USAID scores Ebonyi 100 percent in use of MTEF in effective budgeting, high in OGP, others

The USAID-funded State2State has commended Ebonyi as the only state fully utilizing the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) to support effective budgeting.

 

The Agency also rated the State top in the utilization of Medium Term Sector Strategy in improving key sectors of education, health as well as Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, WASH.

 

State2State 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.

 

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 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 importance global initiative which any states 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.

 

“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 machineries 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 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 Team Lead at the meeting, officially presented to the Governor a bound copy of the State’s Development plan.