always taken practical steps in identifying projects that are achievable and in the best interest of our people,” the Governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Simon Ortuanya said.
Prof Ortuanya stated that the Citizen’s Engagement “provides an opportunity for the citizens of the state to contribute in the projects the government is going to undertake in the next fiscal year. It’s an opportunity for the citizens of the state to take ownership of the budget that is being proposed and contribute their ideas about government’s developmental plans.
Speaking on transparency in the administration of Ugwuanyi, Professor Ortuanya said this was demonstrated when the government signed up for the open government partnership.
“The administration signed up to the open government partnership, in signing that document, the government has offered itself to openness, inclusiveness and transparency in budgeting procedure.”
In his presentation at the event held at Nike Lake Resort Enugu, the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Dr. David O. Ugwunta thanked the participants for coming and enjoined them to contribute meaningfully in the discussion as the government is ready to listen to them and make a people oriented budget which has been the hallmark of Governor Ugwuanyi’s administration.
“Citizens’ Engagement provides us the platform for interaction between the people (Citizens) and Government. Today’s Citizens’ engagement is on the 2022 Budget of which it’s preparation process is gradually coming to an end. What we are here to do today is to get your inputs into the 2022 Budget particularly in the areas that you think will be beneficial to the citizens and inhabitants of Enugu State. What we do today will enable us come up with a budget that addresses the yearnings of our people in 2022 and beyond. This is because your contributions will be given adequate attention.”
In his goodwill message, the Chairman of Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, Ambassador Lawrence Agubuzo, applauded the Governor of Enugu State for the opportunity given to the people to join in the preparation of their budget.
“Since our Governor took office, it has been the mantra of his administration to ensure the proper involvement of the people in whatever the government is doing which is demonstrated in what we are doing today.”
He also thanked the Commissioner for Budget and Planning for emulating his principal- the Governor in the way he relates with the people and encourage him to continue in this path.
Also, the Chairman of Presidents of Town Unions in Enugu State, Barr. Paully Eze thanked the Governor for the transparency he has shown since assuming office and also involving the people in whatever he’s doing.
The event was attended by Members of the State Executive Council, Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Agencies, Traditional Rulers, Town Union Leaders, Faith Based Organisations, Civil Society Organisations, Youths and Women leaders.
