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…As Stakeholders Hail Citizens’ Participation In Budget Process
As part of the 2025 budget preparation, Itu Local Government Council has engaged critical stakeholders of the area in a town hall meeting to ensure their voices, inputs and Community needs are captured in the 2025 budget of the Council.
The consultative meeting which took place yesterday at the Council Secretariat, had major stakeholders across all the 11 wards of the LGA, including present and past political office holders, Council Executive and Legislative arms, traditional Rulers, religious leaders, Women and Youth leaders, market women, principal staff of the council, student leaders, paramilitary personnel, People with disabilities, the media, etc.
In his welcome remarks, the Executive Chairman of Itu Local Government Area, Hon Ubong Wilson stated that the essence of the occasion was to create a conducive atmosphere for, “the people to come together to express our collective dreams through budget instrument which remains the most tactical instrument for decision making. Therefore, opinions expressed today shall be translated into a comprehensive plan of action”.
The Chairman who noted that the citizens’ budget framework is in line with international best practices and the United Nations standard practice of bottom to top approach in development process, appreciated the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs as well as the Fiscal Responsibility Board for facilitating what he termed ‘the novel budgeting approach’.
He assured of his administration’s commitment to early passage and effective implementation of the new budget for 2025 fiscal year and also used the medium to speak on his administration’s agenda.
On her part, the Executive Chairman, State Secondary Education Board, Rt Hon (Dr) Ekaette Ebong Okon, an indegene of Itu LGA, lauded the process where citizens are not only actively involved in the budget preparation but also in the monitoring and implementation .
Dr Ekaette Okon commended the Council Chairman for his wisdom in ensuring wider participation and consultation of key indigenes, making the process open and all inclusive in the selection of participants irrespective of political party lines, calling for more support for the Chairman to succeed.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Akparawa James Edet, an illustrious son of the area, applauded the Itu Council boss for keying in to the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno’s model in budget planning.
Akparawa Edet who expressed delight at Governor Eno’s initiative of strategic budget planning, taking out time to interface with the leadership of all Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government in Akwa Ibom State to reprioritize items on their respective budgets, added that this would go a long way in ensuring that available funds are well utilised, thus enhancing the level of budget implementation.
“Mr Chairman, I want to commend you because you are doing exactly what the Governor is doing at the State level. With the steps you have taken, I see a new era and a great future ahead of Itu LGA in particular and Akwa Ibom State in general. Akparawa Edet, also the International President of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, called for massive support to the Chairman to enable him actualize his lofty goals for the people.
Goodwill message was delivered by the Paramount Ruler of Itu, HRM Edidem Edet A Inyang.
The Director General, Fiscal Responsibility Board, represented by the Head of Legal Department of the Board, spoke on the Legal Framework for Stakeholders engagement in the Local Government budget process while the Head of PRS, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Patrick Ikotidem highlighted the fundamental principles of Citizens budget.
Present was the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, represented by the Director of Inspectorate, Mrs Ime Akpan. Also present were; Prof Edna Akpan, Director, Career Services Centre, AKSU; Dr Promise Etim, Head of Department, Agric Engineering, AKSU; former Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Grace Ekong; former Commissioner for Agriculture, Prof Etok Ekanem; Chapter Chairman of PDP in Itu; CAN Chairman for Itu, Publisher of Century Newsfront Newspaper, Dr Saviour Ekpe amongst other eminent sons and daughters of the area.
Information and PR Unit, MLG&CA
