By Milcah Tanimu
Cross River State’s Governor, Bassey Otu, has pledged that the state’s 2024 budget will undergo thorough and transparent supervision to ensure its full implementation.
Governor Otu made this commitment during the opening of a one-day stakeholders’ budget consultative forum in Calabar on Friday. He was represented at the event by his Deputy, Peter Odey.
Otu emphasized that once the budget is passed, his administration will ensure a high level of transparency in executing its provisions. He stressed the importance of proper budget implementation in alleviating poverty, addressing hunger, enhancing healthcare, and improving the state’s infrastructure, education, and transportation sectors.
He also highlighted the significance of budget adequacy in creating wealth and facilitating government employment initiatives, as a well-structured budget provides a clear framework for resource allocation.
In his keynote address, State Commissioner for Finance, Mike Odere, underscored the importance of efficient resource allocation and utilization due to resource scarcity. He emphasized that proper management of both human and material resources is essential for the successful and timely completion of projects, preventing staff underperformance, and reducing the risk of oversight.
Mr. Cyril Omini, Chairman of the State Assembly House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, echoed the sentiment that the budget should align with the needs of the people. He urged all stakeholders to actively participate in the budgetary process, emphasizing the collective goal of improving the lives of the state’s citizens over individual interests.
Omini encouraged collaboration among stakeholders to work towards a budget that serves the greater good of the state and its residents.
